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1789. 




'^\\STOy^>j 



OF 



OSWEGO COUNTY, 



NEW YORK. 



"2 



.>»I1M 



||lln.slralion,'i iiiiil jhiar^r.ipliiral §»l;clclicf, 



« -' — * »>' ^"^ f 



SOME OF ITS PROMINENT MEN AND PIONEERS. 



!» 



r>uax.zii>f BO ST X«. ^. SVSRTB Ac CO., 

71 1 in |ri|lM>rl HIrMil, X*lliliMl*l|>hl». 




IS--. 



[=p 



V 



CONTENTS. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY. 

CHAPTER 

I. — Introductory , 
ir.— A Raid in 1615 
III. — The Iroquois ... 
IV. — Jesuits and Colonists 
V. — Do La Barre and Garangula 
VI. — Count Frontenac's Expedition 
VII.— From 1697 to 175.3 . 
VIII.— The "Old French War" . 
IX.— From 1761 to 1775 . 

X. — The Revolution 
XI.— From 17S.3 to 1800 . 
XII.— From ISOl to 1812 . 
XIII.— Tho War of 1812 . 
XIV.— From 1815 to 1830 . 
XV.— From 1831 to 1801 . 
XVI. to XXIX.— Oswego in the Rebellion 
XXX. — Since the War . 
XXXI. — The Press of Oswego County 
XX.XII.— County Buildings . 
XXXIII.— The State Normal School 
XXXIV.— The Common Schools 
XXXV. — Religion and Temperance 
XXXVI. — Medical Societies 
XXXVII. — Agricultural Societies 
XXXViri.— The National Guard 
XXXIX. — Oswego County Civil List 

OSWEGO CITY. 



PAQB 

9,10 

10,11 

11-13 

13-15 

15-17 

18, 19 

19-24 

24-35 

35-38 

38-41 

41-55 

55-62 

62-69 

69-72 

72-75 

75-115 

116,117 

117-121 

121, 122 

122-125 

125 

125, 126 

126-129 

129-131 

131 

132-135 



History of Oswego City 199 

A''iew of Oswego Harbor ...... facing 136 v 

Residence of Hon. 6. B. Sloan .... " 138 >/ 

" Thomas Kingsford .... " HO/ 

" Thomson Kingsford .... " 14a 

" Elias Root " 144^ 

" Leonard Ames, with Portrait and Biography " He*! 

" Dclos De Wolf " 148 V 

" Edwin Allen " ISOV' 

" Edwin W. Clarke "152 

" Joseph Hover " 152 

" Thomas S. Mott " 154^ 

" and Portrait of B. B. Burt ... " 156/ 

" OrviUe Robinson, with Portraits . . " 158/ 

"Farm Retreat," Residence of Thomson Kingsford . " 160 » 

St. Paul's Church and School " 162 1 

Residence of E. G. Jones " 164 . 

" R. Gordon " 168; 

0. M. Bond " 168- " 

First National Bank Building " 171 

City Savings " " " 171 , 

Mannister Wort's Block "171 

Ncal's Block (and Masonic Temple) .... " 171 
Residence of Luther Wright, with portrait and biography // 

between 186, 187 { 

Portrait and Biography of Alvin Bronson . , facing 142 *' 

" " Sylvester Doolittle . . " 143 / 

" " Cheney Ames ... " 172 v 

" " Hon. A. P. Grant . . " 173. 

View of Kingsford's Starch-Factory (steel) . between 174, 175j 

Portraits of Thomas and Thomson Kingsford (steel) " 174, 175 > 

Portrait and Biography of R. Olipbant . . . facing 176/ 

Portraits of Myron Pardee and wife, with biography " 178^ 



Portrait of Judge W. F. Allen (steel) 
" Hon. Elias Root (steel) . 

" S. Bates, with biography . 

" Frederick T. Carrington (steel) 

Portraits of E. G. Jones and wife 
Portrait of Wm. S. Malcolm 

" Mrs. Catharine Van Rensselaer Cochr.an 

Portrait and Biography of John B. Edwards 
" " Colonel Edward M, 

" " Daniel E. Taylor 

" " Lucius B. Crocker 

Portrait and Biography of Hon. B. Doolittle 

" " H. Murray 

Biography of Judge W. F. Allen 

" B. B. Burt .... 

" Hon. Elias Root . 

" Frederick T. Carrington 

" Moses P. Neal 

" Wm. S. Malcolm . 

" Mrs. Catharine V. R. Cochran 

" Orvillc Robinson . 

" Mrs. Lucretia Robinson 

Military Record ...... 



TOWN OF OSWEGO 

History of the Town of Oswego 
Residence of Eli Wilder (double page) 
" Levi Pease (double page) 

Portraits of Nathan Lewis and wife, with bio 
Stock Farm and Portrait of Thos. G. Thompso 

tural Fair Grounds) 
Residence of William Clark 
Biogr.aphy of Eli Wilder . 

" Levi Pease . 

Military Record .... 



facing 



facing 



facin 



isii , 

182 / 

183 

184^ 

185 

185 ■ 

185 

187 

188 

188 

189 

190 

190 > 

180 

181 

182 

184 

184 

185 

185 

190 

191 

192 



. 200 
between 200, 201 
. " 202, 203 . 
aphy . . 204 

u (and Agrioul- 204 
between 204, 205 ■• 
" 204, 205 s 
. 205 
. 205 
. 205 



TOWN OF RICHLAND 

History of the Town of Richland 
View of Court-House, Pulaski .... 
" Pulaski Academy ..... 
Residence and Land-Office of Charles H. Cross, wii 

and biography 
Portrait of Thomas W. Dixon (steel) 
Residence of S. H. Fellows 

" J. G. and G. W. White 

First Congregational Church Building, with portrait 

Meacbam and Rev. James Douglas 
Residence of Jas. N. Betts. M.D., with portrait 

" and portrait of Don A. King 

Portrait of Robert L. lugersoll (steel) 
Biography of " " . , 

" Captain Ira Doane 

" y James N. Belt.s, M.D. . 

" Don A. King 

Portrait and Biography of William Stron 

" of .\nsel Brown . 
View of Salmon River House, Pulaski 
Box and Bett's Block, Pulaski . 
Residence of Capt. Ira Doane, with portraits 
Military Reenrd 



h portrait 

between 210,211 • 
facing 212 ,, 
" • 214' 
" 214 ' 



facing 



* 
208 

208 , 
208 



of Simon 

facing 

opposite 

facing 



opposite 



21 7 > 

218- 

219 

220 

220 

220 

220 

221 

222 

222 

222 

222 

223 

223 



TOWN OF VOLNEY. 

History of the Town of Volney 
Views on Oswego Uiver, near Fulton 



facing 




CONTEXTS. 



i'urtrait and Biography of Lovwcll Johnaon (stoci) 

" " WillnrJ .Iiihnson («tccl) . 

Rosidonco of J. II. Distin, with porlritiM . 

F. Vaut, " " ... 

" Suiniicl Hart, " - " 

" Wm. D. Patterson 

" D. W. Gardner 

" Mrs. L. K. Loomis, with portraits 

" Elia.-* Thomas, with portraits 

" 4 Charles <i. Bacon, M.D., with portrait . 
Portraits of Ira Carrier and wife, with biograpliy 

Farm View of Ira Carrier 

Portraits of Colonel John Gasper and wives 

'• Ira Ives and wife, with biography 

" Tiionias llultliard and wife, with biography 

Uesidenee of Tliomas Hubbard, Ksfj. 
Portraits of Walter Wilbcr and wife, with biography 
" Timothy Pr.itt ami wife, with biography 

Residence of .Tohn W. Pratt, with portraits 
Portraits of .Aaron G. Fish and wife, with biography 
Portrait of Lyman Pa.tcrson, with biogra]>hy . 
Portraits of Ilolsey Hubbard and wife, with biography 

" William Ingell and wife, with biography 

Portrait of Isaac Markham, anrl biography of Ja>'on S. ^larkham 252 
Residence of .lason .S. .Markham, with portraits . facing 252V 

Portraits of Freeman Gasper and wife, with biography . . 25.'? 
Portrait of F. W. Squires, with bi^tgraphy .... 254 

" lion. Ransom II. Tyler, with biography . facing 25W 

\ Biography of Dr. Ransom llowiird, with portraits . opposite 255>/ 

" L. E. Loom is 211 

" John H. Distin 241 

" Elias Thomas 242 

" Dr. Charles G. Bacon 243 

" Samuel Hart ' 254 

Military Record 255 



opposite 226<^ 
227'/ 
228/ 
" 2297 
" 2.107 
" 2.'iiy 
facing 2.'iiy 
241. 
" 24 2 V 
" 243-/ 
. 214 
facing 244^ 
245>/ 
245 
246 
24SV' 
247 
24S 
248.' 
249 
250 
250 V 
251 



icing 



facing 



TOWN or MEXICO. 

History of the Town of Mexico ,...,. 

Residence of the late Eugene N. Hills, with portraits facing 

" L. H. Conklin " 

" J. B. Driggs " 

" Phincas Davis ..... " 

Residence and Factory of S. N. Gustin (double page), between 2G8, 



Carriage Manufactory of Lewis .Miller . . . facing 
View of Grace Church ...... *' 

Portrait and Biography of Hon. Avery Skinner 
Ebeneier E. Mcntcr 
■ Rcriidenco of Mrs. Dr. C D. .Snell .... facing 

Toronto nud State Mills " 

Portrait and Biography of I>r. C. D. Sncll .... 

Biography of Eugene \. Hill.-* ....... 

Military Record 



2G2 
202-' 

2fil^, 

2C4. 

266v 

269^/ 

270 V 

272 J 

273 

274 

275 

2-i)j 

275 

276 

270 



TOWN OF AMIION. 

History of tliu Ti>wn of .Albion 278 

llesiclencc of II. R. Avorill (ilouble page) . between 27(t, 279nJ 

Portrait and Biography of Aaron Fuller 281 

" " Thomas Hrndcrson .... 282 
Military Record 282 



TOWN or CONSTANTIA. 

History of the Town of Constantia , 

P'trlraits and Biography of the Hernhard family 

Kesiilencc ami Portrait of Hon. William II. Ilaker 

llio^raphy of Hon. W. H. Baker 

I'iM-traits of Rev. Christopher Martin and wife 

" Henry Wiuii and wife . 

Portrait of Ephraim Cleveland 
Biography of Christopher .Martin 

" Henry Winn 

Resilience of Patrick ll.ipkin- 
Military Record .... 



fai'ing 



fue 



ing 



287 
290. 

292 *. 
292 
293 

293 ^. 
293," 
293 
294 
297-' 
•.'94 



TOWN OF OKWELL. 

History of the Town of Orwell .... 
Residence of I. W. Bennett .... 
'* James J. Montague 

" John Washburn .... 

Residences of John E. Potter and Alexander Potter, 

traits 

Residence of Hon. John Parker, with portraits 
Biography of Hon. John Parker 
" Jas. J. Montague 

S. C. Davis 

Property of S. C. Davis and Son 

Portraits of the Davis family .... 

Military Record 

TOWN OF UAN.NIUAL. 



facing 



with por. 
facing 



opposite 



297 - 
297| 

298> 
298)> 

300 •; 

303 V 
303 
303 
303 

304 V 
305, 

;',oi 



History of the Town of Hannibal 307 

Residence of Norman Titus facing 307 

" C. S. Chamberlain .... " ,307 

" E. S. Tallman (double page) . between 308, 309 

" Jonas Shutts, with portraits (double page) between 

310,311 

Biography of Jonas Shutts .'ill 

Residence of . Avery Green, with portraits , . facing 312 
Military Record 312 



TOWN OF r.VLER.MO. 

.History of the Town of Palermo 
■^lesidence and Store of 1). 11. Trimble, with portrait 
Factory and Hotel of W. II. Hnnnan 
Residence of J. F. Lansing 

Frederick C. Church . 
" W. S. Lansing, with portraits 

" D. L. Brown 

Portraits of .Almon Matron and wife . 
Portrait of Dr. Addison Bcckwith 
Biography of Isaac N. Lansing 

** Almon Mason 
Biography of David L. Brown . 
Military Record 



facing 
ojtposite 



facing 



316 

310- 

318 

319 

319 

320 

321 

321 

321 

320 

:.J\ 

;i2i 





324 


facing 


324 


" 


324 


4t 


324 


twcen 326 


.327 


facing 


330 


" 


330 


'• 


330 


■' 


.-t.-io 
.•;:;i 



TOWN OF SCUnOEIM'EL 

History of the Town of Schroeppel . 
Residence and Portrait of Alonzo Utley . 

" of AV. U. Rice 

Howard House ....... 

Residence of Nelson Corey (double page) 
Portraits of Andrew Gilbert and wife 

" Stephen Griflith "... 

Portrait of E. L. Jennings .... 

" J. M. Williams .... 
Residence of B. Sutton, with portraits 
Biography of Reuben Siillon .... 
Military Record 

TOWN Ol'' NEW HAVEN. 

History of the Town of New Haven. ..... Xi'J 

Premises of Orlando R. Cummings .... facing 3;'>9 

Portrait of Setli , Severance, with bii/graphy . opposite ."110 

" A. AV. Severance, " . . " 341 

Portraits and Biography of .A. II. Barton and wife . " .342 

Residence of Edwanl W. Robinson, with p(»rtraits . " 313 

Views at Captain Henry Daggett's, with portraits (double 

page) between 311, ;U.'» 

Portrait of Norman Howe, with biography *' 341, 315 

Residence of M. S. l.indtill, with portrait . ** 311,345 

Portrait of L. Cummings ........ 345 

Biography of Captain Henry J. Daggett' 34.'> 

Military Record 3l.i 



TOWN OF A.IIUOV, 

History of the Town of .Ambiiy 
Portrait* of F. M. Touslcy Olid wife . 



. 3 I S 
facing 3 IS 



CONTENTS. 



Portraits of D. J. Wilson and wife 
Portrait of F. Laing .... 

" Philip Hess . 

" George D. Wells, with bio 
Biograjihy of Thomas Laing 
Kesidence of John Jamieson, with portrait 
Portrait of Charles Leigh, with biography 
Biography of John Jamieson 
Residence of H. and N. Leigh . 
Military Record 



aphy 



facing 



facin" 



facing 



PAOE 

348 

348' 

348, 

350 

350 

351/ 

351 

351 

353v 

351 



TOWN OF WIIiLIAMSTOVVN. 



facing 



History of the Town of Williamstown 

View of Lake and Mill at Kasoag 

Residence of Edwin Comstock, with portraits . 

" and Hotel of C. S. Sage, with portraits 

" A. Orton and William Steele, with portraits " 357v'' 

Biography of Hon. Chauncey S. Sage 356 

" Ashbel Orton 356 

Military Record 357 



353 
3531 

opposite 356'' 



TOWN OF HASTINGS. 



History of the Town of Hastings .... 
Residence of William B. Parkhurst, with portraits . 

" D. D. Drake, M.D 

" Robert Elliott 

" Leonard Snow ..... 
Military Record 



facing 



TOWN OF WEST MONROE. 



358 , 

358^ 

360t/ 

3CQ' 

3G2v 

365 



History of the Town of West Monroe 367 

Military Record 369 



TOWN OF BOYLSTON. 

History of the Town of Boylston . . . . * . .370 
\ Residence of William Wart, with portraits . . facing 3707 

Biography of William Wart 373 

Military Record 373 



TOWN OF SANDY CREEK. 



History of the Town of Sandy Creek 

High School Building ..... 

Residence of William Bishop, with portraits 

" Orin R. Earl, with portrait . 

" Gilbert N. Harding 

" William Jay Stevens 

" Hon. A. S. Warner, with portraits 

Biography of Hon. Oren R. Earl 

" " Andrew S. Warner 

Residence of Julia K. Robbins, with portraits . 
Biography of Benjamin G. Bobbins . 

" Julius S. Robbins 

" William Bishop .... 
Residence of J. S. Robbins .... 
The Salisbury House ..... 
• Portrait and Biography of Hon. Azariah Wart 
" of J. Lyman Bulkley .... 
Military Record 



facing 



facing 



facing 



374 

374,/ 

376v 

378 v' 

380 

380^' 

382/ 

382 

382 

383^' 

383 

383 

383 

384- 

.384.' 

384 

384 

384 



TOWN OF GRANBY. 

History of the Town of Granby 388 

Residence of Wm. W. Palmer, with portraits . . facing 388 ■ 
" Calvin French, with portraits . . *' 389 . 

Farm View and Residence of Thos. R. Wright, with portraits, < 

between 300, 391 

Farm and Residence of Jasper 11. Whitcomb, with portraits 

(double page) between 392, 393 -J 

Residence of Felix M. Rice, with portraits . . facing 394. 
" Oliver Paine, " . . " 395v 

" John C. Wells, " . . " 396, 

" Mrs. M. Howell " 397 ^ 



Portraits of Benjamin Wells and wife, with biography 

" Benj. B. Pierce " " . . 

Residence of I. F. Pierce, with portrait . . . facing 
" W. B. Gaylord, with portraits . . " 

Portrait of Asa Phillips, with biography 

Residence of Morgan Blakcraan, with portraits . facing 

** Lewis U. Ilutchins, '* . " 

Portraits of Aaron Stranahan and wife, with biograpliy . 

Kcsidcuce of Aaron Stranahan facing 

" Wm. H. Tompkins, with portraits . . " 

Portrait of David Willcox, with biography . . . . 
Residence of Milo Wilco.>;, with portraits . . . facing 
" Dan. S. Shattuck, "... " 

" H. H. Merriam, "... " 

" Mrs. Isaac Bogardus, "... " 

" Jesse Reynolds, "... opposite 

" Jackson Reynolds, "... " 

" J. H. Langdon ..... facing 

Biography of John C. Wells 

" Isaac Bogardus ....... 

" John I. Walradt facing 

" William B. Gaylord 

" Jackson Reynolds 

" Morgan Blakoman 

" Seth Paine ........ 

" William II. Tompkins ...... 

" Jasper II. Whitcomb ...... 

" Dan. S. Shattuck 

" Calvin French 

" H. H. Merriam 

" John Palmer . . 

" David Hutchins 

" Jesse Reynolds 

Military Record . 

TOWN OF SCRIBA 



History of the Town of Scriba . 
Residence of Geo. Fradenbiirgh 

" Russell Turner, with portrait 

" Philo H. Burnbam, " 

Portrait of Thomas Askew, with biography 

" Daniel Hall (2d), " 

" ■ Erastus Stone .... 
Biography of Erastus Stone 
Portrait of Robert Simpson, with biography 

" Geo. W. Suyder, M.D., " 

Portraits of James Church and wife, " 

" Rev. Geo. Blossom and wife, with biography 

" Philo Burnham and wives, " 

Military Record ....... 



facing 
opposite 

facing 
. <"/ . 



facing 



PAGE 

397 

398 

398/ 

399/ 

400 

400^^ 

401 V 
402 

402 ■•'' 
403.' 
404 
404/ 
405- 
406, 
407 • 
408 
409^'' 
412/ 
396 
396 
397 
399 
399 
400 
401 
403 
403 
405 
405 
406 
406 
406 
407 
408 



412 

412 

411 V 

415- ■ 

416 

416. 

417 V 

417 

418 

418 

418-- 

419 • 

420 

421 



TOWN OF REDFIELD. 



History of the Town of RcdficUl 
Residence of James Petrie, witli portrait 
Biography of .lames Petrie 



facing 



423 
424-' 
428 
Military Record 42S 



TOWN OF PARISH. 

History of the Town of Parish 429 

Portrait of Lieutenant-Colonel Melzar Richards, with biog- 
raphy facing 429' 

Residence of Hon. Harvey Palmer, with portraits . " 432 / 

Biography of Hon. Harvey Palmer 432 

Military Record 432 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

List of Citizens who assisted in the publication of the History 

of Oswego County, with personals ..... 434 
Outline Map of Oswego County .... facing 9 
View of Salmon River Falls (vignette) . . facing title-page. / 



S r ,w 3 T 




HISTOEY 



OF 



OSAVEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BY CRISFIELD JOHNSON. 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

Plan of iIk' Work — Sources of Infonnation — List of Books Ex:iniilieil 
— AckuowIcdgmeutH of Aid — Closing Remarks. 

The plan of this work couiprises : 

First, a cotincctcd history of the events of general im- 
j)ortanfe or interest which have occurred in the territory 
now comprising the county of Oswego, or in which residents 
of that county have been actors, from the advent of Cham- 
plain in 1G15 down to the second yelir of the second century 
of American Independence. 

Second, special and statistical matter relating to the 
county at large, and intended chiefly for reference. 

Tiiird, histories of the city of Oswego and of each town 
in the county, including notices of early settlers, and sketehe.? 
of churches, lodges, and other local organizations. 

Fourth, biographical sketches and personal records. 

The general history is intended to follow strictly the 
chronological order from 1G15 to 1877, confining itself to 
the territory of the present county and the acts of its resi- 
dents, referring to outside matters only so far as may be 
necessary to show the connection of events, telling the story 
not only of battles and sieges, in which this county has been 
extremely prolific, but of pioneer struggles and modern 
development, and not disdaining the use of anecdote and 
reminiscence to give vivacity to the picture. The other 
portions of the work must necessarily be arranged according 
to the subjects of which they treat. 

That portion of the general history pertaining to the 
l)eriod previous to the beginning of settlement was derived 
entirely from books ; the later portion is partly from books, 
but largely from personal recollections, conten)porary records, 
newspaper articles, etc. All these sources have also been 
utilized in compiling the special sketches and town histories. 

The books which we have con.sultx;d, and to which wc 
desire to acknowledge our indebtedness, are the Documentary 
and Colonial Histories of New York, Coldon's History of 
the Five Nations, Smith's History of New York. Morgan's 



League of the Iroquois, Squier's Antiquities, Schoolcraft's 
Report on Indian Affairs, Stone's Life and Times of Sir 
William Johnson, Poucliot's Memoir of the War of 1754- 
60, Lossing's Life of Schuyler, Bishop Tinion's History of 
Missions in Western New York, Stone's Life and Times of 
Joseph Brant, iNIrs. Grant's jMcmoirs of an American Lady, 
Bancroft's History of the United States, Cooper's Pathfinder, 
Clark's Onondaga, Turner's History of the Holland Pur- 
chiise, Ketchum's History of Buffalo and the Senecas, 
Hough's History of Jefferson County, Hammond's Political 
History of New York, the New York Civil List, French's 
New York Gazetteer, numerous directories of Oswego, and 
several minor works. 

Many of the volumes above named are the property of 
B. B. Burt, Esq., of Oswego, to whom we are indebted for 
their use, and whose knowledge of local history has enabled 
him to give us much valuable information regarding the 
subject of our labors. We are also especially indebted to F. 
W. Squiers, Esq., of North Volney, for assistance regarding 
early records and events after the settlement of the county. 
The Hon. Alvin Bronson, of Oswego, having been a resident 
there since 1810, having during the greater part of that 
time been active in commercial and political life, and having 
entered with form scarce bent and memory scarce dimmed 
upon his ninety-fifth year, has been able to furnish us much 
inlbrmation not attainable from any other person. 

We regret that it is impracticable to mention all those 
who have kindly enlightoned us on minor points, but as 
they number many hundreds, scattered through. every town 
in the county and every ward in the city, we .are obliged to 
confine ourselves to a general expression of thanks to these 
numerous aiders of our enterprise. 

Of the manner in which the work is executed it were idle 
to speak at any length here. It must stand or fall on its 
own merits. Doubtless, between the frequent obscurity 
of the subject, and the numerous and often conflicting au- 
thorities to be consulted, occasional inaccuracies have crept 
in. Doubtless some things have been omitted, as worthy 
of attention as others which have been included ; yet wc 
are certain there is an immense amount of information rc- 

9 



10 



IIISTOUY OF OS\VK(;0 COI'NTV, NEW V(H:K. 



pirding Osw^o County within tliis volume, mid we trust 
it is 80 arranged and presented that our patrons and their 
children and their children's children will li.tig turn tn these 
pages to learn the story of their own and their fathers' home. 



CHAPTER II. 



A RAID IN 1615. 



Cliiini|iluin in O.swcgo Cimnty—IIis previous Aclinn — Alliirk on llif 
Onondngiig— t'lium|>lnin WounJed — Tho Kclrcul. 

IIirNDRKIts upon hundreds of almost naked savages, 
painted and plumed for war, gliding with stealthy step 
amid the tangled vines and beneath the autunin-tint<;d 
leaves of an American forest, armed with the bows and 
arrows, the war-clubs and the stone tomahawk.s, which had 
been the weajions of their ancestors from immemorial time, 
in whose midst marched a band of ten Europeans, equipped 
with arquebusc, and pistol, and cutlass, led by one whose 
mien betiikencd the habit of command and whose eye 
flashed with the fire of his adventurous spirit, — such was 
the scene to be witnessed in the ehrly days of October, 
1C15, in tlic central portion of the territory now composing 
the county of Oswego. 

Doubtless the same ground had previously seen many an 
Indian war-]iarty on its errand of slaughter, but never 
before had it been pressed by the foot of the Caucasian. 
Samuel Champlain was then leading through Oswe-'o 
County the first white men who ever visited any part of 
the Emjiire State west of the immediate vicinity of Mud.son 
river. The period of his advent here was only a hundred 
and twenty-three years after the discovery of America by 
Columbus, eighty-one years after Cartier had sailed up the 
St. Lawrence to Montreal, making some fruitless efforts at 
colonization, twelve years after Champlain himself had 
founded tlie colony of (Canada, nine years after Henry 
Ilud.son had discovered the noble river which bears his 
name, and five years before the Pilgrim Fathers landed on 
Plymouth rock. 

From his first arrival in America, Cham]ilain, eai;er to 
ingratiate himself with his neighbor.s, the Iliirons, bad 
aided them in their wars against their most dreaded foes, 
the far-famed IrnqnuLt. Six years previous to the lin)e in 
question he had kd a band of the northern Indians alon" 
the shore of the lake which has received his name, and had 
engaged in i)attle with the Five Nations on the outskirts of 

their territory, thus arousing their deadly erjmily Iran.s- 

mitt('d through many generations— again.st all the inhabit- 
ants of New France. 

At length he and his Huron allies had determined to 
strike at the very centre of the great confederacy. With 
ten trusty companions he had sought the principal villages 
of the Ilurom, situated on the lake of the same name. 
There h(' had been promi.sed that twcnty-five hundred war- 
riors should !Ls.sembli; to attack the Iroquois. What number 
actually congregated at the rendezvous is unknown, but it 
wa.s undoubtedly large lor :im ln<lian war-party, and with 



the aid of the terrible fire-arms of the white men they 
hoped to giiin an ea.«y victory over their dreaded and de- 
tested rivals. From the Huron country the whole party 
had made a portage with their canoes to the head-waters of 
the river Trent, had passed down its tortuous channel and 
through the bay of Quinte to Lake Ontario (never before 
seen by a white man), had eros.sed that beautiful inland 
sea, and had landed somewhere on its eastern shore. 

At what precise point they disiinbarkeil cannot be ascer- 
tained from the meagre account which Champlain has left. 
Most authorities have located it at or near the mouth of 
Stony creek, in Jefferson county ; but one or two have be- 
lieved that Sandy Creek bay, Oswego county, more nearly 
accords with the facts stated by Champlain. At all events, 
as soon as they landed, the Indians carefully concealed their 
canoes, and set out in the direction of the enemy. For 
four French leagues (about ten miles) they marched along 
a .sandy beach beside a beautiful country adorned with 
jirairies and .small lakes, crossed by numerous streams and 
by what Champlain calls two small rivers, which, if Sandy 
Creek bay was the landing-j)lace, mu.st have been Salmon 
river and Salmon creek. 

Then the whole body struck boldly into the forest to 
.seek the home of their foes. There is no reasonable doubt 
but that their object was to attack the main village of the 
(>nonda(jiis, situated on or near Onondaga lake. Other 
tribes and other locidities have been suggested, but none 
that so well satisfies the description of Chamj)lain, For 
three or four days the Huron warriors and their French 
C(unpanions pursued their devious and tedious way, guided 
only by the general knciwledge which the former possessed 
of the loeati(m of their enemies. It wits not until the 
fourth day after leaving their canoes, being the !lth of 
October, that they cros.sed Oneida river, at or near tiie site 
of Fort Brewerton, catching a glimpse of tlio beautiful 
Oneida lake, where Champlain, even in his hurried pa,'^sage, 
noted the immense number of fish which inhabited the 
stream, making it the favorite fishing-place of the Oiion- 
tliiyds. 

Thenceforth their course was outside the present bounds 
of the county of Oswego, and it is not our purpo.se to give 
a minute description of events which have happened beyond 
those bounds, unless residents of the county were the chief 
actors in them. Barely enough will be related regarding 
such matters to show the connection in the chain of events. 
Suffice it to say, then, that Chanqilain's e.\pedition was 
entirely unsuccessful, lie arrived before the enemy's prin- 
cipal village on the 10th of October, and found it so well 
defended by four rows of interlaced palisiides that, nolwith- 
slanding the number of his followers, notwithstanding the 
fiie-annsof the Frenchmen and his own gallant leadership, 
he eould not induce his undisciplined Hiirons to make the 
persistent efforts nece.s.sary to succc's. After a spirited but 
irregular assault, in which Champlain himself was twice 
.severely wounded and many of his warriors were al.so in- 
jured by the arrows of the Onondtn/na^ and after vainly 
waiting several da3's for a friendly tribe which was expected 
from the .south, the J/nrons, in spite of their leader's re- 
monstrances, on the IGth of October turned their steps 
towards home. The On'/nduyas pursued them a short 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



11 



distance, but were soon driven back by the Frencli arquc- 
busiers. 

But little over a week after tlie long cortege swept through 
the forests of Oswego County, full of savage pride and war- 
like hope, it came hastening back defeated and forlorn, each 
wounded warrior being borne on the back of one of his 
fellows, in a rude wicker-basket. Champlain himself was 
thus carried, suffering severely from his wound, and still more 
so from the cramped condition to which he was confined 
by his basket ambulance. As soon as he could possibly 
bear his weight, he preferred to hobble with lialting steps 
over the hills than to remain pent up in the basket, which 
he describes as a perfect hell. 

Feeling iu constant danger of attack from the vengeful 
Iroquois, the retreat of the Hiirons was more rapid than 
their advance, and on the ISth of October they reached 
Lake Ontario at the point where they had concealed their 
canoes. Though Champlain was anxious to return directly 
down the St. Lawrence to Montreal, the Huroiis insisted on 
taking him back to their own country, whore he remained 
during the winter ; returning in the spring to his friends, 
who had for months mourned him as dead. 

Such was the first ajipoaranoe of the white man withiu 
the present borders of the county of Oswego, and, so far 
as that county is concerned, the month of October, 1615, 
marks the line between history and tradition. Standing 
at this divisional point betwixt the known and the un- 
known, let us employ a little time in peering amid the 
mists of earlier ages and dubious systems ere we go for- 
ward on firm ground along the ever-broadening historic 
pathway from 1615 to 1877. 



CHAPTER IIL 

THE IROQUOIS. 

Their Various Names — Their Origin — Curious Trailitions — The Pro li- 
able Truth — Formalion of the Confejeracy — Atotarho — The Sys- 
tem of Clans, Sachems, an'i Chiefs — Prowess and Eloquence — 
General Cliaracteristics — Three Tribes iu Oswego County. 

At the time our history begins, the territory of the 
present county of Oswego was uniiuestionably in the pos- 
session of that celebrated confederacy, whose renown has 
far surpassed that of any other North American Indians, 
and who were variously known as the Five Nations, the 
Iroquois, tlie Hcdonosannee , and the People of the Long 
House. The term " Five Nations" explains itself The 
appellation Iroquois was given them by the French, but is 
not a French word. Old maps show a tribe of Indians 
called "t'oKfs," located near the site of Kingston, Canada; 
also " Isles des Couis" and " Bay des Couis," iu that 
vicinity. Another map designates the country of the Six 
Nations as that of the •^Iliro Couis." It would seem, 
therefore, that the name " Qmis" first belonged, or wa.s 
given, to the Canadian Indians, and that the French, sup- 
pd.Mug the Five Nations to be of tiie same tribe, gave them 
the specific designation "JJiro,' though what that means 



is unknown. From "Iliro Coitis" to "Iroquois,'' the change 
is easily seen. 

The Five Nations called themselves Ilcdonosannee, liter- 
ally, " We form one cabin," thereby denoting that they 
were all of one political household ; and this name has been 
translated, with substantial correctness, " The People of 
the Long House." They also called themselves " Ongwe 
Ilonwe," meaning Superior Men, but this appellation has 
never been adopted by the whites, though it is in some 
sort continued by the proud motto of the Empire State, — 
" Excelsior." 

When first discovered by the whites, each of the Five Na- 
tions was on the ground which it continued to occupy dowu 
to the outbreak of the American Revolution, and their names 
have been perpetuated by the waters whereon they dwelt, — 
that of the Mohawks by the Muhawk river, those of the 
Oiieidiis, the Onoudngas, the Coyugus, and the Senecns by 
the lakes bearing the same appellations. These tribes, or 
nations, were linked together in a kind of federal union, 
which decided all tpiestions of war and peace, and perhaps 
other matters affecting the general welfare, if any such 
there were. The origin of this league, the origin of the 
tribes which composed it, are alike uncertain. Where they 
were when found by tlie Europeans they might have been 
a thousand years, for aught tluit is positively known. But 
there were several traditions among the Iroquois regarding 
their origin, all pointing in the same direction, and all link- 
ing the history of the confederacy in au especial manner 
with the county of Oswego. 

One account is simply that the Iroquois once resided iu 
Canada, being neighbors and rivals of the Ilurons ; that 
they were defeated by the latter, fled across Lake Ontario, 
passed up the Oswego river, and settled on the lakes and 
rivers of central New York. A more remarkable tradition, 
given by David Cusick, the Tuscarora chief, is that their 
ancestors were called from the bowels of a mountain 
near Oswego falls, by Tarenyawayon, " the Holder of the 
Heavens," under whose direction they went eastward to 
the Hudson, and thence back to Seneca lake, the several 
tribes dropping off on their way. Still another legend, 
related in Clark's " Onondaga," is that at one time, when 
the Iroquois were iu great affliction on account of the 
blighting of their corn, the obstruction of their rivers by 
monsters, etc., two Oiiondagas, sauntering on the beach at 
Oswego, saw a white canoe coming over the lake, from 
which, when it landed, stepped a venerable personage, who 
announced himself as the Spirit-man, Taounyawatha, come 
to extricate the people from their troubles. He went up 
the Oswego river and removed the obstructions at the falls, 
so that canoes could pitss without portage, though the 
cataract has been replaced, on account of the wickedness of 
succeeding generations. Then he continued his course up 
the Oswego and Seneca, cut in twain with one blow of his 
paddle a serpent several miles in length, which lay across 
the stream a little above Three Rivers point, destroyed 
numerous other monsters, more terrible than those which 
fell under the wrath of Hercules, and, finally, laying a.side 
his spiritual attributes, lived for a long time as a mere man, 
the father and adviser of the Iroquois, under the well- 
known name of Hiawatha. 



12 



HISTOHV (»r OSWKCO COrNTV, NEW YOKK. 



All thfso tniditldiis pi to shdW that tlic JiciiiinU origi- 
nally eaiiie Crom llie north, and that they made their udvciit 
in central New York by way of the Oswego river. Similar 
!>hadciHy authority indicates that while there was a general 
rcseniblanee and a kind uf coiineetion between the five 
tribes, yet that they were politically indejiondcnt for a long 
liiue after their establi.-hnient in central New York, and 
were often enga;.'ed in deadly conflict with each other. At 
length, a wise old saeheiu named Daganuwada, perceiving 
that all the tribes were likely to be destroyed by each other 
and by their common enemies, advised a confedenition be- 
tween them, and jiropo.sed Atotarho, otherwise called Tado- 
daho, an Oitomhiga chief of extraordinary valor, as the 
head of the new league. His suggestion was agreed to, and 
a humble deputation of sachems sought out the renowned 
Oiioiuhiyii in the midst of one of his swampy fastnesses, 
and persuaded him to accept the honors of Icadei-ship. One 
of the few jiictoriid rcpresontalioiis of Indian oritrin re]irc- 
seiits the terrible Atotarho, seated and smoking, with scores 
of living serpents curled around his legs and hissing from 
his hair, while two nieck-looking ambassadors ap]iroach to 
offer him the presidency of the projx)scd eonfediTaey. 

After the formation of the lc;igue, it is said that the 
sii.ikes were combed out of Atotarho's head by a Mohawk 
chieftain, thenceforward called Ila-yo-went-ha, " The Man 
who Combs." Perhaps this symbolizes the fact that the 
authority of the Atotarho, or head chief of the confederacy, 
was reduced to an almost nominal rank, involving little 
more than the privilege of presiding over the general 
council of the league ; but Indian symbolism, like Indian 
tradition, is of too shadowy a nature to admit of elaborate 
discussion in a work of this character. 

Not only the early history of the Indian tribes, but their 
policy, laws, and organization, as they were before, or even 
since, the advent of the whiles, cannot be delineated with 
any certainty of correctness. When the writer first began 
to consult authorities regarding the Five Nations, for the 
jiurposo of wiiting the history of another county, he siip- 
jiosed, after a .short research, that he had mastered not 
indeed the minulix, but the general outlines of the Iroijnois 
policy, for the first book he read laid down the whole politi- 
cal and i-ocial system of those tribes with a clearness which 
could not be misunderstood and a positiveness which left 
nothing in doubt. But further investigation, instead of 
increasing, has sadly diminishcJ his stock of knowledge on 
that subject, for other authorities give widely different views 
not merely as to details, but in regard to the most csiscntial 
jioint.s in the organization of the llrdoiiosannce. lie is now 
fully siitisfied that their whole system was far less definite 
than is usually' .supposed, and that the precise and positive 
language which might properly be used by the historian to 
describe the constitution of a civilized people is entirely 
out of ]place in delineating the shadowy outlines of aborigi- 
nal customs. 

Yet, as Oswego County was, from its first discovery to 
the close of the IJevolution, acknowledged by French, 
Dutch, English, and Americans to be the property of the 
Jioi/iiDi.t, as it was constantly used by lliom as a hunting- 
ground, and as il.s fortunes during all that time were closely 
interwoven with those of that celebrated tribe, it would 



seem as if an Oswego County history should give at least 
an outline sketch of their character and policy. 

The most remarkable characteristic of the Iroquois w;is 
the .system of clans, which extended through all the tribis 
of the confedjracy. Although thiisa associations were far 
different from the Scottish clans, which were almost inde- 
pendent nations (and, indeed, from any other socictias in 
the world), yet the word "elan" is u.sed by the best writers 
as more nearly suiting the case than any other in our 
language. 

There were, in all, eight of these clans, each namj"! after 
something in the anim d kingdom, viz. : Wolf, Bjar, B javer, 
Turtle, Djcr, Sni]>a, Heron, and Hawk. Even in regard 
to this important matter we are met with the usual uncer- 
tainty which hangs over Indian affairs ; while some au- 
thorities declare that all the elans extended to all the tribes, 
others say that only the first three were thus widely spread, 
and that the other five clans only extended through two or 
three tribes each. The latter seems the more probable 
statement. 

Each clan wa.s a large family, all the members of which, 
however widely sejiarated among the various tribes of the 
confederacy, were bound to each other by peculiar ties, and 
were under obligations to aid each other with fraternal care. 
The idea of family relationship was strengthened by pro- 
hibiting all intermarriage between membei-s of the same 
clan. This was strictly enforced by public opinion, and 
those who violated it, if any such there were, were visited 
with the deepest disgrace. The Mohawk of the Beaver 
clan, whom the chase or war had led among the Seiifcas, 
living three hundred miles from his own castle, was at once 
made at home among his brother Beavers, though he might 
never have seen one of them before; but he wils bound to 
treat them as brothers and sisters, and marriage was not to 
bo thought of 

Whether the clan .system was the fortunate outgrowth of 
fortuitous circumstances, or the splendid invention of some 
forest-born genius, there seems to be no doubt that it was 
the vital principle of the Jroijiiuis confederacy. The feel- 
ing of brotherhood between the clans, carefully preserved 
by the prohibition of intermarriage, was a belter preventive 
of war between the Iribi's than the most solemn compact 
which could have been formed among that barbarous |>cople. 
The Onnndagas could not go to war with the Ciiyn(fns, for 
in (hat ea.se the Heron would have been compelled to do 
battle with his brother Heron. There must be no strife 
bjtwc3n the Oneulas and the distant S'-necas, for if there 
were it would sunder the fraternal bonds uniting the Bear 
which reposed on the shore of Oneida lake to the fiercer 
Bear which roamed through the wilderness west of the 
Ueiicsee. 

In each tribe there were several sachems, having some 
kind of authority. This much is certain; but having ascer- 
tained so much, the unfortunate investigator is again sur- 
rounded by the clouds of doubt. The general belief is that 
the sachems were civil chiefs, having no authority in war. 
But Sir William John.son, who ought to have had as good 
a knowledge of the Iroijiwls as any other while man in 
North America, said the sachems were elected chiefly on 
account of their warlike prowess. The latter view is much 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



13 



more consistent with the usual customs of savages than the 
former, but the Ii-aqiuiU were a peculiar people, and we are 
inclined to believe, from all the testimony, that there was 
more or loss distinction between civil chiefs and war chiefs. 
Morgan, tlie able author of the " League of the Iroquois," 
says that there was no distinct class of war chiefs among 
the Five Nations, but every renowned warrior could beat 
up for volunteers, and obtain the leadership of a band of his 
countrymen. Certainly in some cases the fighting men of 
the Si.K Nations have been known to choose a leader for a 
particular battle only the day before it was to take place. 
The truth probably is that in regard to both civil sachems 
and war chiefs there was a tendency, so to say, to take them 
from particular families, but there were no definite regula- 
tions, and personal prowess, acknowledged wisdom, or 
oratorical skill frequently gained the day over the rights 
of primogeniture. 

All admit that the Oiioiulaqas had a certain pre-emi- 
nence, and that the principal civil chief was always from 
that tribe, but the Scitccas and the Mohawks both claim 
to have had the honor of furnishing the principal war chief 
As these two last-named tribes were located one at each 
end of the '' Long House," they were necessarily more often 
assailed by sudden attacks than the others, and their prin- 
cipal chiefs would naturally bo accorded a certain suprem- 
acy in warlike affairs. 

There was an annual congress of the confederacy held 
at the council-fire of the Oiwnddffas, com^iosed of six mem- 
bers, according to Schoolcraft, but of fifty, according to 
Morgan, and perhaps of some other number according to 
the next investigator. Probably the larger figure is more 
nearly correct, for the Iroquois were not accustomed to trust 
much power to a single person; but Morgan's careful allot- 
ment of nine to the Oneidas, nine to the Mo/kiwIlS, four- 
teen to the Onondiijas, ten to the Coyiigns, and eight to 
the Senecas, is not in accordance with the miscellaneous 
manner in which the Indians generally transacted business. 

But whatever the number or the power of their chiefs, 
whatever the details of their organization, the Iroquois had 
already, at the advent of the white man, made themselves 
the dread of all the nations round about, battling fiercely 
with the Hiirons of Canada, with the Eries on the shores 
of Lake Erie, and with the Cherokees of the far south, 
while they had reduced to abject submission the Mohicans 
of New England, the Delmoares of Pennsylvania, and 
many other feeble or timorous tribes. 

Their republican system of government, too, and their 
fre<pient attendance on councils and congresses, had de- 
veloped their rude eloquence, in which they always took 
great delight, until in all North America there were none 
who could so stir the hearts of their hearers as the orators 
of the llfdouosannce. 

Aside from their political skill, their valor in war, and 
their eloquence in council, the People of the Long House 
closely re.sembled the savages who surrounded them. Like 
tliem, they were not quarrelsome towards those of their own 
tribe or league, but were apt to look on all others as their 
enemies, and to visit them with the most terrible cruelty. 
Like them, they lived in rude wigwams, skimmed over the 
wave in fragile bark canoes, went very scantily clad in the 



skins of the animals they had slain, and subsisted on the 
flesh of those animals, save for the corn and beans raised 
by the labor of their sijuaws. 

Such were the owners of Oswego County when Champlain 
made his unfortunate raid, in 1G15. There were, so far as 
we are aware, no permanent villages of the Iroquois within 
the county limit.s, but parties of tliem frequently erected 
temporary wigwams for the purpose of fishing in its rivers 
or hunting in its forests. The greater portion of the county 
was considered a.s belonging to the Onondagas, but the 
Oneidas po.sscssed all the borders of the lake which bears 
their name. 

According to Morgan, no less than three of the Iroquois 
tribes were owners of the territory now forming Oswego 
County, and their boundaries were as clearly defined as tho.se 
of a modern town.ship. The line between the Cat/iiffosand 
Onondagas began on the shore of Lake Ontario, a little west 
of the mouth of the Oswego, and ran nearly due south to the 
Susquehanna, leaving part of the present towns of Oswego 
and Hannibal in the territory of the Cayugas. The line 
between the Onondagas and the Oneidas, according to 
the same authority, ran north and south through " Deep 
Spring," in the present town of Manlius, Onondaga county ; 
north of that point it bore westward so as to include tlie 
whole circuit of Oneida lake in the Oneidas territory, 
then returning eastward to the longitude of Deep Spring, in 
the present town of Constantia, and thence running north 
through Watertown to the St. Lawrence, giving to the 
Oneidas, in Oswego Count)', the present town of Redfiold 
and the eastern part of the towns of Boylston, Orwell, 
Williamstown, Amboy, and Constantia. We have not 
much faith in the precise accuracy of Indian boundaries, 
but, doubtless, the line between these tribes was substan- 
tially as above laid down. 



CHAPTER IV. < 

JESUITS AND COLONISTS. 

French, Dutch, and English Ctjloniz.ition — Father Le Moinc in Oswego 
County — Crossing Onoida River — Laboring lunong tlic Onond:igus 

Le Moinc's Kcturn — Coming of Chaumont and Dablon — Du Puys 

and hi.s Colony going up the Oswego— Their Returning Flight — 
Their Mysterious Story — Another Strange Tale — End of Coloniza- 
tion in Central New York. 

For forty years after the visit of Champlain, naught of 
especial interest is known to have happened in the county 
of Oswego. We use, and shall use, that term for conve- 
nience, meaning the territory now composing the county of 
Oswego, though that county had no legal existence until 
two hundred years after the beginning of its own history. 
In like manner towns will be referred to by their present 
names long before their muiiiciiial existence began, in order 
to designate without cumbersome repetition the territory 
afterwards comprised within their limits. 

During those forty years the eastern shore of North 
America, and the banks of its rivers, were the scenes of 



n 



IIISTOllV (»!• (tSWEHO COUNTY, NKW VoKK. 



iiuiiicrous discoverif!*, and ol rri'(|iifiit c-floits at eoKinizalion 
b_v the must enterprising natiuns of Eiirojie. Tlie .sturdy 
Holland Dutchnii'h planted tlicrosclvcs nil alimg the Hud- 
son to the luoutli of" the Mohawk, and their bold traders 
p<-netrat<'d far into the territory of the Jroqimis. hujinj; 
their furs and selling theuj the firc-amis and amniunitiuD 
whieh that fierce jieople were only too eager to obtain. 
With these they not only wreaked vengeance on all their 
enemies of their own race, far and near, but were even 
rauly to do battle with the hated French, who had so fool- 
ishly provoked their wrath, — the wrath of thasc whom Vol- 
ney afterwards called the '' Romans of North America." 

Though the French, by their situation on the St. Law- 
rence, had the advantage over other European colonists in 
regard to water conimunicalion with the interior of the 
continent, and though thej' established numerous missions 
and pasts on the upper lakes, their respect for the Iroquois 
warriors was such that they rarely ventured on the southern 
shore of Lake Ontario. 

Meanwhile a little band of resolute men and women had 
Come from old England to New England, and had begun 
on I'lymouth rock to develop a force which was eventually 
to overwhelm Dutch, and French, and Iroquois, and all 
other rivals, foes, and obstructionists. 

Though in 1648 the Jesuit father, Jogues, was sent on 
a mission to the Muhawhs, falling at length a martyr to his 
zeal, there is no evidence that any attempt was made to 
convert the Onondngas until the summer of 1655. In 
.liily of that year Father Simon Lo Moine. another of the 
inilefatigable followers of Loyola, passed through Oswego 
County on that perilous undertaking. Having made a 
toil.sonie journey in a canoe up the St. Lawrence, Father 
\a'. .Moine, with one companion, landed at a hamlet of &»\\- 
ermen on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario on the first day 
of August. The precise point is not designated, but it was 
jirobably not far from the mouth of Salmon river, or per- 
haps at that of Salmon creek. There seem 'to have been 
one or more trails running from that locality to the principal 
Oiiiiii(hi(/(i villages, crossing Oneida river below the lake. 
Many French parties, at dilfereiit times, are described as 
pursuing substantiall}- this route. 

Ijc Moine and his companion were warmly received by 
the Indians whom he met. especially by Huron S(|uaws 
held as prisoners among the Iroquois, and who in their own 
countrj' had been favorably impressed by the religion of 
the French missionaries. All the second day of August, 
and until noon of the third, the three devoted men tramped 
southward through the forests and over the hills of the 
jiresent towns of Mexico and FLustings, traversing a di.s- 
tancc which Le Moine estimated at from forty to fifty miles, 
but which was probably much les.s. At noon of the third 
day they reached the Oneida river, across which they were 
ferried by an Iroqimis warrior whom Le Moine had treated 
kindly at Montreal, and who even carried the reverend 
father on his shoulders through the shallow water. 

Tlicncc the visitors went to the Oiioiuhir/d villages, where 
Father Le Moine spent a fortnight in praying, exhorting, 
holding councils, and otherwise .seeking to gain the hearts 
of the Ononihigits. So well did he succeed that the chiefs 
begged that more missionaries might be scut, and that a 



French settlement might lie planted on the shore of Onon- 
daga lake. IK-Iighled wilh these evidences of friendship. 
Le Moine sUirted for home on the I5th of August, by way 
of the Oswego river. On the 17th he passi'd the mouth of 
the Oneida, and two or three miles below, near the present 
village of Phcenix, he found a hamlet of fishermen. Such 
hamlets for fishing and hunting were evidently scattered 
here and there throughout the presiMit county of Oswego, 
and doubtless elsewhere in the immense country claimed by 
the Iroquois. Remaining there a day, Le Moine and his 
comrade proceeded very leisurely down the Oswego to Lake 
Ont;irio, which they reached on the 20lh of August. 
Thence they coasted along the lake-shore, and went down 
the St. Lawrence to Montreal, where they arrived on the 
11th of September. 

No sooner did Father Le Moine report the de.sire of the 
Onondagas than Fathers Chaumont and Dablon responded 
to it. They set forth on the l!)th of September, arrived at 
the Onondaga village on the 5th of November, and re- 
mained there through the winter. They, too, ingratiated 
themselves so thoroughly with the Iroquois that the latter 
renewed their request for the planting of a French settle- 
ment, and even the building of a French fort, in their 
midst. It has been supposed by some that this friciuUhiji 
was entirely feigned by the Onondngas for the purpo.se of 
getting the French into their power, but the Jesuit fathers, 
with more probability, assigned it to a desire to obtain 
French arms, ammunition, and assistance against the 
dreaded Col nation, living on the shores of Lake Erie, and 
other tribes with which the Iroquois were at war. 

At all events, when Father Dablon returned to Montreal 
in April, 1G5G, bearing the Iroquois' rc(|Ucst for a French 
colony, it was gladly com]ilicd with by the authorities of 
New France. On the 17th of May, fifty Frenchmen, 
under an officer named Du Puys, acconijianicd by Dablon 
and three other Jesuit lathers, and two brothers of the 
society, set forth in bateaux to establish, as they doubtless 
hoped, the dominion of France over the fertile fields of 
central New York. It was the forepart of July before 
Du Puys and his companions reached the mouth of the 
Oswego. Their provisions were exhausted, but they had 
managed to send a messenger in advance, and ere long they 
were met by a number of canoes, sent out by the expectant 
Ouondagiis to their French brethren. 

This was the first considerable body of white men who 
had ever jiasscd up the Oswego, and Du I'uys expected to 
make a powerful impression on the simple-minded natives. 
All his men were thoroughly armed, and no less than five 
small cannon were carried in his bateaux, ready to wake 
the wilderness with awe-inspiring reverberations. Making 
the necessary jjortage around Oswego falls, Du I'uys pro- 
ceeded to Lake Gannrntaha ( Onondaga ) where a great 
concourse of the Onondngas awaited him. There he 
marshaled liis men so as to make the fullest possible dis- 
play of his strength, fired all his c;innon, and then ]>.xssed 
on to take pos-session of the ground allotted to him in the 
vicinity of the Onondaga village. 

A curious mystery hangs over the whole history of the 
French efforts to colonize central New York. It is strange 
that a Jieople so jc;dous of their independence as the Iro- 



lUSTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



15 



quols, who had been at enmity with the French for forty 
years, should have invited or allowed a French colony to 
settle among them, and the end of the proceeding is even 
more mysterious than its beginning. In the early spring 
of 1058, while the ice wsis running in dangerous masses 
down the ever-turbulent Oswego, ])u Puy.s and all his com- 
panions, together with several otlier missionaries and colo- 
nists who had joined them in IG.iT, came hurrying in rude, 
newly-built bateaux toward.s Canada. There was now none 
of the grand display which had marked their hopeful ad- 
vent only twenty months before : the men, with weapons 
ready for conflict, were watching anxiously for pursuing 
foes, and such good time did they make with their oars 
that on the 3d of April they lauded at Montreal, fifteen 
days after they started from Onondaga. 

Du Puys reported that their suspicions had been aroused 
by the conduct of the Iroquois, and that finally one of their 
converts had informed them that a plot had been laid to 
murder the whole colony. Too weak to fight, the French- 
men secretly built bateaux iu the inclosed yard of the Jesuit 
mission, and when all was ready one of their number, who 
had been adopted into an Indian family, persuaded his 
foster-parents to make a feast in his honor, to which all the 
Indians of the village were invited. After the feast they 
went to sleep, and then the Frenchman rejoined his comrade*, 
and all fled in haste down the Oswego. It is a curious story. 
Perhaps they were afraid of massacre, and perhaps tliey 
were homesick. 

The Jesuits attributed the supposed treachery of the 
Iroquois to the fact that since the arrival of the French 
they had destroyed the Erie or Cut nation, the Kahquehs, 
and other tribes, and that, once freed from these enemies, 
all their jealousy of the French at once revived. 

At any rate, tliis was the end of French colonization 
(though not of missionary efibrt) in central New York, 
unless we are to trust the dubious account of a French 
settlement in the present town of Pompey, Onondaga county, 
whicii flourished from 1GG6 to IGG'J, and which was joined 
by a party of silver-seeking Spaniards from Florida, between 
whom and the Frenchmen quarrels arose, that were only 
settled by the savages slaying all of both parties. 

Frencii missions, however, were soon after re-established 
at Onondaga, for the Jesuits would labor for their religion 
under the very edge of the uplifted tomahawk, and twenty- 
five years after the flight of Du Puys we find the two 
Lambervilles fearlessly saying iuas.s and making converts 
even when the old hostility between the French and Iroquois 
seemed on the point of breaking out into open war. 



CHAPTER V. 



DE LA BAERE AND GARANGULA. 

Thf French ami their Allies — Iror^uuis ORensee — De ia Karre's A<lvanee 
— Meiliiiti<jii Olierc'l — Louatiun of La Fatniuc — A Pictuic-Hjuu Ariny 
— The Council — Speech of the (lovernor — Reply of Garangiiia — A 
Chieftain's Sarcasm — A Worthless Treaty — Failure and Flight. 

It w.is not until 1G84 that any new event of importance 
occurred on the soil of Oswego County. Doubtless the 



Iroquois war-parties frequently passed over it on their way 
to almo.st certain victory; possibly a French bateau occa- 
sionally landed on its shore, or a French scout glided through 
its forests, listening every moment for tiie step of the vigilant 
Iroquois. Certainly tne missionaries to Onondaga must 
have frequently passed through here, and it is certain, too, 
that at thio time some Dutch and English traders had made 
their way up the Mohawk and down the Oswego into the 
lakes which the French had hitherto claimed as their own. 
For, since the event.s described in the last chapter, tlic 
English, in 1GG4, had taken possession of the Dutch terri- 
tory on the Hudson, their title had been confirmed by 
treaty in 1670, and they, like the Dutch, had succe.ssfully 
cultivated the trade and friendship of the Five Nations. 

The French governor-general of Canada was Monsieur 
Le Febure de la Barre, under whose government and that 
of his predecessors alliances had been made with numerous 
Indian tribes of the far west, with whom the Canadian 
colonists were carrying on a most lucrative trade. The 
Iroquois, or at leitst the Senecas, in their career of conque-st, 
made war on some of these French allies in the west, robbed 
some French traders whom they found carrying supplies to 
their enemies, and even attacked a French fort. De la Banc 
determined to punish the haughty confederates, or at least 
to appear in their country with such a force that they should 
be compelled to sue for peace. He informed Colonel Dongan, 
the English governor of New York, of his purpose, and 
asked him to forbid his people from selling weapons and 
ammunition to the Iroquois. Dongan, however, though a 
Catholic, had no desire to see Fretich power extended ou 
the south side of the great lakes. He protested against the 
movement, and pi'obably took especial pains that his allies 
of the Long House should be well supplied with the means 
of del'ense. 

During the spring of 1G84, one of De la Barre's ofiicers, 
the Sieur d Orvilliers, carefully reconnoitred the southern 
shore of Lake Ontario, and especially the country of the 
Senecas, for it was that powerful and ferocious tribe whom 
the governor was most particularly desirous to punish. Ou 
the 9th of August De la Barre reached Fort Frontenac, now 
Kingston, where his forces were concentrated. Meanwhile, 
the younger of the Lamberville brothers, the Jesuit mission- 
aries among the Oiiondagas, came to say that the Cuyugas, 
Onondagas, and Oueidas offered themselves as mediators 
between the offending Senecas and the French. Considering 
the close union between the tribes, it was very much as if 
Massachusetts and Connecticut should offer themselves as 
mediators between New York and a foreign power. De la 
Barre, however, seems to have had little stomach for the 
undertaking which he had begun, and sent back Lamberville 
with a message that he preferred the proposed mediation to 
war. Still, he was determined to make a strong demonstra- 
tion, to impress the Iroquois with a sense of French power, 
and to attack them if the negotiations should fail. Ou the 
21st of August he sent off the greater part of his force 
from Fort Frontenac to a point called La Famine, at the 
mouth of La Famine river, on the eastern end of Lake On- 
tario, and on the 27th set forth himself with the remainder. 
After a tempestuous voyage of two days they lauded at La 
Famine. 



16 



HISTORY OF OSWECO COUNTY. NKW YORK. 



Tliu locution of this place with the desolntc name has 
usually boon ^iven as Black Kiver ba}', in Jefferson county, 
and the name of " Iliinsriy bay" has been ap|ilieJ collectively 
to the three bodies of water (Chaunidnt bay, Black River 
bay, and Henderson bay) at the inootli of the Black river, by 
the Americans, apparently in ]Krpetiiation of the old French 
name of " La Famine,' supposed to have pertained to them. 
An examination of the old French accounts (or translalions), 
however, will sati^fy any one that La Famine w:is far south 
of Black ]{iver bay. I^a Barre himself .said that La Famine 
was only four leagues from Onondaga. This must have 
been a miscalculation in any case, but not half so gross if 
we suppo.se La Famine at the mouth of Salmon river as if 
we locate it at Black River bay. But what proves beyond 
doubt that La Famine was not at Black River bay, and was 
not far from the mouth of Salmon river, is the record of 
Count Frontenac's expedition apiinst the Omnnhigas in 
1G9G. His flotilla set out from Fort Frontcnac (now Kings- 
ton), and on the first day went to Isle aux Chevreuils, or 
Beer island (now called (irenadier island). The next day 
it advanced to a place " within three leagues of Riviere de 
la Famine," and on the third proceeded to the mouth of 
.Oswego river. But Peer (or Grenadier) i.sland is itself 
close to Black River bay, while it is ]ilain from the account 
that more than a day's journey with boats lay between it 
and La Famine. 

Finally, I'ouchot, an eminent French engineer, who took 
part in the capture of Oswego in 1756, and who was en- 
gaged professionally on the shores of Lake Ontario for sev- 
eral years, has left a minute description of those shores in 
his memoirs. That description follows the shore ejistward 
from Oswego, and mentions two streams which could be 
entered with bateaux, but did not extend far into the 
country (probably Catfish and Salmon creeks). It next 
8;iy.s, "The Riviere a la Famine, in Indian Ki}/imanon<igue, 
enters very far into the interior, and goes quite near to the 
portage of the height of land." No stream in that vicinity 
but Salmon river answers to that description, and I'ouchot's 
further mention of Sandy creek and other streams to the 
northwaril fixes the identity of Salmon river and La Famine 
beyond all reasonable doubt. 

To return to Monsieur Febure de la Barre. As his army 
was the first large force of whites that ever appeared in 
O.swego County, nay, anywhere on the great lakes of North 
America, it is worthy of especial attention. It was one of 
those motley a.ssemblages, of which so many were afterwards 
seen in this country, under both French and Kiiglish com- 
manders, and in which regular European soldiers, provincial 
militia, hunters, trappei-s, and painted Indian warriors were 
all joined in the nio.st picturesque if not the most effective 
unity. 

On the shores of Salmon river were to be seen two 
companies of " king's troops," gayly dressed, carefully dis- 
ciplined, and trained to victory in the armies of Louis le 
Grand. Then there were .some five hundred Canadian 
militia, motley in costume and irregular iu tactics, but 
accustomed to the use of arms, and not to be sneered at 
in a combat in the forest. That anqdiibious being, the 
Canadian voi/tigeur, had already begun the life of adven- 
ture for which he has been celebrated during two centuries, 



and numbers of his species were to be seen amid the fifteen 
bateaux and two hundred canoes which floated on the 
jilacid luLsom of the bay. Besides all tlie.se there were some 
three hundred friendly Indians, part of them being de- 
nominated Christians, who had adopted to some extent I 
the custimis and dre.ss of Euroj>cans, and part of them • 

being fierce pagans of the wilderness, terrible in war-]>aint i 

and plume, who cared for nothing of European origin I 
except the musket and the brandy-bottle. 

De la Barre tlcies not seem to have been a man of much 
energy, and on his arrival at La Famine, on the 20th of 
August, he was appalled to find many of his men .sick with 
tertian fever, though it does not seem jis if a very great 
number could have been taken down after their leaving 
Frontcnac only seven days before. He inimodiatcly .sent 
a messenger, a " Christian savage," to Monsieur Le Jloine 
(not the missionary), at " Onontague," to hasten the move- 
ments of the mediatorial amba.^siidors. On the 3d of Sep- 
tember, Le Moine arrived with nine Onondaga chiefs, three 
Oneidas, and two Cat/iii/aa, not a single Snucu being pre.s»'nt 
except " Tcgan Court," who had come with the French from 
Montreal. 

The day after their arrival was devoted to feasting, and 
on the r)th of September a council was held. As in all 
councils, a good deal of time was necessarily consumed in 
complimentary remarks, smoking the pipe, etc. ; but at 
length Be la Barre made a .speech to the as.sembled chiefs, 
seated on the ground in a semicircle before him. It was 
menacing in its character, in accordance with the governor's 
purpose of overawing the Five Nations. He demanded 
satisfaction for the misconduct of the Senecas, saying that 
in case of refu.sal or of further misconduct he should declare 
war. He accused the Five Nations of taking the Engli.sh 
into the lakes belonging to the French king, and among 
nations that were his children, to destroy the tnide of his 
subjects. 

" If the like shall happen again," said the governor, " I 
shall declare war." 

He proceeded to charge the Irn<pti)is with having made 
barbarous incursions on the Indian allies of the French, in 
which they had slain many and taken nn\ny others prisoners, 
and he concluded this accusation in the same manner as 
the others : 

" If the Five Nations do not give liberty to those cap- 
tives, I shall declare war." 

Then he took his seat in the arm chair which had been 
brought from Quebec, as was thought befitted the dignity of 
the representative of Louis the Fourteenth, and the spokes- 
man of the Iinqiiois arose to his feet. He was an Onim- 
daga chief, widely celebrated under the name of Garangula, 
but whom the French called " Grande Geule' ( Big Throat), 
either by a modification of his Indian name, or in allusion 
to a natural characteristic. While De la Barre had been 
speaking (iarangula had ke[il his eyes fixed on his ])ipe, 
with that stolid gravity of demeanor underneath which the 
Indian ever conceals his emotions in the presence of his 
foes. But now he arose, and, with due respect to Iroquois 
forms, walked gravely five or six times around the circle 
ere be halted in front of the governor-general. Then he 
delivered a speech which for keenness of sarcasm and bold- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



17 



uess of defiance it will be hard to equal in the annals of 
oratory, whether civilized or savage. 

As a rule, the writer is very much averse to the practice 
of many local historians of copying numerous Indian 
speeches, which are usually very long, very monotonous, 
and only to be distinguished from extremely dull sermons 
by the circumstance that every paragraph begins with 
" Brothers," instead of " My beloved brethren." But the 
reply of Garangula to Monsieur de la Barre is a brilliant 
exception, and surpasses any oth(;r aboriginal pi-oduction 
we have read, except, perhaps, the speech attributed to 
Logan. 

Before transcribing the remarks of Garangula, it may 
be wortii while to explain why he, as well as all the rest of 
the Iroquois, always called the governor of Canada " Yon- 
nondio," and the governor of New York "Corlear," no 
matter what might be their real names. One of the earliest 
French governors was Monsieur de Montmagny. The Iro- 
quois inquired the meaning of his name, and were told that 
it originally meant " great mountain." They translated 
this into their own language, " Yonnondio," and that term 
was ever after applied by them to the governors of New 
France. 

Arent Van Curler, or " Corlear," was the agent of Kil- 
iaen Van Rensselaer, the first patroon t)f Rensselaerswyck, 
and managed that grand estate, comprising nearly the 
present counties of Rensselaer and Albany, while his 
principal remained at home in Holland. In this capacity 
Van Curler endeared himself to the Iroquois who came to 
trade with hiui, and as be was the greatest man with whom 
they were acfjuainted, they applied his name to all the sub- 
sequent governors of New York, though he himself was 
not a governor. 

At first Garangula spoke with studied politeness, but 
after a few sentences he broke out in the bitterest sarcasm : 
" I'^onnondio, you must have believed, when you left 
Quebec, that the sun had burnt up all the forests which 
render our country inaccessible to the French, or that the 
lakes had so far overflowed their banks that they had sur- 
rounded our castles, and that it was impossible for us to 
get out of them. Yes, Yonnondio, surely you must have 
dreamed so, and your curiosity to see so great a wonder has 
brought you so far. 

" Now you are undeceived, since that I and the warriors 
here present are come to assure you that the Seiiecas, Ca- 
yiigi-is, Onondagas, Oiieidas, and Mohawks are yet alive. 
I thank jou in their name for bringing back into the 
country the calumet which your predecessor received from 
their hands. It was happy for you that you left under- 
ground that murdering hatchet that has so often been dyed 
in the blood of the French. 

" Hear, Yonnondio; I do not sleep,! have my eyes wide 
open, and the sun which enlightens me shows me a great 
captain at the head of a company of soldiers, who speaks 
as if he were dreaming. He says that he only came to the 
great lake to smoke the calumet with the Oiiondar/as. But 
Garangula sees the contrary ; he sees that it was to knock 
them on the head if sickness had not weakened the arms 
of the French. 

"I sec Yonnondio raving in a camp of sick men, whose 



lives the Groat Spirit has saved by inflicting this sickness 
ujion them. 

" Hear, Yonnondio ; our women had taken their clubs, 
our children and old men had carried their bows and arrows 
into the heart of your camp, if our warriors had not dis- 
armed them and kept them back when your messenger, 
Obguesse (Le Moine),came to our castles." 

He proceeded to justify all that the Iroqiiois had done, 
of which De la Barre complained, declaring that they had 
good cause to attack the western Indians, that they had 
only assailed those French who carried arms to their ene- 
mies, that they had a perfect right to take the English to 
trade in the interior, that the lakes did not belong to the 
French king, but to the Five Nations, and closing with the 
eloquent declaration, " We are born free ; wo depend on 
neither Yonnondio nor Corlear." 

It must be confessed that, for a " mediator," the tone of 
Garangula was sufficiently belligerent, but the startled gov- 
ernor was in no condition to resent it. A considerable 
number of his men were actually sick ; he had made very 
poor provision, according to his own account, for supplying 
his army, and, above all, he had not the energy of character 
which forces success from adverse circumstances. Garan- 
gula was master of the situation. De la Barre made what 
he called a treaty with the ambassadors, which did not even 
contain promises of good behavior on the part of the Iro- 
quois, while the governor himself actually promised to leave 
the country the next day. It was a complete diplomatic 
victory for (Jarangula and his associate ambassadors. They 
could well aflFord to give a feast to the French officers, as 
they did that evening, at which the discomfltod invaders 
consoled themselves as best they might with the delicacies 
of forest and stream for the insolence of the savages and 
the weakness of their commander. 

Long before the early summer dawn of the following 
morning, while the chiefs were still asleep, De la Barre was 
astir, superintending the removal of the sick to the boats, 
so that his sharp-eyed visitors might see as little of his 
weakness as possible. As soon as daylight came the whole 
army embarked in their bateaux and canoes and left as ' 
(juickly as possible the scene of their disgrace. So earn- 
estly did they bend to the oars that at nightfall they 
reached Fort Frontenac, whence they soon after returned to 
Montreal and Quebec. 

Yet the whole force of the confederacy which had thus 
bidden defiance to the power of " Le Grand Monarque," 
Louis the Fourteenth, was not supposed much to exceed 
two thousand warriors. Wentworth Greonhalpb, an Eng- 
lishman, who, seven years before, had visited all the Five 
Nations, making very minute observations, even to counting 
the houses of the Indians, reported the Mohawks as having 
three hundred warriors, the Oiicidas two hundred, the 
Onondogas three hundred and fifty, the Coi/ugns three 
hundred, and the Scuecas a thousand. 

Yet, even amid the contempt heaped on the military 
power of France, so adroitly had the Jesuits worked on the 
feelings of the Indians that the chiefs made a special re- 
quest that the mission should not be removed from Onon- 
daga, to which, of course, a ready assent was given by De 
la Barre. 



18 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER VI. 

COUNT FRONTENAC'S EXPEDITION. 

Dc Nouvillc"9 Attack — Iroquois Revenge — French Distreea — Do 
Frunlcuac ajipointed Guvcruur — His Appeariinec on the O^^wego 
— Advance of his Army — Overland hy Tanoe — The Indian's 
Warning — Harrying the Enemy — The Keturn — A Relic of the 
Kx|)edi(iun. 

The failure of 3Ionsieur de la Barre was received with 
much disgust by his goveniinent, and the iie.\t year after it 
occurred he was removed from his office, and tlie Marquis 
de Nouvillc appointed governor-general of New France. 
He determined to chastise tlie contumacious Senecas, and 
in 1GS7 he crossed Lake Ontario witli a large force (^that 
is, large for that time and locality) and landed on the shore 
of Ironde(|Uoit bay. He marched against the Seneca towns, 
then situated a .short distance southeastward from that bay, 
and. after a battle in which the French seem to have suf- 
fered as much as the Iiuiians, lie succeeded in burning their 
j>riiiciiial villages. But the Senecns themselves all retired 
into the forest, and in the then primitive condition of their 
agriculture and architecture they suffered very little danger. 
It was about tiiis time that the elder Lauibcrvilie, then 
the only Jesuit missionary to the Iroquois, was withdrawn 
from his post among the Onondagas. 

All tiie Iroquois tribes made common cause with their 
injured brethren, and the very next year twelve hundred 
of their warriors set forth against the Canadian settlements, 
doubtless passing along the usual route down the Oswego, 
and tlien coasting along the east end of the lake and down 
the St. Lawrence. They ravaged the island of Montreal, 
even to the very gates of the city, and had they possessed 
the nieaTis of reducing fortified places, would perhaps have 
put an end to French power in North America. As it was, 
the French were compelled to abandon Forts Frontenac and 
Niagara, and it seemed as if the Iroquois were about to be- 
come uridl.--jiutcd masters of the whole lake country. 

The same year the second English revolution placed 
William, Prince of Orange, on the throne of James the 
Second, and the war with France, which immediately fol- 
lowed, set at work all the tomahawks and sealping-knives 
on the American frontiers. Both the English and French 
colonial governmeDt.-* habitually urged their respective Indian 
allies to send scaljiing-parties against the .settlements of 
their rivals. But the Canadian Indians were, as a rule, no 
match for the Iroquois, and the French government found 
it necessary to take strong measures to defend their infant 
colony. In 1G89 the Count de Frontenac was sent over as 
governor of New France, — an aged but most energetic noble- 
man, formerly minister for the colonies, whose name had 
been given to the fort at the outlet of Lake Ontario, and 
was even borne for a time by the great lake itself Under 
that vigorous but cruel leader the French fortunes began to 
inipiove. After several years of mutual slaughter the old 
peer determined to strike a blow in person at the centre of 
Iroquois power, the great council-fire of the Onoudagns. 

On the 28th day of July, 109(5, a well-aj)])oiiited little 
army, bearing the bamiers of France, and led by the vet- 
eran Count de Frontenac, appeared in bateaux and canoes 
at the mouth of the Oswego river, then called by the 



French the Onnontjigue, or Onondaga. Encamping there 
for the night, the next day they proceeded slowly and 
cautiously up the foaming river. 

On either side of the stream fifty scouts. Frenchmen 
and Indians, advanced in open order through the forest, 
ever alert for ambushed Iroquois. Four battalions of reg- 
ular troops, of two hundred men each, formed the dile of 
the invading force. These and one battalion of militia, 
numbering nearly three hundred, under Frontenac himself 
and the Chevalier de Vaudreuil, ascended close along the 
western shore, ready to spring to land at any moment when 
the scouts should report the presence of a foe. Three 
more battalions of militia of similar strength atid nearly five 
hundred savages, under Messieurs de Callieres and de Ra- 
mezay, in like manner advanced up the eastern side of the 
stream. These .savages consisted of Ilurons. Aicnukis, 
Oiluwits, and other tribes in alliance with the French, who 
were eager, with the assistance of French arms, to wreak 
vengeance on the hated Iroquois for the many chiistise- 
raants they had received from them. So hard was the task 
of working against the current, and so great the caution 
observed, that at night the army had advanced hardly half- 
way to the falls of the Oswego. 

The next day, however, they arrived there and began 
the portage. The soldiers and Indians iti each bateau or 
canoe sprang a.shore, lifted it on their shoulders, and con- 
veyed it around the falls. But when the Count de Fron- 
tenac was about to di.sembark, expecting to go on foot like 
the rest, fifty savages seized his canoe, and with him seated 
in it bore it to the smooth water above, making the forest 
re-echo with their songs and yells. The fierce old noble- 
man, then seventy-four years of age, was a great favorite 
witli the northern Indians, whom he had aroused to the 
fiercest hostility against the English and Iroquois, giving 
them the hatchet with his own hands, and dancing the 
war-dance with their chiefs to stimulate their savage ardor. 

Some of the battalions did not pass the portage till the 
next day, when an advance of ten miles was made. Near 
Three Rivers point they found a rude representation of 
the army, made on bark, doubtless left by some of the 
Iroquois as a warning to others, and accompanied by two 
bundles of rushes to signify the great number of the in- 
vaders. Some of the Frenchmen hail the curiosity to count 
the rushes, which numbered fourteen hundred and thirty- 
four, and supposed that the Oitoutliigas meant to indicate 
that as the precise number of Frt)ntenac's army. But no 
Indian could count a tenth part so many ; the rushes 
merely showed that there was a great force coming. 

After passing into the present county of Onondagji, the 
army proceeded more rapidly, landed on the .'south shore of 
Onondaga lake, and advanced to the village, but on their 
arrival found that the inhabitants had fled. The French 
and their allies destroyed the villages and the crops of 
growing corn, but their only captives were a lame girl and 
an old man, the latter of whom Count Frontenac with his 
usual cruelty allowed his Itidian friends to burn at the 
stake. Monsieur de Vaudreuil witii a light detachment 
also destroyed the villages of the Oiieidas. 

On the 11th of August the whole army returned, and 
encamped below the falls. By ten o'clock the niornitig of 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



19 



the 12th the rapid Oswego had borne them to its mouth. 
A violent gale ft'om the west detained them till the 14th. 
At noon of that day they set fortli, raising; sails over their 
bateaux, and by nightfall made twenty-five miles, as they 
computed, camping at the mouth of a small river. On the 
15th the army returned to Fort Frontenac, and thence pro- 
ceeded to the Canadian settlements. 

About a hundred and twelve years later (1808 or 1809) 
one of the early settlers near Oswego falls on the east side 
cut down a large tree, deep within which was found an old 
"blaze," and beneath it a large number of musket-balls. 
The blaze was overlaid by a hundred and twelve circles, 
and those who reckoned back the years till 1696 concluded 
that on returning from their raid some of Count Fronte- 
nac's musketeers had amused themselves by firing at a 
mark, leaving the bullet-scarred tree as the only relic of 
their expedition in Oswego County. 

The Onondagas and Oneidas were supplied with corn 
for the winter by the authorities of New York, and the ex- 
pedition had apparently had no other effect than to bind all 
the Iroquois more closely to their English friends. What 
vengeance they would have taken on the French can only 
be inferred, as the next year the peace of Ryswick was 
concluded between the kings of France and England; the 
colonies of each were of course included, and their Indian 
allies accepted the arrangements of their white brethren. 



CHAPTER VII. 

FROM 1697 TO 1753. 

General Quiet— King William's Projects — Expulsion of the Jesuits 
— English Supremacy — The Si.x Nations — The Fur Trade — Traders 
at Oswego — The French on the Watch — Chonequeu — Ontario — A 
Dispute at the Falls — A Deed to King George — Meaning of Os- 
wego — The First Trading-Post — A French Protest — Punctilio in 
the Woods — Dutch Adventurers — Gov. Clarke's Opinion — A Wall 
at Oswego — Two Relies — Sir William Johnson in the Oswego 
Trade — War — Rumors — The Black Prince — Rumors without 
Fighting — Peace — Picquet's Opini()n — Mutual Accusations — Buy- 
ing Oneida Lake — Oswego Rebuilt — Approach of War. 

Foe the next twenty-five years afler the peace of Rys- 
wick there is very little to relate regarding the county of 
Oswego. 

Eagle-eyed Kinp; William the Tliird saw the military 
importance of the locality, and ordered a fort to be built at 
the mouth of the river. The plate and furniture for the 
chapel of the intended po.st was sent to America, but the 
death of the vigilant king put an end to the project. 

Notwithstanding the punishment inflicted by the French 
on the Iroquois^ no sooner was that peace concluded than 
the adroit French Jesuits again began to make their way 
up the O.swego, the Oneida, and the Seneca, and establish 
themselves in the villages of the Five Nations. They were 
found there by the English and Dutch traders from New 
York, the jealousj- of the English authorities was aroused, 
and in 1700 an act of the Colonial Assembly forbade any 
popish priest from coming into the colony, under penalty of 
death. The French would doubtless have denied that the 



Jesuit missions among the Iroquois were in the colony of 
New York, but the act seems to have been effectual in 
frightening them away, and their efforts in this section were 
finally abandoned. 

In 1702 the great European conflict known as " Queen 
Anne's war" broke out, but tbe Iroquois had made a treaty 
of peace with the Canadian Indians, and for many years 
both sides maintained it. Yet in 1708 we find them again 
engaged in hostilities against the French, but not of enough 
importance, nor having sufficient relation to Oswego County, 
to merit attention here. 

By the peace of Utrecht, in 171.3, the supremacy over 
the Iroquois tribes was conceded to the English, but no 
definite boundaries were established. About the same time 
the Five Nations became the Six Nations. The Tuscaroras, 
a North Carolina tribe, defeated in war by the whites and 
the neighboring Indians, fled to New York, implored the 
protection of the Iroquois, and were received as members 
of that powerful confederacy. The Oneidas granted them 
a seat near to themselves. They are supposed to have been 
originally descended from the same stock as the other five 
tribes, and it is hardly probable that those haughty con- 
federates would otherwise have admitted them into their 
league. 

After the peace of Utrecht the English and Dutch traders 
pushed their excursions farther and farther among the 
Indians, rivaling the French in the boldness and skillful- 
ness of their search for furs. Coming up the Mohawk to 
the site of Rome, they bore their light canoes over the por- 
tage to Wood creek, thence passed down that stream to and 
through Oneida lake, and skirted the southern bounds of 
our county along the Oneida river to Three Rivers point. 
Thence some of them pursued their way up the Seneca 
river to the lakes from which it springs, others went down 
the Oswego to Lake Ontario, and often passed through that 
lake and far beyond, even to the foaming straits of Michili- 
mackinac and the fertile {)rairies of Illinois. The French, 
being the first traders in all those regions, were naturally 
jealous of the new-comers, and the latter were obliged to 
exercise constant watchfulness against the hostile intrigues 
of the former with the native tribes. 

As early as 1721, William Burnet, governor of New 
York, made an eftort to counteract the French by estab- 
lishing a post on Irondequoit bay, in the present county 
of Monroe. It does not, however, appear to have been 
sustained any considerable time. It is probably from 
this circumstance that several historians of the State 
of New York, followed by local writers, have stated that 
a trading-post or fort was built at Oswego in 1721 or 1722. 
No permanent establishment was really made until several 
years later ; but there appears to have been a considerable 
increase of the Indian trade at the mouth of the river. It 
became a point at which the " fur Indians," as they were 
called, congregated to market their furs, and very likely 
some temporary cabins were erected. 

The direct trade of the Engli.sh with the Indians was 
stimulated by a law passed by the provincial legislature of 
New York in 1721, forbidding the furnishing of Indian 
goods to the French in Canada. As the latter could not 
obtain those goods as cheap elsewhere as from the English, 



L'O 



IIISTOUV or OSWEGO corVTY. NKW VcMIK 



they lost a large part of their trade. Tiie New York im- 
porters were anjtry, but the small traders were deli;;lited, and 
hurried to and through Oswego, sure of having tho advan- 
tage over their French rivals. 

As early as 1724 the French received infuriuatiun that 
tlie Knglish had projected an estahli-shmcnt at the mouth of 
the river; Itut in the following May Monsieur do Longuoil. a 
French officer, after making a reconiioi.ssance, reported to his 
superiors that there was as yet no trading-post at that 
point. This is the first mention wo meet with the name 
•' Choneguen" (or Chonaguen), which was ever after, as 
long as the French held possession of Canada, applied to 
the gi-ound now covered by Oswego city, and sometimes to 
the river which there ent<;rs Lake Ontario. It had been 
adopted by them some time between 1690 and 1724; but 
the precise year and the meaning of the word arc alike 
unknown. 

In the French letters of 1725, too, we find for the first 
time the great lake which borders Oswego County on the 
north mentioned by its present euphonious appellation 
of Ontario, instead of those more or less outlandish ones, 
Skanadario, Cataracqui, Conty, Frontenac, etc , which it 
had jircviously borne. It is probably a contraction of Ske- 
nailario, and is supposed to moan beautiful water. 

But though Mcn.sieur de Longueil found no trading-post 
at the mouth of the river, he learned enough to alarm him 
in regard to English progress. At the portage around the 
falls he found no less than a hundred English and Dutch 
traders, with sixty canoes, who compelled him to exhibit his 
pas.sport, and showed an order from Governor Burnet that no 
Frenchman should be allowed to go by without one. De 
Longueil reproached some Iroquois chiefs, who were ]iros- 
ent, witli the insolence of the Engli.^h, telling the sachems 
they were not masters of their own lands. According 
to his report the Indians "flew out'' against the English, 
told them they would bear with them no longer, and that 
they had oiil}' permitted them to come there for the purpose 
of trade. 

De Longueil then passed on to the Onondaga village, 
where he met chiefs of all the tribes in council. They gave 
him pcrinLssioii to place two small vessels on Lake Ontario, 
and to build a stone house at Niagara, a post which had 
long been abandoned by the French, though they had lately 
had a trading estalilishmont at Lcwiston. This house, or fort, 
was immediately begun and finished the next year, 1726, 
when the two vessels were also built. 

That year the English and Dutch traders gathered at 
Choneguen (Oswego) to the number of three hundred, 
where they remained all summer, carrying on a tliriving 
trade with the Indians both of the vicinity and of tiio fiir 
west. Monsieur do Longueil sent ordt'rs from Frontenac 
to his son, the Chevalier de Longueil, commanding at Ni- 
agara, not to return until the English .should leave Chone- 
guen, and to plunder any of their canoes which he might 
find on the lake. In September the son replied there were 
no more English at Choneguen, nor on the lake, nor in the 
river, and promised that if he met any of their canoes he 
would piously fulfill the parental command. 

The wrath of the Jiotjiiois at the Engli.sh, described by 
De Longueil, could not have been very strong nor very 



general, for in this year (1726) seven of the principal 
sachems of the Oiiondngas, Cuyngas, and Senecas made 
a deed of trust to the king of England and his sucoe.s.sors 
of their lands, extending in a belt of sixty miles wide, and 
in length running from Caynunghage (probably the same 
as Keyonanouague, La Famine, or Salmon river) all along 
Lake Ontario, the Niagara river, and the lake Oswego, to tlie 
creek called Canahoguo, which we take to be the same as 
Cuyaliogji. Besides this land, the deed included their 
" beaver hunting-grounds," — a tract of undcscribed bound- 
aries and indefinite extent. 

It will be seen that at one time Lake Erie was called Os- 
wego for " Okswego," as it is put down on an old map 
in Colden's History of the Five Nations). The name 
seems to have sprung up suddenly in two widely separate 
places, for it was not till the next year that it is known to 
have been used in regard to the point to which it is now ap- 
plied. The meaning of the word has been rendered many 
ditforent ways, the most plausible being " flowing-water" 
and " boundless view." The latter ap|)ollation would apply 
to any of the great lakes, and would best account for the 
curious coincidence just mentioned. But it is very uncer- 
tain ; there is a great deal of indefinitcness about everything 
pertaining to an Indian except his tomahawk. 

It may be doubted, for instance, whether the seven chiefs 
above mentioned had any authority to give a deed to George 
the First of the lands, the ea.stlos, the corn-fields, and the 
" beaver hunting-grounds" of these throe nations. They 
were, however, only given in trust, to bp protected by the 
king for the use of their red owners forever. In all proba- 
bility it Wiis a scheme devi.sed bj' the English officials to get 
an acknowledgment of the king's authority over the land 
in question, so as to " head ofi"" the French in their cease- 
less efforts to extend their sway. 

The eastern line of the tract in question, running south 
from Caynunghage or La Famine, traversed the county of 
Oswego nearly in the middle, leaving the eastern half in 
the possession of the Oneidus. 

Early in the spring of the next year (1727) Governor 
Burnet sent a body of workmen to build a " stone house of 
strength" at Oswego, and they were .soon followed by a 
detachment of sixty soldiers, with three officers, to defend 
them from any interruption by the French. The newfort, 
for such it might be called, w;i.s situated on the west bank 
of the river, close to its mouth, having walls of large stone 
four feet thick, which the governor declared capable of re- 
sisting anv arms which the French were likely to bring 
against it. 

A French account, written while the post was being built, 
states that thoro wore then about seventy Engli.sh and Dutch 
cabins on the river-shore, showing the rapidity with which 
the fur trade was developing. 

In Governor Burnet's report to the Englisli board of 
trade is found the first mention which we liavo seen of the 
name " Oswego" as applied to the point in question. Hence- 
forth it was invariably called by that name by the English, 
while the French just as invariably called it " Choneguen," 
a word which comes to light in French doeuinonts at the 
same time. The earlier French only spoke of the mouth 
of the " Onnontaguc" river. The French pronunciation, 



HISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



21 



as iieav as can be represented by English letters, would be 
" Shoo-ay-gwang." We are informed that the original pro- 
nunciation of Oswego, down to the beginning of this cen- 
tury was "Oswaygo," and it is quite probable that Oswego 
and Choueguen — alias Os-way-go and Shoo-ay-gwang — 
were derived from the same Indian word, modified by 
Gallic and Saxon lips. This view is strengthened by the 
fact that the place the English called Oswcgatchie the 
French called Chouegachie. 

Governor Burnet was quite proud of his achievement, 
declaring it to be the best thing that had ever been done to 
check the French, keep the Six Nations under English in- 
fluence, and promote trade with the remote Indians. He 
was most unquestionably correct. The position of Oswego 
at the outlet of the large and fertile territory drained by 
the Oswego river and its branches, in which all but one of 
the Six Nations dwelt, together with its accessibility from 
the Mohawk valley, made it altogether the most important 
post the English had west of the Hudson, and such it re- 
mained to the time of the capture of Canada. The only 
wonder is that the French, with their control of the St. 
Lawrence and Lake Ontario, had not secured this important 
location in advance of their rivals. It is quite probable 
that, had they done so, it would have made a serious differ- 
ence in the subsequent contests between the English and 
the French. 

The Marquis do Beauharnais, then gov'ernor-general of 
Canada, was much chagrined at Burnet's proceedings, and 
in July sent an officer to him with a protest, and another 
to the commandant at Oswego, demanding that he should 
forthwith at)an(l(in the place and destroy the fortification. 
The latter officer of course paid no attention to the request. 
The governor replied to Monsieur d(^ Beauharnais, repi'oach- 
ing him with having first built Niagara, and declaring, 
truly enough, that according to the treaty of Utrecht the 
Five Nations were admitted to be subjects of Great Britain. 
This was a good answer to the French, but the Five Na- 
tions themselves might not have adujired that clause of the 
treaty. 

After the fortification was completed the garri.son was 
reduced to a lieutenant and twenty men. 

An incident that occurred in the summer of 1728 illus- 
trates-the jealous ceremony with which the officials of the 
rival nations conducted themselves towards each other iu 
the wilds of America, partly out of mere punctilio, and partly 
because every ceremony might involve the title to a large 
tract of land. 

A French subordinate, bearing the formidable appellation 
of Monsieur de la Chauvignerie, was sent on a mission to 
the IniqtKjis. Coa.sting along the eastern and southern 
sliores of Lake Ontario, he arrived at Oswego, having sent a 
messenger in advance to the Ononihiijus. At Oswego he 
landed and jiitchcd his tent. Some Indians came to iiim 
from the commandant of the little fortress, to demand tiiat 
lie .should salute with a salvo of mn.-iketry and lower his 
flag. This ho would not do. The Indians wiio accomjia- 
nied De la Chauvignerie visited the commandant and were 
presented with a sujjply of rum, wliereupon (hey all got .so 
drunk that the Frenchman was obliged to remain three days 
under the guns of the fort. In spite, however, of another 



summons he would not strike his flag, but kept it flying 
night and day, though the usual custom was to lower it at 
sunset. On his departing up the river the summons was 
again repeated, and an Onondaga chief unfurled a British 
flag over one of De la Chauvignerie's boats. But the officer 
would not start until it was furled, and as neither .side would 
salute first that important ceremony was entirely omitted. 
The Oiwndagas were at a loss what to say, as they claimed 
the land them.selves, but felt constrained to acknowledge the 
supremacy of the fortress. The English would not go so 
far as to fire on the boats, and so the plucky Frenchman 
had his way. 

Notwithstanding continued efforts on the part of both 
English and French to gain increased ascendency over the 
Indians, and the occasional erection of a fortress on doubt- 
ful ground, there was .substantial peace between the two 
nations for sixteen years more. During this time Oswego 
continued to be garrisoned by a lieutenant and from twenty 
to twenty-five men ; but the smallness of the force was no 
measure of the importance of the post. Every summer 
hundreds of traders from the banks of the Hudson assem- 
bled there, some remaining to trade with the Indians who 
came thither for that purpose, others pushing still farther on. 

The Indian trade was the great field of adventure in 
which the young men of the colony of New l''ork sought 
to lay the foundations of their fortunes. Mrs. Grant, in 
that pleasant sketch of ante-Revolutionary times in the 
vicinity of Albany entitled " Memoirs of an American 
Lady," says that as soon as a young Albanian fell in love, 
which he generally did at seventeen or eighteen years of 
age, he prepared to support a family by going on a trading 
expedition. He asked of his father only forty or fifty 
dollars in money, a canoe, and a young negro attendant. 
Loading his frail vessel with Indian goods, taking care to 
have a good supply of strong liquors, he and his dark 
assistant set forth on a voyage as jierilous as that of Jason, 
amid the tears of his female friends, and especially of the 
damsel who knew herself to be the object of these laborious 
and dangerous exertions. Tiiere were several routes pur- 
sued, but the principal one was to Oswego, whence tlje 
adventurers scattered in every direction. The profits were 
large, and if the young lover saved his scalp, one or two 
trips would enable him to buy a farm or start a country 
store, and settle down into the placid life of a Dutch 
burgher with his chosen dulcinea. The more extensive 
traders used bateaux, a bateau being a light, flat-bottomed 
boat running to a point at each end, generally carrying 
about fifteen hundred pounds, and propelled by two men 
with paddles in deep water and setting-poles in shallow. 

For several years the garrison of the little post was 
victualled by Albany contractors at about twelve hundred 
dollars per year. In 1733 nearly fifty traders sent a peti- 
tion to the then governor, Colonel Crosby, setting forth that 
the commandant of the garri.son laid improper restrictions 
on trade, and the a.^sembly recpiested the governor t<i a[i- 
point some competent man, who understood the Indian 
trade and language, to live at Oswego as a superintendent. 

The English do not appear to have claimed any jurisdic- 
tion over the waters of Lake Ontario, however near the 
shore, for in 173(i we find Monsieur de Beauharnais com- 



IlISTOKV or OSWKCO COINTY, ^EW YORK. 



pluiiiing that a French canoe had been ordered ashore wliile 
piissing under the guns of the post at Oswego, wlieroupon 
the governor of New York sharply reprimanded Captain 
Congreve, the commandant. 

In time the little fort got out of repair, and the colonial 
assemlily was slow in voting the necessary funds to renovate 
and strengthen it. (lovernor Clarke, in a communication 
to that body in 1740, said that Oswego was the (inly mili- 
tary post on the northwestern frontier, and if well fortified 
would be a complete barrier against French invasions from 
that ((uarter. If it was captured, he declared that the 
French could hold everything from Canada to Georgia, and 
conchided with thi.s impres-sive testimony to its value : 

" The peace and happiness of the plantations, and the 
trade of England, if not the very being of his majesty's 
dominion.s on this continent, depend on the holding of 
Oswego." 

The next year the a-sscmbly voted six hundred pounds 
(New York currency, eipiivalent to fifteen hundred dollars) 
to build a stone wall around the " trading-house at Oswego," 
at a proper distance from it, with a bastion or bloek-hou.se 
in each corner. Yet it seems that even in " good old colony 
times" there were officials and contractors disposed to de- 
fraud the government, for in 1742 we find the governor 
writing to the English board of trade that the post was in 
a very defenseless condition, not only because it was out of 
animuiiilion, but because the director of the works had 
built the new wall in clay instead of lime, under the pre- 
tense that the latter article was not to be obtained, which 
the governor did not believe. His excellency continued: 

" It is, as it is managed, a jubb, calculated rather to put 
money in the pockets of those who have the management 
of the business than for any service to the publick." 

And again he dilates on the fatal eonse(|uences to be 
aiijirehended from the loss of Oswego, declaring that it 
would be followed by the loss of the fur trade, and proba- 
bly by the defection of the Six Nations. All this time, it 
will be understood, the French and English were at peace ; 
but there were signs of war, and each was jealous of the 
other, and suspicious lest a sudden outbreak should put 
some important post into the enemy's hands. 

At this time the French had two or three sailing-vessels 
on Lake Ontario, armed with light cannon, while the Eng- 
lish had nothing larger than the bateaux of their traders. 

The only remaining relics of British occupancy at this 
period are two stones, now in the Oswego city library. 
One is a grave-stone, ciirefully lettered " Roger Corbett, 
1742." On the other is rudely scrawled " Crannell, 1745." 
It is doubtless also a grave-stone, though it has been sup- 
posed by some to have marked the building of Fort 
Ontario. IJut that fort was certainly not built until 1755. 
The last-mentioned stone was taken from the fort and used i 
in the construction of the first court-house at Oswego, and 
on the demolition of that building was placed in the library. 

In the year 17415, William Johnson, afterwards the cele- 
brated Sir William Julin.son, but then only a pro.sperous 
Indian trader in the Mohawk valley, became interested in 
the fur-trade at Oswego. 

In March, 1744, war was declared lielween France and 
Great Iiril;dn. No sooner did the rejiort of this event 



reach Oswego than the traders there were filled with terror 
at the prospect of a French and Indian attack. Putting 
DO trust in the dilapidated fort and scant}' garrison, nor in 
their own valor, most of them prepared for instant flight. 
A few adventurous spirits remained ; to these the majority 
sold such goods as they could, and departed with the rest 
for Albany. Indians coming from the far west to trade at 
Oswego, as they had done for years, found little or nothing 
for which to exchange their furs, and departed in disgust. 

George Clinton, then colonial governor of New York, 
but not a member of the Clinton family afterwards so cele- 
brated in State politics, immediately did what he could to 
strengthen Oswego. He sent six cannon thither, and c:dled 
a council of the Six Nations at Albany to engage them to 
help defend the threatened post. They gave a half promise 
to that eflect, but insinuated that Oswego was not as valu- 
able to them as formerly, because goods had not of late 
been as cheap as they once had. In truth, the Six Nations 
were very much (and very sensibly) disposed to remain 
neutral, and let the English and French fight their own 
battles. 

Lieutenant John Lindsay, the founder of the Cherry 
Valley settlement, was appointed commander of the post at 
this time, and held the position for five years afterwards. 

In the spring of 1745 one of the officers of the garrison, 
a young lieutenant named Rutler, afterwards the too-cele- 
brated Colonel John Butler, of detested memory, wrote from 
that point that fifteen hundred men, besides Indians, were 
reported to be organizing in Canada for the purpose of 
attacking Oswego. If any such movement was contem- 
plated it was certainly abandoned. 

In June an Oiwiulat/a chief, bearing the historic name 
of " The Black Prince," attended by a hundred men, women, 
and children of that nation, went down to Oswego on his 
way to visit Canada, on the invitation of the governor- 
general. Conrad Weiser, an interpreter, who accompanied 
him as far as Oswego, has left an account of what transpired, 
which is so characteristic of Indian parleys as to be worth 
transcribing. 

On their arrival they saluted the fort with two volleys 
from their muskets, which were duly returned. After land- 
ing, the warriors went in a body to visit the officers. One 
of the first proceedings on the part of the latter was to fur- 
nish the noble visitors with a dram apiece. I'resently the 
Black Prince asked for another dram all around to drink 
the king's heallli. It was given. Very soon he requested 
another dram to drink the governor's health, and this too 
was furnished. Then the red men seated themselves upon 
their haunches and began smoking and talking. They 
wanted to know all about the war, and especially about its 
probable results. They said they were going to Canada to 
make arrangements whereby the house at Oswego .should 
not be attacked by the French. Finally they wanted the 
officers to give them some food. As the latter had been 
tre<iting them pretty freely, and liquor w;us two dollars a 
gallon, they hesitated at this fresh demand. Finally, how- 
ever, they hunted up three bags of peas, a few loaves of 
bread, and thirty pounds of ]>ork, which they ]ireseiitcd to 
their guests. They appeared well jileased with the gift, but 
among themselves they grumbled much at the cuvctousuess 



HISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



23 



of the Englishmen. The next day they came again to the 
fort, when the interpreter himself treated them with a dram 
apiece, and gave them a two-gallon cask of li((uor to drink 
the health of the king and queen at Montreal. As Weiser 
then returned to Onondaga, it is very doubtful whether the 
cask remained unbroached until the Black Prince and his 
companions reached the capital of Canada. 

The oflBcers seem to have made no effort to prevent the 
Indians from visiting the French, even in time of war, 
which shows that the English claims of .sovereignty over 
the Six Nations were not considered as involving much 
active control. In fact, the Six Nations remained substan- 
tially neutral thoughout the conflict which raged from 1744 
to 1748, though perhaps occasionally a small party went 
upon the war-path. 

In 1745, William John.?on, the successful fur-trader be- 
fore mentioned, was commissioned colonel of the New York 
militia, and in 174G he was appointed sujierintendeut of 
Indian affairs for the Six Nations. lie was also about the 
same time selected as contractor to supply the troops at 
Oswego, on condition that he should receive no higher 
prices during the war than had been paid in time of peace. 
This was the first appearance in public affairs of one who, 
until the day of his death, nearly thirty years later, exercised 
an immense influence in the colony of New York. A coarse- 
minded, uncultured man, but energetic, clear-headed, and 
fair-dealing, he was well fitted to manage the rude warriors 
and scarcely less rude frontiersmen with whom he was con- 
stantly brought in contact. He had already made himself 
a great favorite with the Mo/kiiv/cx, who looked up to him 
as a father (as many of the children had a right to do), and 
he soon acquired almost as great an influence over the other 
Iroquois tribes. They called him W(trr<ig!yaghpy (which 
is supposed to mean chief manager), and probably deferred 
more to him than to any other man they ever knew, not 
excepting their own most powerful chiefs. 

The next year, although Oswego was still unattacked, the 
road from the Mohawk valley thither was infested by small 
parties of the enemy, and the post was thought to be in 
considerable danger. Governor Clinton and Colonel Johnson 
relieved it in June, sending thither Lieutenant Visseher and 
a company of men, with a supply of goods, provisions, and 
ammunition. The next year (1748), Johnson declared he 
could no longer supply the post for two hundred pounds 
($500) per annum, and the assembly voted him two hun- 
dred pounds extra, — no extravagant allowance for a post on 
which depended to a great extent the welfare of the colony. 

As the French still made no movement on this side of 
the lake, the traders began to be desirous to obtain again 
sonic of their old profits. Not yet daring to go to Oswego, 
they congregated in numbers on the road thither, trading 
what tiiey could with the Six Nations, and anxiously look- 
ing for an opportunity to resume business with the fur 
Indians. Fortunatel}' for them, the peace of Aix-la-Cha- 
pelle, in 1748, removed the barrier, and the mouth of the 
Oswego was soon alive again with traders' bateaux and 
Indian canoes. Again the shores were gay with plumed 
warriors from Miami and Michiliniackinac, as well as stal- 
wart Iroquois from their nearer homes, while sealp-decorated 
braves and submissive squaws alike stood in open-mouthed 



admiration before the gaudy blankets and silver jewelry 
displayed by the sturdy Dutch traders. 

There was even a considerable commerce carried on with 
the French of Canada, who could buy goods so much 
cheaper of the ]<]nglisli than of their own merchants that 
they were willing to run the risk attendant on illicit trade. 
But even while they bought they scowled with envy at the 
thought that the hated English were the possessors of all- 
important " Choueguen." 

The feeling of the French was well expressed by the 
Abbe Piequet, the head of the colony of Catholic Iroquois 
at La Presentation (now OgdcTisburgh), who made a tour 
of Lake Ontario at a little later date. He declared Choue- 
guen to be " a post the most pernicious to France that the 
English could erect." He expressed a strong desire for its 
destruction, and calculated how easily two batteries of 
three twelve-pounders each would reduce it to ruins. Yet 
he was obliged to admit that the English and Dutch sold 
goods there to the Indians for loss than a fourth of the 
price, in furs, which the French charged at Niagara, an 
advantage which was not counterbalanced by the fact that 
the red men preferred French brandy to English. 

Soon after the war Captain Lindsay resigned his military 
position, and became Indian agent and commissary, which 
oflfices he held until his death, in 1751. 

There is a tradition, and a quite probable one, that about 
1750 a small mill was built at Oswego falls to grind corn 
for the traders, the garrison, and those Indians whose 
palates were sufficiently educated to prefer meal to samp. 
In the year last named the Oswego garrison { which was a 
colonial force, not a part of the Biitish army) threatened 
to disband for lack of pay. The money was probably sup- 
plied, as there was no outbreak. About the same time 
Superintendent Johnson got into trouble with the colonial 
assembly. He claimed much more than they had allowed 
him for provisions and goods sent to Oswego. They, in 
turn, accused him of charging for articles not sent. John- 
son resigned his .superintendeney, but was immediately 
afterwards appointed to a seat in the executive council by 
Governor Clinton, with whom he was a great favorite. 
With all his faults, Johnson's character, acquired during a 
long and active life, was not that of dishonesty, and the 
probability is that the assembly was merely seeking an 
excuse for not paying the public debts. 

The Six Nations were much disturbed at the resignation 
of their beloved Warragiyaghey, and in 1751 formally re- 
quested his reinstatement ; " for," said their spokesman, the 
celebrated King llendrick, •' he has large ears, and hears a 
great deid, and what he hears he tells to us. He has also large 
eyes, and sees a great way, and conceals nothing from us." 

But in spite of these compliments Johii.soii refused to re- 
assume the position. He declared that he had advanced 
for the Indian department and for supplying Oswego up to 
the close of 1748 no less than .seven thousand one hundred 
and seventy-seven pounds (about eighteen thousand dollars, 
an immense .sum for those days;, of which only five thou- 
sand eight hundred and one pounds had been even voted to 
him, and two thou.sand four hundred and one pounds of that 
amount remained uiq)aid, although he believed the " Oswego 
duties " to be .sufficient, for the purpose. These duties aji- 



lllJiTUKV n]- o^WKCO col .NTi', .NEW iUKK. 



pear to have been a tax levied on all goods sold at or sent 
through Oswego. Since 1748 he had advanced five hun- 
dred and ninety-five pounds, at the governor's request, for 
the same purposes, which was still unpaid. As he made no 
charge for his j)ersonal .services, he insisted that he could not 
afford to hold so unprofitable an office. Several conimis- 
.sioners of Indian affairs were appointed in his place- 
Most of the slatt^ments relating to Sir William Johnson 
are taken from his " Life and Times," by William L. Stone. I 
The work in (|ucstion is strongly colored in favor of the 
baronet, but we have taken pains to compare it with other 
accounts, and to get at the facts na accurately as possible. 

The c.x-suporintendent .still pro.secutcd a lucrative trade 
with Oswego, and his own interests, if nothing else, im- 
pelled him to keep vigilant watch over French intrigues. 
Learning that the Jesuits had persuaded many of the 
Onondiiijds to consent to the establishment of a military 
and missionary station on Oneida lake, Johnson summoned | 
the Oiiondai/ii and Onn'i/a chiefs together and purchased 
the lake and a strip of hinJ two miles in width dciir around 
it for three hundred and fifty pounds. He offered it to 
the colonial government at the price he paid, but they re- 
fused to take it. As an unconfirmed Indian title was never 
considered valid, he had but little to show for his money. 

There was almost always a conflict going on betwixt the 
colonial governor and his council on one side and the 
a.>5,sembly on t]u> other. In this year (1751) the council 
passed a bill applying five hundred pounds to the repair of 
O.swego and the conduct of Indian affairs, but the assem- 
bly voted this passage of a " money bilf by tlu' upper 
house a high breach of privilege, and were soon after dis- 
solved. Before that occurred, however, their attention was 
called to another Oswego matter. They called for an 
account from the commissioni'rs of the Oswego duties. 
John De Pey.ster, one of their number, sent in a return, 
showing the collection of eleven hundred and forty-five 
pounds for the four years closing with September, 1750. 
His report for 1751 was nine hundred and forty pounds. 
Johnson wrote to Clinton that there was some " cureed vil- 
lainy" about the Oswego duties, but that it would be hard 
to ferret it out. He as.-^erted that De Pevster had admitted 
receiving over one thousand pounds in 1749, immediately 
after the war, and that the remaining one hundred and 
forty-five pounds would by no means cover the receipts of 
175t(, to say nothing of the smaller sums collected during 
the two last years of the war. From all the circumstances it 
."cenis (juite certain that the duties would average some 
twenty-five hundred dollars per year. 

In 1752 the assembly finally provided for rebuilding the 
post at Oswego, which was said to be in a ruinous condi- 
tion. The next year there began to be serious apprehen- 
sions of further difficulties with France. Strange as it 
may seem, notwithstanding all the wars which had raged, 
and all the treaties which had been made between France 
and Kngland since they had founded colonies in America, 
no definite boundary lines had been agreed ujion between 
their respective possessions on that continent. It seemed as 
if at every treaty each nation hoped that the fortunes of 
peace or war would give it a larger slice of American terri- 
tory than it could then lay claim to. In peace the English 



colonies increased in population with ten times the rapidity 
of the French, but the latter were much the more enter- 
prising in estiiblishing post^ in the wilderness. 

At this time they were taking mca.sures to form a line of 
forts from their pos.<essions in Canada to those in Louisiana. 
In May of the year last mentioned, Captain Stoddard and 
Lieutenant Holland, two officers of the Oswego gjirrison, 
wrote to Governor Clinton that thirty French canoes and 
five hundred Indians, under the celebrated partisan leader. 
Monsieur Marin, had pas-scd that po.st on their way to the 
Ohio. There were rumors of still larger forces moving in 
the same direction. The New York authorities appro- 
priated a considerable sum in pre.sent.s to keep the Six 
Nations in good humor, and the governor, council, and 
assembly all agreed that Colonel Johnson was the fittest man 
for commissioner to distribute the jiOods amonrr the Indians. 
In this year, too, the colonial government, acconling to 
Stone, confirmed Colonel Johnson's purchase, noted a short 
distance back, at least so far as the land was concerned, and 
in accordance with it granted him a strip two miles wide ex- 
tending the whole circuit of Oneida lake. This, of course, 
included a portion of the present towns of Constantia, West 
Monroe, and Hastings, and Sir William Johnson was con- 
seipiently the first leg-.il landholder in the present county of 
Oswego. If such was the case the land must have descended 
to Sir John Johnson, and have been confiscated with the rest 
of his property on his joining the British during the Revo- 
lution. 



CHAPTER V 1 1 I. 

THE "OLD FRENCH WAR." 

Hostilities in 17o4 — Oswego in Danger — Uraililuck nnd Shirley — E.x- 
peditiun against Niagara — First English Ship on Lake Onlariu — 
Shirley's Ailvaneo — Braililock's Defeat — Shirley's Expedition 
Abandoned — Kort Ontario and Fort George— Omens of Disaster — 
De Montualui and Loudon — Attacking the I'ominunications — lirad- 
gtrcet's Itateiiii-Men — De Villiers on the Watch — The Conqueror 
of Washington — A Bloody Surprisc^A Skirmish by the Uiver — 
War Declared — De Villiers attacks Ontario — The Amhuscade fails 
— "Corsairs" on the Lake — Bradstreet with Supplies — Philip 
Schuyler — The liotllc of Baltic Island— Schuyler's Ilunmuity — 
Do Villiers Defeated — British Blunders — De Montcalm's Vigilance 
— From ('ham])lain to Ontario — The Stealthy Approach — The Sud- 
den .Appearance — Opening Fire — The English Force — French 
Artillery landed — Opening the Trenches — Ontario Almndoned — 
Crossing the Oswego — Mercer Killed— Litllehales Frightened — 
Oswego Surrendered — The Losses — The Massacre — French Evi- 
dence — A Curious Adventure — The Forts Destroyed — Brilliancy of 
the Victory — Runaway Wcbli — A Quiet Year — I'itt to the Front — 
Bradstreet and Schuyler on the Wing — Quick Ship-Building — 
Capture of Frontcnac — A Fort at the Falls — One at Three Rivers 
Point — The Culminating Struggle of 1759 — A French Reconnois- 
sance — An English .Army — The Six Nations in the Field — On to 
Niagara— Another .Vttack — A Barricade of Barrels — A Warlike 
Priest — Defeat of Do la Corne — Niagara Captured — Lively Times 
— The First Duel — Rebuilding Fort Ontario— Building Fort Brew- 
erton — Ancient Relics — Copture of liuebec — The Final Rally — 
The Main .\rniy at Ostvogo — Distingui.''hed Personages — .Amherst 
and ttage — Johnson. Bradstreet, and Putnam — The Grand Em- 
barkation — .Surrender of Canaila — End of the War. 

In 1754 hostilities actually began on the frontiers of 
I'ennsylvania and Virginia, though without any tbrmal 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



25 



declaration of war. The New York assembly took the 
alarm and voted some thirteen hundred dollars to pay for 
repairs at Oswe2;o, and for doubling; the garrison. It should 
be remonibored that a dollar would probably go nearly as 
far then as five will now, so that the amounts voted from 
time to time for that important post were really not as 
small as they look. The year passed without any events of 
importance in this vicinity, but in 1755 the tide of war 
set strongly towards Lake Ontario. Yet, while the work of 
slaughter was raging all along the frontier, England and 
France were still nominally at peace. There was merely a 
little dispute about bounilarics going on in America. 

In February, 1755, acting governor De Lancey informed 
the assembly that Oswego was in great danger through want 
of provisions, as Colonel Johnson had refused to furnish 
any more until his old debts should have been paid. The 
urgency was so great that the necessary arrangements were 
soon made. 

Early in the spring the sadly-celebrated General Brad- 
doek arrived in America, bearing the king's commission as 
commandei'-in-chief of all the British forces on the conti- 
tinent. His second in command was William Siiirley, gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, a man of decided genius, to whom 
was principally due the brilliant capture of Louisburg, ten 
years before, but who was more successful in devising plans 
than in carrying them out. 

Braddock convened a council of the provisional gover- 
nors at Alexandria, Virginia, to concert methods of driving 
back the French. The keen-eyed Shirley saw at once that 
by sending a force, by way of Oswego, to capture Fort 
Niagara, and by biiildlng vcs.sels which should gain posses- 
sion of Lake Ontario, not only Duque.sne but all the other 
western forts would be cut off from their communications 
and the whole French system broken in pieces. Braddock, 
liowever, determined to march directly against Duquesne 
witii nearly all the regiilars, and it is said that his orders 
compelled him to do so. Colonel Johnson, now appointed 
major-general and superintendent of Indian affairs by Brad- 
dock, was directed to organize an expedition against Crown 
Point, while the operations on Lake Ontario, the key of 
the whole frontier, were intrusted to Governor Shirley. 

That energetic commander sent forward two Alliany in- 
dependent companies and two companies of Sir William 
Pepperell's* regiment to strengthen Oswego while he was 
organizing his forces, and directed the immediate beginning 
of a Lake Ontario navy, by the construction of a small 
schooner at that point. This schooner, of forty feet keel, 
j)ropclled by sweeps ;>s well as sails, and armed with twelve 
swivels, was launched on the 28fh of June following, and 
was tlie fir.st Engli.sh vessel on Lake Ontario. 

Meanwhile, Shirley gathered .some three hundred more 
ship-carpenters, whom he sent to Oswego in June to build 
vessels enough to command the lake and convey his army 

* Sir William PcppcrcH, lieutenant-general in his majesty's ser- 
vice, was born in Maine, and was l>red a luerchant. He rose to tlio 
lii;;hcst military homir.s. The king, in reward of his services, con- 
ferred upon him the dignity of a baronet, an honor never before, or 
.«ince, conferred upon a native of New England, lie died at his scat 
111 Kittcry, Maine, IT.iil, aged sixty-three years. — /'uIIci-'h IHtluri/ 
(ind Aiiti<jiiilii:i !>/ the Norlhcru lilutei, IS44. 



to Niagara. The raising, equipping, and moving of that 
army, though it was to con.sist of only three regiments and 
some independent companies, was a work of time. Jeal- 
ousies arose between Governor Shirley and General John- 
son, and the former accused the latter of preventing the 
cordial co-operation of the St.'f Nations. Shirley probably 
lacked tlic tact to manage the Indian.s, and perhaps, not- 
withstanding his genius, was deficient in executive eipacity. 

In July, Colonel Schuyler's regiment of New Jersey 
troops was sent forward to Oswego, and in the forepart of 
August, Shirley embarked at Schenect;idy with his own 
and Sir William Pcpperell's regiments, .some independent 
companies, and a sufficient complement of artillery. Ju.st 
as he was doing so there came the news of the terrible de- 
feat of Braddock, almost at the gates of Fort Du((uesne, 
and the death of that most unfortunate general. The gov- 
ernor ^^as now commander-in-chief of all the British forces 
on the continent, but his men received a great shock from 
the disiual story, and the expedition set forth under the 
gloomiest auspices. Following the usual route, they pro- 
pelled their bateaux up the Mohawk, down Wood creek, 
through Oneida lake, and down the river of many rapids 
to Oswego, where they arrived on the 2 1st of August. 

There everything wore an animated aspect. Besides tlie 
schooner before mentioned, one or two other small vessels 
were already bearing the British flag upon Luke Ontario, 
and still others were under way. The work was pressed 
forward as speedily as possible, but no sooner were the ves- 
sels and boats ready than a .severe storm set in, which de- 
layed the embarkation for several days. 

It was not until the 26th of September that the six hun- 
dred men who were to attack Niagara went on board the 
craft intended to convey them thither. But storms and 
head-winds prevented their departure. For thirteen days 
more they remained at Oswego, ready to set forth if the 
weather abated, and then Shirley saw that the expedition 
must be deferred. Many of his men were sick, all were 
thoroughly discouraged, and the few Indians whom ho had 
induced to accompany him soon deserted what appeared to 
be the failing cause. Determined to prosecute his darling 
scheme the next year, the governor placed Colonel Mercer 
in command of the forces, gave orders for the erection of 
two new forts, and returned to Albany. 

Mercer immediately set his troops at work constructing 
the fortifications ordered by Shirley. On the east side of 
the river, about a ([uarter of a mile from Fort Oswego, a 
work was built which received the name of Fort Ontario, a 
name which has ever since been applied to some fortifica- 
tion on substantially the same site. It was about two hun- 
dred feet square, built of logs from twenty to thirty inches 
in diameter, set up on end in stockade form, and banked 
up with earth so as to make a wall fourteen feet in height. 
Outside was a ditch fourteen feet wide and ten feet deep. 
Inside, barracks were built for three hundred men. The 
work was intended to mount sixteen guns. It was proba- 
bly not finished until the spring of 175(5. 

At the same time with Fort Ontario another fortification 
was begun on the hill west of Fort Oswego, exactly on the 
site of the house erected by the late F. T. Carrington. It 
was intended to prevent Fort Oswego from being com- 



20 



HISTdKV (IF OSWEGO COLMV, xNKW VOl'.K. 



iiiaiided from llie rear, and was lo W a hundred and seventy 
feet !<i|uar<>, tlie wall bciiig a rampart of earth and stone, 
twenty I'fet thick and twelve feet hij^h, surrounded by a 
ditcli and crowned by a parapet. This work was never fin- 
ished. It was sometimes culled Fort (Jeorfic and sometimes 
New Fort Oswego. This latter fort was al.so strengthened 
by Mercer. The French imagined that its name was Fort 
Peppercll, and so designated it on some of their plans, but 
it does not appear that the English ever called it by any 
other name than Fort Oswego. 

Meanwhile, General Johnson, in his march against 
Crown Point, being threatened by Baron Dieskau, threw 
up intrenehnieiits, and when the latter made an attack he 
was repuLsed with heavy loss. Johnson neglected to take 
any advantage of his victory, and did not even attempt to 
capture Crown I'oint, tlie sole object of his expedition. 
His success, however, was the only one of the year; so the 
home government rewarded him with a colonelcy in the 
regular army, the jK^rnianent superiiitCTKlency of all the 
northern Indians, a grant of five thousand jiounds sterling, 
and a baronetcy, and he was thereafter known as Sir Wil- 
liam Johnson, — a very proper recognition of the extraordi- 
nary character o( tniy English victory in America. 

Shirley, as commander-in-chief, summoned another coun- 
cil of provincial governors at Albany in December, and 
again proposed his pet scheme of making Lake Ontario the 
main theatre of military operations. He desired that five 
thousand troops, most of theiu to be rai.sed by the colonies, 
should rendezvous at Oswego in the spring, and thence 
])roc('cd to the capture of Frontenac and Niagara, and the 
complete .severance of the French line of communications. 

Wis plan was the right one, but iiis previous failures to 
carry his fine schemes into execution were causing his star 
to jiale before the ri.sing light of the new baronet, and very 
little heed was paid to his suggestions. 

The spring of 1756 opened from the first with omens of 
disaster to the English cau.se. The new conmiander-in- 
chief of the French forces was the Marquis de i^Iontcalm, 
one of the very bravest soldiers and ablest generals who 
ever trod the soil of America, while the selection of the 
English court fell on the Earl of Loudon, probably the 
most thoroughly stupid, indolent, and incompetent man to 
whom were ever intrusted the destinies of a continent, 
devoid alike of the theoretical skill of Shirley, the rude 
vigor of Johnson, and the bull-dog courage of Braddock. 

In March a French lieutenant, with a mixed part}' of 
regulars, Canadians, and Indians, marched through the wil- 
derness from Ogdensburgh, and captured F'ort Bull, one of 
the two posts wbicli guarded the great Oneida carrying- 
)p|aee from the Mohawk river to Wood creek ; killing mo.sl 
of its garrison, destroying a large quantity of stores, and 
startling the troops at Oswego with a sense of the great 
insecurity of their slender line of communications. 

Shirley did all he could to strengthen that important 
post. He had early ordered the building of three new 
vessels there, carrying respectively twelve, sixteen, and 
eighteen guns. He organized a great number of bateau- 
men, in compatiies of fitly each (comjios<'d largely of those 
formerly engaged in the Albany and Oswego fur-trade), to 
transport army supjilies and naval stores to Lake Outario. 



These were all placed under Colonel Bradstrcet, a vigilant 
officer of the quartermaster's department, then rapidly 
rising into prominence. 

Soon, however, the governor was relieved from military 
duty, though neither the Earl of Loudon, who was to com- 
mand in chief, nor General Abercrombie, who was to have 
charge of the northern army, had yet arrived from Europe. 
Even after his removal, Shirley held a council of war at 
Albany, at which he recounted what he had done to 
strengthen Oswego and obtain complete possession of L:ike 
Ontario, and urged that four companies of scouts, of sixty 
men each, should be raised to keep open the communication 
with his favorite post. In modern jihrase, the governor 
of JIit*sachusetts had Oswego on the brain. But he spake 
to deaf ears and dull brains. 

Meanwhile De Vaudreuil, the governor-general of Canada, 
and De Montcalm, the commander ol' the forces, kej)t ears 
and eyes wide open, and brains and hands very busy. As 
soon as spring had fairly opened, the Sieur de Villiers, a 
captain in the colonial .service, was sent with seven hundred 
men to keep watch of Oswego, furnish information regard- 
ing it, hara.ss its communications, and capture su]iplies. 
This De Villiers was the same entcrprisiTig oflicer who had 
previously been operating in the vicinitj' of Fort Duquesne, 
and who had compelled the surrender of Fort Necessity by 
Major Ge<irge Washington two years before. He was a 
brother of Jumonvillc ( brothers frequently had difi"erent 
names in France, derived from their estates), who was 
killed by Washington's troops in the skirmish that brought 
on the war. Captain De Villiers played a very inijiortant 
part in Oswego County during the summer of 173(1, and 
as he was the only man who ever fully con(|uered Wash- 
ington, his proceedings are investril with jx'culiar interest. 
Monsieur De Villiers established his headi|uarters on 
Niaoure b.iy, now called Henderson bay, in Jefferson county, 
and was soon busy ; sometimes sending <lctachinents under 
his subordinates, and .sometimes marching himself with his 
main force. Scalping-parlies of Indians, or of Indians and 
French combined, frequently penetrated the wilderness, 
throughout this and previous wars, and hara.s.sed the settle- 
ments on the Mohawk. They took various routes, but 
French writers mention that a favorite one was up the 
Famine, or Salmon, river. 

About the 12th of May one of De Villiers' detachments 
attacked a party of ship-carjienters at work only three hun- 
dred yards from Fort Oswego, killing nine and ca|>turiTig 
three. A body of .soldiers was instantly sent out, but the 
wily assailants retreated into the forest so quickly that not 
even a sight of a living Frenchman was obtained, though 
the pursuers found one dead one, whom ihcy scalped and 
threw into the river. Scalping seems to have been the 
fashion on both sides at (hat time. 

A few days later a very large amount of su]iplies came 
through in two hundred bateaux and two hundred whale- 
boats, managed by about a lliou.sjuid men, probably under 
command of Bradstreet, though there is no record to that 
eflect. In passing over the falls two bateaux and two 
whale-boats were lost, and four men drowned. Pursuing 
their toiLsome way, most of them soon reached the ]iost, but 
some were detained at the reels, two miles above. On the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



morning of the 17th a lieutenant named Blair, willi twenty- 
four men, was sent up to guard the boats at the reefs. He 
was vet on his way when he was attacked by one of De 
Villiers' scouting-parties. Wounded at the first fire, the 
young officer continued to encourage his men, but was soon 
struck by a second bullet and slain. The men, under a 
sergeant, maintained their ground, and in a short time wore 
relieved by a force from the fort. One soldier was killed 
and another wounded, i)esides a Milliard: Indian killed and 
a ship-carpenter woun<led. Two French Indians were also 
killed, who were duly 8cali)ed and flung into the river. 

Notwithstanding tluit nearly two years of actu;il warfare 
had passed, war was not formally declared by England 
against France until the 18th of May, 1756; followed by 
a counter-declaration on tlie part of France on the 9th of 
June. These public declarations involved no perceptible 
change in the proceedings. 

Near the last of May, the three vessels on which the 
carpenters had been at work tliroughout the spring not 
being ready for use, Commodore Barclay, the naval com- 
mander, went out with some small ones on a voyage of 
exploration towards Niagara, from which point there were 
sonic expectations of an attack. Being met by continuous 
western winds, they returned after a fruitless voyage of 
twelve days. 

On the 10th of June De Villiers left Niaoure bay with 
his whole force, arriving in the vicinity of Fort Ontario on 
the 15th. He then arranged to make a demonstration 
against that fort the next morning with a few men, hoping 
to provoke a sortie, when he expected to destroy the sally- 
ing party by an ambuscade. All his men, and particularly 
his Indians, were carefully instructed not to fire until the 
English made a sortie. At daybreak the next morning 
the combined force of French and Indians moved forward. 
Early as it was, they found eight men at work a little dis- 
tance out.side. This was too much for the Indians. With 
a yell that rang far over lake and forest, and brought every 
man in both garrisons to his feet, a host of the savages 
iu.shed forward, fired their muskets on the unfortunate 
sijuad, and the next moment had torn the bleeding scalps 
from five who lay dead upon the ground. 

The sarrison of Fort Ontario, which consisted of Colonel 
Schuyler's New Jersey regiment, sprang to arms and opened 
a brisk fire on the enemy when they appeared on the edge 
of the forest. But it was in vain that De Villiers, by 
showing a small force, endeavored to provoke a sortie ; the 
terrific yell and tremendous fusilade with which the un- 
lucky workmen had been greeted had put every one on his 
guard, and the conflict .soon became a mere exchange of 
shots between the a.ssailants and the defenders of the post. 
After an hour and a half of such firing, De Villiers drew 
off his men and retreated eastward. Schuyler lost but a 
few men in addition to those surprised at the first onslaught, 
and the French lo.ss was also small. 

About the 23d of June Commodore Barclay again went 
on a cruise with his flotilla, consisting of his flag-ship, the 
" Oswego," carrying four four-pounders, one three-pounder, 
and forty-five seamen and sailors; the "Ontario," CapUiin 
Lafory, carrying the same number of guns ; and a little 
schooner with six little swivels and thirteen men. On their 



return, after a four-days' triji, they were diased by four of 
the enemy's vessels, two of whom tlie French called 
" barks," and two " corsairs." Considering the great im- 
portance of his little squadron to the welfare of Oswego, 
the commodore thought it best to make all .sail for that 
port, where he arrived safely with his two larger vessels, 
while the little schooner was seized by the foe. 

On the 1st of July, 175t), CVlonel Bradstreet arrived at 
Oswego with six hundred bateaux, bringing sixteen car- 
riage-guns, and sixteen swivels for the new vessels, which 
were still unfinished, besides an iinnii^nse amount of ammu- 
nition and other supplies. Two hundred .soldiers also came 
through to join the garrison, and Colonel Mercer, the com- 
mander, did his best to put the new fort on the hill in a 
proper state of defense. Through the foresight of Governor 
Shirley and the exertions of Colonel Bradstreet, Oswego 
was now amply supplied with provisions and ammunition ; 
the only question being whether there were men enough to 
defend it against an attack in force. 

Bradstreet's right-hand man in this expedition, as in 
other enterprises, was a slender, fair-faced young soldier of 
twenty-three, ever active, but never flurried, a descendant 
of one of the oldest families of Albany, and destined' to 
make his family name cue of the must illustrious in the 
annals of America. This was Captain Philip Schuyler, 
afterwards the celebrated major-general of the llevolutiouary 
army, who had been selected by the clear-headed Bradstreet 
as his chief assistant, and who then held the important 
post of commissary of the expedition of relief. 

On the third of July Colonel Bradstreet started on liis 
return, with his well-armed and partially-disciplined batoau- 
men in their empty boats, arranged in three divisions. 
Strict orders were given that they should keep close to- 
gether, but the roughness and rapidity of the river prevented 
complete obedience. When Bradstreet himself, being near 
the head of his command, was about nine miles above Os- 
wego, and near the small island now known as Battle 
island, the report of a hundred muskets rang out from the 
dense forest on the eastern shore, and several of his men 
fell killed and wounded around liim. And then 

"At ouee thor« rose so wild a yell, 
As all the tiends from Ileaveu that fell 
Had pealed the banner-cry of Hell!" 

while the dark forms of a host of naked savages were seen 
half concealed amid the trees. 

De Villiers had arranged a more complete ambuscade, but 
had been disappointed by the impatience of his Indians, 
who fired at the first bateaux they saw, instead of waiting 
for the whole line of boats to come abreast of them. 
Seeing that concealment was no longer po.ssible, the French 
commander ordered his Canadians also to open fire. 

Confusion spread rapidly among the bateau-men, but 
Bradstreet was fully equal to the etuergency. Ordering 
the main body to set their bateaux to the western shore 
and cflFect a landing, he himself, with a few of those nearest 
him, sprang to the island befjre mentioned, and returned 
the enemy's fire, in order to cover the movement of the 
others. One of this gallant band was Captain Schuyler. 
A s((uad of Indians, carrying their guns and ammunition 
above their heads, diishcd through the water and attempted 



28 



IIIST0I5Y (IF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



to clear llie island. I5rii(l.-.trwt ami ScliuvliT sIikhI their 
f^dUliJ, and the iL'^.'^ailarit.-^ were iH-atrii hack, lull did not 
leave the island. 

Both parties were ruinrorccd till the Knj^lish had about 
twenty, and the Indians nuiuhered twice as many. The 
latter made another attack, but were a^in unsuccessful, 
thou";!! they succeeded in wouiidin>r eij;ht of" their Tot's. 
A do»-n more bateau-men came to Br.idstnot's aid, and the 
Indians were likely to be destroyed, when De Villiers placed 
hini-self at the head of fifty Canadians, and waded thrtiuj;h 
the strt^im to the relief of his alliis. 

A very sharp conflict now ensued between the detach- 
ments under the two commanders, and the bullets flew 
thick amon^ the trees on the little island. Whenever a 
man fell, if his slayer could n-.ieh him, he was forthwith 
scalped, and a yell of triumph arose fioiu the throat of the 
victor. Among those who fell wounded was a French 
Canadian, whom an enraged bateau-man at once lifted his 
tomahawk to dispatch. Cajilain l^chuyler interposed, s;ived 
his life, and bade him consider himself his prisoner. As 
Bradstreet and his men acted on the defensive, and i-aroly 
left the shelter of their triHiS, they were enabled a third 
time to drive hack the as.sailants, and De Villiers soon re- 
treated to the main-land. As the French report puts it, 
he rescued the endanj:ercd Indians and retired ; but, from 
a perusal of both accounts, we have no doubt that he was 
really defeated at every point, though he captured a few 
prisoners. The conflict on the island lasted about an 
hour. 

Meanwhile the bateati-mcn had fastened their boats to 
the western shore, had been formed in line bj' their sub- 
ordinate leadei-s, and were exchanging shots with the enemy 
acro.ss the river. Leaving a detachment thus engaged, De 
Villiers marched with his main force to ford the river a 
mile farther up, and fall on Hradstreet's rear. The latter 
]perceived the movement, and at once transferred his force 
from the island to the main-land to frustrate it. There 
W!LS hut one bateau available, and this was crowded with 
English wounded. Schuyler's dis;ibled jirisonor begged to 
be taken with them, but was refused. 

"Then," he exclaimed, in accents of despair, "then 
fling me into the river, so I may die (juickly ; do not leave 
mo here to perish of hunger and thirst." 

The gallant and humane Schuyler could not endure this 
distressing appeal. Giving his coat and weapons to a com- 
rade, he supported the wounded Frenchman with one arm, 
and with the other swam across the rushing current to the 
mainland. He gave the wounded man in charge of Dr. 
Kirkland, the surgeon of the expedition, under who.se care 
he finally recovered. Twenty years afterwards, when 
Major-fJencral I'hilip Schuyler was commander of the 
norlhern department of the Continental army, a portion of 
which Was invading Canada, the poor Canadian, though 
caring little for the political questions involved, yet joined 
the American forces, that he might once more meet the 
man who had twice saved his life on Battle island. 

On reaching the maiu-laiid, Bradstrcet, still accompanied 
by Schuyler, at once set forth with two hundri^d and fifty 
men to meet the French. Ca|>tain John Butler, afterwards 
tlie celebrated Tory leader during the Revolution, was left 



in charge of the remaining men to guartl the bateaux. On 
Biad.st reel's arrival at the destined point, he found that De 
Villiers had already forded the river, and taken possession 
of a pine swamp on the west side, at the outlet of Lake 
Neahlawanla. Bradstrcet engaged them, and an action an 
hour long took placr, all fighting from behind trees, Indian 
fashion. Finally, the commander of tlie Americans led 
his men into the swamji and drove the enemy to the river, 
where many of them were killed in crossing it. 

The French and Indians then fled in gnsit haste, bc-aring 
twenty-six scalps, taking along a few prisoners, and having 
wounded twenty-six batciiu-men, but without destroying a 
single one of the bateaux, and leaving the ground strewn 
with abandoned muskets and blankets. It was reported 
that a patrol from Oswego found .seventy-four French and 
Indians killed, but that was probably an exaggeration. 

While the bateau-men were congratulating themselves 
on the victory, the drums of advancing infantry were heard, 
and a company of grenadiers of Shirley's regiment marched 
up from tlie south, being on their way to .strengtlien Oswego. 

A report of the facts being forwarded to Colonel Mercer, 
the latter sent up two hundred men, with whom and the 
grenadiers Bradstreet proposed to pursue the enemy the 
next morning. A severe rain, however, prevented, and it 
would jirobably have l>een u.selcss, as the foe was doubtless 
by that time in his boats and on his way to Henderson 
bay. The Eilglish snppoi^cd that tlic French had a per- 
manent cauip about twelve miles ea.st of Oswego, but this 
was a mi.stake. De Villiers' head(|uarters were all the while 
at Henderson bay. 

Bradstreet hastened b.ack to Albany, where he arrived 
about the Kith of July, anil immediately iin|Hirlniied Gen- 
eral Abercrombie, who had arrived in the month of June, 
to send reinforcements to Oswego. Sir William Johnson, 
also, who had lat*;l}' jiersuaded the Six Nations to consent 
to the laying out of a military road to that post, declared 
that his influence over them would be gone if Oswego 
should be taken. Governor .Shirley, tix), who, though de- 
prived of military rank, still remained near the border, re- 
iterated the necessity of sustaining his darling fortress. 
All was u.seless. Abercromhie billeted his troops at Albany 
and began fortifying that town, as if expecting that the far 
inferior forces of the French would soon be at its gates. 

On the 2'Jth of July his excellency the Earl of Loudon, 
commander-in-chief of his majesty's forces in America, ar- 
rived in Albany to begin his campaign. He, too, refu.sed 
to aid Oswego, and made .some feeble preparations to atUick 
Crown Point. At length, however, the representations of 
everybody who knew anything of American matters in- 
duced him to order Colonel Webb, with a brigade of troops, 
to march to the relief of the endangered fortress. 

Doling all this time that vigilant chief I'ield-Marshal 
tilt! .NIari|uis de Montcalm, was doing all that lay in human 
power to take advanUige of the blunders of his foes, and to 
remedy by his genius the smallness of his force. Every 
expo.sed point of his own was guarded, every exposed point 
of the enemy was watched, and his communications were 
kept up, .so that he could strike at whatever locality might 
show the best jirospeet of success. 

Determined to destroy, if po.ssible, the long-dctcstcd 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



29 



Chouenuen, he made his preparations at once to carry out 
his purpose and to conceal it from the English. Rigaud 
de Vaudreuii, governor of the Canadian department of 
Tiirca Rivers, was sent with a fresh body of colonial troops 
and Indians to take command of De Villicrs' camp, on 
Henderson bay, where ho must have arrived about the time 
that vigilant partism retunu'd from his attack on Brad- 
street. The battalion of Boarn was recalled from Niagara 
to Frontenac. Colonel De Bourlamaque, at the latter post, 
was ordered to make preparations for forwarding an army. 
Descombles, an engineer, was sent forward witii an escort 
to reconnoitre Oswego, and then on the 27th of June the 
marquis set out from Montreal for Crown Point and Tieon- 
deroga. 

Here he was very active for a few days, and his presence 
soon became known to the English, and was probably one 
of the inducements for the dull-witted Abercrombie to for- 
tify Albany. Having made the necessary preparations for 
the defense of the Lake Cliamplain route, and sufficiently 
advertised his presence there, De IMontcalm set out for 
Montreal on the 15th of July. Urging his sinewy oarsmen 
to their best endeavors, his bateau sped down Lake Cham- 
plain and the river St. Johns, and on the 19th he reached 
the capital of Canada. One day was devoted to a final 
conference with the governor-general. On the 21.st the 
commander-in-chief was again afloat. Despite the rapids 
which made the St. Lawrence so tedious to ascend, he 
re;ichcd Fort Frontenac on the 29tli. In six days he or- 
ganized his army, made sure of its complete equipment, and 
.set forth with the first division. On the 6th- of August 
they arrived at Henderson bay, which had been designated 
as the final rendezvous, and on the 8th were followed 
thither by the second division. 

Despite all his endeavors, the marquis could muster 
hardly three thousand men for this important expedition. 
The l"lnglisli afterwards exaggerated the number to five or 
six thousand, to cover the disgrace of their defeat, but 
French writers state it at scant three thousand, and from 
the details they give we have no doubt that that is substan- 
tially correct. Of these the three European battalions of 
La Sarre, Guienne, and Beam numbered about thirteen 
hundred, the Canadians nearlj" a thousand, and the Indians 
probably about five hundred. De Montcalm, however, had 
taken good care that there should bo in addition an excel- 
lent train of artillery, which, with its eiiuipnicnts and the 
supplies, occupied eighty of the strongest bateaux. 

The same day (August 8) that the last division arrived 
at Henderson bay, the marquis sent forward the vanguard, 
under Rigaud de Vaudreuii. They rowed all night, in 
order to conceal themselves from the English, and early 
the next morning reached their temporary destination, a 
]ilace called "L'Anse aux Cabanos," — Cabin cove. This 
point is stated by a French writer to have been three 
French leagues (seven and a half miles) from Oswego, and 
the attendant circum.stancos show that the statement was 
nearly correct. That would fix the locality at one of the 
indentures in the shore, in the northwest corner of the 
town of Scriba. The editor of the Documentary History 
of New York locates "L'An.sc aux Cabancs" at Sandy 
Creek bay, lint that is entirely out of the qucstiim. The 



first division, however, under Do Montcalm in person, went 
from Henderson bay to Sandy Creek bay the night of the 
8th, and bivouacked at the latter place all day of the 9th. 
At nightfall they again set forth, and reached Cabin cove 
at two o'clock the morning of the 10th. They had four 
cannon with them, but the most of the artillery was with 
the second division, which followed more slowly. 

At six o'clock, the morning of the lOth, the vanguard 
set forth through the woods, reaching the lake again at a 
cove which the French accounts locate only a mile and a 
half from Fort Ontario, and consequently just within the 
present limits of Oswego city. There is a projection into 
the lake, however, just east of the city limits, and it is 
probable that behind that projection was the cove that shel- 
tered the invaders. Here the vanguard remained perfectly 
quiet all day, without the English having apparently the 
slightest suspicion of their presence. Aft<;r dark De MonU 
calm, with the first division, rowed cautiously along the 
shore, reaching at midnight the cove where the vanguard 
waited ready to cover their landing. The four cannon 
were at once landed, and formed in a battery looking out 
upon the lake, the bateaux were fastened to the shore, and 
the wearied soldiers flung themselves down on the beach 
for a few hours' rest. 

At three o'clock in the morning, Descombles, the chief 
engineer, went forward to the edge of the forest to recon- 
noitre the forts, the object of all this preparation. Return- 
ing ere it was fairly light, he was mistaken by an Indian 
for an Englishman, shot, and instantly killed. The French 
movement could no longer be concealed. As day began to 
break the Canadians and Indians were pushed forward to 
within two hundred rods of Fort Ontario, forming a curved 
line of investment from the lake to the river. Many of 
the Indians skulked among the stumps of the clearing, and 
opened fire on the astonished soldiers as they appeared on 
the walls of the fortress. 

This seems to have been the first indication that the 
English had that a French army was anywhei-e this .side of 
Montreal. The fire was returned from the garrison, but 
even yet they did not know but that the assailants were 
merely some of De Villicrs' rangers renewing their old 
tricks. Sieur Desandronius, the only surviving engineer, 
designated the route for a road for the cannon through the 
woods, and the laborers began work on it at eleven o'clock. 
At noon Commodore Barclay with his three vessels sailed 
out of port. Discovering the right of the French camp 
near the landing-place, he fired a few fruitless shots at it, 
but WIS easily driven off by the battery before mentioned. 
All the afternoon the soldiers worked at the road for the 
artillery, and continued their labors far into the night to 
complete it. 

The force in the three fortifications which the Marquis 
de Montcalm was about to attack had been somewhat in- 
creased during the spring, and now numbered about fifteen 
hundred men. Of these, the main strength was in the 
regiments known as "Shirley's" and " Peppcrell's." They 
were otherwise designated as the first and second royal 
American regiments, being a portion of the British regular 
army, but raised principally in America. Their colonels, 
whose names they bore, were Governor Shirley and Sir 



■AU 



iiisToitv (»!•• ()s\VEt;o corv'i'v m;\v vouk. 



\\'illiain Pcpperell, but, as was the case with uiost colonels 
in the Briti.sli army, they did not wrve with llii;ir ref;inients. 
lVp[)erull's was eoniiiiaiided liy Jiieutciiant-fiilonel Mercer, 
who was also cuiiiiuaiider of the post, and Shirley's by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Lilllehales. These two rc<;inicnt8 had 
seen ser\'ice in Europe, but had been s<'nt to America on 
the outbreak of hostilities here. They had been much de- 
pleted, but numbered together about nine hundred men fit 
for duty. 

There was also a weiik n'ljiniciit of New .Icrscy militia 
under Colonel Schuyler, a relative of Captain Philip Schuy- 
ler, contaiuing about two hundred men ; two or three inde- 
jiendent companies, iiumberitif: ]ierhaps a hundred more, 
besides some three hundred carpenters, laborers, sailors, etc., 
will, were trained to manage the guus and otherwise aid the 
defense. 

It was not until the morning of the 12th that the second 
division of De Montcalm's army arrived with ilu- numerous 
bateaux laden with the artillery and jirovisions. A large 
))iU-t (if this artillery had been raptured from the unlucky 
JJraddock the year before. Both artillery and supplies 
were uidoaded duiing the foivnoon, right under the eyes 
of Commodore Barclay, who was cruising off shore with 
his three vessels. The commodore showed a very apathetic 
spirit throughout the whole affair. He might have done 
the French greht, perhaps irreparable, damage while they 
were landing, and ought to have risked the destruction of 
his vessels to do it. J}ut they Were allowed to carr}' on 
their preparations without interruption from the ships, 
Montcalm pushing them forward with indefatigable energy. 

As engineer Desandronius was a young, inexperienced 
man. Captain Pouchot, of the Beam regiment, who was 
also an engineer, was directed to take charge of the opera- 
tions. This was the same able officer to whose memoirs of 
the war of 1754-60 we are largely indebted for information 
regarding the operations in Oswego County. 

Firing was kept up briskly from Fort Ontario through- 
out the day, but at eleven o'clock at night it ceased. It 
was not until midnight that the French were ready to begin 
work on the trenches, and then hibor was at once com- 
menced in the darkness, among the stumps, and continued 
until daylight. In this time a parallel six hundred feet 
long had been erected within a little over five hundred feet 
from Fort Ontario. The French now ^pencd a heavy fire 
on the fort, which responded to them through the fore- 
noon, but with constantly decreasing energy. At three in 
the afternoon the watchful Fn'nehmen observed a great 
commotion between the fort and the river, and in a few 
moments it was evident that Fort Ontario was being evacu- 
ated. Colonel ."Mercer sent over some whale-boats for the 
purpose, and in great disorder the garrison Jiassed to the 
other side. They were so well protected by the guns of 
Fort Oswego that the French were not able to do them any 
serious damage in their retreat. Only four men had been 
killed and wounded in Fort Ontario. Perhaps, in view of 
the suiall size of his force. Colonel .fiercer was justified in 
contracting his lines, but the movement greatly encouraged 
the French, and correspondingly depressed the Knglish. 
Eight small cannon and four mortars were left in the de- 
serted fortress, which was at once taken jio.ssessiou of by 



the joyful French, while their red allies made the woods 
re-echo with their yells of triumph, striking terror into all 
the timorous hearts in the Ixjleagured garrison. 

Merc-er soon sent Pepperell's regiment and a hundred of 
Smiley 's to reinforce Colonel Schuyler at the redoubt on 
the hill, where they weiv employed during the day in cut- 
j ting down the bushes which afforded a cover for assailant-s, 
' and making other jireparations against an attack. 

All day De Montcalm jireKsed on the siege with renewed 
vigor. A small, lithe, active man, as rapid of speech as of 
motion, the manpiis hurried to and fro, regiirdless of dan- 
gi-r, 8U|)ervising everything, pouring out wjnsurc or prai.s*; 
as occasion re(piired, and infusing his own impetuous spirit 
into all his men. 

The guns of Fort Ontario were turned upon Fort Oswego. 
The south end of the new trench was curved to the we.^t 
and carried down to the river's edge, where at nightfall a 
battery wjis erected, designed to beat down the walls of Fort 
O.swego, and also reach the line of communication between 
that and Fort George. Darkness only inerexsed the labor. 
The whole army was set at work, and twenty cannon were 
carried in their arms (a Herculean task) to the places 
designed for them. 

At daylight the ever-active Montcalm ordered Kigaud de 
Vaudrcuil, with his Canadians and Indians, to cross the 
river a little way uji, occupy the woods on the other side, 
and harass the English rear. The gidlant parti.^an imme- 
diatel}' flung himself into the foaming stream and made his 
waj' across it, followed by the whole body of provincials and 
savages, some swimming, some in water to waist or neck, 
but all successful iu reaching the western shore. They 
took positions in the edge of the forest, and made a target 
of every Engli.shman who showed his head above the 
parapets. 

At six o'clock Montcalm had nine heavy guns ready for 
use in his new battery, and then the g-ame commenced in 
earnest. This was the most serious fighting during the 
siege. The roar of the heavy battery resounded through 
the forest and rolled out upon the lake; other French 
guns in various lociitions added to the din. The Engli.>h 
res]X)nded with the fire of twelve cannon and four mortars, 
while the yells of the furious Indians in the forest added 
to the terrors of the .scene. One of the Knglish mortars 
burst. Soon aHerwards, ajid between eight and nine o'clock. 
Colonel Mercer was killed while gallantly directing the fire 
of the Engli.sh guns. 

The eommand devolved upon Lieutenant-Colonel .lohn 
Liltleliales, who certainly .seems to have lost his head amid 
the terrible confusion reigning around. He ordered Colonel 
Sehuvler to abandon Fort (Jeorgt;, where Mercer had placed 
him, thus leaving Fort Oswego liable to be commanded from 
that importimt position. Two of Schuyler's men were 
killed while marching down. The firing was still kept up 
from Fi>rl Oswego ; but Littli'hales had evidently lost heart 
as well as head. He s( on called a council of the field-officers 
and captains, and they, taking their tone from their com- 
mander, ipiite readily agreed to a capitulation. A flag was 
sent to Montcalm, and after some parleying the forts were 
surrendered, the garri.son became prisoners of war, and not 
only all the ammunition, stores, etc., were yielded up, but 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKVV YORK. 



31 



all the vessels, fiiiislied as well as unfinished, with twelve 
naval officers and nearly two hundred seamen. 

From a comparison of different accounts, it is (|uit-e cer- 
tain that at the time of" the surrender not over thirty of the 
Anglo- American force had been killed or wounded. The 
French loss was stated by themselves at thirty ; that of the 
English, who were sheltered, could not well have been 
larger. Several of Shirley's regiment who escaped fixed it 
at twenty-four, and the latter number is probably very near 
correct. The total number of men made prisoners was 
fifteen hundred and twenty, but of those, as has been said, 
several hundred were .sailors, carpenters, artificers, etc.; all 
of whom, however, worked the guns, or did other duty 
about the forts. There was an ample sujiply of provisions 
and ammunition, no less than twenty-three thousand 
pounds of powder being among the spoils gained by the 
victors ; and under all the circumstances the surrender 
must be considered highly discreditable to Colonel Little- 
hales. The victors themselves were surprised at the ease 
with which their triumph was gained. 

The French took iumiediate possession, and then fol- 
lowed one of those scenes so frequent in the old border 
wars of America, which sully the lustre of the brightest 
victory. Near one hundred of the captives were slain by 
the enraged Indians, and their scalps, torn from their man- 
gled remains, were borne to decorate the wigwams of their 
murderers on the banks of the St. Lawrence, the Ottawa, 
and Lake Huron. The massacre was at length stopped by 
the interposition of Montcalm ; but one cannot help think- 
ing that he must have known how the savages would act, 
and that he might have prevented their cruelties entirely 
if he had been very anxious to do so. It looks as if he 
thought it would cause disaffection if he prevented entirely 
their feast of blood, and did not interfere till they had been 
partially satiated. 

We are aware that it has been doubted whether any 
massacre was perpetrated, but all the statements point the 
same way. One French writer, who was present, says dis- 
tinctly that the Indians " perpetrated there a midtitude of 
horrors, and assassinated more than one hundred persons, 
included in the capitulation, without our being able to pre- 
vent them, or having the right to remonstrate with them." 
Another stated that one hundred and fifty English were 
killed and wounded, " including several soldiers, who, wish- 
ing to escape into the woods, fell into the hands of the 
Indians." Deducting thirty for the number killed and 
wounded in the fighting, leaves a hundred and twenty who 
fell beneath the savage tomahawks. This accords with the 
statement of the first-mentioned writer, that over u hun- 
dred were massacred. He said nothing about their at- 
tempted escape, and that was probably a mere excuse. 
Montcalm himself wrote that the savages attempted a mas- 
sacre, but that he prevented it. But that intervention did 
not take place until after many had been slain ; too late to 
clear the memory of Montcalm from the suspicion of con- 
nivance. 

There is reason to believe, too, that .some of the prisoners 
were reserved by the .savages for the still more lioi-rible fate 
of death by torture. Among the prisoners was Francis 
Jjcwis, afterwards a distinguished citizen of New Y^ork, 



and one of the .signers of the Declaration of Independence. 
His biography, together with that of Governor Morgan 
Lewis, has lately been published by his descendant, Mrs. 
Dclafield. There is one anecdote, which the authoress 
received from her grandfather, Morgan Lewis, and he from 
Francis Lewis, which bears directly on the question of the 
treatment of the Oswego prisoners. Although it comes to 
the public at third hand, yet the main facts are so impor- 
tant, and must have been so well known in the Lewis 
family, that there could hardly be any serious mistake ; 
and besides, in regard to the atrocities committed by the 
Indians, it harmonizes but too well with accounts derivetl 
from French sources. Mrs. Delafield says : 

" Montcalm allowed his Indian allies to select thirty 
prisoners as their share of the booty, and Lewis was one of 
the number. The Indians retreated northward. Towards 
the c!o.se of each day, when they found by the side of a 
mountain stream, or in a sheltered valley, a pleasant spot 
which invited them to rest and to feast, they lit their fires 
and celebrated their victory by the sacrifice of a captive. 

" The bloody rite was repeated so often that Lewis was 
certain of the fate awaiting him. He was not a man under 
any circumstances to lo.sc his presence of mind or to de- 
spair. He seemed to submit, watched, and waited. Two 
wariiors were selected as his guard. As the prisoner 
showed no disposition to escape, they were satisfied with 
binding his arms, allowing him to walk otherwise un- 
shackled while they beguiled the time talking together. 

" Presently words familiar to his childhood struck his 
ear. Acquainted with both the Gaelic aud Cymraeg dia- 
lects, it was easy for him to join in their conversation. It 
may be that Lewis was gifted with the power of controlling 
men, — it may be that his calm and dignified bearing had 
already had an influence upon the savages. When they 
found that there was the tie of a common language between 
them, he was no longer a prisoner,— he was treated as a 
friend and brother. They accompanied him to Montreal, 
recommended him to the protection of the governor, and 
requested that he might be permitted to return at once to 
his home. This permission, however, was not granted. 
He was sent to France in a cartel and exchanged." 

Lewis was a native of Wales, where he learned the 
" Cymraeg dialect ;" and it is suggested that the Indians 
might have acquired some knowledge of the Breton lan- 
guage, which is almost identical with the Welsh, from the 
French settlers at Cape Breton. It would be foreign to 
our purpose to enter into any discussion of this branch of 
the subject, but the story, coming from so distinguished a 
man as Francis Lewis, adds much to the evidence that a 
portion of the captured garrison of Oswego was mas.sacred 
by Montcalm's Indian allies. 

The Indians departed for their homes almost immedi- 
ately after the close of the siege. The main body of the 
French remained for a week. During that time the re- 
maining prisoners were sent away under guard ; the cap- 
tured supplies and artillery, as well as what the French had 
brought, W(Me shipped, and then the fortifications of Chou- 
aguen, so long an eye-sore to French officials, were razed 
U> the ground. The buildings were burned, and utter deso- 
lation reigned over the locality so long considered the bul- 



HISTORY OF OSWKliO C'OINTV, NEW YORK. 



Wiirk of the province of .\i:\v Vcik. (Jii tin- lil.st of Aujiust 
the victorious arm^ rc-cuitiarkni und returiiod to tlie bay 
of Niaoure. wlieiice the various corps were distrihutcd where 
their pre.sfnee w:ia needed, and the couiuuinder-in-chief 
proceeded to Montreal. 

The numbers eu;.,'aj;ed were small, but in every other re- 
spect this achievement of the Marijuis de Montcalm is 
entitled to rank as one of the most brilliant in the annals 
of war. From beginnin<; to end not a mi.*step was made. 
The concentration of forces at Fronlenau jind Niaoure, the 
cngjiging of the enemy's attention by the appe-arance of the 
uiaripiis on Lake (ictirj^e, his rapid return and advance up 
the St. Lawrence, the silent movement alon;,' the lake-shore 
in the night, the unloading the artillery in face of the 
enemy's fliiet. the amazing energy with wliieh the .-iege was 
pushed forward, and the vulor with which the example of 
the commander inspired his soldiers, all show the work of 
the nia.ster, and display in the clearest light the remarkable 
military genius of Field- Marshal the Manjuis de Montcalm. 
It is the more to be regretted that the suspicion of conniv- 
ing at cruelty mars the lustre of the brilliant achievement. 
Possibly that su.«picion is unfounded. 

Durnig all this while the English authorities were as 
stupid and dilatory as the French were skillful and ener- 
getic. We have mentioned that the Earl of Ixiudon had 
at length ordered Colonel Webb, with a brig-ade of troops, 
to march to the relief of 0.swego. That officer faithfully 
copying the example of his superiors, did not get his com- 
mand under motion from Albany till the lUth of August, 
two days before the surrender. On his way up the Mo- 
hawk he was met by an express bearing the news of the 
arrival of the French before the filled fcirtioss. The mes- 
senger went on to Albany, and J..ord Jioudon, on learning 
the news, ordered Sir William John.-oii to march to the 
support of Webb. 

At the " Oneida carrying-place," now Rome, the latter 
officer was met by a few scattered fugitives, bringing news 
of the surrender. Although it was to be expected that 
Montcalm would advance uj)on the settlements, and though 
the safety of the Jlohawk valley depended on holding the 
forts at the portage, Webb turned and fled with rapid stejis 
towards Albany. Everywhere eonsteruati(jn reigned su- 
preme. Oswego had so long been considered the main 
defen.se from attack in that fjuarter, that the news of its 
eapl\ire filled all minds with the expectation of a hostile 
army marching down the valley, and, wor.se still, of blood- 
thirsty Indians making that peaceful land hideous with 
indescribable atrocities. Fortunately, Moulealm's force was 
too small to justify a farther advance. 

The reuiaiiidir of 1750 and the whole of 17"i7 jiassed 
away very (|uietly, so far as Oswego was concerned, though 
the province of New York suffered severely on account of 
its loss. The Mohdirku had been profoundly impressed 
with (he prowess of the French in cajituring the very gsitc- 
way of their domain, and in April, 1757, a delegiilion of 
their chiefs visiled Montreal to treat for peace. Satisfiietory 
arrangements were made, and all the JiikjiihIs except the 
Mohmchs remained neutral, while the French anil the 
Canadian Indians ravaged the frontiers. The Biilish gen- 
erals acti d as if (lny, Ii'h, were nciilral, ami (lie year 1757 



elo.Hd ill dijigrace, foreboding the de»truction of the Engli^h 
dominion in Aiuerica. 

Rut in 1758 the celebrated William Pitt became prime 
minister of England, and new vigor was ut once infused 
into all the English ojierations. Various im|iorlant French 
posts were captured. All of De Montcalm's energies were 
requiri'd to defend Lower Canada from invasion. Fort 
Fronteiiae was left- with but a small guard. The enter- 
prising Bradstreet being commissioned as brigadier-general, 
asked jiermission to take a force by way of Oswego and 
capture Frontenae, but was refused by General Aliercrom- 
bie, now become commander-in-chief. Rut in July, Aber- 
crombie was defeated with terrible slaughter at Tieonderoga. 
Bradstreet then renewed his rcfpiest, and, as it was desira- 
ble to do something to ameliorate the effects of that defeat 
on the ]iublic mind, his petition was granted. 

Provided with the rc(|uisite orders, and accompanied as 
usual by his de](Uty, — Major Philiji Schuyler, — Brad.strect 
hastened to the Oneida portage, where he found (jener.il 
Stanwix with nearly three thousand provincial troops, re- 
building the fort at that |>(>iiit. which thenceforth bore his 
name. Of these IJradstreet took command, and proceeded 
with all speed to Oswego. In the words of a contemporary, 
he flew rather than marched. Fa.st as he went, however, 
still faster s|(ed Major Schuyler, in comniand of the advance- 
guard, accompanied by a corpis of ship-e:irpenters and other 
artisans. He arrived at Oswego several days before Brad- 
street, and instantly began the construction of a schooner, 
called the '' Mohawk, " intended to carry the neees.sarj" can- 
non for the expedition. He urged on -the work with such 
energy that in three weeks the vessel was ready for sea. 
^leanwhile Rrailstreet had arrived, bringing with him the 
bateaux and whale-bnals with which he had .so iil\en navi- 
gated the Oneida lake and river, and about the 20th of 
August his army embarked on Lake Ontario. 

Among the New York regiments in this expedition was 
one commanded by Colonel Charles Clinton, the ancestor of 
a family which has had more influence than any other over 
the destinies of the Slate of New York. The captain of 
one of its comjianies was the colonel's third son, — James. — 
afterwards a" distinguished Revolutionary general, and the 
father of De Witt Clinton. The lieutenant of Captain 
James Clinton's company was his younger bnither, — 
George, — governor of New York for nearly Iweiily years 
after its independence, and for eight years vice-jiresident 
of the United Stales. 

After a short voyage the expedition arrived belore Fort 
Frontenae, and as that post was defended by only a hun- 
dred and fifty nien, it was soon surrendered In the English 
commander, together with an ininien.se ipiantity of stores. 
Early in September, the army relurned to Oswego, whence 
the greater porliixi of it prnceeded to the .setllenienls. A 
delachmeiit (but whether detached before or after the expe- 
dition to Fronleiiac is uncertain) built in that year (1758) a 
new fori, a short dislanee below Oswego falls. Its name, if it 
had one, is unknown. It was octagonal in furin,witli the sides 
curved inward, and the angles very acute, making it almost 
star-shaped. The west Jiart of it was cut off when the O.s- 
wego canal was dug, but the remains of the rest could be 
Iraecd down to a lew yeaiTi ago. Filly rods below was aLso 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 






to be seen, within the recollection of the earliest settlers, 
the remains of another fortification, semicircular in form, 
situated on the high bank of the river; but this is supposed 
to liave been built before the coming of the white man, 
cither by Indians or some still earlier race. 

A fort was also built — probably this year (1758), but 
possibly the next — at Three Eivers point, on the east side 
of the Oswego, in the present town of Schroeppel, — a small 
fortification only about twenty yards scjuare, but provided 
with four bastions, and having three large store-houses on 
the inside. 

Early in 1759, General Amherst was appointed com- 
niander-in-ehief, and herculean efforts were made by Eng- 
land and her colonies to overthrow the French power in 
America. Owing to her superiority by sea, Great Britain 
could transfer much larger armies to the seat of war than 
could her Gallic rival, and the populous colonies which bor- 
dered the Atlantic could give far more aid than eould the 
scattered settlements on the shores of the St. Lawrence. 

Again Oswego County became the scene of hostile opera- 
tions. Captain Pouchot, the engineer at the capture of 
Oswego, was in command at Fort Niagara. Early in June 
he sent a colonial officer named Blainville, with a company 
of Mis.fisaiiffa Indians, to .see what was going on in this 
vicinity. They went up the Oswego a few miles, and then 
went back and reported to Pouchot that there were no 
English to be found. Had they gone as far as the falls 
they would have found an English army even then making 
the portage around that obstruction. It was under the 
command of General Pridcaux, who, with two thousand 
regulars and provincials, was on his way to attack Furt Ni- 
agara. At Oswego he was joined by Sir William Johnson 
with about seven hundred warriors of the Six Nations. 
They had evidently become satisfied that the English 
would succeed in the contest, and had recovered fnim their 
neutrality. In a .short time some two hundred and fifty 
more Iroquois, from the banks of the St. Lawrence, who 
had long been under French influence, came to place them- 
selves under the command of the baronet. 

On the first of July, Pridcaux and Johnson, with their 
motley command, embarked on Lake Ontario in open boats 
and turned their prows toward Fort Niagara. Colonel 
Haldiniand, with five or six hundred provincials, was left 
to guard Oswego. It was supposed that the French were 
all gathered on the lower St. Lawrence to resist Wolfe, but 
still it was deemed advisable to erect a .stockade. A large 
portion of the men were daily sent to the forest to cut logs 
for that purpiise. Jleanwhile, Haldiniand made a kind of 
wall around his camp out of barrels of pork and flour, of 
whieh there were an immense number. 

On the 5th of July, the workmen to the eastward of the 
camp were suddenly fired on by a body of French and In- 
dians. Retreating quickly to the camp they found it in wild 
confusion, men rushing from the forest in all directions, 
while those already there were ensconcing theui.selves 
behind the barricade of barrels to repel the fbe. The 
assailants were the advance-guard of a onsidcrable force 
under the Chevalier de la Corne. He commanded five or 
six hundred Canadians from Frontcnac, and several hundred 
Christian Indians from the mission of La Presentation (now 



Ogdensburgh). The Abbe Picquet, the chief of that mis- 
sion, accompanied his converts. 

De la Corne had landed without discovery at the same 
point, about a mile and a half east of the mouth of the 
river, where Montcalm had disembarked three years before. 
Had he pushed forward his whole force to the attack it is 
quite probable that he would have defeated the surprised 
and ill-prepared English, — a defeat which would almost have 
insured the ruin of Pridcaux's army. According to Pou- 
chot's account of the affair, however, the Abbd Picquet, when 
he heard the firing of the advance-guard, insisted on making 
a short exhortation to the troops and giving them absolution. 
Meanwhile the o]iportune moment was lost, and When De la 
Corne arrived before tint camp with his main force, he found 
the English under arms behind their barrels, and ready for 
fight. 

He had no artillery, and he could not induce his Canadi- 
ans and Indians to attack even that feeble barricade, A 
desultory fire was kept up on both sides for two or three 
hours, but De la Corne was unable to accomplish anything 
of moment. Finally his men exclaimed that the blow had 
failed, and in spite of their oflicers made their way as fast 
as possible to their boats. The belligerent abbe endeav- 
ored to rally them, but was thrown down in the rush, and 
escaped being left oidy by his vigorous cries of '• Save your 
chaplain ! at least, save your chaplain !" 

The English lost about a dozen men killed and wounded, 
and the French pirobably about the same. One account 
states that another attack was made the next day. This is 
doubtful, and if true the attempt had no results, and De la 
Corne returned to the St. Lawrence. Between three and 
four weeks later the successful English were still further 
gladdened by the appearance from the west of a detach- 
ment of the Forty-sixth Regiment, escorting between seven 
and eight hundred French officers and men, captured at 
Fort Niagara, The prisoners were soon sent forward to 
Albany. On the 7th of August the main army, except a 
garrison left at the conquered fortress, and the Indians also, 
returned under the command of Sir William Johnson, Gen- 
eral Prideaux having been killed during the siege. 

On the 16th of the same month General Gage, afterwards 
celebrated as the commander at Boston in the beginning of 
the Revolution, arrived at Oswego to take command in place 
of Prideaux. All was now as animated at Oswego as it had 
been desolate three months before. The gayly-dressed Eng- 
lish officers, the sturdy pmvincials, and the painted /rwy((o/s 
were alike jubilant over tlie cajiture of Niagara, the great 
French stronghold of western New York, and all (except 
perhaps the Indians) were eagerly watching for news from 
Quebec, where Wolfe and Montcalm were measuring swords 
for the last deadly conflict. 

Gage had received orders to go down the St. Lawrence 
and capture the post of La Galette, below Ogdensburgh. 
There was much counseling between the general. Sir Wil- 
liam, and Colonel Haldiniand on the subject. The vigorous 
baronet was in favor of going, but Gage, like almost all the 
Engli,sh generals of that day, was very dilatory, and after 
allowing much valuable time to slip away he finally declined 
to go, on acco\int of the lateness of the season. 

Sir William was, in modern phrase, '' lull of business." 



34 



HISTOllV OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOI'.K. 



! 



Indians were constantly coming and goinsr, and the baronet's 
diury is full of memoranda of conferences, speeches, giving 
behs, and all the other formalities essential in the manage- 
ment of the red man. His entries for one day were two in 
number, — the first being: " Fine morning ; I propose this 
day speaking to the Indians;" the second: "All drunk; 
could not meet them." 

The first duel of which there is any record in Oswego 

County was fou;_'ht at this time, between " B:i.s.sy Dunbar 

and Lieutenant I'ionicr, of the Koyal Americans." The 

former was shot tlirough the lungs, receiving, as was sup- 

. jiosed, a mortal wound. 

There were still .some French vessels on Lake Ontario, and 
two of them came in sight of ()swcl.'o. Two or three snudl 
English vessels had also been built, which went out to meet 
the visitors, but did not succeed in doing so. 

Meanwhile, measures were taken to prevent losing what 
the Englisli already possessed. The engineers drew a plan 
of a pentagon i'ort to replace the Fort Ontario destroyed by 
Montcalm. It was approved bj' Tienend (Jage, and the 
erection of a large and substantial fortress was begun. It 
was also called Fort Ontario, and remained until replaced 
by the (iresent fortification, about 1S30. No attempt was 
ever made to rebuild either of the works on the west side of 
the river. 

The now Fort Ontario was very nearly, perhaps exactly, 
on the site of the old one. It was also partly on the .site 
of the ])resent work, but went considerably nearer the lake. 
The south part of the fortress, built in 1750-60, was within 
the limits of the present Fort Ontario. The traces of the 
old walls are still to be seen between the present rampart 
and the lake. The whole circuit of the five sides was about 
five hundred feet The rampart was built of earth, revetted 
with " sauei^.sons" on the side towards the lake, but on the 
landward sides the earth was kept in place by large S(|uare 
timbers laid one upon the other. The parapet was some 
twelve feet thick, and outside of it there was a ditch nearly 
thirty feet wide. During the autumn of 175!) or spring of 
1 700, four block-houses were also erected at long gun-shot 
from the fort. 

At this time, too, detachmenta from Oswego and Fort 
Stanwix, under the direction of Captain Brewerton, built a 
fort on Oneida river, a few roils from the north bank and 
about a mile below the outlet of the hike. Like the one 
at the falls, it was an octagon, with the sides curved inward, 
so that the sharp angles made it resemble an eight-pointed 
star. It was about a hundred feet in diameter on the in- 
side, with a wall five feet high, crowned with ]ialis;ides 
twenty feet high, with loop-holes and embrasures. Outside 
Wiis a ditch, and outside of that a still lower wall. The 
new fort was evideully intemled for defen.se against Indian 
rifles, not against French artillery. It was named ■• Brew- 
erton" in honor of its constructor. The remnants of the 
old wall and ditch are still to be seen close to the present 
Fort Brewerton hotel. 

At the same time a mole or wall of large rocks Wijs built 
at the exact point where the lake changes into the river, 
running southea.st into the lake and reaching somewhat 
above its surface. At the end a sentry-box wxs erected, 
and here a sentinel was continuously jioslcd, who, from his 



curious station, could view the river for many miles and 
the lake as far as eye could reach. Of this, too, the ruins 
are still to be seen under water. More than a hundred 
acres were cleared around the fort to give a more extended 
view of an approaching foe. 

Here, too, us at the falls, the modern fortification is in 
the near neighborhood of ancient relics dating back to un- 
known ages. In a sand-bank, a short distance cast of thi> 
fort, a large number of human bones have been discovered, 
apparently belonging to males, and denoting the probable 
place of interment of the warriors of a nation. The length 
of .some of the bones found there is -said to have indicuteil 
that they belonged to men at least seven feet high ; bnt the 
accuracy of such cstin)ates is always doubtftd. 

On the 8th of October, 1759, a scout sent out from Os- 
wego towards the enemy returned with some Canadian 
prisoners. These brought to the garri.son the first news of 
the capture of Quebec, which had occurred throe weeks 
previously. All men saw that the downfall of French 
power in America must speedily follow, and joy reigned 
su]>reme, especially among the provincials, who could now 
hope for a long respite from the haunting fears of toma- 
liawk and sealping-knife. Sir William Jolin.son i.ssued a 
formal invitation to the Indians to reopen trade at Oswego 
and Niagara the next spring, most of the provincial troops 
were sent home, the garrisons of the po.st3 went into winter 
((uarters, and silence again settled down on the scene lately 
so full of life. 

In the spring of 17G0 England and her colonies rallied 
their forces to give the final blow to the French dominion 
in Canada. Although it was ])lain that the fall of Quebec 
involved the con(|uest of the whole province, yet De Van- 
dreuil at Montreal still held out for King Louis, and many 
minor posts were yet in pos-ses^ion of the French. It was 
arranged in the English councils that three armies .should 
concentrate on Montreal. One was to move up the St. 
Lawrence from Quebec, one smaller one was to go down 
Lake Champlain from Albany, while the main Anglo- 
American force, under the commander-in-chief, General 
Andierst, was to rendezvous at Oswego, and thence pro- 
ceed down the St. Lawrence to attack the doomed capital. 

The colonial levies came in sKiwly, and it was not until 
the 12fh of June that Amherst left Schenectady with six 
thousand provincials and four thou.sand rcgulai-s. Once 
more the Mohawk, the Oneida, and the Oswego were alive 
with hundreds of boats, their banks resounded with the 
tramp of armed battalions, and the deer and the )ianthcrs 
alike shrank back affrighted from the countless cam[i-fires 
which blazed upon their woodland shores. 

In the forepart of July the whole force arrived at Os- 
wego. Great preparations had to be made ere this army, 
the largest ever .seen within this county, could be emb.irked 
on its destined voj-age. On the 2.")th of July .\mherst 
was joined by Sir William Johnson, with six luiiulred Jro- 
tjiiois warriors, and this number was .soon swollen to over 
thirteen hundred by those called French Iroqnok, anxious 
to make their ](eace with the conquering English. Never 
before nor since has -Oswego exhibited such an animated 
and variegated scene as during the latter part of July and 
forejiart of August, 17liO. Four thou.-<;ind regulars, re- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



35 



splendent in the gaudy uniform of England, moved with 
martial port about the frontier fortress, or engaged in mili- 
tary manwuvrcs, executed witli machine -like precision. 
Six thousand provincials, mostly sturdy New York Dutch- 
men and keen-faced New Englanders, whose uniforms, if 
not so brilliant, were generally new, and who had seen too 
much hard service to be de.spiscd as soldiers, even by 
European veterans, proudly marched and countermarched 
to martial strains, in which the time-houored sounds of 
" God Save the King" were mingled with the newly-in- 
vented air of " Yankee Doodle." 

Supplies were being brought forward by the ton ; hun- 
dreds of carpenters were at work constructing boats ; the 
whole locality rang with the noise of axe and mallet, of 
drum and fife, of shout and song, and amid the excitement 
the thirteen hundred plumed and painted Iroquois forgot 
for the moment that their hunting-grounds were being over- 
run with fearful rapidity, and were ready to follow Brother 
Warragiyaghey, alias Sir William Johnson, to the death. 

Many were the men, then or afterwards celebrated in 
American history, congregated at that time at the mouth 
of the Oswego. The commandor-in-cliief. General Jeffrey 
Amherst, afterwards Lord Amherst, tliough devoid of great 
genius, was an energetic and faithful soldier, then forty- 
three years of age, a firm but not harsh commander, highly 
respected by his men, and ever ready to share their hard- 
ships and their dangers. General Gage, the second in 
command, a bluff, dull-witted British general, of the regu- 
lation pattern, was destined to reap a dubious fame as the 
presiding genius on the English side at the opening of the 
Revolution, and then to sink into obscurity. 

More famous at that time than even the commander-in- 
chief, Sir William Johnson was doubtless the busiest of all 
the busy throng. Pioneer, fur-trader, soldier, man of busi- 
ness, magistrate, superintendent of Indian affairs, council- 
lor of the province of New York, chief of the Mohawks, 
and baronet of the Kingdom of Great Britain, this " Trib- 
une of the Six Nations," as ho has been aptly called, was 
then, at the age of about forty-five, in the full vigor of 
strength, the full flush of power, the full tide of success in 
all his undertakings. 

General John Bradstreet, the (|uartermastcr- general, 
whose doings in the vicinity of Oswego we have so often 
had occasion to chronicle during the previous four years, 
was by this time recognized by the commander-in-chief as 
one of the most efficient officers on the continent. He was 
taken sick, however, while at Oswego, and did not accom- 
pany the expedition down the St. Lawrence. His coad- 
jutor and friend, JIajor Philip Schuyler, being on other 
service, was not with Amherst's army that summer. There 
was another Revolutionary officer there, the opposite of 
Schuyler in every respect except valor and patriotism. 
This was that rough but stanch Connecticut farmer who 
left his oxen unyoked in the furrow at the news of Lexing- 
ton, and whose feme is now especially united to the glories 
of Bunker Hill, but who was known to the army encamped 
at Oswego in 1760 as Lieutenant-Colonel Israel I'utnam. 

Many others of minor fame were employed under the 
skillful direction of Amherst in fiirwarding operatiiuis, and 
on the 'Jtli of August all was ready. Ilundicds of whale- 



boats were loaded with artillery and supplies, and Colonel 
Haldimand had been sent ahead with a thousand men to 
clear the way. 

On the 10th occurred the scene, somewhat remarkable 
in the history of war, of the embarking of over ten thou- 
sand men in open boats to traverse a lake and river for 
more than two hundred miles. A great host of bateaux 
and whale-boats were filled with regulars and provincials, 
the Iroquois warriors, with Warragiyaghey at their head, 
occupied their light canoes, a long train of artillery and 
supply-boats brought up the rear, and then, to the .sound 
of martial music, with flashing oars and waving banners, 
the grand army set forth on its watery path to the Franco- 
American capital. 

Amherst's plan of advancing by three routes was faulty 
enough, for it involved the possibility of the enemy's de- 
feating all the corps in detail. Had the French had any- 
thing like e(iual numbers, and been directed by the genius of 
Montcalm, such a consequence might perhaps have resulted. 
They were, however, too much enfeebled and discouraged 
to make the attempt. Captain Pouchot gallantly defended 
Fort Levis, below Ogdensburgh, but the fort was soon cap- 
tured by the overwhelming numbers of the English, and 
that brave and skillful, but unfortunate, officer was again 
sent as a prisoner through Oswego. 

In September, the Marquis de Vaudreuil surrendered 
Montreal, and with it all Canada. This ended forever the 
rule of France in this part of America, although the formal 
treaty of peace was not signed until February, 1703. Am- 
herst's provincials returned home by way of Lakes Cham- 
plain and Ontario, the regulars were distributed where their 
presence was most needed, and Oswego County saw no more 
of the grand pageants which had .so lately enlivened its 
sylvan scenery. 



CHAPTER IX. 

FKOM 1761 TO 1775. 

" Dvinpan of Lundic" — Annie ^[e^^ic.a^ — Tlie First O.'^wego County 
Schuul — Military G.ariluning — The Patlifinder, Eaii-Doucc, Dew-nf- 
Junc, etc. — A Sudden Death — The Chieftain's Funeral — Brad- 
street's AVcstcrn Expedition — A Dramatic Meeting — A Weeks 
Festivities — The '' Property Line" — Tryon County — The Troops 
withdrawn — Death of Sir William Johnson. 

A co.vsiDERAlJLE force was still thought necessary at 
Oswego, and the greater part of the Fifty-fifth Infantry, a 
regiment mostly raised in Scotland, was transfcn-red thither 
from Montreal immediately after the surrender. The com- 
mander was Major Alexander Duncan, commonly called 
" Duncan of Lundie," from the estate which belonged to 
his family. One of its captains was Duncan McVicar, a 
Scotchman, whose wife and little daughter had been living 
on the Hudson while he was doing duty with the army. 
He was determined to take them to Oswego, and they are 
supposed to have been the first white females belonging to 
any, except the lowest, class that ever visited this county. 
Little Annie MeVicar was hardly six years old, but very 
precocious, and having a most remarkable memory. Nearly 
fifty years later, and forty years after she had returijcd to 



36 



HLSTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Scotland, liaviug, under the name of Mrs. Grant, aci|uired 
considerable literary fame, she wrote a book, entitled '' Me- 
moirs of an American Lady" (Mrs. Scliuyier, aunt of tin; 
general ), which i.s widely recognizf^d as the must charming 
picture extant of New Y^ork colonial society and life. Three 
cliajpt<'rs of her work are devoted to her journey to, and 
stay in, Fort Ontariu, wliich bring vividly before the reader 
that frontier post as it was a hundred and sixteen years ago. 

The MeViwirs came through in 'October, 1700, with a 
com])any of soldiers of the Fitlyfifth, in bateaux, follow- 
ing the usual — not well-trodden, but well-paddled — course, 1 
and few things in literature are more pleasant than the 
romantic child s description of their forest-shaded voyage 
and fire-lighted bivouacs. The last night of their journey was 
spent at Fort Browerton, then garrisoned by a comjjany of the 
Fifty-fifth, under Captain Mungo Campbell, another Scotch 
officer, afterwards killed at the battle of White Plains. 

They found Fort Ontario a large structure, built of 
"earth and logs," a.s Mre. Grant expressed it. The major 
commanding was a shrewd, ijuaint, hard-headed, middle- 
iiged Scotchman, who ruled his young subordinates with 
despotic,yct fatherly, control. He had had fitted up for 
his own use a small frame house on wheels, which could be 
moved to any part of the parade. The thin walls and 
floor were supplemented by an ample lining of deer-skins, 
bear-skins, etc., and the area was divided into two parts, — i 
one serving iis the commandant's bedroom, the other as 
catiug-room and library. 

Here, during the long winter, which com])lctely closed 
all comnmnication with the civilized world, the subordinate 
officers were assembled for instruction by the worthy major, 
and ref|uired to take their daily le.-<sons with the regularity 
of school-boys. The object of the major was, doubtless, 
not so much to make his officers good scholars as to keep 
their faculties from rusting and their habits from lapsing 
into dissipation through the idleness so common in unoccu- 
pied garrisons. Whatever the object, this was undoubtedly 
the tiret school ever taught in Oswego County. 

When sjjring came, both officers and men, when not em- 
ployed in the chase, were kept bu.sy in agricultural labors. 
Of the large tract which had been cleared around the fort, 
cither for defensive purposes or to provide firewood for the 
many successive garrisons, a portion wjis devoted to the 
raising of beans, peas, Indian corn, etc., by the men, an- 
other to the gardening operations of the officers. The | 
shrewd and kindly Duncan had thus the gratification not 
only of raising on that new, strong soil the largest beans, 
onions, and S(|nashes in America, but of keeping his officers 
and men out of mischief to a very remarkable extent. 
Major Duncan s garden lay in the hollow south of the fort, 
where, E. W. Clark states, the appearances of it could be 
seen sixty or seventy years ago. The McViears returned 
to Albany in 17G1, but Major Duncan and six companies of 
the Fifty-fifth remained there until ITti"), the necessity for 
this large garri.son being caused by the difliculties with the 
western Indians. 

It was during the reign of Duncan of Luridie that 
Cooper lays the opening scenes of his celebrated novel, 
"The Pathfiniler,' in Oswego County. It was near the 
Oneida river that Cap, the .siilor, Mabel Dunham (''llie 



sergeant's daughter"), Arrowhead, and Dew-of-June met 
Jasper Western ( Eau-Douee), Chingachgook (the Big Ser- 
pent), and the riHloubtable Pathfinder. It was down the 
Oswego falls that Pathfinder and Eau- Douce ran their bark 
canoe, while the veteran salt-water sailor sat in the middle 
of it trembling for the eonserjuences. — a feat which CiKjper 
thinks it needful to verily by declaring that he has st^en a 
long thirty-two-jxiund cannon floated over the same dubious- 
looking track. It was on the western border of Volney 
that the party hid in a lejify cove, while their savage (pur- 
suers passed by, and that Big Serpent tomahawked the 
incpiisitive Irtufiiois. It was at Fort Ontario that Duncan 
of Lundie and Quarteriniister Davy .>Iuir disputed regard- 
ing the three or four wives of the latter, and that the great 
contest of marksmanship came off in which Eau-Doucc, 
through the complai.sance of Pathfinder, won the silken 
cahush which he bestowed on Mabel Dunham. 

Pontiac's war, which broke out in 1702, created great 
excitement in all the frontier posts, but did not extend as 
far east as Oswego. AVhen they heard of it, sevend chiefs 
of one of the Canadian tribes came to visit Major Duncan. 
He invited them to return with their people, and celebrate 
the accession of the new king. George the Third, and renew 
the treaty of peace with Britain. They did so, witnessed 
a review, and were supplied with a grand feast outside the 
fort. The principal chief and his brother, a pair of stal- 
wart braves, were invited to dinner with the officers. When 
they were seated, the major called for wine to drink the 
health of King George. Scarcely h.id this been done by 
the assembled jiarty, when the sachem's brother fell lifeless 
on the floor. The usual remedies in case of fainting were 
applied, without eft'eet. The chief looked quietly on while 
these effi)rts were being made, but when convinced that his 
brother was indeed dead, he drew his blanket over his head 
and burst into tears. 

Indian life is not conducive to apoplexy or heart-diseiusc, 
and such sudden deaths are almost unknown amoni; them. 
The officers might well fear that some sinister interpretation 
would be put on this strange event, following so soon after 
drinking the wine given by the English to the deceased. 
The weeping of a warrior was something ei|ually unknown, 
and betokened a degree of grief which might ea.sily turn 
to revenge. But presently the chieftain threw back his 
blanket, arose, aud in a dignified manner addres.<ed the 
Engli.sh. He acr|uitted them of all part in his brother's 
death, and declared that their common enemies, the Unrojis, 
should weep tears of blood for all those which he hail shed 
for his brother. 

Major Duncan ordered the dead warrior tt) be buried 
with the greatest ceremony. His body Wiis borne to the 
grave to the sound of muffled drums and booming cannon, 
attended by a guard with reversed arms, while British offi- 
cers in full uniform walked in solemn procession with the 
warrior-brethren of the dead. The brother and coin]iaiiions 
of the deceased were highly pleased with these manifesta- 
tions of respect, and it is quite likely that this gratification 
of their vanity made the apparently untowanl death of the 
chief the eau.-ic of linkiii.' them more strongly to the Eng- 
lish interest. 

In 17t'il, General Bradstreel, so lrec|iiently mentioned in 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



these pages, was sent with a considerable force to quell the 
rebellious Indians of the west. In (be latter part of Juno 
he came across from the Mobawk valley to Oswego with 
from fifteen hundred to two thousand provincial troops from 
New York and New England, among whom Putnam, who 
never missed a chance for a fight, was ih command of the 
Connecticut battalion. Shortly after their arrival they 
were joined by the "Tribune of the Six Nations," Sir 
William Johnson, with five hundred and thirty of his Iin- 
quois warriors. The expedition sailed for Niagara on the 
3d of July. Johnson returned after liokling a council at 
that post, but Bradstreet and his white and red command 
proceeded to the head of Lake Erie, inflicted some punish- 
ment on the hostile tribes, and did not return to Oswego 
till September. 

In the spring of 1766 Sir William Johnson was ap- 
pointed commissary of trade for Oswego and all the west- 
ern posts. His duties are not definitely known, but from 
the title of his ofhce it is presumed that they involved a 
general superintendence of the traffic with the Indians at 
those points. 

In July of that year there occurred at Oswego one of 
those dramatic events which we hardly expect to meet with 
(though we frequently do) in real life, and which would 
form an unsurpassed subject for the historic painter. In 
accordance with an arrangement made the previous year 
through Deputy Superintendent Croghan, Pontiac, the de- 
feated but hardly conquered Otiaira chief, came from his 
home on the di.stant shores of Lake Michigan to meet Sir 
William Johnson at Oswego. It seems strange that one 
who had so deeply imbrued his hands in English blood 
should have trusted himself so far in the country of his 
conquerors ; but a safe-conduct was granted him, and he 
seems to have relied implicitly on the good faith of the re- 
nowned Warragiyagbey. 

Pontiac, with a few of his tribe, came in canoes about 
the 18th of July, and Sir William arrived on the 20th. 
Nearly all the warriors of the Six Nations, too, came at the 
call of their superintendent, to give dignity and importance 
to the interview. An awning of evergreens was erected in 
the open air to protect the deliberations of the council from 
the rays of the July sun. On the 23d the high contract- 
ing parties met in a brief preliminary interview, to make 
each other's acquaintance, but nothing of consequence was 
done till the next day. 

On the 24th the council opened in full state. Standing 
beneath the shelter formed of the fragrant brandies of the 
j)ine and hemlock were the two principals, each in his way 
one of the most remarkable men of the age. The broad- 
shouldered baronet, who never missed an oppoi-tiinity of 
pleasing his Indian friends, wore over his civilized costume 
a fine scarlet blanket edged with gold lace, while his full, 
strongly-marked features were surmounted with the cocked 
hat and plumes of a British colonel. The head of the tall, 
keen-eyed, hawk-vi.saged Ottawa was al.so adorned with 
plumes, — not, indeed, of the ostrich, but of the eagles which 
his rifle had brought to the earth, — and if his blanket was 
le.es costly than that of Sir William, it was worn with no 
less dignity and with much greater grace. 

Around these central figures the princijial chiefs of the 



Six Nations reclined upon the ground iu savage ease, yet 
with all possible decorum, while farther back was a host of 
the ordinary warriors, all in full costume of feathers and 
paint in honor of the occasion. A group of British officers 
in their brilliant uniforms added variety to the scene, and 
the murmur of the wild Oswego furnished appropriate 
music for this curious drama. 

Sir William lighted the great calumet, which had pre- 
viously been sent to him as a present by Pontiac, took a 
pufi" liimself, gravely presented it to his distinguished 
visitor, and then in turn to each of the Iroquois chiefs. 
Then the baronet opened his speech with the usual formula, 
presenting a belt of wampum to Pontiac, and declaring 
that thereby he " opened the door and made the road clear 
and smooth" for the English and Oltawas to meet each 
other in friendship. He then proceeded to discuss the 
position of affiiirs at considerable length, pointing out what 
the English had done and were willing to do for the west- 
ern Indians, and adjuring them to pursue henceforth the 
flowery paths of peace. At the conclusion Pontiac thanked 
the baronet for his remarks, said his speech was "all good," 
and promised to reply to it the nest day. 

On the 25th the council again met with the same for- 
malities as before. Though he had taken a night for de- 
liberation, Pontiac did not make a very lengthy address. 
The substance of it was that he too was in favor of peace ; 
that although he had been the enemy of the English he 
should be so no longer, and referred to the fact that he liad 
always kept faith with the French as proof that he would 
do the same with the English. Sir William expressed his 
belief in these professions, and again the council adjourned. 

The sessions were continued for several days after that ; 
for however reticent the great Ottdioa might be, there was 
abundance of eloquence garnered up for the occasion in the 
bosoms of the Iroquois chiefs, and it never would have 
done to prevent its due expression. There was much feast- 
ing, too, to be gone through with, and, doubtless, some 
drinking ; and it was a week from the opening of the 
council ere all these pleasing ceremonies were concluded. 

At length, on the last day of July, Pontiac was ready 
to return home. Sir William presented to each of the 
principal chiefs, both Irnqnoi's and Ottawa, a silver medal 
bearing this inscription : " A pledge of peace and friend- 
ship with Great Britain, 1766." Then Pontiac and War- 
ragiyagbey spoke their last adieus, the Ottanra chief and 
his warriors entered their canoes and turned their prows 
we.stward, while the stately baronet watched them from the 
shore till they disappeared behind the nearest headland. 

But little re(piiring the historian's attention occurred in 
Oswego County from this time till the beginning of the 
Revolution. Oswego continued to be a thriving trading- 
post. We learn from Clark's " Onondaga'" that Henry 
Van Schaak, of Albany, had an important trading-biin.se 
there, transjiorting large quantities of mcrchandi.se around 
the portage at Fort Stanwix and Oswego falls, and carrying 
on an extensive trade at both Oswego and Niagara. 

In 1768, at a grand council between the Engli.'^h and the 
Sis Nations, held at Fort Stanwix, of course under the 
management of Sir William Johnson, a " property lino" was 
agreed on between the whites and Indians, beginning at the 



38 



H1ST015Y OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW VOKK 



junction of Canaihi and Wood creeks, a lilllo east of Kuiue, 
and runiiin,<r llicncc .soulliward U) the Sus(|nchanna. West- 
ward i)f tliis line no lands were to be purchased hy the 
whiles. It was not continued nortliward from the mouth 
of Canada creek, as Sir William said the land in tliat di- 
rection was owned by the Mnhinrkx and Oneitlus. witli 
whom an aj^reemcnt could be made at any time. Probably 
he left that part open hoping to carry the boundary farther 
westward the next time. It is uncertain what became, in the 
arrangements, of Sir William's two-mile belt around Oneida 
lake, which, according to Stone, was the first land legally 
granted in Oswego County, but we are inclined to think 
he surrendered bis title to the Indians if he ever had any. 

I'p to 1772, all this section; and all westward and north- 
ward to the boundaries of the State, was nominally a ])art 
of the county of Albany. In that year, all west of the 
present east line of Montgomery county was formed into 
a new county named Tryon, in honor of William Tryon, 
then the royal governor of New York. The ofiBcers who 
administered the laws in the .settled portion were all ap- 
pointed on the nomination of Sir William, and as the Indian 
owners of this region usually complied with his wishe.'*, he 
was very nearly the dictator of the eoiinly. 

Meanwhile the continued peace caused the almost entire 
withdrawal of military force. Fort Brewerton and the forti- 
fications at the falls and Three Rivers point were entirely 
abandoned, and the rej)ort of Governor Tryon shows that in 
1774 Fort Ontario was dismantled, and only a few men were 
stationed there to keep it from falling into entire decay. 

In that year Sir William Johnson, so long intimately 
connected with the prosperity of Oswego, died suddenly at 
Ills residence, near Johnstown. His title and the greater 
part of his estate descended to his son. Sir John Johnson, 
and his ofliec of superintendent was conferred on his nephew 
and .s(in-in-law. Colonel Guy John.^on ; but the remarkable 
influence which he wielded over both whites and Indians 
could not be transferred to another. It has been suppo.scd 
by many that his death was hastened by anxiety concerning 
the relations between England and the colonics, then rapidly 
hastening to a rupture, but there is no very strong reason for 
that opinion. There is no eau.se to doubt that had he lived 
he would have adhered to the royal cau.sc, and it is certain 
that all bis family and the majority of bis especial friends 
took that side of the great contest. 



ClI.Vl'TKK X. 



THE REVOLUTION. 

Pi^tnist ill ttu' Molmnk Valley — (luy Jithnson goi-iJ to Oswego — (irent 
('ijunoil <if the Six XiitionB— yiiiel in I77C — .Activily — Ttie lloviil 
(Jrcenn at Oswego — The (inlliering of the riiuis — liranl's Itiiiik — 
(ienerni .'*t. Leger— Sir .lohii Johnson— Ituller iinil lirant — Setting 
forth to Victory — The DiiioiHl Keliirn — Oswego AbnnJoned — De- 
flroyeil by the Amcrionns — The Attack on the Onnmlagiis — Sir 
.lohn and I'olonel tiuy again — Rs-entaliliyhnicnt of the Pout — An 
.Attempted Surprisi — I.t'-^i in ilii> Sumu — 'I'l,.. Iteturn — Peace and 
Independence. 

When the Revolution broke out, in the spring of 1775, 
the disliusl which, for the previous few months, had been 



growing up bstweco the adherents of the Johnson family 
and the Whigs of the Muhawk valley, grew stronger with 
each surci'.«.<ive day. The influence of the John.sons with 
the Six Nations was especially dreaded. The Oiieiiloi and 
Tiiscaroras, under the influence of their missionary, Samuel 
Kirklaiid. were disposed to be friendly to the colonists. No 
attemjits were made to obtain their services, as the Ameri- 
cans, at that time, would have been only too glad to .secure 
the neutrality of all the tribes. It soon became certain that 
Guy Johnson was ititriguitig with tin; Indians against the 
Americans. Early in June he removed westward from the 
lower Mohawk valley, first to Fort Stanwix atid then to' 
Oswego, where he arrived on the 17th of June. He was 
accompanied by most of the Muhawk Indums, by several of 
the white loyalists of the valley, by ColoncT John Rutler, an 
officer of the old French war, who has becti mentioned in 
this history, and by the celebrated Jo.seph Brant, a full- 
blooded Muhawk, whom Colonel Guy had made his jirivate 
secretary. Sir John Johnson remained at Johnson Hall 
nearly a year longer. The su]ieriiitetidcnt sent mes.setigers 
to the three western tribes, and, early in July, a large 
council of warriors and others was assembled at Fort Ontario. 
Colonel Johnson is said, in " Ramsey's History of the Revo- 
lution, " to have invited the Indians to come to Oswego to 
" feast on the flesh and drink the blood of a Bostonian" (as 
all the Whigs were frequently called by the loyalists), and 
to have explained this ferocious expression as meaning that 
they were to eat a roast ox and drink a hogshead of wine. 
But, cotisidering the natural disposition of the Indians, such 
a phrase, if used at all, could otily tend to till them with fe- 
rocious hopes and stimulate them to blooJy deeds. 

There was then no garrison or stores at Oswego, and 
Johnson, before coming, had written to Niagara and Os- 
wegatchie for supplies. One small sloop came from Niagara 
with ninety barrels of ]>rovisions, — a small allowance for six- 
teen hundred and forty-eight hungry Itidians and a hutidrcd 
white men, which is stated in British ofiicial documeiiLs to 
have been the number present. This luu.st have included 
the squaws and children. Colonel Johnson, in a letter to 
I'hilip V. Livingstoti, stated the number of warriors at 
thirteen hundred and forty, but this may have been an 
exaggeratioti to frighten the Americans. The best esti- 
mates give the total number of warriors in the four tribes 
which adhered to the English at about sixteen hundred, 
and it is hardly probable that so large a proportion of them 
as John.soti mentiotis had gathered at Oswego. 

At first the Indiatis were very unwillitig to promi.sc their 
assistance. Colonel Johnson labored a.ssiduously to eng-age 
them on the English side, and in this he w:ls warmly a.ssisted 
by Brant, a .shrewd, acute Mulntick of about thirty-three, 
whose elder sister, Molly, had been the inistre.>« of Sir 
William John.son for twenty-five years before his death. 
John.son, Butler, Brant, and others ap|)ealed to the Indians' 
avarice, declaring that the colonists wen; few atid jpoor ; 
that the king was rich and powerful, both in money and 
men ; that his soldiers were a.s numerous as the leaves of 
the forest; bis gold as abundant as the dirt under their 
feet ; and, best of all, that his rum was as plentiful its the 
waters of Lake Ontario. 

Fitially, the Indians ctitiivd into some kind of an engage- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



39 



inent to assist in defending Lake Ontario and the St. Law- 
rence from the Americans, but did not, as we understand 
tlie Britisli report, then join in a complete offensive alHante. 

The .superintendent then delivered to tliem a lot of new 
arms and other handsome presents, including a number of 
brass kettles, which for more than half a century afterwards 
were in u.se among the Se}iecos on the banks of the Gene- 
sec. In fact, the account of Mary Jemison, the celebrated 
"white woman," then resident in that tribe, has it that the 
English officials gave every Indian a suit of elotlies, a brass ' 
kettle, a gun, a tomahawk, scalping-knife, some ammunition, 
and a piece of gold. It is out of the ([ucstion, however, 
that Guy Juhn.son could have had such stores at Oswego 
at that time, andxertainly he did not pay out several thous- 
and diillar.s in gold, when he had as yet received no definite 
order to enlist the services of the Indians. The letter of 
instructions to that effect was signed by Lord Dartmouth 
on the 24th of July, 1775, and could not have reached 
Colonel Johnson until September. 

The council was closed about the 8th of July. jMost of 
the Indians returned home, but the Mohaiclcs, who had 
abandoned their home, accompanied Colonel Johnson and 
his white adherents to Canada. They set sail in their little 
sloop and a few small boats on the 11th of July, the whole 
numberof whites and Indians being two hundred and twenty, 
and made their way to Montreal. Colonel Butler, however, 
proceeded to Niagara, of which post he was soon after placed 
in connnand. Oswego was left unoccupied, except perhaps 
by a few men to take care of the buildings. 

During the year 1770 nothing of especial consequence 
occurred in this county. The Indians were frequently 
visited by British agents to confirm their friendship for 
the king by presents and flattery, but they made no serious 
raids again.st the frontier. The Americans at first had con- 
siderable success in Canada, and this doubtless contributed 
to keep the red men quiet. 

But during the summer of 1776 our forces were driven 
out of that province, and early in 1777 great preparations 
were made bj' the British to follow up their success with 
crushing effect. A large army under General Burgoyne 
marched into northern New York, which was to be sup- 
ported by another strong force, erttering by way of Oswego 
and sweeping down the Mohawk valley. There is some un- 
certainty about the details, but it is pretty sure that Sir John 
Johnson, with his regiment of " Royal Greens," and Colonel 
Claus, Guy Johnson's deputy (and, like him, a son-in-law of 
Sir William) came to Oswego as early as June, and began 
making preparations for the intended onslaught. Colonel 
Guy Johnson was at that tiiuc in New York, having visited 
England with Brant the year before, and returned to that 
port, whence the chief had been sent across the countiy, 
through the American lines, to rouse the Indians. He 
(Brant') had been making some threatening demonstrations 
on the upi)er Susquehanna, but drew oft", and in July came 
to Oswego with his band. 

Numerous other warriors came in, especially Seiiccas, that 
tribe being by far the largest and fiercest of the Si.^ Nations. 
About the middle of Jul}-, Cnlduel John Butler, also a dep- 
uty superintendent, came from Niagara to Oswego, and held 
a council with the warriors, requesting them to take up the 



hatchet and engage in the proposed expedition. Some of 
the Indians demurred, declaring that they had been invited 
to Oswego merely to hold a council and to see the British 
whip the rebels, — not to fight thcm.selves. But the u.sual 
appeals to their cupidity and love of blood were made, and 
they wore soon persuaded to take an active part. Stone, in 
his " Life of Brant," declares that from that time forward 
that chief was acknowledged as head war-chief of all the Six 
Nations. He gives, however, no authority for the statement, 
and all the circumstances show to the contrary. Brant was 
never spoken of as head-cliief of the Six Nations in the 
British dispatches, but only as " Brant," or " Joseph, the 
Indian chief" He never signed himself as head-chief, 
though he was fond of using the far inferior title of " caji- 
tain," conferred on him by the king. Besides, there was 
no head war-chief according to the old customs of the con- 
federacy, and it is hardly probable that the English would 
have undertaken to introduce such an innovation, which 
would be certain to disgust all the Iroquois except the Mo- 
haiuks, — -especially the Senecas, who were more powerful 
than all the other tribes who adhered to the British put 
together. It was customary, however, among the Six Na- 
tions to choose leaders for some particular battle or expe- 
dition, and it is not improbable that Brant was thus selected 
as commander of the Indians who were to accoiupany St. 
Leger, and afterwards of similar expeditions. 

Shortly after the council. General Barry St. Leger ar- 
rived with a body of regidars. For a short time Oswego 
bore once more the stirring and martial appearance to 
which it had been a stranger since the days of the old 
French war. Sir John Johnson, dark, sour-faced, and 
scowling, was drilling his regiment of Tories, whose green 
coats covered hearts which, like his own, were fairly black 
with hatred of their old neighbors of the IMohawk valley. 
Big, burly, red-faced John Butler, of whom it could at least 
be said that he was a good, hard fighter, was getting " But- 
ler's Rangers" ready for action, and also giving attention to 
the Indian department. Brant, tall, slender, keen, and sin- 
ister in appearance, was gliding among the motley groupaj 
clad in half-civilized, half-Indian attire, and ready to use pen 
or tomahawk as occasion might require. The scene was 
filled up with throngs of green-coated Tories, red-coated 
regulars, and naked Indians, while over all ruled Barry St. 
Leger, a plain, stubborn British officer, driven half frantic 
at times by the vagaries of his strange command, but never- 
theless dreaming of the glory to be won by his triumphant 
march to Albany. 

jMeanwhile the Americans had nut been idle. Old Fort 
Stanwix had been repaired and garrisoned, and had been 
rechristened Fort Schuyler, but in common parlance still 
retained its former appellation, by which it will be called 
in this work when it may be neces.sary to mention it. The 
gallant Colonel Gansevoort had been placed in command. 
General Herkimer had called the militia of Tryon county 
to arms, though at first they responded but slowly. St. 
Leger knew it was not all plain sailing in front of biin, and 
was determined that at least he would not be surprised on 
bis march. 

On the 27th of July the advance-guard set forth, con- 
sisting of a small detachment of the Eighth or King's regi- 



40 



HISTORY 01" OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YoltK. 



nioiit ami a f.'W Indians, under liiL-iilenant Bird. The 
main body rulluwod tlio next da^'. Onee luorc the turbid 
Oswego river and placid Oneida lake were vexed with the 
stroke of niultiludiiious oars and |iaildle.s, wiiile bateaux and 
cjinocs bore while men and Indians on their mission of 
death. Bird's Indians were extremely insubordinate. Hav- 
ing got above the falls on the 27th he went forward tlie 
next morning two miles, but found tiiat no Indians were 
nceompanying him. He waited two hours, when sixteen 
Snircas came up. Then he advanced to Three Iliver point, 
where he ag-aiii waited two hours, when seventy or eighty 
Missisaiiffas made their appearance. But these declined to 
go any farther that day. Their canoes were full of frejsh 
meat, and Bird learned that they iiad stolen two oxen from 
the army drove. They were determined to have a feast, and 
poor Bird had to go forward without them. He proceeded 
seven miles, encamped, and the next morning again set oflF 
without his "siivages." That night he encamped at Nine 
Mile point, in the present town of Coustantia, and the 
next day proceeded to Wood creek. 

Following the .same route, St. Legcr, with the main body, 
arrived at Nine Mile point on the 1st of July, where he 
learned that Bird had already invested Fort Stanwix. He 
.sent forward Brant " with his corps of Indians" (by which 
St. Leger may or may not have meant the whole Indian 
force) to assist Bird, and proceeded as rapidly as possible to 
join him with the army. 

The siege of Fort Stanwix, the gallant defense made 
by Gansevoort, Willctt, and their men, the bloody battle 
of Oriskany, the relief brought by Arnold and Larned, 
and the final abandonment of the siege, all lie outside 
the purview of this work. Suffice it to say that in the 
latter da3's of August the remains of the confident army, 
which had started fiir Albany a nionth before, came hurry- 
ing down the Oswego, defeated and crest-fallen, its members 
thinned by battle and sickness, its artillery abandoned in 
the trenches before Stanwix, and its red allies having nearly 
all de])arted in anger to their homes to mourn over their 
uiaiiy slaughtered brethren ; nay, it is said, on British au- 
thority, having vented their wratli by jjlundcring the boats 
and murdering the .straggling soldiers of King George. 

From Oswego, St. Leger, with his regulars, jiroceeded 
by way of Montreal to join Burgoyne. Butler, with his 
rangers, returned to Niagara, and Sir John John.<on took 
his Boyal Greens back to Oswegatehie, or that vicinity. 
The surrender of Burgoyne in October put an end to all 
hostile operations in New Y'ork for that season. Oswego 
was probably entirely abandoned. 

It was certainly urmccupied in March, 1778, and re- 
mained so throughout the .spring, except perhaps for a 
.short time by jiarties pa.s.<ing from the St. LawrcTice to 
Niagara, or the rever.se. In the l'ore[iart of July, Colonel 
Gansevoort sent down Lieutenant McClellan to destroy Fort 
(Jntario and the buildings around. The lieutenant found 
no one there but a woman and her children and a lad of 
fourteen. The family he placed in an outhouse with their 
furniture and somo provisions, and then proceeded to burn 
all the other buildings, and as far as possible, with his small 
force, to destroy the fortifications. The boy was taken as 
a prisoner to Fort Stanwix. These events took place at 



Oswego almost exactly at the same time as the slaughter of 
Wyoming. 

.From this time Pirward very little of any con.^equenc* 
occurred in Oswego County during the Revolution. It has 
been generally supposed that a strong ]iost was maintained 
by the British at Fort Ontario, and that numerous bloody 
raids against the frontiers were set on foot from that locility ; 
but a clo.se examination of the authorities shows that this is 
entirely a mistake. The Indian allies of the British were 
• anxious for a j>ost there for their protection, and in the 
spring of 17711 sent a delegation of chiefs to General Ilal- 
diniand, at Montreal, charged, aiuong other things, to re- 
quest the re-establishment of a fort at Oswego. General 
Ilaldimand ex]ilained that all his troops had been diverted 
to other points, and nothing was then done towards reoccu- 
pation. 

Probably if a British force had been stationed at Os- 
wego it would have .saved the Oitoinl'iju.* the destruction 
of their villages. Early that spring. Colonel Van Schaick 
left Fort Stanwix with about five hundred and fifty men, 
who rowed along the north shore of Oneiila lake, and soon 
reached Onondaga landing, opposite old Fort Brewerton. 
There they left a guard with their boats, and marched rap- 
idly to the Onondiiyrt villages, destroying the principal one, 
and, according to the official report, killing and capturing 
fifty warriors. 

Sullivan's great raid followed in the summer. In the 
autumn a slight attempt was made by the British to inau- 
gurate hostile proceedings at Oswego. Sir John Johnson 
aiul Colonel Guy Johnson went thither in vcs-sels from 
Niagara, and were joined by a considerable number of 
Indians. Another body, however, who marched along the 
shore, under Brant and some Briti.sh officers, did not come 
up, and the Canadian Indians who had been expected to 
make a foraging expedition to the vicinity of Fort St;in- 
wix declined to undertake the dangerous task. So Oswego 
was again abandoned, Sir John and Colonel Guy returned 
to Niagara, and the Indians were mostly distributed in 
winter quarters on the Niagara and the St. Lawrence. 

Colonel Guy Johnson, in giving an account of this trans- 
action to the home government, urged that Fort Ontario 
should be reestal)lished the next spring, as the Indians had 
it much at heart. Whether it was so re-ostablished in the 
spring of 17S0 there is nothing to show. 

In the autumn of 17SII Sir John Johnson, with a force 
of Indians and wliites, again passed through Oswego and up 
the river to Oneida lake. There they concealed their boats, 
and pxssed by a circuitous route to the borders of Schoha- 
rie county. They inflicted great damage on the Americans, 
and finally succeeded in escaping despite all the efl"ort.s of 
the New York militia. 

It was not until 1782 that it is certain there was a gar- 
rison at the point in question. That sciisun there was cer- 
tainly a small one there, and in the succeeding wititcr an 
effort was made by the Americans to surpri.se it. Under 
the special orders of W;usliington, the gallant Colonel Wil- 
lctt as.scuibled four hundred and seventy men at Fort 
Herkimer, in the ]>resent county of that nanu;. They set 
out on the Sth of February, 17S!5, proccednig in sleighs 
over the ice of Oneida lake, near the north shore, till they 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



41 



reached Fort Brewertou. There they left their sk-ighs 
under a guard and went forward on foot. Striking through 
the woods, they reached Oswego river, tliree miles above 
the foils, about the 12th of February. At two in the after- 
noon they reached the " lower landing." There they made 
seventeen scaling-ladders, and at night again moved forward. 
They walked on the ice as far as " Bradstrect's rift," 
where they again struck into the woods to avoid discovery. 
An Oneida Indian was aotin^ as a guide, and the wearied 
soldiers were warm with hopes of a successful surprise. 
But, after several hours of tramping in the snow, tlirough 
the dense forest, it was found that the Oneida iiad lost his 
way. All attempts to find it were unavailing, and nothing 
remained but to keep in motion till morning, lest they should 
succumb to the bitter cold. On they went, scarce knowing 
whither, liour after hour, until at length the late February 
morning dawned on the disheartened soldiers. They found 
themselves at the side of the wood. Looking forward, they 
saw at the distance of three-quarters of a mile the very 
prize they had been seeking, — Fort Ontario, lying in uncon- 
cerned repose on tiie icy borders of the lake. They were 
on Oak hill, near the present corner of Utica and East 
Seventh streets, Oswego. 

Colonel Willett's orders from Washington were impera- 
tive not to attack the fort unless he could surprise the gar- 
rison. It was accordingly out of the question to push 
across that tliree-fourths of a mile of open space. If they 
could retire to some place where they could build a fire, and 
remain in the vicinity till another night, the surprise might 
yet succeed. While the officers were discussing what was 
to be done, five British soldiers in fatigue dress, with axes 
on their shoulders, were seen approaching, evidently sent 
out to provide wood for the garrison. The Americans en- 
deavored to capture them without noise, but though two 
were taken three escaped, and fled with all speed to the 
fort. Soon the drums were heard beating to arms, the gar- 
rison swarmed upon the ramparts, and parties were seen 
shoveling the snow from tlie embrasures and preparing the 
guns for action. 

All hopes of surprise were at an end, and Willett reluc- 
tantly gave the order to return. The men threw their 
scaling-ladders in the hollow, southeast of Oak hill, where 
the remnants of them were found by the early settlers, and 
made the best of their way back to Fort Brewertou. Dur- 
ing the trip, either coming or going, several men were badly 
frozen, and one colored man was frozen to death. Two 
men, Henry Blackmer and Joseph Perrigo, who afterwards 
both settled on the west side of the Oswego, above the 
falls, were badly frozen on this expedition. 

At Brewertou the battalion found their sleighs, and 
(juickly made their way to Fort Stanwix. Wiien they ar- 
rived there they heard news which well compensated them 
for their disappointment at Oswego. Peace was declared, 
and their country was now one of the independent nations 
of the earth. 



CHAPTER XI. 

FKOJI 1783 TO 1800. 

The Boundary— The Iroquois Neglected— Wiishinjjton in the Indian 
Ueavcu — Treaty of 1784 — The Two Land Companies — Treaties of 
1788 — Woman's Rights— Oswego County l)ought liy the Whites — 
The Bounty-Laws — Laying Out the Military Tract — Method of 
Allotment — The Survey Fifties — Classic Names — Oldest l)ced— 
First Resident of Oswego County — The true Story of Frenchman's 
Island — Bruce at Constantia — Uerkimer County— Me.\ico—Ma- 
comb's Purchase— The Boylston Tract— The Roosevelt Purchiuse — 
Sale to Serilia — Cockburn's Survey — M.ajor Van Valkenburgh — 
Love and Murder — (Jreat Excitement — Vandcrkemp's Expedition 
— More about Frenchm.an's Island — A Scene on Lake Ontario — 
The .\riadne of Onei<la Lake — A Bear in command of a Boat — The 
First Blacksmith in the County — Scriba begins Settlement — The 
Castorland Expedition — Marc Isoinbard Brunei — New Rotterdam 
— Oswego in 1793— .\ Grouty Captain— Brunei under a Tarpaulin 
— Stratagems and Troubles— "Jovial as Cupids"— Formation of 
Onondaga County- Mexico Disorganized — Indian Troubles — Rob- 
bing a Boat— The Thunder of Cannon— Terrible Alarm— Stevens' 
Block-House— Wright's Survey- Van Valkenburgh at Fort Ontario 
— A Moral Explosion— The Township Survey— Soriha's Names 
— La Rochefoucauld-Liaucouvt — Condition of Rotterdam — The 
Last of Desvatines — An Adventure with Wolves— Mexico Reor- 
ganized — Oswego Surrendered — The Letter announcing it — Stow's 
Adventure— Selkirk's Purchase- Settlement of Oswego — Settle- 
ment of Mexico — Settlement of Redfield — Scriba's Liberality — 
Laying out Oswego— First Town Officers of Mexico- First Justic-e 
of the Peace — Settlement of Oswego Town — Formation of Oneida 
County — Assessment Roll of Mexico — Settlement of Scriba and 
New Haven — A Terrible Disaster — Mexico Divided. 

By the treaty of peace at the close of the Revolution it 
was provided that the line between the United States and 
the British dominions should run along the forty-fifth paral- 
lel and the middle of the St. Lawrence river, Lake Ontario, 
Niagara river, Lake Erie, etc , and that all posts held by the 
British south of that line should be given up. But when 
the next summer General Washington sent Baron Steuben 
to receive actual possession of those posts, he was astonished 
by a peremptory refusal on the part of the English authori- 
ties in Canada. Oswego, Niagara, Detroit, etc., were all 
held on to with a firm grasp, in direct violation of the 
treaty, and were so retained for over thirteen years. The 
excuse was that some action was expected or taken by some 
of the States unfavorable to English creditors. 

But while the English were thus eager to hold on to 
American soil, they had utterly neglected to make any pro- 
vision in the treaty for their Iroquois allies. These were 
left entirely to the., mercy of the victors. By the same 
rules of confiscation applied to the Tories, and usually en- 
forced by conquerors at that period, all the lands of the Six 
Nations, except those of a portion of the Oncidas and Tnx- 
caroras, could have been appropriated by the victorious 
Americans. Prudence, however, as well as humanity for- 
bade the excessive exasperation of a people who, even 
thoutrh defeated, crushed, and driven from their homes, 
could yet inflict a terrible retribution on their more power- 
ful but also more vulnerable enemies. 

It is said, also, that General Washington interposed in 
their behalf, and that the Iroquois have therefore made a 
place for him in the Indian heaven, where no other white 
man is ever allowed to enter. Just within the gate of the 
happy hunting-grounds they have located a walled inclosure, 



12 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



hiiil out witli s] acicius avenues and i-liailed walks, filled with 
every object to make it deiifihtful. and euntuining at its 
centre a sjilendid mansion built aftex the fashion of a fort- 
re*. Each f.'0(id Indian, as he iias.«es on to the regions 
where deer and buffalo furnish objects of eternal cha.sc, sees 
the tall, dignified figure of Wa.shington, ever clad in his 
Continental uniform of buff and blue, pacing to and fro in 
Ircjut of his fortress-mansion, uttering no word, but exist- 
ing in a state of perfect and silent bliss. 

Whether it be true that Washington interposed in favor 
of the Six Nations or not, it is certain that neither the gen- 
eral government nor the State of New York made any law 
appropriating the lands they had owned before llic Kcvolu- 
tion. 

In October, 1784, a treaty was made at Fort Stanwix 
with the Six Nations, by comnii.ssioncrs on the jiart of the 
United States, by which the Oneidas and Tuscuroras were 
secured in the possession of the lands on which they were 
settled. The Muliatcks. Oiionihiyiis, Cnyiigns, and Sciieciis 
surrendered all llnir lands west of the present location of 
T?uffalo, and were confirmed in po.ssession of that which 
tluv had held east and north of that point, reserving six 
miles square "around the fort of Oswego" to the United 
States for the support of that post. This reservation, how- 
ever, was never claimed by the general government as 
ag:iinst the State. 

I'p to this time all western New York had remained 
nominally a part of Tryon county, being also comprised 
within the indefinite and far-reaching boundaries of 
"Kingslaud district,' now the town of Herkimer. In 
1784 the name of Tryon county was changed to Mont- 
gomery, in honor of the American hero who fell at (^ucliec. 

For several years the condition of the Indian lands 
remained uncertain, and many intrigues were entered into 
to control it. In the winter of 1787-88 two companies 
were formed lor that purpose, — one ealli'd the " New York 
and Genesee Land Company," headed by John Livingston, 
a resident on the Hudson, and one termed the " Niagara 
Genesee Company," composed mo.stly of Canadians, and 
controlled by the notorious Colonel John Butler. The 
latter — retaining much of his old influence over the Six 
Nations, and being aided by Brant — obtained for his com- 
pany in November, 1787, a lease from the )irinci]>al chiefs 
of the Six Nations, and another from those of the Oneidas 
alone, which covered all the Iroquois lands in New York, 
except sonic small reservations. The consideration was to 
be a payment of twenty thousand dollars down, and an an- 
nual rent of two thousand dollars, and the term was to be 
nine hundred aiid ninety-nine years ! The object of this 
was to evade the laws of New York, which liirbade the 
.sale of lands by Indians to any one out of the State. 

In the succeeding winter the two couijianies, having 
united iheir forces, boldly demanded a eonfinualion of their 
lease from the legislature. That body, however, promptly 
declared that a lea.se for nine hundred and ninety-nine 
vears was in effect a dee<l, pronounced the lease of Butler 
and company void, and authorized the governor to use the 
military force of the Stale to jirevent intr\ision on the lands 
in (piestion. 

In March, 178S, an act was pa.>^scil appoinling commis- 



sioners to treat with the Indians relative to the purelia.se of 
their lands by the Slate. The lessees made another effort, 
this time to get half of the Indian land and surrender the 
other half to the State. This attempt, too, was without 
avail, and in July a grand council was held at Fort Stan- 
wix by Governor George Clinton and the State commis- 
sioners with the chiefs of the Oiiojidai/ns, Oneidas, and 
Ciiyxgm. 

The Onoiidnr/iis then ceded all their lands to the Slate, 
retaining the Onondaga reservation and the privilege of 
making salt at the salt springs. In consideration therefor 
the Stale agreed to pay atbonsand French crowns in money, 
twti hundred pounds (New York currency, — equivalent to 
five hundred dollars) in clothing, and five hundred pounds 
annually forever. It may be interesting to the advocates 
of Women's rights to know that this treaty, which is the 
foundation of the title of a large part of the land of Oswego 
County, was signed not only by Governor Clinton and the 
Stale Commissioners, not only by the chiefs of the licnr, 
Deer, Ell, Turtle, Bearer, and Wolf clans, of the Oiwn- 
dnff(is,h\il by two '' governesses," or principal women, of 
that tribe. It was witncs.sed also by several prominent 
whites and Indians, and by Kaycndatyoini, ■' chief governess 
of the Senecas." 

The Cai/ut/as made a similar ees.sion at the same time. 

In September the Oneidas also granted all their lands to 
the State except some reservations. The greater part of 
the reserved land was outside of Oswego County, but there 
was a half-mile square reserved every six miles along the 
north shore of Oneida lake, and " a convenient piece at the 
fishing-]>lace on Onondaga river, three miles below where 
it issues friiin Oneida lake.' The consideration was two 
thousand dollars in cash, three thousand dollars in goods, 
provisions, etc., five hundred dollars towards building mills, 
and six hundred dollars in silver every year thereafter. 
This treaty, too, after the signatures of numerous chiefs, 
bore those of Konwagalot, Konawgalet, Hannah Sodolk, 
and Ilononwayele, leading women of the tribe. 

The next year an act was passed by the legi.slatnro jiro- 
viding for the laying out of a large part of the newly- 
acquired lands as bountiesforBevolutionary. services. This 
was in acconiancc with numerous previous enactments 
passed from 1781 to 1788. Three regiments had been 
raised in New York in the former year, intended chiefly for 
the protection of the frontier, to whom large bounties in 
land had been offered. In 1782 the legislature had desig- 
nated a tract in the centre of the Slate running southward 
from the mouth of the Oswego. In 1783 they had con- 
firmed this grant, and provided for bounties liir general 
officers who were citizens of New York, and for various 
other classes of officers, and also jirovided for giving nn 
extra hundred acres to each private (with jiroportionate 
sums to the oiheers) who Would relinquish the hundred 
acres in the west which he was entitled to under a law of 
Congress. The object of this last provision seems to have 
been to induce New York men to remain in New York. 
By a law of 1784 two .-iiiuare miles of land at the mouth 
of the Oswego (a square mile on each side) had been re- 
served by ihe State. It is worth noticing that even at that 
late day it was set down in all deseriptioiis lliat llo' 'Onon 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



43 



daga," as it was then called, ran westward, and that the 
shore of Lake Ontario ran north and south. The description 
in question provides very precisely that tlie lines of the 
reservation shall run " from the mouth of said river, and 
on both sides thereof, as the same runs, one mile, then ex- 
tending northerlt/ and sontkerly one mile, with a line per- 
pendicular to the general course of the river within the said 
mile, thence loesterhj with the said general course to Lake 
Ontario ; thence northerly and southcrli/ to the places of 
beginning." 

Another reservation was provided for at " the falls, com- 
monly called Oswego falls, on the Onondaga river," with 
the somewhat indefinite boundary of beginning " twenty 
chains above where the bateaux were usually taken out of 
the said river to be carried across the portage, and extending 
down the said river twenty chains below where the bateaux 
were usually put into the said river, after having been trans- 
ported over the said portage, and extending norlhe:isterly 
in every part between the said two places ten chains from 
the said river." 

By the same law of 178-i the governor, lieutenant-gov- 
ernor, and four other State officers were appointed commis- 
sioners to convey the lands to the soldiers or their assigns. 
All this time the land itself — at least that part in Central 
New York — had remained in possession of the Indians, 
and the fort at Oswego, around which the State designated 
the lines of its reservation, was firmly held by the British. 
There were lands on which bounty warrants could be located 
in the northern part of the State, but most of the holders 
of those warrants preferred to wait for the opening of the 
rich tract lying south of Oswego. 

At length, as before stated, those lands were purchased, 
and the law of February 28, 1789, was passed. By that 
act, modified by the law of April 6, 1790, the commissioners 
of the land-office were authorized to direct the surveyor- 
general to lay out as many townships as might be necessary 
to satisfy the lawful claims for bounty, each township to 
contain sixty thousand acres, and to be as near square as 
practicable. This would make them nearly ten miles square, 
— or, to be precise, a trifle over nine and two-thirds miles 
square. The commissioners were required to number the 
townships, and were for some rea.son commanded to put 
township No. 1 on the west side of the Oswego falls. 
They were also required to give to each township an indi- 
vidual name. Each township was then to be subdivided 
into a hundred lots, as near square as might be, each con- 
taining six hundred acres. This was the amount allowed 
to a private soldier, including the tract received in lieu of 
western land. 

All who claimed under the bounty laws were required to 
present their claims before the first day of July, 1790. 
Then the commissioners were directed to have each man's 
name written on a ballot, with extra ones for the officers, 
and all put in a box. The lots in each township were then 
to be numbered, and the number of each with its township 
written on a ballot, and all those ballots to bo put in another 
box. A person appointed by the comnii.ssionors was to 
draw a man's name from the box of names and then a lot- 
number from the box of lots. That lot was to belong to 
that man. But there were six lots not to be allotted in 



each township. Two of these wore reserved respectively 
for the support of schools and of the gospel, and the rest 
to fill out the shares of commissioned officers which might 
not make exact multiples of six hundred. Most of them 
did, however ; a lieutenant receiving twelve hundred acres, 
a captain eighteen hundred, a major twetity-four hundred, 
etc. There was a further provision that a settlement must 
be made on every six-hundred-aere tract within seven years 
after the issuing of a patent, on penalty of the lands revert- 
ing to the State; an oa.sy condition, which was probably 
complied with. 

This was the origin of the celebrated " Military Tract," 
within the bounds of which are comprised all that part of 
Oswego County west of the Oswego river. 

Besides certain small fees in money, fifty acres in one of 
the corners of each six-hundred-acre lot were made subject 
to a charge of forty-eight shillings (six dollars) to pay the 
expenses of surveying. If the owner of the lot paid that 
sum in two years after receiving a patent, the whole title 
vested in him ; if not, the surveyor-general was required to 
sell the " survey fifty" to the highest bidder for the benefit 
of the State. 

The people were evidently in great haste to occupy the 
fertile lands from which they had so long been shut out. 
In the spring of 1790 the conimi.ssioners advertised for the 
appearance of claimants, and on the 3d of July in that 
year, only two days after the time allowed by law, they 
met to distribute the land. Twenty-five townships had 
been laid out under the direction of the surveyor-general, 
Simeon De Witt. According to law, the designation of 
No. 1 was affixed to the township adjoining the falls on the 
west. The one north of it was marked as No. 2 ; No. 3 
was south of No. 1, and then the numbers ran up as they 
went south, where most of the tract lay. The commission- 
ers were very classical. They named township No. 1 Ly- 
sander ; No. 2 Hannibal ; and gave the names of distin- 
guished ancients to all the other townships but three, who 
were called after equally distinguished Englishmen. Ly- 
sander and Hannibal were the oidy ones of which any 
portion is now comprised within the county of Oswego, and 
therefore the only ones it is needful for us to mention. 
Readers must always bear in mind the difference between a 
survey townsliip and a political town. The survey town- 
ship of Hannibal comprised the present towns of Hannibal 
and Oswego, and a small part of Graiiby, in Oswego County, 
and the town of Sterling, in Cayuga county. Lysander 
embraced the greater part of Granby, in Oswego County, 
the present town of Lysander, and part of another in 
Onondaga county. 

On the same day above mentioned the commissioners 
proceeded to allot that immense quantity of land — a mil- 
lion and a half of acres — in the manner prescribed by law. 
Patents were soon issued, but in very few cases did these 
go to the soldiers who did the fighting. Out of fifty-eight 
names of officers and soldiers on a page of the old " ballot- 
ing-book" belonging to B. B. Buit, E.sq., from which we 
have gleaned most of the facts regarding the Military Tract, 
only three received their land in person. All the rest had 
.sold their claims. 

The oldest deed on recoid in the Oswego County clerk's 



44 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK- 



ofiicu is iruiii Dennis MeCartliy iind AViiliani Wlialcii. of 
lots 42 and 5o, in tlie survey-townsliip of Iliinnilial, to 
parties who iiumcdiutely transferred the same to William 
Cockbum. 

Settlement immodiatcly began on the Military Tract, but 
not at 6rst on the northern portion, in what is now Oswego 
County. Meanwhile we will cross the river, and .see what 
i.s j;oin^ on there. 

The first white resident of Oswego County was Oliver 
Stevens, who located at Fort Brewerton in 1780, beg-.in 
trading with the Indians, and kept a rude tavern for the 
acconmiodation of boatmen. In ITl'l, Major Rj'al Bing- 
ham srttled in the vicinity of the fort, on land lea.sed of a 
Mr. Kaats, who had procured the title. He, however, 
remained but two years, while Stevens became a jtcrmanent 
resident. 

That year (1791), also, another man made his home in 
Oneida county with his family, whose residence there has 
been the theme of many a romantic tale. This was the 
hero of the celebrated episode of "Frenchman's i-sland." 
He has usually been motaniorphosed into Count St. Hi- 
lary, anil he and his young liride are generally suppo.sed to 
have fliil frnm the llcign of Terror in France; but, ac- 
cording til his own account, he left that country long before 
the period in (|uestion. Other published accounts have 
been still more fanciful. Indeed, the story has been writ- 
ten and told with so many variations, with so evident a 
desire to make the most of the romance, that some have 
doubted the truth of the whole account, and have looked 
on the noble Gaul anil his fair bride as a mere myth of an 
imaginative brain. But this is a mistake; there really was 
such a couple, and their adventures were sufficiently ro- 
mantic to make the aid of fiction entirely unnecessary. 

There are at lea.st three authentic records, by personal 
witnesses, regarding them. The first is found in the letters 
of Francis Adrian A^mderkcmp, regarding a voyage through 
Oneida lake in 1792, published in 1876 in the' Centennial 
adilrc-is of .John F. Seymour, at Trenton, Oneida county. 
The second is the " Castorland Journal," a very interesting 
account of the voyage of certain Frenchmen to tlie Black 
river byway of Oswego, in 17!I3. The "Journal" has 
not iieen published, but has been translated from the French 
and annotated by Dr. Franklin B. Hough, the well-known 
historian, to whom we are indebted for the privilege of 
using it. The third is the published travels of the Due de 
la Rochefoueauld-Liancourt, who saw the exiles in 1795. 
From these three accounts, which agree in all substantial 
rrs]jeets, it is ea.sy to learn the truth regarding the story of 
Frenchman's island. 

The mans name was De Valine or Desvalines; the latter 
is the form used by most of the witnesses, and will be adopted 
in this narrative. He claimed to have been a .seigneur near 
Lisle, France, and that bis father had squandered a large 
imrt of the estate. The young man sold the remainder for 
a sum variously estimated at from five thousand to forty 
thousiuid dollars, and came to America with his newly- 
wedded wife in 178(i, several years before the French revo- 
lution. Unu.scd to the country, and of a volatile di.spo- 
sitioii, he wasted half bis (iirtune in traveling and buying 
worthKss land, and tlirn, to recuperate, engaged in trade in 



New York with a partner who ran away with nearly all 
their joint jiroprrty. Desvatines gathered up the remaining 
pittance, and, disgusted with civilization, determined to 
make his home in the wilderness. He .sold the most of his 
furniture, but retained his library and a little silver for the 
table. 

It was in the spring or summer of IT'.'l that the exiles 
with their two children first located on " Frenchman's 
island," where Desvatines began to make a clearing with his 
own hands. He was unable to complete a building in 
which it was possible to pass the winter, and when that 
season approached he_ took his family to live with the 
OticUhi Indians at the cast end of the lake, while he spent 
his time hunting with the warriors. The Oiieti/im treated 
the unfortunate family very kindly, and Des\*atines always 
spoke of them with grateful warmth. 

In the spring of 1702 they returned to the island, where 
Madame Desvatines gave birth to a child, Camille Desva- 
tines, probably the first white child born in Oswego County 
outside the military establishments. Notwithstanding his 
somewhat frivolous disposition, Desvatines seems to have 
doiu' a good deal of hard work for a man who had been 
reared in e;ise. Unaided, and without a team, he cleared 
a tract of some six acres, planted it with corn, built a cabin 
in which his family could live, and a still ruder one which 
served as a kitchen. 

The nearest neighbor of the Desvatines was a Mr. Brace, 
previou.sly a Connecticut merchant, who built him a cabin 
in 1791 or 1792 on the site of I'on.stantia village, main- 
taining himself by hunting, fishing, and raising potatoes. 
Leaving Bruce. Desvatines, Bingham, and Stevens, as the 
white occupants of Oswego County outside of Fort ( )iitario, 
we must go back a little to look up the title to tin- laud 
and the municipal organizations. And first, regarding the 
latter. 

lu the spring of 171)1 the county of Herkimer was set 
off from Montgomery, embracing the whole country from 
the wist line of the latt( r i( unly to the last line of Ontario 
and from Tioga north to St. Lawrence. On the lllth of 
April, 1792, the first town was erected, of which the name is 
still retained, in Oswego County. This was Mexico. Its 
eastern boundary, as defined by law, was a line drawn north 
and south through the mouih of I'hittenango creek, on the 
south shore of Oneida lake, striking through the west part 
of Con.stantia, the east part of I'arish, and so on northward, 
leaving the eastern part of Oswego County in Whitestown. 
Its western boundary was the west line of the survey- 
townships of Lysander and Hannibal. North and .south 
it was near a hundred miles long. The old town records 
are all lost, and as the town was afterwards reorganized, 
same have doubted whether it was organized at all under 
the law of 1 792. There is every reasnn, however, to believe 
that it was, for there was already a considerabli- pojxdation 
in what is now Onondaga county. 

On the 22(1 of June, 1791, Alexatuh'r Macomb, of New 
York city, father of the celebrated general of the war of 
1812, on behalf of a coinijany, suppiwed to consist of him- 
.self, Daniel McCormiik, and William Constable, ajiplied to 
the State couimi.ssiiiiitrs of the land-office to purchase a 
tract of nearly four million acres in the present counties of 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



45 



St. Lawrence, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego. 
The southwestern boundary of the tract ran southeasterly 
from the mouth of Salmon river to the present southwest 
corner of Lewis county, thus inclosing the present towns 
of Redfield, Boylston, Orwell, Sandy Creek, and part of 
•Richland. The price offered w;is eightpence (which, in 
New York currency, wa.s about the same a.s eight cents) 
per acre. The proposition was accepted, and on the 10th 
of January, 1792, nearly two million acres, including the 
part of Oswego County above described, was conveyed to 
Macomb by patent. 

Macomb seems to have been very much embarrassed, 
and in June following conveyed the whole tract to Consta- 
ble. The latter immediately went to Paris to sell the land. 
An association was formed there, called the Castorland Com- 
pany, to purchase a large tract in Jefferson and L^wis 
counties. The agents of that company were the authors 
of the " Castorland Journal" before referred to, and which 
will be again drawn upon for information. 

Constable, that same year, sold over a million acres, in- 
cluding the Oswego lands, to Samuel Ward, who imme- 
diately transferred to Thomas Boylston, of Boston, a tract 
of eiglit hundred thousand acres, of which those lands 
were a part. Thence came the name of the Boylston tract. 
Boylston held the Oswego County portion three or four years, 
but finally it was reconveyed to Constable, doubtless for in- 
ability to complete the payment. While in Boylston's hands, 
or lield by trustees for him, it was surveyed into townships, of 
which all the names but one have been dropped from use. 
Township No. 12 of that tract was called Redfield, and now 
constitutes the south part of the town of that name. No. 
7, being now the north part of Redfield, was called Arcadia. 
No. G, now Boylston, was Campania; No. 11, now Orwell, 
was Longinus; while No. 10, comprising the present town of 
Sandy Creek, the north part of Richland, and the corner of 
Albion, then bore the terrible appellation of " Rhadamant." 
Minos, the companion judge of Rhadamanthus, was honored 
by his name being given to the present town of Ellisburg, 
Jefferson county. These two last names, not to be found 
in any of the gazetteers, were procured from a curious old 
map, in the possession of the Scriba family, showing all the 
survey-townships of northern and central New York, seventy 
years ago. 

A few weeks after Macomb made his application, John 
and Nicholas Roosevelt, likewise of New York city, applied 
to the commissioners to purchase a tract of a little over five 
hundred thousand acres, lying between Oneida lake, Oswego 
river. Lake Ontario, Macomb's purcha,se, and " Orthout's 
(latent." The price offered was three .shillings and one 
penny (nearly thirtj'-nine cents) per acre. One-sislh of 
the purchase money was to be paid in six months, one-half 
of the remainder in one year, and tlie rest in two years. 
These terms were accepted by the commissioners, and there 
is in the possession of the Scriba family a certificate of such 
acceptance, under the broad seal of the State, signed by 
Governor George Clinton. 

On the 7th day of April, 1792, the Roosevelts sold their 
contract to the person whose name has ever since been as- 
sociated with that immense tract of land. This was George 
Frederick William Augustus Scriba, who usuallysigned him 



self simply George Scriba, a native of Holland, and then a mer- 
chant of New York city. To ascertain the number of acres 
for which Scriba was to pay, the outer boundaries of the tract 
were run and the contents estimated, in 1792, for the Roose- 
velts, by James Cockburn, under the general direction of 
his brother William, an eminent surveyor, of Kingston, 
New York. With the necessary assistants, James Cock- 
burn passed down the north shore of Oneida lake, and fol- 
lowed all the windings of the Oneida and O.swego rivers, 
constantly measuring distances and taking angles. Arriv- 
ing at Oswego, he applied to the commander to let him run 
his line to the mouth of the river. But the ofi&eer refused 
to allow him to come within range of the guns of the fort. 
So he was obliged to make an offset and strike the lake east 
of the fort, though he managed to take several observations 
by means of the flagstaff. The fort, which then mounted 
only four carriage-guns, was garrisoned by a company of 
Royal Americans and a few artillerists. There were no 
inhabitants outside the fort, and a British custom-house 
officer exercised his functions as coolly as if the territory 
belonged to King George III. 

Cockburn then proceeded along the south shore of Like 
Ontario, and the northeastern and eastern lines of the pur- 
chase. On completing his work he made a map of the tract, 
under the name of the Roosevelt Purchase, a few copies of 
which are still extant. Mr.. Scriba did not receive a patent 
for the tract until December, 1794 ; but before reaching 
that point we must turn our attention again to the course of 
settlement. 

Lawrence Van Valkenburgh, popularly known as '■ tho 
major," having acquired an interest in lot 75, on the west 
side of the river, came there early in 1792, accompanied by 
two laborers, Valentine and Schermsrhorn,- and a colored 
slave boy called " Har." Two men, named Olcott and Fow- 
ler, brought some Indian goods to the falls a little later, and 
began trading. Major Van Valkenburgh. having set his 
men to work, returned eiist. In his absence Schermerhorn 
died, and was buried by Olcott, Valentine, and " Har," en- 
wrapped in a blanket, while a few pieces of bark did duty 
in place of a coffin. 

Shortly afterwards, and before the iuajor's return, Val- 
entine contracted a special friendship for a squaw, or was 
suspected of having done so by her copper-colored liege 
lord. The latter made some hostile demoiLStrations against 
the intruder, a quarrel ensued, and Valentino struck the 
Indian on the head with a hoe, causing his death. Instantly 
a tremendous excitement arose among the Indians, accom- 
panied by a very natural terror on the part of the two or 
three whites and the negro. 

Valentine sold Major Van Valkenburgh's oxen and gun 
to the English at Oswego, and fled to Canada. Olcott and 
" Har" left for the eastern settlements, but were met at 
Three Rivers point by the major, who returned to the fall.s 
with them, and addres.sed himself to the task of pacifying 
the Indians. The British commander at Fort Ontario seat 
up a detachment of soldiers for the .same purpo.se. These 
efforts were successful, though there w;is much ill feeling 
for a long period. 

Governor Clinton offered a reward ti)r the capture of V^al- 
entine, and in time thj latter w;is brouglit b.ick from Canada. 



4G 



III8TOUV OF OSWEGO COUNTY. NKW YORK. 



It i^ said tliat the person who liroufilit him [pnimisfd to <;ivo 
liiui hail" the reward if he would come (iiiiutly, as iheie was 
no extraditiou treaty in those days. Valentine was tried 
at Whitef-lMiro', tlicn the county wat of Herkimer eoiinty. 
and atf|uitted, hut the tniditiun runs that the sjKjeulator 
who arrested him kept the whole of the reward. 

Another event of 1792 wa.s the expedition of Francis 
Adrian Vanderkemp, a distiniruished citizen of Holland, 
who fled from that country on account of having engaged 
in an unsuccessful attempt at revolution, and who was ex- 
amining' the Roosevelt purchase with a view to .settlement. 
He was accompanied by the Baron De Zeng, a German 
nobleman, sometimes called Major De Zeng, who had come 
from Saxony to take part in the American Revolution, and 
had become a perniam'nt resident of tlie country. 

In June the travelers, with two servants, entered Oneida 
lake in their canoe, and proceeded to the mouth of Scriba 
creek (where Constantia village now stands), which w;is 
then called Bruce creek, from the solitary resident of that 
name before mentioned. They then visited " Frenchman's 
island." 

It has been questioned as to which of the two islands 
near together was actually occupied by " the Frenchman," 
but Vanderkemp's statement is direct that it was " the largest 
and uio.st westerly." His account of the e.xiles Ls very in- 
teresting, and is none the less so from the occasional rjuaint- 
ness of the worthy Hollander's Engli.sh. He .says, — 

"This island might in ancient days have been the happy 
seat of a goddess, in the middle ages that of a magician, or a 
fairy's residence in the times of chivalry. Proceeding on 
one after another the stately trees through which we per- 
ceived yet the last glances of the setting sun, we were at 
once after a few rods, surprised with an enchanting view, of 
wliich it is not in my power to give you an adetjuatc de- 
scription. All that the poets did sing of the gardens of 
Alcinous, all the scenery of those of Armida, so highly 
decorated by Virgil and Ariosto, could scarce have made 
upQH' me, who was eajitivated unawares and bewildered, a 
more deep impression than this spectacle of nature. We 
did sec here a luxuriant soil in its virgin bloom ; we did see 
indu.stry crowned with blessing ; we did see here what great 
things a frail man can perform if he is willing. It seemed a 
paradise which happiness had chosen for her residence. 
Our jiath, gradually increasing in breadth, did lead us to 
the circumference of a cleared circle surrounded with lime- 
trees ; at Ixjth sides of the path was planted Indian corn, 
already grown from four to five feet, while a few plants 
towards the middle ol'tliis patch were six feet long, and this 
in the middle of .J line. A small cottage of a few feet .s<|uare 
stood nearly in the centre of this .spot. It had a bark cover- 
ing, and to the lefl of it asimilar one, three-fourths uncovered, 
and ajipropriated for a kitchen. Here was the residence of M r. 
and Madame des Wattines [the Hollander's rendering of the 
French name], with their three children. They lived there 
without servants, without neighbors, without a cow ; they 
lived, as it were, separated from the world. Des Wattines 
sallied forward and gave us a cordial welcome in his demesnes. 
The well-educated man was easily recognized through his 
sloven dress. Ragged as he appeared, without a coat or 
hat, hi.- manners were those of a gentleman ; his address 



that of one who had s(x;n the higher circles of civilized life. 
A female, from wlio.se remaining beauties might be conjec- 
tured how uniny had been tarnished by adversity, was sit- 
ting in the entrance of this cot. She was dre.ssed in white, 
in a .short gown and petticoat, garnished with the s;inie 
stuff; her chestnut-brown hair flung back in ringlets over 
her shoulders, her eyes fixed on her darling Camille, a 
native of this isle, at her breast; while two children, stand- 
ing at each side of her, played in her lap. Her appearance 
was amiable indeed ; a wild imagination might have lost 
herself, and have considered the wearied, toiling Des Wat- 
tines as the magician who kept this beautiful woman in 
slavery, but ere soon the charm dwindled away. Esteem 
for the man filled our bosom, and when you considered how 
indetiitigably he must have exerted him.sclf, what sacrifices 
he must have made, what hardships endured, to render her 
situation comfortable and rear roses for her on this island, 
so deep in the western wilderness then, notwithstanding all 
the foibles which a fastidious, cool observer might discover 
at his fireside, in a character and conduct as that of Des 
Wattines, he becomes an object of admiration. I, at least, 
gazed at him in wonder. l)es Wattines introduced us to his 
spouse. She received us with that easy politeness which 
well-educated peojile seldom lose entirely, and urged, with 
so much grace, to sit down, that we could not refuse it with- 
out incivility. This couple was now in the second year on 
this island, and all the improvements which we had seen 
were the work of Des Wattines' hand.s exclusively. " 

Mr. Vanderkemp describes the interior of the cabin as 
containing a few trunks, a few chairs, an oval table, two 
neat beds, a double-barreled gun, and a handsome collection 
of books, chiefly in modern French lit^'rature. The follow- 
ing delineation display's the French love of adornment, even 
in the most adverse circumstances : 

" Des Wattines had laid out behind the cottage a pretty 
garden, divided by a walk in the middle. The two fore- 
most beds, and nilxilm, against the house were covered with 
a variety of flowers ; sweet wiliiams. lady slippers, with a 
few decaying hyacinths. At the right hand were bush 
beans, large kidney beans at poles, cabbage, turnips, peas, 
salado, with that strong-scented herbage which we call 
Iceovel (cheovel), and which you purcha.se so dear at your 
arrival in New York, although its culinary use in cakes and 
soup was then yet unknown there; at the left, watermelons, 
canteloj)eji, eucumbci-s, persil, string peas, with a few of the 
winter provisions, all in great forwardness, with few or no 
weeds among them ; behind the garden a small nursery of 
ap]ile-trees, which was c1o.s(hI with a patch of lu.xuriant 
potatoes, and these again were joined both sides by wheat, 
describing a semicircle around it." 

When Desvatines learned that the travelers were going 
to Lake Ontario in a canoe, he generously oflered tlieni his 
sjifcr and more commodious lialeaii. which they thankfully 
accepted. 

With it Vanderkemp and De Zeng proceeded without 
any adventure of note to Oswego. They found Fort On- 
tario garrisoned by only one cmnpany of British troops, 
under Captain Wickham, a Rhode I.slander by birth. He 
treated the travelers very politely, and allowed Mr. I'rice, 
the interpreter of the post, to conduct them to the mouth 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



47 



of Salmon creek. Nevertheless, Vanderkemp records with 
iudigiiatioii that he saw " in thi.s despicable fortress seven 
barrels of salt taken from an American bateau, by an 
American runaway, now a Briti.sh custuni-housc officer." 

Tiie travelers were very near being wrecked near the 
mouth of Salmon creek, and Vanderkemp's curious descrip- 
tion of the adventure is very amusing in spite of the danger 
he delineates. Price gave up the helm to one of the hands 
who professed to be a good sailor. There was a strong wind, 
and from fear of goin<r out on the lake the steersman almost 
i-an on the rocky shore. Vanderkemp says, — 

" At once a loud, pitiful cry ' hold towards shore,' struck 
our ears. Price did tear the oar from Barker's hand, com- 
manded to lower the sail and bring out the oars, but all in 
vain. Tiie pilot wept and cry'd, ' Hold towards shore, Mr. 
Price, good Mr. Price ! push on shore — I pray God Al- 
mighty — dear Mr. Price, set on shore !' Price's reply was 
' God damn you, rascal ! down the sail, out the oar; obey or 
sink !' One of our boys sat nearly lifeless in the bow ; the 
other near the mast, pale as death, with staring eyes and with 
opened mouth. The danger increased to appearance : the 
surge rose higher and higher ; our united strength and 
weight, viz., De Zeng's and mine, were scarce sufficient to 
prevent the bateau turning upside down ; twice did I actually 
see a great part of the bottom, twice did I see it naked ; 
one-half inch more and we had been lost. At last the sail 
was struck, the oar out, and we were only in part exposed 
to the first shock, while Price, who remained calm and alert, 
succeeded in forcing the prow into the waves, and bringing 
us again in safety in deep water." 

After this, a little more exploration satisfied them, and 
they speedily returned. Mr. Vanderkemp mentions seeing 
numerous bateaux and canoes laden with goods, furs, salt, etc., 
and there was evidently a good deal of business transacted 
on the forest-lined shores of the Oneida and Onondaga. 
On reaching Desvatines' island in July, the garden vege- 
tables were fit to use, and the poor exiles, with unfailing 
generosity, insisted on furnishing the travelers with a plen- 
tiful supply. Desvatines went with them as far as Fish 
creek, to obtain com of the Oiieidas, and Mr. Vanderkemp 
thus describes the scone when they set forth : 

" Madame dcs Wattines, with her Camille to her bosom, 
her eldest boy and sister at her side, motionless, staring at 
us with an expressive countenance, with features portray- 
ing what her soul so keenly seemed to feel in that distress- 
ing moment of separation. 'Adieu, Des Wattines!' was all 
which we could distinguish. There stood that lovely de- 
serted fair one ! not deserted as Ariadne, but nevertheless 
left, alone with three helpless children — alone! on an i.sland 
in Oneida lake. I turned my head from this mournful 
obje<;t and conquered, with some reluctance, these painful 
sentiments which tortured my bosom." 

Mr. Stevens, at Fort Brewertim, had a curious adventure 
this same year. While at dinner one day, a Frenchman, 
excited breathless, and dripping with water, came rushing 
up to the open door of his house : 
^ " Ah, you come vitc, quick, right away, Monsieur Yankee, 
s'il vous plait. Mon camaradc, my fren', he get kill right 
avay. He be maDg6 — vat you call eat up — or drown, or 
somesings. Vcnez — come right along !" 



'•' Why, what's the matter ?" exclaimed the astonished 
Stevens, springing from his chair. 

"Ah! my fren', my camarade — ze bear vill kill him — 
and I lose my bateau — mon boat — prenez votre gun — take 
your fusil — kill ze bear — stop ze boat — save mine fren !" 

At the words "gun," " bear," and "boat," Stevens be- 
gan to comprehend what was needed, snatched his loaded 
rifle from the wall, and rushed down to the river's edge. 
There he found another Frenchman, as wet as his com- 
panion, wailing and wringing his hands. 

" Ah I mon Dieu ! mon Dieu ! ze bear run away mit mine 
bateau. Ah I see him go — shoot him quick !" 

Looking out to the centre of the stream, Stevens was 
astonished to see a bear seated ou his haunches in the stern 
of a boat, which was floating slowly down the river, while 
Bruin surveyed the scene with an air of the most majestic 
tranquillity. Lifting his rifle, Stevens fired, and the bear 
sank down dead in the craft he comminded. The French- 
men then swam out and brouglit both boat and bear to 
shore. The animal weighed over three hundred pounds, 
and furnished many a good meal to the pioneer. 

It seems that the two men had been rowing up the 
stream when they saw tlie bear swimming across it. They 
had no fire-arms, but thought they could perhaps kill him, 
and at all events could have some fun. They rowed up to 
him, and one of them aimjd a stroke at his head with an 
oar. The bear dodged the blow, and then, instead of trying 
to get away, put his paws on the gunwale of the boat and 
began scrambling in. The Frenchmen tumbled out with 
equal celerity and made for shore, while his bearship took 
command, as before narrated, and started on a journey down- 
stream. The man who reached shore first never looked 
around, but ran at full speed for Stevens' house, thinking 
his comrade in the claws of the monster. They had all the 
fun they wanted. 

In the spring of 1793, Major Van Valkenburgh brought 
his family. Forming a part of his family was his son 
Abram and his newly-wedded wife of sixteen. Their .son, 
Lawrence, Jr., born in November, 1793, has genenilly been 
considered the first white child born in the county, but 
must give place to Camille Desvatines. With the Van 
Valkenburghs came Henry Bush and a Mr. Lary, who also 
settled at the foils. 

Daniel Masters located himself on the west side in 179.3, 
being the first settler in the present town of Volney. He 
established the first blacksmith-.shop in the county, an 
important part of his business being the making of .spear- 
heads to kill the salmon which then abounded in all the 
streams. These useful articles he sold to the Indians and 
settlers for a silver dollar each. 

lu the spring of 1793, also, Mr. Scriba, though he had 
not yet received a patent, began a settlement on his land. 
He selected as its site the mouth of the stream, which Van- 
derkemp called Bruce's creek, but which has since been 
called Scriba's creek. The swell of the lake there was 
called Fisher's bay. He named the place New Rotterdam, 
after the celebrated city of that name in Holland, where 
he was born. He immediately set his men to building a 
saw-mill and making other improvements. He also sold 
a hundred acres on easy term^ to Monsieur Desvatines, who 



4S 



HISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW VdllK. 



for some reason, was rer|uired to leave liis island, wliere he 
had resided for U'n years. 

Ill the aiitunin tlie eiiibryo city was visited by Pharoux 
and Dusjardiucs, the agents of the " Castorland Company," 
l)ef<ire mentioned, who were on their way to examine the 
Ulaek river lands, whieh the company was about to pur- 
chase from William Constable. They were accompanied 
by Marc Isomburd Brunei, then a young officer of the 
French navy, aflenvards one of the most celebrated engi- 
ncei's in the world, and the i-onstnu-tor of the Thames 
tunnel, who accompanied the expedition fur the .'*ake of 
adventure. Baron De Zeng also went with them fitiui his 
re.sidenee at Rome, 

Their journal, fur the use of which, as before stated, we 
are indebted to Dr. Hough, states that they arrived at New 
llotterdara on the 13th of October. Scriba's i^aw-mill had 
been erected during the summer, but the dam was poor, 
and the travelers foretold its destruction when high-water 
fcime. New Rotterdam at. that time consisted of three log 
houses, evidently occupied by Scriba's workmen, who were 
all sick of fever, which was attributed partly to the shallow- 
ness of the water and |iartly to the immense numbers of 
fish thrown on shore to decay by the waters edge. Des- 
vatincs was living clo.sc by, but was absent hunting. The 
Iravelei-s, however, were visited by Mr. Vaiiderkenip, who, 
during that summer, had purchased a thou.'iand acres of 
Mr. Scriba liiur miles east of New Rotterdam, and wa.s 
pre]iaring to make a ])erniancnt residence there. 

Pharoux, Desjardines, Brunei, and De Zeng proceeded 
to Fort Brewerton, where they found the outlet almost 
filled uj) by piles of stone which Mr. Stevens had arranged 
with an opening in which a willow basket or eel-weir was 
fastened. They mention the cabins whieh the Indians 
oeeupied there during the fishing-.^eason, built of poles 
supported by crotched sticks covered and sided with bark. 
Below Three Rivers point they were accompanied by 
.Major Bingham, who had already left Fort Brewerton and 
mettled in Lysander, Onondaga county. 

At Oswego falls they formed an arrangement by which 
the boats were slid on rollers about sixty yards around the 
falls, while the goods were laden on wagons and carried 
down from the upper to the lower landing. The price of 
portage was half a dollar per load. 

On reaching Fort Ontario a British inspector came to 
see if they were taking any ujereliandisc to trade with 
Canada. De Zeng then went to the fort alone, flattering 
himself he could rapidly obtain a pa.ss. as the new com- 
mander. Captain Seliroeder, w^iis, like himself, a German. 
The ruins of houses were so numerous as to convince the 
Frenchmen that there had once been (|uite a town there. 
So I'ar back had the forest been felled lliat the firewood for 
the garrison was procured out along the lake-shore and 
brought to the fort on boats. The garrison is represented 
as being composed of Germans and Scotch, and as being 
relieved annually in May. 

While the Frenchmen were investigating, Ca])tain 
Schroeder and Major De Zeng came out, and the former 
expressed great iinlignation and astonishment at the pre- 
sumption of the French, saying he could hardly restrain 
himself from sending them as prisoners to Quebec. lie 



compelled them to encamp on the west side of the river. 
After much negotiation he consented to grant a passport, 
but only on condition that Brunei shi>uld n'Uiain as a hos- 
tage, and that his companions should not go into Canada. 
Brunei agreed to stay if Seliroeder would take care of him 
in the fort, but would not give his parole and camp on the 
west side of the river. 

But the worthy commandant was horrified at the idea of 
admitting a Frenehinan within the sacred precincts of his 
fortress. Monsieur Brunei might stay on the other side 
and fire his gun when he wanted food, and the commandant 
seemed to have no objections to the young man's returning 
to Oswego falls to slay till his companions' return. Even 
this privilege was not obtained without ]iromising the com- 
mandant a case of gin and .some powder and lead. Brunei, 
however, disliked to remain behind ; so his companions hid 
him under a tarpaulin, took him .safely past the .sentry, and 
steered for the mouth of Black river. 

When returning from their explorations, on the 2Sth of 
October, the party came in sight of the fort before they 
knew it. They landed Brunei some two miles from the 
post, so that he could cut across through the woods to the 
Oswego river, without his presence being discovered. The 
two other Frenchmen and Do Zeng proceeded on foot to 
the fort. They were met by Lieutenant Holland, the 
second in command, to whom they satisfactorily explained 
their proceedings and whom tliey dt-scribe as a very gentle- 
manly person. A year and a half later he was the hero of 
an exciting adventure, ending in tragedy, of which mention 
will be made firther on. 

On their arrival at the fort Captain Schroeder declared 
he must hold them jirisoners till the return of his hostage, 
but w;is pacified by the presentation of the gifts which had 
been promised him. The travelers iiu.-lud iiji the river, 
but were very anxious about Brunei. Pharoux went to 
seek him, but got lost himself, and had to sleep in the 
woods. Brunei, meantime, had met a jiatrol in the forest 
seeking deserters, but had evaded suspicion and got away, 
and the whole party was united the next day at the portage. 
They found families there, emigrating westward, probably 
to the Genesee. There ajijiear to have been several resi- 
dents about the falls engaged in spearing salmon, whieh 
they packed in Onondaga salt (costing a dollar and a half a 
Imiidred ) and sold for from two to three dollai-s |ier barrel." 
The Frenchmen .say that this facility of living by hunting 
and fishing made the people indolent, and that they saw 
men sitting in the sun while their log hou.ses were not yet 
covered willi bark, at the last of October. 

On the thirty-first of that month they arrived at New 
Rotterdam, where they sujijied and lodged "at the log 
hou.se of .Mr. Seiiba." They visit*'d Pesvatiiies, whose new 
house was not covered and was "as o[icii ils a cage;" yet 
the Frenchmen say, — 

■' We found his wife and three little children as jovial as 
Cupids. They made the ino.st they could of their jwor 
barrack, where they would be obliged to spend the winter, 
as from all appearances it could not be finished this 
sca.soii. ' 

He had at that time a couple of cows whieh had been 
obtained by the side of fine embroidered clothing, uud his 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



49 



poultry-yard contained a few fowls ; these were liis sole pos- 
sessions, except his " chance" on the land. 

The travelers mention Mr. Scriba's intention to open a 
road from Now Rotterdam to tlie mouth of Salmon creek, 
and express their expectation that that will become the 
main route of trade between the lakes, — the same idea 
which led Mr. Scriba to his ruin. The party left for the 
east, attended for some distance by the indefatii;able Des- 
vatines in a dilapidated canoe, and soon passed beyond the 
limits of Oswego County. We may mention, however, 
that the Castorland Company bought the lands for which 
they were negotiating, but their proposed colony was a com- 
plete failure. 

On the 5th of March, 1794, the county of Onondaga 
was set off from Herkimer, embracing all of the present 
counties of Onondaga, Cortland, and Cayuga, and that part 
of Oswego west of the Oswego river. On tlie same day 
that part of the town of Mexico situated in the now county 
was organized into four new towns. Of these, Lysander 
embraced all of the present Oswego County west of the 
river, and a large part of Onondaga. The others were 
farther south. This left Mexico " out in the cold." All 
the territory remaining to it was north of Oneida lake and 
river, in which, so far as known, the only white men living 
were Mr. Stevens, at Fort Brewerton, and Mr. Masters, and 
possibly one or two more, at Fulton. The town organiza- 
tion, of course, fell through, and this solves the mystery as 
to how it happened that Mexico was twice created by law, 
as will appear a little farther on. 

For several years, about the time now under consideration, 
there was great alarm felt all along the frontier regarding 
the Indians. The western savages broke out into open 
war, and those in this State were still sore and angry over 
the chastisement inflicted on them during the Revolution. 
The three or four settlers at Oswego falls felt tliein.selves in 
especial danger on account of the fatal affray already 
related. 

Another event of far more importance, but tending to 
the same result, and occurring about the same time, is re- 
lated in Clark's " Onondaga." The British, as has been 
said, levied duties on all American boats passing by Oswego. 
The hardy boatmen, chafing at this exaction on what they 
considered their own territory, frequently attempted to run 
by in the night, and sometimes succeeded. The British 
commander hired some Americans to give notice of the 
approach of boats. When these spies were discovered, they 
were mercilessly punished by Judge Lynch, several being 
whipped at " Salt Point," now Syracuse, where there was 
already a considerable settlement. The bitter feeling against 
the English which hud come down from the Revolution 
(especially on the New York frontier, so long ravaged by 
tomahawk and scalping-knife) was intensified by the ex- 
tortion practiced at Oswego, and many were disposed to 
sanction the most desperate reprisals. 

At this juncture it was learned tiiat Colonel Guy Johnson, 
still superintendent of Indian affairs in Canada, had pur- 
chased in Albany a valuable boat-load of stores for the 
Mohawks in that province, and that it w-as coming through 
by the usual route to Oswego. Thirty or forty reckless 
men, incited alike by greed and hatred, determined lu rob 



it. A report was set afloat that the government had begun 
granting letters of reprisal against Great Britain for injuries 
to our commerce. The marauders were very ready to be- 
lieve it, and equally ready to waive the formality of a com- 
mission. They posted themselves on Oneida river, near 
Three Rivers point, seized on the boat as its crew unsus- 
pectingly steered it down the stream, divided its contents 
among themselves, and quickly scattered to their respective 
homes. 

They were condemned by a majority even of the fron- 
tiersmen, were it only for prudential reasons. Nothing 
could possibly have been more dangerous to the infant set- 
tlement than the seizure of goods intended for the Indians. 
Guy Johnson came to Oswego. Many Indians gathered 
there and at Niagara, threatening revenge. It is believed 
that a plan was fully arranged by which, if Wayne was 
defeated in the west, a body of Indians under the terrible 
Brant should make a descent on the Onondaga settlement. 
The robbers, learning too late what a storm they had raised, 
endeavored to keep themselves and their plunder concealed. 
By diligent efforts, however, on the part of the better class 
of citizens and the officials, a large part of the stolen goods 
was obtained and restored to the owners, and other means 
taken to placate them. 

It was while matters were in this excited condition that, 
on the 3d of June, 1794, the few settlers at the falls, and 
those scattered through Lysander, and even still farther 
south, distinctly heard the sounds of cannon borne on a 
gentle northern breeze from the direction of Oswego. Two 
or three shots might have been easily accounted for, but 
when the reverberations continued for a quarter of an hour 
— twenty minutes — half an hour — and still showed no signs 
of cessation, a feeling of dismay spread rapidly among the 
settlers. Not knowing what could have happened, they 
imagined everything. Perhaps Guy Johnson, John Butler, 
and the terrible Thayeudanegea were even then ascending 
the Oswego with a horde of rangers and Senecas, though 
it was hard to imagine why they should be wasting so much 
powder. Some became almost distracted. Men, women, 
and children ran about among their neighbors, though 
neighbors were then a long way apart, inquiring if they 
had seen any Indians coming. Some began to bury their 
most valuable effects, and others hastily yoked up the oxen, 
which were their only teams, half disjjosed to leave the 
country at once. 

At length, after what seemed an intolerable number of 
shots had been fired, the sounds ceased, and, as no enemy 
could be heard of, peace was gradually restored to the hearts 
of the dismayed people. Had they counted the number of 
shots they would have found that just a hundred had been 
fired, and the next comers from Oswego informed them that 
the commandant was merely celebrating the birthday of 
King George the Third. 

General Wayne's great victory over the western Indians 
in the summer of 1794 had a very soothing effect on these 
in the east, and thenceforward they showed very little dis- 
position to raise the tomahawk against their white neighbors. 

During this period of excitement, and not later than 
1794, as narrated in Clark's ''Onondaga," Mr. Oliver 
Stevens obtained authority from Governor Clinton to erect 



50 



HIST()KY OI' OSWKG(3 COUNTY, .NEW lUUK. 



a block- liou3c, at the t.'xpense of the State, at Fort Brewer- 
ton, the fort itself not beiui; in a situation for defense by 
any garrison which could be rallied there. Mr. S. built 
the bliick-house but a few .steji.s suutli of the oM flirt, and 
e.\actly on the site of the present Fort Brewerton hotel. 

In 1794, also, Beujamin Wright, of Rome, afterwards a 
celebrated surveyor and engineer, made an outline survey 
of the Roosevelt tract for the purjio.se of a.seertaining the 
area for Mr. Scriba. lie had the usual trouble about passing 
Fort Ontario, and was fired on by the g-arri.son. No damage 
w;is done, but it was only by uiukiiig a wide ■'offset" that 
the surveyors ran that part of the line. Pursuing their 
way, they completed the outline of the tract, wliieh Wright 
reported to Seriba as containing five hundred and twenty- 
five thousand and si.xty-three acres. There were a few 
more log houses built in New Rotterdam that year, and a 
road was probably opened from that point to the mouth of 
Salmon creek, though po.s.sibly not till the next spring. Mr. 
S. also .spent a great deal of money in repairing his mill and 
dam, which occasioned him a great deal of trouble. In the 
mean time, genial Major Van Valkenburgh and the Knglish 
officers at Fort Ontario had become excellent friends. In 
the fall of 1794, the prospect of the long cold winter was 
so disheartening, and the disposition of the Indians was 
still so uncertain, that the major accepted an invitation 
given him by Captain Schroeder, whose name American 
tradition has converted into " Shade," to take his family 
down and spend the winter there with the captain and his 
wife. Comfortable quarters were accordingly fitted up, and 
the major aTid his family remained at the post until sjiring. 

In the spring the stay of the visitors was cut short by 
an explosion at the fort, — but not of gunpowder. In April, 
1795, Captain Schroeder and one of his lieutenants went 
hunting wild fowl at Sodus bay. Lieutenant Hidiand, 
the good-looking young officer so cordially mentioned by 
Pharoux and Dcsjardines, remained in command of the 
fort. Mrs. Schroeder was also young and handsome, while 
her husband was somewhat older. While at Sodus the 
captain was notified of the mi.sconduct of his wife and 
Lieutenant Holland. He came back raving with fury. 
Lieutenant Ilnlland was secreted to save his life, while the 
other officers and the soldiers restrained and guarded the 
captain. At night Lieutenant H. came and tapped at Major 
Van Valkenburgh's window, begging him to protect Mrs. 
Siliroedcr from her hu.sband's wrath. He then embarked 
ill an open boat and made his way to Kingston, Canada. 

The next day the captain coiilnicted with Major Van 
Valkenburgh to take his wife to Schenectady, on the way 
to her father, who was a Georgian, and had been a Tory in 
the Revolution. Schroeder threw a handful of money in 
his wife's lap, but she flung it on the floor, saying, " I don't 
thank him for it. I can draw for what I want." That 
afternoon young Abram Van Valkenburgh, with a boat- 
man, took her and her woman servant in a boat, and started 
for ,*sclu'iieetady. Not long afterwards Schroeder went to 
Montreal and challenged Holland. A duel ensued, in which 
both were wounded, Holland mortally. So it seems there 
were some bad people in the " good old times," eighty years 
ago. 

In the spring of 1795, Mr. Scriba, having now a complete 



title to his domain, began operations on a larger scale. He 
had some buildings erected at the mouth of Salmon creek, 
where he contemplated the founding of a city to be called 
Vera Cruz. He employed Mr. Wright to survey out the 
tract into towuships, — a task of no slight magnitude. A 
base-line was established running southeast from Fort On- 
tario to Fort Stauwix ( Rome i, and nearly all the township 
lines were made parallel to, or at right angles with, that 
base. The townships averaged about forty si|uare miles 
each, but there was no definite size established. Those in • 
Oswego County were named by Scriba as follows : 

Township No. 5 was called Franklin (now the town of 
Williamstown) ; No. 6 was Middluburgh (now Amboy); 
No. 11, Rotterdam (now Constantia;; No. 12, Kelft (now 
West Monroe) ; No. 13, Breda (now Hastings) ; No. 14 
was Brugen (comprising all of Palermo except about a fifth 
on the west side) ; No. 15 w;is Mcntz (now embracing the 
west part of Palermo and the northeast part of Volney) ; 
No. IG Wiis named Georgia (comprising the west third of 
Schroeppel and the south part of Volney). The eiist two- 
thirds of Scliroeppel was then township 24, and was named 
Erlaug. No. 17 was called Frcderick.sburg, after Mr. Scriba's 
son, Frederick, and comprised the northwest part of Volney, 
the south part of Scriba, and a portion of Oswego city ; No. 
18 was called Oswego, but only a very little of it has gone 
into the city of that name; the rest forms the north part of 
the present town of Scriba ; No. 19 was Vera Cruz; it em- 
braced the present town of New Haven, and a narrow strip 
on the lake-shore now belonging to Mexico; No. 20 wa.s called 
Mexico, and corresponded to the present Mexico, except that 
the strip just mentioned has been taken ofi^ from Vera Cruz, 
and a small triangle, in which Union Square is situated, 
which has been taken from Richland ; No. 21 was Rich- 
land, and comprised about three-fifths of the town of that 
name south of Salmon river; No. 22 was Alkniaer, now 
the town of Albion ; No. 23 was Strasburg, which corre- 
sponded exactly with the jircsent town of Parish. 

These townships were laid out with lines mostly parallel, 
and perpendicular to the baseline running from Fort 
Stanwix to Fort Ontario. None of them lay on both sides 
of that line. Soon after receiving his patent, Mr. Scriba 
conveyed many large tracts to other parties. Several town- 
ships went to the Roosevelts, in payment for their original 
contract for the laud. A large part of their interest was 
soon sold under a decree in chancery, and the town of 
Richland, a large part of Volney, and half of Scriba (as 
well as Vienna, Oneida county), were bought by General 
Alexander Hamilton, John Lawrence, and John H. Church, 
and is still known as Hamilton's Gore. The township of 
Vera Cruz (now New Haven) was transferred to William 
Henderson, who in the next year resold it to Scriba. In 
fact, there was in tlio.se days a constant trafficking back and 
forth, between adventurous men, in great tracts of land 
in northern and central New York, very much as there 
is between sporting men in horses at the present time. 
They traded, apparently, as much for the sake of trading 
as for anything else. For two or three years after Mr. 
Scriba bought the tract it was still described in deeds as 
the Roosevelt purchase, but afterwards it was termed 
Scriba's patent. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



51 



The most definite information that wc liave of the con- 
dition of the county this year is from the publislied travels 
of the Duke de la Rochefoucauld-Liancourt, a French 
nobleman, who made extensive journeys and elaborate ob- 
servations in the United States in 1795-'J7, and who 
]>assed down the Oneida and Oswego rivers in June of 
the first-named year. He found about a dozen poor log 
houses at Rotterdam (for the prefix " New" appears to have 
l)cen dropped about this time), mostly erected at Mr. 
Scriba's expense. Besides these there were only Mr. Van- 
derkemp's farm and one other clearing, with a log house 
upon it, along the whole north shore of Oneida lake. But 
the road to Vera Cruz was already opened, and Mr. Scriba 
was then building a fine frame house, which he proposed 
to occupy as a store. If this store was opened that year 
it was the first in the county intended for the custom of 
white men. 

The duke also gives an account of the hero and heroine 
of Frenchman's island. The Desvatines were still residing 
at Rotterdam, and the duke describes him as a man of thirty, 
gay and active, always laughing, accustomed to labor, com- 
plaining of nothing, and on good terms with all his neigh- 
bors. He exchanged work with them, and sold them the 
products of his well-cultivated garden. He was delighted 
at seeing a countryman, and, generous as ever, insisted on 
supplying the duke with vegetables without price. After 
having sold his jewelry and his fine clothing he had finally 
been obliged to dispose of his library to Mr. Vanderkemp, 
though he still retained several standard French works. 
The three children before mentioned were all living. 
Madame Desvatines is portrayed by the gallant duke as 
then only twenty-four years of age, though her oldest child 
was nearly ten. He says, — 

" She appears bright and intelligent ; makes hay, bread, 
and soap, and does the kitchen-work ; yet her hands are 
quite delicate. She is lively, good, and has eyes of pecu- 
liarly sweet and agreeable expression." 

La Rochefoucauld evidently considered Desvatines' 
troubles as largely owing to his unstable disposition, and 
suggests that his Gallic devotion to other ladies had aroused 
some jealousy on the part of his wife, who was warmly 
attached to him. 

This is the last definite record that we have regarding 
the celebrated, though half mythical, occupants of French- 
man's island. They certainly left Constantia at an early 
period ; but whether to return to their beloved France, or 
to seek a subsistence in some other part of xVmerica, we are 
unable to say. 

The same fanciful story which transforms Djsvatines into 
the Count St. Hilary states that the exiles were rescued 
from the island by Chancellor Livingston, and were aided 
to return to France after the Reign of Terror was over. 
But they certainly left their island in 1793, and if there 
was any truth whatever in the Livingston story it must 
have referred to some other persons and locality. 

La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt found at Oswego falls, in 
1795, a tavern kept by one William Shorter, who also drew 
boats around the falls with a yoke of oxen. 

It was about this time that Oliver Stevens, the pioneer 
of PortBrewerton, had an exciting adventure in the central 



part of the county, our account of which is principally de- 
rived from Clark's "Onondaga." He had some business in 
the north part of the county, perhaps at Mr. Scriba's new 
city of Vera Cruz, and accordingly set forth at dawn, on 
foot, with his rifle on his shoulder and a haversack well 
stored with provisions at his side. There was not even a 
foot-path to guide him, but he boldly selected the course 
he thought he ought to take and jilunged into the forest. 
Holding his course, as he supposed, steadily in the same 
direction, he strode on over hill and dale. Noon came, and ho 
transferred a part of the load in his haversack to where it 
could be more conveniently carried. On he went again, 
and by the middle of the afternoon he began to bo seriously 
alarmed because no signs of settlement nor of the lake had 
been seen. 

He soon became convinced that he had lost his way, a 
fact that was not made any more pleasant by hearing the 
howls of a pack of wolves resounding through the forest. 
He hurried on, hoping to strike some clearing, but none 
was to be seen. The howls of the wolves came nearer and 
nearer. They had evidently scented their prey, and soon 
their shaggy forms were seen among the trees. It is sel- 
dom that the ordinary gray wolf will attack a man in the 
daytime ; but these were not only spurred on by hunger 
but were led by a large black wolf, a member of the fiercest 
species of the lupine genus. With open jaws and flaming 
eyes, he came boldly on within a few paces of the weary 
traveler. Stevens fired his rifle, and the monster fell dead in 
his tracks. The gray wolves halted, and though the scent of 
blood made them howl more fiercely than ever, yet the loss 
of their leader materially diminished their courage. Stevens 
faced them, and after a few moments they retired some 
distance, though not out of sight, and seated themselves on 
their haunches in a group, as if holding a council of war. 

Mr. Stevens reloaded his rifle, and then, being, like all 
good frontiersmen, provided with flint and tinder-box, he 
proceeded to kindle a fire, to which he dragged the body of 
his slain enemy. The wolves howled and raged and dashed 
to and fro among the trees like so many demons. Satisfied 
that they were afraid of him, the traveler flung a burning 
brand among them, when they immediately dispersed. Feel- 
ing safe by the side of his blazing fire, and determined to 
gain something by his adventure, Mr. Stevens coolly pro- 
ceeded to skin his prey. By the time he had finished it 
was dark. Gathering more fuel, he kept up a big fire all 
night, and remained awake by the side of it. All night 
long his cowardly enemies howled in the distance, but just 
before morning they finally retreated. 

Having made a breakfast from the contents of his haver- 
sack, Mr. Stevens strapped his wolf-skin on his back, shoul- 
dered his rifle, and, laying his course by the appearance of 
light in the east, endeavored to make his way back to Fort 
Brewerton. But the sun did not shine, and he soon found 
himself wandering aimlessly through the forest. All day 
he tramped wearily on, and at night was as hopelessly lost 
as ever. Again he built a fire ; but this time he did not 
attempt to keep awake. If the wolves wanted to seize him 
by his own fireside they could do so. Utterly exhausted, 
he flung himself down on the damp ground and slept 
suinidly and safely till morning. 



HISTOIIY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



A^aill tlio dispirited traveler set forth on lii.i jouniev, 
still carrying liis black wolf-skin. About ten o'clock lii-s eyes 
were gladdened with the view of a clearing. Hurrying 
forward, he .s;iw what, doubtless, had often made his heart 
swell with bittenifss before, but which now appeariKl like 
the very .star of hope itself, — the banner of St. Giiorge float- 
ing over the ramparts of Fort Ontario. There the wan- 
derer was hos|)ilubly welcomed, and there he remained 
through the rest of the day and the succeeding night. 
Two more days were occupied in returning home, for the 
traveler felt no iiiclinalion to go "across lots," but consci- 
entiously followed all the windings of the Oswego and the 
Oneida. 

All the while he stuck to his black wolfskin, and in due 
time received from the proper authorities a bounty of forty 
dollars for destroying that foe of the .sheepfold. 

On the 26th day of February, 1796, the town of Mexico 
was rcorgani7,ed by law. There were then but a very few 
settlers in what wjls left of the old town, the eastern bound- 
ary of which, it will be remembered, was a line running 
north from the mouth of Chittenango creek, in Madi.son 
county. Two or three families at Fulton, one or two at 
Fort IJrewerton, and perhaps a few along Scriba's new road, 
comprised the whole number. There were some, however, 
around Rotterdam, who were a long distance from the 
jirincipal settlements in Steuben, the town to which they 
then belonged. A large portion of that town was therefore 
annexed to Mexico, which w;is made to run as far east as 
Scriba's patent, and also included nearly all of the present 
counties of Lewis and Jeft'crson this side of Black river. 
The first town-meeting was directed to be held at the 
house of John Meyer, in the survey-township of Rotter- 
dam (Constantia). There is no record, however, to show 
that any was held. Mr. Meyer was the agent of Scriba, 
and was naturally the most important man in town. 

That year the British flag ceased to arouse the anger of 
Americans as it waved over the dilapidated fortress at the 
mouth of the Oswego. Ever since the Revolution nego- 
tiations had been going on between the United States and 
Great Britjtin on the subject, but for a long time without 
success. Knowing but too well the weakness of America, 
Washington resisted with patriotic firmness the clamors of 
the more reckless classes for the redress of our injuries by 
war. .At length, after years of fruitless diplomacy, John 
Jay was sent as minister to England, and succeeded in 
negotiating a treaty by which all ditficultics were settled, and 
the frontier forts were agreed to be giveu up by the British 
on or before the 1st day of June, 1796. 

The stipulation.s on the part of the United States were 
such that the bitterest feeling ag-ainst the treaty w;is aroused 
on the part of the friends of revolutionary France, who 
were rapidly showing their opjxisition to the conservative 
policy of Washington, .\danis, and Jay. In the south, 
e-specially. Jay was denounced with unbounded fury. 
Washington, however, sustained him, the senate confirmed 
the treaty, and New York s;iiK-tiuned the course of her 
honored son by electing him her governor for two successive 
terras of three years each. 

Still, Virginia managed to make trouble by refusing to 
pay debts due to British subjects, and difficulties ensued on 



account of which Forts Ontario and Niagara were not sur- 
rendered till July. In fact, the western forts were not 
yielded until two years later. So quickly do historic facts 
become involved in uncertainty, that Clark's '• Onondag;»," 
issued thirty years ago, staled that Fort Ontario Wiis one of 
the posts which were not surrendered until 1798, and .some 
other writers have adopted the same view. To fix the date 
beyond question, we publish a copy, furnished by B. B. 
Burt, Esq., of a letter written to George Scriba by the 
ofiicer who received the surrender. It was originally pub- 
lished in Greenlears Aew I'ork Journal and I'alriulic 
AJverliser, on the 2d of August, 1796, and reads as fol- 
lows: 

"Fort Oxtabio, July l.i, l"y6. 

" De.^r Sir, — I have the pleasure of informing you that 
the American flag, under a federal salute, was for the first 
time displayed from the citadel of this fort at the hour of 
ten this morning. A Captain Clark and Colonel Fother- 
gill were his majesty's officers, left with a detachment of 
thirty men for the protection of the works. From these 
gentlemen the greatest politeness and civility was displayed 
to us in adjusting the transfer. The buildings and gardens 
were left in the neatest order; the latter, being consiilorably 
exten.sive and in high culture, will be no small addition to 
the comfort of the American officers who succeed this sum- 
mer. 

" I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, etc., 

'• F. Elmer." 

A small detachment of American troops, under a lieu- 
tenant, now occupied Fort Ontario, and the eyes of their 
passing countrymen were greeted by the joyful sight of the 
star-.spanglcd banner, their ears saluted by the beloved if 
not melodious strains of Yankee Doodle. 

How tenaciously the English held their grip as long as 
they possibly could, is shown by the fact that only a very 
short time before the final surrender, Joshua Stow, on his 
way with several boats to survey the " Western Reserve" 
in Ohio, was refused permission to pass by the retl-coated 
autocrat of Oswego. In vain he pleaded that he had sup- 
plies and surveying tools on board, and that the whole work 
in Ohio would be disarranged if he was detaitied. It was 
" no go." Stow apparently acciuicsced, and started back up 
the river. A few miles up he stopped, and waited for night. 
When it came and was at its darkest he ran down again, 
glided quietly past the sleepy sentinels, gained the lake, and 
jiroceedcd on his way. Arriving at Niagara, he found that 
post already in the hands of the Americans. 

The same year that England surrendered her hold on 
the position at the mouth of one of the principal rivers of 
Oswego County, a distinguished British subject acquired 
an interest at the mouth of the other principal stream. On 
the Kith of November, 179t), a tract of three miles .square 
at the mouth of Salmon river, on the north side, wxs con- 
veyed to a Mrs. Golden, in trust for Thomas Douglas, Eiirl 
of Selkirk, a Scotch nobleman, who doubtless hail an idea 
of making a great commercial emporium at the mouth of 
Salmon river. 

Either John Love and Ziba I'liillips established them- 
selves as traders at Oswego immediately after the British 
left, or else, which is r|uite probable, they had been there 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



53 



before. Tlio same year Neil McMuIlin, a nievclianfc of 
King.ston, New York, moved to O.swcgo with lii.s family, 
bringing with him a house framed at that plaee. He 
found Love and Phillips there, but the latter left not long 
afterward.s. 

Captain Edward O'Connor, one of the gallant l)and who 
liad followed Colonel Miilett in the weary march through 
the snow, at the time of the futile attempt to .surprise Port 
Ontario, located himself at Oswego the .same year as Mr. 
MciMullin. He, with his family, however, went to " Salt 
Point" to stay during the winter, and such was the custom 
with several of the new-comers for two or three years. 

Considerable business at once began to flow through the 
embryo city as soon as the restraint of a foreign power was 
withdrawn, fur there was absolutely no other way to reach 
the west, with heavy freight, save by this route. Although 
the fort was on the east side of the river, all the new- 
comers located on the other shore. 

In what year the first settlement was made in the present 
town of Mexico is not certain. It may have been in 1795, 
when Scriba's great road from Rotterdam to Vera Cruz was 
first opened, and it was certainly as early as 1796. In that 
year the city of Vera Cruz, at tlie mouth of Salmon creek, 
just below the present hamlet of Texas, was laid out and 
mapped by Benjamin Wright, and that gentlemen then re- 
sided there as the agent of Mr. Scriba. A store was built 
there that year, and although Scriba was a very adventurous 
jterson, it is reasonable to presume that he did not build a 
store unless there was somebody lived in the vicinity besides 
his agent. In November, 179<i, Mr. Wright wrote to 
Scriba from Vera Cruz that the new store at that point was 
almost ready to hold goods. The original letter is in the 
po.«scssion of Mr. Cross, at Pulaski. The fact that there 
was a handsome settlement in township 20, now Mexico, 
early in 1798, is strong proof that it was begun as soon as 
179G. perhaps in 179."). 

Redtield was another of the earliest settled towns in the 
county, but the exact date is uncertain. It was occupied 
certainly as early as 1799, probably in 1796, and pos.sibly 
in 179.'). 

Mr. Scriba's city of Rotterdam progressed very slowly. 
A letter written by his agent, Meyer, in the fall of 1796 
(which is now in the possession of the Scriba family), reads 
as if they were just finishing the saw-mill which was 
built in 1793 ; probably he referred to repairs, on account 
of the destruction of the dam by high water. The grist- 
mill was still in contemplation. 

Pew men over set themselves more earnestly to develop 
a lunv country than did George Scriba. His money must 
have flowed like water. True, he undoubtedly expected to 
get it back again in due time, but nevertheless liberality, 
enterprise, and public spirit in the early stages of a county's 
development may fairly be called virtues, and it is to be 
regretted that Mr. Scriba carried them so far to excess as to 
work the most serious injury to him.self 

In 1797 an act was pas.sed directing the surveyor-general 
of the Stat« to lay out a hundred acres at the mouth of 
the Oswego, on the west side, in a village to be forever 
thereafter called by the name of Oswego. The tract was 
laid out as directed, by Benjamin Wright, the lots were 



sold by the proper officials, and thus far on the road to 
"forever" the place has been called by the name of Oswego. 

So few and so widely scattered were the people of the 
great town of Mexico, that they neglected to hold a town- 
meeting this year at the time prescribed by law, — April 1 , 
1797, — and perha])S had done so the year before. Town 
officers were accordingly appointed by the justices of Herk- 
imer county, and as these were the first of which we have 
any knowledge in the present county of Oswego, we insert 
their names here: John Meyer, of Rotterdam, supervisor; 
Oliver Stevens, of Port Brewerton, town clerk ; Amos 
Matthews, Solomon Waring, and Luke Jlason, of Rotter- 
dam, assessors ; Amos jMatthews and Solomon AVaring, 
overseers of the poor ; Solomon Waring, collector ; and 
Elijah Carter, constable. 

Meyer was also a justice of the peace at that time, for on 
the 8th of June he signed a certificate that Abram Van 
Valkenburgh had acknowledged the proper bond to keep 
an orderly hotel. Mr. Meyer was undoubtedly the first 
justice of the peace in the present county of Oswego ; for 
if there had been one on the Oswego river, Van Valken- 
burgh would not have gone from the falls to Constantia to 
get his certificate. 

Meanwhile a few new settlers had located on the river- 
shore. John Van Buren made his home on the east side, 
below the falls, in 1796, and John Waterhouse in 1797. 
At this time the settlement at the falls, on both sides, was 
known indiscriminately as " Oswego Falls." There were 
others came whose mimes are unknown, and in 1796 there 
was business enough, so that it is said that Daniel Masters 
and one Goodell built a saw-mill on the east side. 

In the summer of 1797, Asa Rico, his family, and two 
or three friends, having made their toilsome way fnmi Con- 
necticut to the embryo village of Oswego, passed along the 
lake-shore to lot No. 2, in the present town of Oswego, 
where Mr. Rice had purchased a farm. They proceeded to 
erect a shanty of small logs, the completion of which was 
celebrated with a bottle of wine, carefully brought from the 
land of steady habits. The location was duly christened 
"Union Village," which name it has retained to the pres- 
ent day. His friends did not remain through the winter, 
and Mr. Rice was thus the earliest permanent settler in the 
town. His son, — Arvin Rice, — then a boy of eleven, still 
survives, and is undoubtedly the earliest living resident of 
the county. 

On the fir.st day of January, 1798, the first post-office 
was established in the county, Rotterdam being its name 
and location, and the much-office-liolding Julin Ale^'er being 
the first postmaster. 

On the 15th of March following, the county of Oneida 
was formed from Herkimer. It embraced the present 
county of that name, all of Lewis and Jefferson counties, 
and all that part of Oswego County west of the Oswego 
river. So far as Oswego County was concerned, this or- 
ganization — the cast part being in Oneida county, and the 
west part in Onondaga — continued during the whole period 
of pioneer settlement down to 1S16. The town of Mexico 
Wiis not for some time touched by the hand of change, 
retaining its old magnificent proportions. 

It is extremely difficult lo a.><eertain with any certainly 



54 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW VoitK. 



the date of events occurring so long ago, except when writ- 
ten documents can be found. Events themselves will live 
in tradition for unnumbered years, but dates are hardi}' 
recollected even through the first generation, still less 
through succeeding ones. In that same jear — 17'J8 — we 
come to a document which gives quite a good idea of the 
state of affairs in all that part of Oswego County west of 
Oswego river at that time. This is the assessment-roll of 
the town of Mexico for that year, now in possession of Mr. 
Cross, of Pulaski. We have copied the names of the 
assessed parti&s belonging in Oswego County. Their resi- 
dences are given on the roll according to the number of 
their survey-township, but for convenience' sake arc desig- 
nated here, in most cases, by the corrc-sponding modern 
town. We may add, in explanation of .some of the descrip- 
tions, that Salmon river was then called Salmon creek, and 
Salmon creek was then termed Little Salmon creek. The 
list was as follows : 

At the month of Little Salmon creek, Benjamin Gil- 
bert, Benjamin Winch, Archibald Fairfield, and Benjamin 
Wright, agent for Scrilia. Ho was assessed on a store, barn, 
lilack.sniith-shop, savv-uiiil, and log house. 

Mexico, Isaac Burlingham, Miles, Simon King, 

Jonathan Parkhurst, Elias Rose, Nathaniel Rood, Stephen 
Spinner, Ilezekiah Stanley, Chii)nian Whcadon. 

Con.stantia, John Meyer, Amos Matthews, John Bern- 
hardt, Daniel Banvard, Henry Fall, Solomon Waring. 

Orwell, Moses Coffin. 

Fort Brewerton, Oliver Stevens. 

Volncy (township 17), Ebenezcr Wells. * 

" Locations on the Oswego," Stephen Lush, Daniel Phoe- 
nix (in Schroi'p]iel ), Philip Rue, L'Honiniedicu, JcjImi 

Waters, Ebenezcr Wright, Benjamin Walker, Lawrence 
Van Valkcnburgh. Two or three of those named in the last 
])arai;raph were probably only owners, not residents. Such 
was the ca.sc also with William Constable, assessed on part 
of the Boylston tract ; with Franklin and Robinson, as- 
se.s.sed on part of Constantia ; with Jacob Mark, a.s.se.s.sed on 
partof Scriba ; and Mr. L'Hommcdliiu on ]iart of township 
12. 

George Scriba was at that time the owner, and assessed 
on but nine out of his original twenty-four townships, of 
which eight were in the present county of Oswego (and 
from these arc to be excepted the lands of the before-men- 
tioned resident owners j, viz., No. G (Amboy), No. 11 
(Constantia — the greater portion), Xo. 12 (West Monroe), 
No. IG (parts of Schroeppel and Volncy), No. 17 (parts of 
Volney and Scriba), No. 19 (New Haven), No. 20 (Mex- 
ico), No. 2!! (Parish), — making a total of one hundred and 
sixty-two thousand four hundred and scvcnty-sivi'n acres, 
assessed at two dollars per acre. 

But by far the most j)opulous township at that time in 
the old town of Mexico was " No. 12," now known as the 
.sonlli part of Redfield. The assessed owners of jiroperty 
there were Samuel Brooks, Phinea.s Corey, Nathan Cook, 
Ebenezcr Chamberlain, Jose|ih Clark, Taylor Chapman, 
Roger Cooke, James Drake, John Edwards, Nathaniel Eels, 
Titus Meaeham, Amos Kent, Joseph Overton, Joel Over- 
ton, Silas I'helps, John I'rino, Nathan Sage, Eli Strong, 
Jedediah Smith, Obadiah Smith, George Seymour, Joseph 



Strickland, Samuel .'^niitli. Josiah Tryon, Benjamin Tlirall, 
Jonathan Worth, Jo.-i'ph Wiekham, Thomas Wells, Lnke 
Winchel, Charles Webster, Daniel Wilcox, and Jonathan 
Waldo, — making thirty-two a.s6e.ssed residents in that town- 
ship alone, to about twenty-six in all the rest of Oswego 
County, ciist of the river. 

Making allowance for men who had no a8.ses.sable prop- 
erty, and for those living on the west side of the Oswego, 
there were probably about eighty or ninety adult males in 
the county in the early part of 171)8, representing a popu- 
lation of near five hundred souls. 

We say in the early part of 179S, for those who came 
later would not be assessed. The first settlement in the 
present town of Scriba was made in this year, by Henry 
Everts, who located in the southwest part of the town, near 
the river. New Haven was aNo firet occujiied by perma- 
nent residents in 17U8, its pioneers being Mr. Rood and 
Mr. Doolittle. 

We have copied at length the list of assessed men, be- 
cause they show more clearly than aught else could the ad- 
vance and direction of .settlement in the county u]i to 1798. 
Henceforth, however, names of individual settlers, uncon- 
nected with any especial incident, will generally be left to 
the townshi]> hi-stories. 

Benjamin Wright, of Vera Cniz, Mr. Scriba's surveyor 
and agent, was appointed a justice of the peace in 1798, 
being probably the second one in the county. 

Jlr. Scriba pushed forward his settlements in Rotterdam 
and at Vera Cruz and along the road between with all pos- 
sible speed. The latter-named place was destined to be the 
grejit commercial emporium of central New York. It must 
have been in the latter part of 1798 or forepart of 1799 
that one Captain Geerman started a ship-yard and built a 
small schooner. No mention of the vessel is made in the 
assessment-roll of 1798, and the oldest residents say it was 
in 1799 that the accident happened to it which, with its 
con.scquence8, cast a gloom over all the scanty settlements 
around. It will be adverted to in the town history of 
Mexico, but at the time it occurred it was a matter of very 
wide general interest, and even yet the story of the remark- 
able disasters of the Vera Cruz pioneers claims the mournful 
attention of every sympathetic reader. It has therefore 
been thought proper to insert an account of them here, 
principally drawn from a statement furnished many years 
ago to the Mexico Lulcpeiuienl by Mr. Goodwin, of thai 
village, after careful consultation with several old residents, 
now deceased. 

At that time the country amund Kingston, Canada, 
which had been settled at a miieh earlier ])i'riod, was the 
ordinary resource for getting i)rovisions, or grinding those 
raised here. Men sometimes took two or three bushels of 
grain across the lake in an open boat, got it ground, and 
returned by the same precarious conveyance. Either to 
relieve a scarcity of j)rovisions before harvest, or to get 
grinding done after it. Captain (icerman, in the summer of 
1799, accompanied by a young man name<l Welcome Spen- 
cer, started in his new schooner for Canada. In a few days 
the people began to look for their return, but in vain. 
Days and weeks passed on, and still they came not. Anx- 
iety spread rapidly among the settlers, bound together as 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



55 



tliey were by the ties of common dangers and hardships. 
Tlie only hope was that the wandereis had been driven on 
some coast or island by the wind, whence they might be 
rescued. 

Misled, perhaps, by their desires, a report spread among 
the people tliat lights had been seen on Stony island, a 
short distance this side of Sackett's Harbor, and it was 
hoped that the wanderers might have been cast ashore 
there. A meeting of the settlers for some distance around 
was held at Vera Cruz, and it was determined that a party 
should go in search of the missing ones. 

Bold volunteers were readily found, and a crew was 
made up, consisting of the father of young Spencer, Chip- 
man Wheadon, Green Clark, Nathaniel Rood, and a Mr. 
Doolittle, all of whom resided either at Vera Cruz or a 
short distance back. They rowed across the lake in an 
open boat, and made a thorough search of Stony island 
and the neighboring isles, but found no trace of the lost 
mariners. On their return they, too, encountered a heavy 
gale. It came from the we.*t, and drove their frail craft 
swiftly towards the mouth of Salmon river. A man who 
chanced to be on the beach, in that then uninhabited lo- 
cality, saw the boat swiftly approaching the shore, bearing 
all its inmates to their fate. When within a short distance 
the boat was upset, and all five of the men were flung into 
the boiling surf Strange as it may seem, not one of them 
reached the shore alive, and it does not appear that even a 
single body was ever found, except that of Green Clark, 
which was washed on shore near Sandy creek. Chipman 
AVheadon, a very active man, clung to the boat for some 
time, but was finally washed ofi" by the waves, and met the 
fate which had befallen all his comrades. 

Seven strong men were thus lost to the infant settle- 
ment, for Geerman and the younger Spencer were never 
heard of more. There was a vague rumor that some of the 
contents of the schooner were found near Sackett's Harbor, 
from which it was inferred that it was capsized near there, 
but nothing was certainly known, save that it never reached 
Kingston. 

It is not correct to say, as the gazetteers have generally 
done, that only one survivor (Benjamin Winch) was lei't 
in the "settlement," even confining that expression to the 
little hamlet of Vera Cruz, for Benjamin Wright and Arch- 
ibald Fairchild at least remained. Even then there were 
others not f;ir distant. The story of a subsequent disaster 
on the lake, sweeping away more men of the Vera Cruz 
settlement, which has found its way into .some publications, 
is entirely a mistake. 

Unquestionably these disasters were a terrible blow to 
Mr. Scriba's embryo metropolis. AVe cannot learn that 
any more vessels were ever built there. The store, how- 
ever, Wijs kept up, and a grist-mill erected, and it is said 
that one year, not long afterwards, more goods were sold 
there than at 0.swego or Utica. In i'act, for some time, 
most of the settlers on the Scriba jiatent were on or near 
the old Rotterdam and Vera Cruz road, and tliey had to 
go to one of those places to trade ; they generally chose 
the latter, as the more convenient. 

In 1799 the collection districts of Oswego and Niagara 
were formed by act of Congress. TIk* Coniiei- embraced 



the shores and waters of the St. Lawrence, and of Lake 
Ontario, within the United States, from the forty-fifth 
parallel to the Genesee river. It does not appear, however, 
that any officers were appointed, or any attempt made to 
collect duties, until four years later. 

In the same year the gigantic town of Mexico was re- 
duced by the formation of Camden, Oneida county ; and in 
1800, Champion, Redfield, Turin, Lowville, and Water- 
town were taken ofl^. This brought it down so that, in 
addition to the whole eastern point of Oswego County 
(with Redfield forming a notch-out), it only included the 
southern third of Jefferson county, — giving it an area in 
all of about twelve hundred square miles. In the last^ 
named year (1800) one more of the present towns — 
Sohroeppel — was settled, Abram Paddock being its earliest 
pioneer. 

Having now reached the clo.se of the eighteenth century, 
we will begin the nineteenth with a new chapter. At this 
time the settlements were still confined to the new (and 
flourishing) town of Redfield, those in Constantia, those 
extending through Jlexioo to Vera Cruz, a few residents 
at Oswego, two or three at Union Village, and a few more 
scattered along on both sides of the Oswego river. Sandy 
Creek, Boylston, Orwell, Richland, Albion, Williainstown, 
Amboy, Parish, West Monroe, Palermo, and Hannibal, all 
greeted the new century uuUmchcd by the jiioneer's axe. 



CHAPTER XI L 

1801 TO 1812. 

An Tmportnnt Em — Early Hardships — Price of Lnnd — The Bachelor 
Pioneer — The Indispcnsaltle 0.\-Sled — Poverty of the .Settlers — An 
Imaginary Sltetch — A Miscellaneous Load — A Schoolma'am in 
the Woods — An Unfortunate Boy — A Day-Dream and its Interpre- 
tation — Arriving at Destination — The House-Raising — Clearing 
Land — The Logging-Bee — Browse — Deer-hunting — Snow-Shoes — 
*' Yards" of Deer — Rails and Fences — Multitudinous Salmon — 
Si.xty-three in Seventeen Minutes — Making of Sugar — The "Well — 
The " Sweep" — Slaughtered Sheep — The Schoolnia'ain Sjiinning — 
The Old Lady Weaving — Young .Tunalhan's Home — The Indepen- 
dent Citizen — School-house and Meeting-house — Sugar-Party and 
Quilting-Bee — Spelling-School, Singing-School, and Husking-Bee 
— A Twelve-Miles' Walk to a Dance — First Settlement in the va- 
rious Towns — Formation of New Towns — Ancient Relics on Trout 
Bi-ook — Increase of Commerce — The First Custom-house — An At- 
tempted Raid — The Raiders Routed — First American Ship-of- 
War — Townsend, Bronson & Co. — Durham Boats — Roads — Onu- 
diaga — Ditheulties with (ireat Britain — Feelings of Parties — 
Hostile Measures. 

The years to which this chapter is devoted form the 
most important era in the development of the county, 
though few remarkable events transpired in it. Then was 
the time when in every township the axe of the woodman 
was heard, either beginning the work of improvement or 
greatly enlarging on the few eff"orts already made. Every 
year saw numerous immigrants locating in diflferent parts 
of the county. The story of one is the story of hundreds. 
A few pages may, thcrcroro, profitably be devoted to a gen- 
eral view of the way in which this county, like other new 
resioMS covered with timber, was .settled. 



5G 



IIISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



The old know how it was themselves. The middle-aged 
have heard tlie storj* so often told by their jjredoce.ssors, 
and have seen the events so often repeated in the newer 
portions of the county, that they are ver^' well aci|uaintcd 
with them ; but a county history is designed to fix the 
fleeting eireumstanccs of pioneer life for the instruction of 
those who are yet to come, ere they fade forever from the 
memory of the living. There will soon be no spot which 
will witness a renewal of such hardships as were endured 
by the early settlers of New York. The labor of subduing 
the prairie is trifling indeed compared with that undergone 
by the pioneer who confronted the beeches and the maples, 
the oaks and the hemlocks, the stumps and the roots, the 
rocks and the hills, of Oswego, of Jefferson, of Lewis, and 
of hundreds more of just such counties on the eastern side 
of the Alloghanies. 

The price of land varied from two dollars an acre up- 
ward. As late as 1806 the instructions to the agent of 
town C (Amboy) directed that a hundred families should 
each receive a farm in the centre of the town for two dol- 
lars and a half per acre. Purchasers of lots along the 
'• State road'' were charged three dollars an acre for fifty 
acres each, and four dollars for all over that amount. All 
buyers were rei|uired to live on the land, or have some one 
else do so. 

The young bachelor, intent on making a home for him- 
self, and mayhap for the girl he left behind him, often 
plunged into the depths of the far-famed Scriba's Patent or 
the Military tract, with no aid but the axe he bore on his 
shoulder, a scanty supply of provisions on his back, and 
po.ssibly a few dollars in money, though this was by no 
niesuis certain. Selecting his location, he obtained a con- 
tract, and handed over perhaps hi.s last dollar as an advance 
payment. Very likely he dispensed even with a log house 
the fii-st summer, ]>utting up a mere hut of poles, shingled 
with bark. 

Then late and early his axe rang among the nionarchs 
of the forest. When a few acres had been cut down he 
probably made a logging-bee, one of the great events of 
pioneer life, and got his ground cleared ready for a crop of 
winter wheat. If he had no money to buy seed or neces- 
sary i)rovisions, he earned them by working for his more 
fortunate neighbors. Having .sown his piece of winter 
wheat, he j)roeeeded, before snow came, to put up the 
'■ body" of a log house, — that is, the logs, without roof nor 
floor, door nor window, — and then returned to the place 
whence he came, married his girl, and brought her out in 
the spring to his well-ventilated palace in the forest. 

Often a married man came alone, in advance, in the .same 
way, went through the .same routine, and bmught hi.s wife 
and family the ensuing season. When the family came, 
whether the first sea.son or the second, whether in winter 
or spring, the chances were that they and their scanty 
household goods were packed on an ox-,sled, and that the 
music of " Whoa ! haw ! gee. Buck!" resounded in their 
ears throughout the whole length of their journey. Once 
in a while a solitary horse was ridden into the forest, but 
its pos-session was a decided mark of aristocracy. Oxen 
could be driven along the diabolical roads, where horses 
woiilil have ludkcn lliiir h'-rs in an hour. The former 



could be used in clearing land, where similar dangers 
waited ; and if worst came to worst, they could be changed 
into beef, to help eke out the failing supply of bread. But 
their prime recommendation w;ls their cheapness. For 
cheapness was absolutely essential to the pioneer. 

Mention has been frequently made of the scantiness of 
their means, and it would not be far out of the way to say 
plumply that all the pioneers of Oswego County — all the 
pioneers of contnd and western New York — were poor. 
The exceptions were few indeed. Their descendants now 
look back with pride to the humble log house, the ox-team, 
the home-made furniture, which were the beginning of 
subseipient competence; and the greater the hardships en- 
dured the greater the pride of the sons in the courage and 
energy which overcame them. 

Not only was the ox preferable to the horse, but the sled 
was more convenient than the wagon. The former would 
twist around among the trees and logs where the latter 
Would soon have been ruined ; besides, it was far cheaper. 
Sometimes a cart, consisting of little more than two big 
wheels, an axletree, and a tongue, would be brought into 
u.se ; but for moving into the country the sled wiis the gen- 
eral favorite, it being not only cheap and hard to break, 
but capable of holding all that the ordinary emigrant family 
would have to bring. AdvanUige was usually taken of the 
snow of late winter or early spring ; but even when the 
ground was half bare, the sled was the thing for moving. 

Perhaps the usual process of settling a new country in 
the old times can be best pictured to the mind of the reader 
by an imaginative sketch, condensing and uniting the nu- 
merous accounts of the pioneers. 

Here comes an ox-battery attacking the forest fortress of 
Oswego County. The jtaticnt, broad-horned toilers move 
steadily forward along the narrow road, undisturbed by the 
numberless stumps, trees, and logs against which they rub 
a.s they make their tedious way. Behind comes the sled, 
where a middle-aged matron in linsey-woolsey gown sits on 
top of two feather-beds, while around her are stowed a bag 
of flour, four splint-bottom chairs, three tow-headed chil- 
dren, a side of pork, two iron pots, three bags of j)otatoes, 
and a brindle cat. The new-comers evidently bcKnig to the 
more opulent class of picmeers, and will be looked up to 
with respect by all their less fortunate neighbors. Very 
likely the tall, dark, gaunt, keen-eyed, iron-jawed New Eng- 
lander in sheep's-gray clothing, who with long ox-goad in 
hand tramjis by the side of his team, has as much a.s six 
dollars and a half in his pocket, and will be a justiie of the 
peace inside of three years. 

Behind the load trudges a bright, red-choekod girl of 
eighteen, occasionally clinging on in order to ]>ass a bad 
mud-hole, but capable of traveling as far as the oxen can, 
at lea.st. Poor as the family ma}' seem to the city gentle- 
man or old-world observer, she hits had a fair English edu- 
cation, has taught school the previous summer in her native 
town, has quilts of her own making on that all-embracing 
ox-sled, and plenty of ideas in the brain behind that inde- 
pendent-looking face. Still farther back comes the boy 
next younger, doomed to be the custodian of the old red 
cow, the producer of the only luxuries the family enjoy, 
the hope and solace of many a clamorous child. He looks 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



57 



mad. He is vexed to the utmost point of boyish disgust 
because he is not, Viko his big brother, wandering through 
the woods with rifle on shoulder, instead of fagging at the 
heels of poor, despised old Betsey. Oh, if he were only 
twenty in.stead of fifteen ! wouldn't he have a gun ? and 
wouldn't he kill a bear? To kill a bear is to his mind the 
chief object in moving into a new country, and he knows 
he could do it if he only had a gun. 

And he, the envied big brother of twenty, has somewhat 
similar ideas as he strides with elastic step amid tlie trees 
away oif on the right flank of the main army, the flint-lock 
rifle with which his father had faced the red-coats at Ben- 
nington carelessly resting on his shoulder, his powder-horn 
and bullet-pouch by his side, his inevitable sheep's-gray suit 
scratched by the thickets through which he has plunged, 
and his eager face aglow partly with the excitement of the 
hunter, and partly with the hopes of the pioneer. Of 
course it isn't for him — a man — to think much about such 
trivial things as door and bear ; he has come to the wilder- 
ness to help his parents make a home and then to make 
one for himself; to acquire a two-hundi'cd-acre farm, to 
turn it into first-class meadow and grain land, to raise the 
largest crops in the county, to build a fine house and barns 
of incalculable size, — in short, to get rich. 

Still, if a deer should show itself — or, still better, if a 
bear should obstruct his path — if he should boldly confront 
the monster (as of course he would), and if, just as it was 
rising with horrid front to attack him, he should with well- 
aimed bullet lay it bleeding at his feet — what a fine thing 
it would be to write back to Mary Ann about. Full of 
these mingled thoughts the youth strays farther and farther 
into the forest, and his mind becomes more and more ab- 
stracted from its sui'roundings. Suddenly a great noise is 
heard, a big buck with branching horns springs from his 
lair and comes bounding directly across the front of the 
startled young Jonathan. That worthy stands with open 
eyes and mouth, forgetting his rifle, his Mary Ann, and 
everything else, in his surprise and astonishment. Just as 
the tail of the fleeing animal flutters for the last time among 
the beeches, Jonathan recovers himself and fires an una- 
vailing shot after the retreating flag. 

Great Heavens! Why didn't he shoot before? Oh, if 
another would only come wouldn't he fix him ? But no 
other comes, and, after reloading his rifle, Jonathan makes 
liis way slowly and sadly back to the family ox-sled. There 
the young cow-captain, who has heard the shot, soon digs 
the story out of him, and great is the contempt of that 
would-be hunter at the recital. Oh, if he had only been 
therewith a gun! Catch him standing still while a deer 
ran by within twenty steps! Bah ! 

Enlivened by adventures like this, the cavalcade (if a 
yoke of oxen, a sled, and a cow can be so called) makes its 
tedious way towards the promised land. Passing by the 
scattered settlements on the bank of Oneida lake, and reach- 
ing Rotterdam, it turns up the " old Mexico road" and 
works its way over the high ridge whence the streams run 
in opposite directions into the two lakes, Oneida and Onta- 
rio. Then it turns aside into Parish, or Palermo, or Albion, 
or New Haven, or Richland, or the farther part of Mexico, 
rdllowing a road more execrable even than before. 
5 



If a log of moderate size lies in the way, the oxen step 
carefully over it, and the sled goes bouncing up and down, 
the children clinging to the side-boards with little shrieks 
of mingled alarm and pleasure, and the old cat elevating her 
tail in angry protest against these violent proceedings. If 
a larger one is encountered, as it frequently is, which can't 
be driven around, axes are brought out and old Ephraim 
and young Jonathan sever it in two places, roll the middle 
section out of the way, and lead fijrward their flirces in 
triumph. 

Arriving at length at the selected locality, if no hiuise 
has been erected in advance the family easily finds shelter 
with an earlier settler, perhaps a mile or two distant. All 
are hospitable, not only for hospitality's sake, but because 
every new-comer is a positive advantage to the country. 
The first thing is the erection of a log house. Our two 
grown-up heroes go to work preparing the logs, while young 
Timothy is kept busy all day taking care of the cattle, run- 
ning of errands, and helping the women folks, till he wishes 
twenty times a day that he were back on the stony hill- 
sides of Vermont. 

As our friends belong to the best society, they cut their 
logs eighteen feet long, intending to have their house nearly 
sixteen feet .square on the inside, — something quite palatial. 
The logs being ready, the engiueer-in-chief prepares his 
machinery for raising the house. It consists of a gallon 
of whisky. The " neighbors" for several miles around are 
invited to the raising, and respond with unanimous alacrity. 
Four finished architects are selected to carry up the corners. 
These shape the notches and saddles by means of which the 
logs are fitted together, their less expert brethren lift the 
material up to the builders, who rise with their work till 
they are six or eight feet above the ground. Hough poles 
furnish the rafters. 

Our high-toned friends cannot think of getting along, as 
some do, without a floor, and so a few ash-logs are split up 
into " puncheons," and laid on the lowest tier of logs, and 
even an upper tier is laid so as to furnish a chamber, which, 
divided by blankets, furnishes sleeping-rooms for the young 
people. Apertures for a door and window are cut out, and 
then, after an ample if homely supper, artd an annihilating 
attack on the remnants of the badly-defeated whisky, the 
neighbors depart to their homes, pouring out their good 
wishes for the new residents with equal profu.seness and 
sincerity, and the younger men deeply smitten by the grace 
and beauty of the fair-haired young schoolma'ara. 

A few days more suffice to put on the a-sh " shakes," two 
and a half to three feet long, which do duty as shingles, to 
build the fire-place of stone and the chimney of poles, and 
to put in the board-door and glass-window which mark the 
residence of a gentleman of substance. The women folks 
begin keeping house, and the men turn their attention to 
the clearing of land. There being two of them, ambitious 
and active, they are determined to have a crop this very 
season. W^orking early and late, they out down the trees 
on three or four acres, trim off" and pile the brush, and burn 
it as soon as the spring sun has made it combustible. The 
trees are left where they fall. Between them, in the soft 
woodland soil, the late corn is planted, and a tolerable crop 
is harvested. But only " right smart" men can do this. 



58 



HISTOUi 01' USWKUO COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



and even then they rear a late crop, which an early frost 
would destroy. 

Meanwhile more land is cleared to be sown to wheat. 
About this job there is to be uo half-way work. Tiiu brush 
is trimmed and burned, the trees arc felled in the right 
direction, and the logs cut of the proper length. When 
the August sun is hottest, another supplj- of whi.>iky is laid 
in, and again the neighbors are invited, — this time to a 
" logging-bee." 

But the niu?e who wail.s on a couinioii county bi.storian 
can hardly be expected to describe with .sufficient accuracy 
and vividDcss that remarkable scene. Dante and Virgil 
both descended into hell, but neither of them ever saw a 
" logging-bee ;" if they had, they could have added some 
extra touches to their Plutonian pictures. How the work 
K'giiis at a moderate pace at first ; how the lugs, already 
blackened by the fire which has consumed the brush, are 
dragged together by os-teams and rolled into heaps with 
handspikes; how clouds of black dust rise from the ground 
and envelop everybody and everything in one funereal pall ; 
how the speed increases as time progresses ; how Kphraini 
and Jonathan, and young Timothy and old Jeremiah, and 
William and Henry, and James and Thomas, and Buck and 
Bright, and Broad and Blaze, all catch the spirit of 
rivalry, and spring to their work like soldiers to the charge; 
how, regardless of danger, men bound among the whirling 
logs to relieve some dead-lock with their handspikes; how 
jest and laugh and shout and cheer go up from the heroes 
of the day as they see their labors progressing to a success- 
ful close ; and how, when all is done, and the great heaps 
arc ready for the torch, they retire to their homes covered 
with soot half an inch thick, more or less, but triumphant 
in another victory over the wildernes.s, — all this forms a 
vivid picture in the mind of an old pioneer, but can hardly 
be appreciated by a modem city gentleman. But without 
the tremendous labors of the forest and the " logging-field" 
the dry-goods box would have yielded no ]irofit to the 
smiling merchant, and the palatial residence would never 
have adorned the elegant avenue. 

The next day our friends Kphraim and Jonathan and 
Timothy ajiply the torch to the log-piles, and for several 
days have plenty of work watching the fires, dragging to- 
gether the brands that remain, and burning them again 
until all arc destroyed. A harrow prepares the virgin soil 
sufficiently to receive the proper allowance of winter wheat, 
which is soon sown by the skillful hands of the head of the 
family, and then the harrow again conies into play, cover- 
ing the grain with enough earth to secure its germination. 

As winter approaches, the family mansion is " chinked" 
all around with [)iec<s of wood between the logs, and fur- 
ther secured against cold by a liberal coaling of clay. Kre 
long the snow comes down in an avalanche, and lies one, 
two, or three feet deep throughout the forest. No hay lies 
piled in .stacks or stored in barns; and how are Buck and 
Bright and Betsey to be kept through the winter? Browse. 
Each morning Ejihraim or Jonathan goes to the forest, 
chops down a few trees, and gives the cattle a chance to 
feed on the succulent twigs. It is hardly eipial to first- 
class hay, but cattle can live on it throughout the winter. 
Haifa ton of hay, procured with great labor from a distant 



settlement, keeps the poor boasts in memory of old times, 
and prevents lluni fruni despairing of the future. A rude 
log shed slightly shields them from the fury of the fri-iiuent 
storms. 

Now, at last, young Jonathan has a chance to display 
his skill with the rifle. Deer roam thick through the 
woods, and it is not difficult fur even a mediocre marksman 
to sujiply a family with abundance of venison. Even our 
boyish friend, Timothy, has the inexpressible delight to 
discover a fat doe j)eering in wonder from the edge of the 
clearing at the strange-looking cabin, to seize the rifle, to 
steal (|uietly to a convenient stump, and, afVcr carefully 
sighting, to bring the unfurtuiiate intruder dying to the 
earth. That one shot adds four in<lies and a half to tin- 
boy 's height. 

As the snow becomes deejier the snow-shoe is brought 
into rei|uisition. The light ashen or hickory frame, twenty- 
eight to thirt3'-two inches long, and from fourteen to six- 
teen wide, braced with bars and plaited with leather thongs, 
is strapped to cither foot, and away goes the youthful 
hunter over snow four feet deep, at the rate of three miles 
or more an hour, scarcely sinking above the top. As the 
deer had no snow-shoes, the hunter had an immcn.sc 
advantage. 

As food becon)es scarcer the deer gather in grou]js (or 
"yards," as they arc called), twelve, fifteen, or twenty to- 
gether, and dig down through the snow with their feet, to 
obtain a little scanty nourishment from the shrubbery 
below. When the hunters find one of the.se " yards" they 
can save their powder; they begin with elub and knife, and 
slaughter at will. (Mr. Jeremiah .^IatIllewson, of I'ulaski, 
says he has known of three men killing eighteen deer in 
that way in one day.) Tf the poor wretches attempt to 
e8ca]ie, they instantly sink deep into the snow, and arc ciisily 
overtaken and dispatched by those woodland Mercuries, 
whose heels are made light by snow-shoes instead of wings. 
A fancy sportsman would call this mere butchery, but a 
man whose pork-barrel is getting low cannot be particular 
as to the way he supjilics his family with meat. 

But not much time can be sjiared for tlie exciting joys 
of the hunter. Our friends have come into the wilderness 
not to play but to work. A large part of the winter is 
spent in cutting down the great oak- and ash-trees and split- 
ting them into rails. It may bo jiossiblc to get along a few 
years with brush-fences, but Ephraim and Jonathan are 
resolute Yankees, who look on the brush-fence as a mark of 
shiflle.ssness hardly to be tolerated even for the first year. 

Meanwhile the female head of the liouseh<ild and her 
blithe ilaughter are bu.sy within, being especially necessi- 
tated to devote a large part of their time to the repair of 
clothing. Every article must be made to hist as long as is 
humanly possible, for the prospect of obtaining more is j)oor 
indeed. How earnestly the matron longs for the time when 
they shall have sheep, and geese, and all the adjuncts of 
civilization ! 

Spring brings new labors and new pleasures. The rails 
must be laid into the old-fashioned "worm-fence," eight 
rails high, ''staked and ridered," which is now following 
the log house into the limbo of oblivion. Spring crops 
must be sowed, — more ground must be cleared. Hand- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



59 



some Hannah retreats to a little older settlement, and ob- 
tains employment in teaching school tlirougli the summer 
at a dollar a week and " board around." 

Timotliy is happy, for every little while he gets a chance 
to fish for salmon. It makes no difference whether they 
live near Salmon river, Salmon creek, or Oswego river, all 
the waters which flow into Lake Ontario abound in that 
delicious fish. Whenever those waters rise and roll their 
turbid volume out into the lake, the salmon are attracted 
and rush up the streams. Even in the daytime they can 
be speared by the score, but night is the chosen time. 
Then two young men start out in a boat, — one handling the 
oars, and one armed with a spear, — with a supply of pine- 
knots for light. As the salmon are dimly revealed in the 
dark water, the stalwart spearsman transfixes them, one after 
another, and hauls them into the boat till his arm is almost 
too weary to lift one. (Mr. Matthewson, to whom we have 
before referred, declares that he has himself taken out sisty- 
three salmon in the burning of one "jack-light' of pine- 
knots, which was calculated to last seventeen minutes. 
Two hundred and thirty were captured by himself and 
comrade during the four hours between dark and midnight. 
A hundred of these, taken at random, weighed fourteen 
hundred and seventy-five pounds ! This was at a later 
period, but it shows what fun there was to be had iu all 
those early days.) 

Another winter passes more comfortably than the last. 
Our friends have time to make a few dozen sap-troughs, 
and, when spring sets the sweet blood of the maple flowing 
in its veins, a corresponding number of trees are tapped, a 
big kettle is swung over a fire in the woods, the sap is boiled 
down into syrup, the syrup is " sugared ofi",'" and little 
Tommy and Johnny and Polly enjoy themselves for a while 
at the top of their bent. A year or two later a still larger 
number of trees will be tapped, a shanty will be built in the 
woods, the sap will be gathered from far and near on a sled, 
and a grand jubilee of the young folks — up to twenty-five 
years old — will be held over the operation of sugaring off". 

Now the women folks make up their minds that they 
have carried water long enough from the spring some sixty 
rods distant, and insist on a well. Ephraim, Jonathan, and 
Timothy (now a stout youngster of seventeen), all take part 
in this work. Good water is found some fifteen feet down. 
Stone fur the sides is soon brought from the surrounding 
fields on that peculiar vehicle called a stone-boat, built of 
stout plank, five feet by three, with a flat keel to navigate 
on top of the earth, behind a yoke of cattle, and a rounded 
prow, to glide past the numerous stumps. The well is at 
once finished, and ornamented by its lofty " sweep," rising, 
at an angle of forty-five degrees, twelve or fifteen feet high, 
supported in the middle by a sturdy crotch, with a slender 
]iole pendent from its topmost end, and the celebrated old 
oaken bucket hanging from the lower end of the pole. 

This year, when the crops are harvested, Jonathan goes 
back to Vermont after Mary Ann, buys a yoke of steers 
and a cart, and gives his bride a ride of three hundred 
miles, while he walks ahead and drives a dozen sheep 
for his father's use. Carefully he watches them all the 
way. fastening them at dark in the pens of friendly farmers, 
until, the night before reaching home, some point is left 



unguarded, the wolf comes down on the fold, and in the 
morning ten of the twelve are found dead, their mangled 
throats testifying to the cause of their untimely taking ofi". 
This is no fancy sketch. Not only in Oswego County, but 
elsewhere, the writer has been told of little flocks brought 
from some far distant eastern home only to be slaughtered 
the first night of their arrival. 

Many a tear is shed by the good mother over this de- 
struction of her hopes, and the little ones join in wailing 
over the warm flannels of which they have been defrauded. 
In fact, so dismal is the prospect that resolute Ephraim 
goes in person, gets more sheep, and sees to it that they 
come through in safety. Then there is joy in the family. 
In due time fleeces are obtained, the spinning-wheel is 
brought out, and Hannah, after finishing her summer 
school, treads lightly to and fro over the floor, — in which 
boards have been substituted for puncheons, — twirling the 
rolls she has carded with deft fingers, until an ample number 
of skeins of stout yarn lie packed in a rude bos, ready for use. 

Yes, Hannah can spin, — as sturdy Ben, the son of a 
neighbor only four or five miles distant, admiringly con- 
fesses, while he sits on the door-step, with his rifle leaning 
against the logs, and catches her graceful movements, — but, 
when it comes to weaving, the old lady's services are in re- 
quest. She alone can manage the " warp" and the " filling," 
the "harness" and the "shuttle," so as to produce the soft, 
warm flannel which so many backs are anxious for. She, 
too, turns out the stronger cloth to which black sheep and 
white sheep contribute, and which, after being carried 
twenty or thirty miles to the nearest fulling-mill, is re- 
turned as " sheep's-gray," good for coat or trou.sers for man 
or boy. 

Jonathan and Mary Ann's new home cannot at first be 
expected to be as stylish as that of the old folks. He has 
his first payment to make on his land, and after that his in- 
terest to provide for, and money is scarce beyond what any 
one can now conceive of What is called "hard times" to- 
day would have been thought a perfect jubilee of monetary 
abundance seventy years ago. The first summer a blanket 
does duty instead of a door, and a piece of greased cotton- 
cloth instead of a window. The first chairs consist of slabs 
split out of a log, with four holes bored in the corners, fitted 
with hickory legs. The first bedstead is made of poles 
stuck in auger-holes in the logs in the corner of his house. 
The first baby is rocked in a sap-trough. 

Yet even in this humblest of residences the observant 
visitor sees at once that he is in the home of an intelligent 
and self-respecting freeman. Two or three books have sur- 
vived the disasters of poverty and removal. If the head 
of the young family cannot yet aff'ord a new.spaper, some 
good-natured neighbor has loaned him one, and he h:is a 
common-sense idea of the aff'airs of the nation. The rifle, 
which hangs over the fire-place, may yet be leveled ag-aiii.st 
the enemies of his country. There may be a nasal tone to 
his voic(?, but, as compared with the European peasant, his 
speech is amazingly accurate and grammatical. If a king 
were to enter our friend's cabin, Jonathan would offer him 
a seat on one of the slab chairs, and Mary Ann would 
bring him a drink of buttermilk, with but little more con- 
cern than if it were Squire Jones of the neighboring ham- 



CI I 



III.STOKV OK (tSWKGO COUNTY, NEW VOKK. 



let. To be sure our indcjK-iidciit, rifle-sliooliiig, uews- 
jiajicr-readiiig citizen and voter is a trifle conceited; lie 
would be ri-ady to manage tbe nation by the views be has 
picked uji in the district school ; but still a few million 
Kucb citizens make a very solid foundation for the super- 
structure of a free •.'overnuicut. They are not easily fright- 
ened nor cajoled, and their bard " Imrsc sense" has more 
than once carried tbe republic through long seasons of diffi- 
culty and danger. 

It is needless to say that tbe young people do not attend 
high-timed balls in gas-lighted ronuis, where, on spring-bot- 
tomed floors, they waltz away the hours, with an interval 
for sujiper, consisting of scolloped oysters, roast beef a la 
Francaise, giblets a I'Espagnole, ice-cream, and champagne. 
Neither does the peripatetic lecturer illuniiuate the ficople 
on the glories of progress and the mysteries of philosophy. 
All mental instruction comes from the school-master or mis- 
tress in the log scbool-bou.se ; all ethical teaching from the 
itinei°ant preacher, who has not even a log meeting-house at 
his command, but who occupies once a month a school- 
house three miles distant, to which all the settlers around 
flock with ox-teams or on foot. E(|ually simple arc their 
amusements. The sugar-party, with its egg-shells filled 
with the finest product of the maple, and its waxen luxuries 
cooled upon the snow ; the quilling-bee, where tbe girls 
who work all the afternoon are taken home by the young 
men in the evening; the spelling-sebool, that primitive 
athenjcum, where rosy-ebeeked las.ses and sturdy young.sters 
struggle with the awful mysteries of phthisic, caoutchouc, 
and Micbiliiiiackinac; the more infie(|Uont singing-school, 
also held in the log school-house, whither the poor bring 
pine-knots and the rich bring tallow candles; the jolly 
bu.sking-bee, where tbe great pile of corn is soon denuded 
of it.s covering by nimble hands of girls and boys, tbe ra- 
]iidity of whose labors keeps out the cold, and where the 
finding of a red ear js rewarded by a kiss from every girl 
in the barn ; — these are the primitive recreations which 
enliven tbe bard labors of pioneer life. 

Nor is the dance entirely ignored. Though the log 
taverns furni.sh very contracted accommodations, yet when 
a backwoiids fiddler can be found to play the [lart of Apollo, 
the youth of both sexes are not unwilling to gather for 
many a mile around in rustic devotion at the shrine of 
Terpsichore. It is seldom, however, that that devotion is 
carried as far as in the ca.se which will be related in the his- 
tory of the town of X'dliiey. when three young men walked 
twelve miles through the ]i:ilbless forest fmm New Haven 
to Volney tVntre, tnund three girls wbcun they had never 
seen before, persuaded them to walk back with them to a 
" liouse- warming" in the former locality, running the risk 
of bears and wolves, and occupied five days in going after 
their partners, going back with them, dancing, escorting 
them home, and returning. 

Tbe present ebaj)ter being confined to the period before 
the war of 1812, it is needless to give any desci1|ition of 
tbe early frame houses, for, though not absolutely unknown, 
they were so few as not to form a feature in the landscape. 
The erection of tbe first in each town, as well as that of 
the earliest blaeksmilh-sbop, saw-mill, grist-mill, etc., may 
safely be left to the town histories. 



Leaving our frieiKl> Ejjbraiui, Jonathan. Mary Ann, and 
Hannah to push their fortunes as best they may, we will 
return to the prosaic record of events. As already stilted, 
settlements had been made )>revious to the close of the last 
century in t>swego city. Oswego town, dranby, Voliu'y, 
IScriba, Schroeppel, Mexico, New Haven, Hastings, Con- 
stantia. and Uedfield. Omitting details for the present, it 
will sufficiently give a general idea of the progress of s<>ttle- 
ment to say that some one began the pioneer's work in each 
one of the remaining towns iK'fure the war of 1812, in the 
Itjllowing order: Kicbland and Williamstown, in 18(11; 
Hannibal, in 1802; Sandy Creek, in 1803; Pari-sb, in 
180-1; Amboy, in 1805; Orwell, Palermo, and West 
Monroe, in 180li ; Boylston and Albion, in 1812. 

The course of municipal organization during the same 
period was as follows: In 1802, 18li:!, and 1804 the towns 
of Adams, Elli.sbnrg. and liorraine, in the present county of 
Jefferson, were taken ofl" from Mexico, bringing it down to 
the limits of that part of Oswego County west of tbe river, 
with Rcdfield already separate. In 1804, also, Williams- 
town was taken ofl", including the present town (if that 
name, Amboy, Albion, Kicbland, Sandy Creek, Orwell, and 
Boylston. In 1806 Fredericksburgh was formed on tbe 
other end of tbe patent, embracing the present towns of 
Scriba, Volney, Palermo, and Schroeppel. The siuue year 
Hannibal was formed from Lysander, embracing the old 
survey-township of Hannibal and thirty-three lots from 
Ly.sander ; in other words, all of tbe present county of Os- 
wego west of tbe river. Tbe.se dimensions it retained until 
after the war. In 1807 Kicbland was .set ofl" from Wil- 
liamstown, embracing what is now Kicbland, Albion, Or- 
well, Hoylston, and Sandy Creek. In the same yeiir the 
survey-township of Arc;idia was annexed to Kedfield, en- 
larging that town to its present size. In 1808 another new 
town was formed from Mexico. .^Ir. Scriba's favorite name 
of Rotterdam was cast aside, and tbe survey-township of 
that name, together with Delft and IJreda (West Monroe 
and Hastings), were organized as a town under the name 
of Constantia. This reduced Jlexieo to the territory of the 
present towns of New Haven, Mexico, and Parish, which 
it retained until during tbe war. Finally, in 1811, Scriba 
was set ofl from Fredericksburgh, the name of which w:is at 
the same time changed to Volney, in honor of the cele- 
brated French author of that name, who had lately jtassed 
down the Oswego on a tour through the country. Thug, 
at the beginning of the war, the ]>re.s«!nt county of Oswego 
contained eight towns, — Hannibal, in Onondaga county, 
and Scriba, Volney, Mexico, Constantia, Williamstown, 
Kicbland, and Kedfield, in Oneida county. 

We have already mentioned the remains of Indian or 
ante- Indian relics near Oswego Falls and Fort Brewerton. 
The (Uily other Ineality es]ieeially rich in such relies was 
discovered by tbe early settlers of Albion, on Trout brook, 
in the north part of that town. There was to be seen a 
mound twenty-eight feet high and sixty or seventy feet in 
diameter at the bottom, rising in the midst of a piece of 
level ground. Close beside it largo quantities of stone axes, 
arrow-heads, stone pipes, etc., were often thrown up by the 
pioneers plow. Near by, but on tbe top of a bill, was a 
circular embankment nearly six feet high, inclosing some two 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOlUv. 



61 



acres of ground. Outside of it was a ditch, which, before the 
place was cleared, was eight or ten feet deep. Pine-trees, 
two feet in diameter, grew on the top of the embankment, 
undoubtedly proving its great age. It will be observed 
that in this, as in most cases of old fortifications in New 
York, the implements found are those of Indians. 

There was not a church building in the county daring 
the whole period treated of in this chapter. Fort Ontario 
was abandoned about the beginning of the century, even by 
the small squad who had held it since the British left. 
Vera Cruz fell into decay. The trade with the western 
lakes by way of the Oswego river, Lake Ontario, and the 
Niagara continued to increa.se through this period, but was 
still small at its close. In 1S03, Matthew McNair, a resi- 
dent of Oswego, bought a sloop called the "Jane," changed 
its name to the " Peggy," and went into the forwarding 
business. Considerable of the merchandise which went 
west was shipped by Canadian vessels, owned at Kingston 
or by the Northwestern Fur Company. For many years 
the American vessels on Lake Ontario were very few and 
very small, those of the British being far superior both in 
number and size. 

In the year last named a custom-house was put in oper- 
ation at Oswego, with Joel Burt as the first collector. The 
importations, which bad previously gone through free, were 
now obliged to pay duty, — not at all to the satisfaction of a 
good many of the neighboring people. The next year a 
man named Wilson, a government contractor, built the 
schooner " Fair American," of ninety tons, atid Mv. JIc- 
Nair the " Linda," of fifty tons. The boats in which goods 
were brought down the Oswego were sometimes carted 
around the falls and re-embarked at the lower landinsr. 
More frequently, however, they were sent back and the 
goods re-shipped in a much larger kind of boats, which often 
made the journey, to the Niagara. 

As has been said, the payment of duties was not relished 
by maiiy of the citizens, and there was a good deal of smug- 
gling going on. It seems it was then an object to import 
Canadian flour, for, in 1808, Collector Burt seized a con- 
siderable quantity of that article, which the owners were 
trying to run through the lines. Some .sixty armed men, 
partly, if not wholly, from Jefi'erson county, as related in 
Hough's history of that county, came to Oswego in ten 
boats to recapture the flour. They came into the harbor 
in the daytime, but intended to wait till eleven o'clock at 
night before making the attack. They could not disguise 
their elation at the great feat they intended to accomplish, 
and were heard swearing that they would " clear out the 
jilace or burn it." 

Mr. Burt, however, had heard of the attack beforehand, 
and had sent post-haste to the southern part of Onondaga 
county for the aid of a company of dragoons. These came 
within six miles in the daytime, and camped. About half- 
past nine o'clock, they saddled up and rode forward towards 
town. Just before eleven the marauders gathered in the 
streets, rifle in hand, ready to make an assault on the col- 
lector's warehouse. Suddenly their ears caught the sound 
of galloping steeds, and a moment later they ••'aw the head 
of the column of dragoons emerging swiftly fmin the dark- 
niss. There was not even time to escaj)e In tbrir boats. 



Without firing a shot, they fled at full speed to the woods, 
which, fortunately for them, were near at hand, leaving 
their boats the lawful prey of the collector. In their long, 
wearisome journey through the forest back to their homes, 
they must have fre((uently repented of their lawless under- 
taking. 

The same year, the first United States armed vessel on 
Lake Ontario was begun, by Eckford & Bergh, at Oswego. 
This was the brig " Oneida," carrying sixteen twenty-four- 
pound carronades. She was launched the next spring. 
Lieutenant Mclancthon T. Woolsey (afterwards the cele- 
brated Commodore Woolsey) superintended the building, 
and commanded the " Oneida" after she was afloat. One 
of his midshipmen was James Fenimore Cooper, subse- 
quently so distinguished as a novelist, who then obtained 
that knowledge of the geography and history of the Oswego 
river which, at a later date, he reproduced in the vivid pic- 
tures of the " Pathfinder." 

From 1810, there was a decided increase in the amount 
of business carried on vin the Oswego river and Lake On- 
tario. In that year, the firm of Townsend, Bronson & Co. 
began the forwarding and transportation business on the 
lakes. For the two years before the war, as well as for 
several years afterwards, they controlled the major part of 
the business on both Lake Erie and Lake Ontario ; the 
portage around Niagara Falls being carried on by the equally 
celebrated firm of Porter, Barton & Co. The member of 
the former firm who established himself at Oswego was 
Mr. Alvin Bronson, then a young man of twenty-seven, now 
ninety-four, and probably the most energetic man of his age 
in the county. 

One of the principal articles of commerce at that time 
was salt, which the Syracusans (or " Salt Pointers," as they 
were then called) had begun to manufacture in large quan- 
tities, and which was transported by the Oswego route to all 
parts of the west. The river trade above the falls was then 
carried on largely in " Durham boats." They were decked 
over fore and aft, and had "running-boards" on each side. 
These were arranged with cleats to secure a firm footing, and 
on them the men ( four to six besides the steersman ) walked 
from bow to stern, propelling the boat by means of setting- 
poles placed against the bottom of the stream. Sometimes, 
after discharging portions of their cargoes, the Durham boats 
were run over the falls. Generally, however, work below 
the falls was done by Oswego river boats, which were much 
smaller and managed by three men each. 

Turning from water-ways to land-ways, we find that, be- 
sides Scriba's great road from Rotterdam to Vera Cruz, 
another was cut out, about 1804, from Camden to Vera 
(!ruz, passing through the jiresent towns of Amboy, I*arisli, 
and Mexico. Up to 1808, there were no roads passable 
with a wagon in Iliebland, nor in any of the towns north 
and east of it, except Redfield and Williamstown. In 1807 
a State road, six rods wide, was laid out from Onondaga 
Hill to the mouth of Ox creek, in the present town of 
Granby, and thence to Oswego. One branch went from Ox 
creek to Salt Point. 

The same year, a mail-route was established between 
Onondaga and Oswego, and a post-oftice at the latter place. 
The first mail-carrier, as stated in Clark'.s " Onondaga," was 



G2 



HISTORY OF OSWEUO COlINTi', NEW YOllK. 



Onutliajji, a vetcriin Oiiomlagn ehiff, who had fouf^ht 
ajrainst tlie Amorioans at Fort Schuyler, Oriskany, and 
Cherry Kun, but who liad now di-.«ceiidcd to being tlie 
news-bcarcr of his conquerors. Once a week the luail 
Wiis put up in a small valise at the Onondaga office, ready 
to leave at four o'clock the next morning. At nine in 
the evening Onudiaga invariably came, received hi.s valise, 
and then, without a word, laid himself down on the floor 
of Judge Forman's kitchen. At four in the morning 
he arose, took his vali.se, and started forth on his journey 
of forty miles. Kain, hail, or snow, it was all the 8:inie. 
No one ever knew Onudiaga to flinch from his journey, or 
to he delayed on the rout*; by the woallior. The worse it 
was, the more the cliief increased his long Indian strides; 
80 that the people of Oswego came to look for Onudiaga as 
regularly as they did for sundown. The next day he re- 
turned with equal regularity to Onondaga. 

The first member of the assembly elected from what is 
now Oswego County was Bamet Mooney, who served in 
1810, and again in 1812 and 1814. He resided in what 
was then Hannibal, but is now (iniiiby, and of course rep- 
resented the county of Onondaga. 

Thus, in clearing the forest, erecting log houses, opening 
roads, building ves.sels, carrying salt, .starting new settle- 
ment.s, forming new towns, etc., the time pasised peacefully 
on until the beginning of 1812. But here, as through- 
out the country, there was a constantly-increasing anger 
against Great Britain on account of hur infringements, in 
her wars with France, of the neutral rights of the United 
States. The two chief causes of bitterness were the in- 
vasion of Anieriean mercljaiitnicii by British men-of-war in 
order to seize sailors claimed as British subjects, and the 
capture of American vessels trading to France, even when 
no actual blockade was violated. There were hundreds 
upon hundreds of such outrages, and it is safe to say that 
English statesmen would no more think now of directing 
such a counsc of conduct towards the United States as they 
then authorized, than they would think of cutting their own 
throats. 

The only excu.so that could pos.sibly be made was that 
Napoleon pursued a similar course in relation to neutral 
vessels (lie did not attempt to impress seamen), and that 
the British were obliged to do as they did in self-defen.se. 
In fact, however, Napoleon inflicted far less damage on 
American c<mimerce than the Knglish ; and ho first re- 
pealed his obnoxious decrees. Yet, the violent hatred felt 
by the Federal jiarty against Napoleon and the French 
revolutionary prineij.les caused them to be willing to forgive 
almost any ofl"enso on the part of England, while she was 
fighting the man whom they designated as the tyrant of 
Europe. 

.Mingled with this feeling was the intense party spirit, 
which was jirobably stronger then than even at the present 
day, and which led either j)arty to oppose whatever was ; 
done by the other. Tbe dominant party was the one which 
had originally been christened llcpublican, but the members , 
of which were beginning to call thcniselvcs Democrats. 1 
They were bitter enemies of Great Britain, and looked with 
far more lenient eyes on the trespiLsses of Napolrou ili.in on , 
tliose of George the Third and his ministers. j 



All through the winter and spring of 1812 the question 
of war or peace was the subject of excited discu.-ision in 
Congress. In April a law was passed forbiilding (he ex- 
portation of specie and merchandise for ninety days. About 
the same time anotlicr law directed the calling out of a hun- 
dred thousand militia, of which thirteen thousanil five hun- 
dred were from New York. Details were made from the 
numerous militia regiments and sent to the frontier. Cap- 
tain Asa Wells, with a company of militia, occupied Fort 
Ontario, or ratlier the ruins which then went by that name. 
The lists of officers in the militia regiments were filled up, 
musters were frequent, the fwople were full of excitement, 
and all waited anxiously for what a day might bring forth. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE AVAR OP 1812. 

War Drclnrrd — Occu|ialioii of Kurt Onlnriu— -McNnir nnil Rronson — 
.Scliiponorp tiirnnl into Gun-bonlg— roiiiiiiixlarr Cliniiiipry — Ocwign 
(iuii-bi)»ts at WutV — A War of Shi|>-l)uililcrf— ('oopcr'e Ark— 8u|i- 
|p|it8 at Ofwfgo Falls — Riiuiorcil Danger — Arrival of Troops — 
Orilurs to Coiicnil Stores — A|i|ii'araiicu uf the Kiuiiij' — Attack and 
llepulsr — Another Attack— (iuiis of llie Fort Disniilcil — The As- 
saull— The Fori Taken— Mulcastcr WoumlcJ— The Battle in Iho 
ISrush — Mitchell's Itetrcat— The Losyei' — Perils of Making an 
Attack — Sinking the '• Syren"— A Close Shot — Seizure of Prci|ierl}- 
— Sir Jaiucs Yc<» and Mr. Itronsoo — Five Priyonera and Three Sur- 
vivor? — A Plucky Boy — A KulTinnly Knight — Prisoners taken to 
Kingston — Uelcascd — The Militia- .\ Harvest of Cannon-Bails — 
(letting the Ouns to Suckvlt's liarhor — The Boats Set Forth— One 
Captured — An Indian Escort— tjul of the County — Entering Big 
Sandy— Tlic British Follow— The Battle — A Complete Victory— 
The Guns^ etc., taken througli — Chaunccy again Ahead — Peace. 

At length, on the 18th day of June, 1812, the declara- 
tion of war, having passed both hou.^es of Congress, was 
signed by the president. The excitement increased ten- 
fold. The shores of the Oswego river had so often been 
the scene of bloody conflicts in former wars, that men 
might well tremble lest the invader should again seek that 
convenient opening into the country, and those scenes of 
blood be repeated on a still wider scale. 

In July, Colonel George Fleming, of Cayuga county, 
with nitie companies of militia, marched down the river 
and took post at Fort Ontario. He made some alt«mpts to 
repair the dilapidated works, but efiecte<l very little. The 
militia were called out for only a few months' service at a 
time, and when their terms exjiircd they were relieved. In 
the fall, Colonel Cleveland, of Madison coutity, took com- 
mand of Fort Ontario in place of Colonel Fleming. The 
terms of idmost idl the militia expired with the year, and 
no provision was made for su|iplyitig their ].laces. Fort 
Ontario was left almost entirely undefended. 

Early in the sea.son Mr. McNair was appointed commis- 
sary of subsistence at Oswego, and Mr. Alvin Bronson 
military storekeeper. Some of the contractors, who.se prop- 
erty Would iiece.st^arily ]i.iss thro\igh his hands, objected to 
Mr. Bron.son's appointment on the ground that he was a 
Federalist, who could not Sitfely be trusted in such a posi- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



63 



tion. One of the principal contractors, however, who knew 
Mr. Bronson's personal reputation, declared that he was 
just the man for the place, and warmly ur2;ed his appoint- 
ment, which was accordingly made. Shortly afterwards he 
was also appointed naval storekeeper. 

Meanwhile strong efforts were made by the government 
to organize a naval force ou Lake Ontario, where at the 
beginning of the war the star-spangled banner was borne by 
no armed ship e.xcept the brig " Oneida." All ves.scls that 
were capable of being armed were at once purchased. Mr. 
McNair's schooner " Julia," named for his daughter, was 
thus bought, and was armed with a long thirty-two-pound 
gun, and two long sixes. Soon afterwards she was sent to 
Ogden.sburgh, manned with sixty volunteers under Lieuten- 
ant Wells, of the " Oneida," and accompanied by a company 
of riflemen in an open Durham boat ; the object was to 
protect six American schooners in that vicinity. Eleven 
miles this side of Ogdensburgh she met two British vessels, 
and a three hours' cannonade ensued. The enemy withdrew, 
and the improvised Oswego man-of-war, only very slightly 
injured, proceeded to Ogdensburgh. During an armistice 
soon after proclaimed on the frontier, the " Julia" and the 
six schooners escaped to Lake Ontario. 

The schooner " Charles and Ann," belonging to tlie firm 
of Townsend, Bronson & Co , was also purchased by the 
government and changed into a gun-boat by the name of the 
" Governor Tompkins," and did good service during the fore- 
part of the war, ere larger vessels could be constructed. Lieu- 
tenant Woolsey was the first commander on Lake Ontario, 
but in August, Captain Isaac Chaunccy was appointed com- 
mander of the forces on all the northern lakes. He arrived 
on Lake Ontario in the fall, taking command of the forces 
on that lake in person, and fixing his headquarters at Sack- 
ett's Harbor, at that time the only port where large vessels 
could be built. 

In November the two Oswego gun-boats, " Governor 
Tompkins" and "Julia," with the rest of Chauncey's fleet, 
were engaged in a conflict with the British land-batteries near 
Kingston. Afterwards these two and another chased the 
" Simooe," of twelve guns, on a reef of rocks, and riddled 
her with shot, so that after being taken into Kingston har- 
bor she sank to the bottom. The " Tompkins," with three 
other gun-boats, then blockaded Kingston until the ice 
closed the port, when ttiey all returned to Sackett's Harbor. 

During the year 1813 very little of importance occurred 
in Oswego County In April the town of New Haven was 
formed from Mexico, with its present limits. A small force 
of militia, frequently changed, was stationed at Fort On- 
tario, but the principal depeirdcnce for protection was on 
the naval force, which Commodore Chauncey was doing his 
best to increase. The conflict on Lake Ontario was, as Mr. 
Bron.son well defined it, a " war of ship-builders." At first 
the British had the largest vessels. Tlien the Americans 
built larger ones, and drove the enemy into his harbors. 
Then the British built still larger vessels, and the Ameri- 
cans lay back, and laid yet longer keels than ever. Several 
indecisive conflicts took place during 1813, but none in 
immediate proximity to this county. 

Stores and munitions of war were constantly forwarded 
in large quantities from the east over the old route — so 



often traversed for the .same purpose during the previous 
century — to Oswego, whence they were sent both ways, 
some west to Niagara and others northeast to Sackett's Har- 
bor. Bodies of troops, too, were moved back and forth 
from one end of Ontario lake to the other, with the pur- 
poseless imbecility which marked almost all the proceedings 
of the government during the war of 1812, and which can 
only be accounted for by supposing that the south, which 
then ruled the nation, was determined that Canada should 
not be conquered. 

In June of that year there was a small body of regulars 
at Fort Ontario. During the month several British armed 
vessels, among them the frigate " General Wolfe," ap- 
peared off Oswego, and opened fire. The American ship 
"Growler," of three guns, happened to be anchored in the 
harbor. She responded briskly, as did the batteries under 
the command of Major Case. After a brief cannonade the 
enemy retired. The Americans suffered no loss, and that 
of the British was probably slight. 

The only other event of 1813 which need be narrated at 
any length partook somewhat of the ludicrous order. Wil- 
liam Cooper, a brother of Fenimore Cooper, was a rather 
eccentric genius, who then made his home about Oswego. 
He undertook to build a floating battery, which was to be 
taken to Sackett's Harbor, and used to defend that post 
from the British. Full of faith, Cooper went to work at 
his own expense, the government agreeing to pay him six- 
teen thousand dollars for the battery when it should be 
completed and had proved actually capable of being floated 
to Sackett's Ilurbor. It was nearly square, about sixty feet 
across, and rose some four or five feet out of the water. It 
was made of large logs hewed partially square, and Mr, E. 
W. Clarke describes it as looking like a big, low, half-sub- 
merged log house. 

Whatever name the inventor might have given it, nobody 
else called it anything but " Cooper's Ark." There was a 
mast in the middle, and when the thing was done Cooper 
placed it in charge of a Captain Gould, who boldly spread 
a large sail, and with a few men started for Sackett's Harbor. 
There were also two or three prisoners on board, whom the 
government officers wished to send to the Harbor. The 
guns were to be put on board at the latter place. The ark 
had gone but a short distance (being somewhere off New 
Haven, as near as we can learn) when the wind rose slightly ; 
the log craft became unmanageable, and soon went to pieces. 
Fortunately, all the men escaped to shore without serious 
injury. Cooper had used up his means on this curious 
contrivance, and his loss, together with the ridicule to 
which he had snlijectcd himself, soon caused him to leave 
this part of the country. 

In the spring of 1814, Commodore Chaunccy was building 
the frigate " Superior"' and other vessels at Sackett's Harbor. 
The "Superior" was launched on the second day of Jlay, 
eighty days after her keel was laid. Two other vessels, the 
"Jefferson" and the "Jones," were ready for use, with the 
exception of a part of their armament. A large number of 
heavy guns and naval stores, designed for these vessels, was 
brought through from Albany to Oswego Falls, where they 
were detained, awaiting a safe opportunity to ship them to 
Sackett's Harbor. There wa.s also a large amount of stores 



(H 



UISTOKV OF (KSWKCO COUNTY, NHW YOKK. 



at Oswfgo, in charfic (if Mr. liroiisuii. Tlie ivc in tlic lake 
brukc up earl}', and in April, General Gaines, at Sackett'ti 
Harbor, learned that the British were filtinj: out an exjicdi- 
tion at Kinp^tdn, the olijeet of which was su]i]iosed to be 
Oswego, or, rather, the stores and munitions believed to be 
gathered there. Gaines iuimcdiately dispatehcd Colonel 
Jlilchell from Saekett's Harbor, with Hvecompanie." of artil- 
lery armed as infantry, with orders to protect the cannon 
and naval munitions at the falls, at the liazard of everything 
else. Mitchell marched his little force, less than tliree hun- 
dred, all told, along the main road, — a very rude one, — 
tlirough Sandy Creek, I'ulaski, and Mexico, and reached 
l"'ort Ontario on the 3l)th of April. He could bring no 
artillery with him. He found the fort in a most wretched 
condition, — the stockade broken down, and only five rusty 
iron guns mounted on the ramparts. Of tliese, the trun- 
nions of two had been knocked off, and they were almost 
utterly worthless. 

Meanwhile, Mr. I5ronson had also received notice of the 
expected attack from tlie district quartermaster, who di- 
rected him to stop all stores on their way at the falls, to 
send all he could forward to Niagara and 8aekett's Harbor, 
and to conceal the rest to the best of his ability. These 
instructions were faithfully carried out. IJesidcs the pro- 
visions and stores dispatched by lake, a large (juantity was 
sent out into the surrounding forest for concealment. 

On the 4th of May, Sir James Lucas Yeo, commander 
of the British fleet on Lake Ontario, sailed out of Kings- 
ton harbor with eight men-of-war, besides several gun-boats 
and smaller crafl. The fleet wius armed with two hundred 
and twenty-two guns, and carried about a thousand soldiers, 
under tlie command of Lieutcnant-Gcncral Sir George 
Gordon Druminond, of the British army. Commodore 
Chauncey did not feel himself strong enough to make an 
attack until his new vessels were completed, and Sir James 
sailed unchallenged past the American fleet in Saekett's 
Harbor. 

At reveille, the morning of the Cth, the sentinels at 
Fort Ontario s:iw a long line of vessels athwart the northern 
horizon, their sails filled by a favoring breeze and their 
j)rows pointed towards Oswego. A louk through a field- 
glass showed their sides frowning with cannon, and their 
mast-heads decked with the rcd-cro.ss banner of St. George. 
Colonel Mitchell immediately sent a number of horsemen 
at full speed into the country to arouse the militia, and 
made preparations to defend the pile of ruins wliicli were 
dignified with the name of tiirt. 

The .schooner '■ Growler," with Captain Wool.sey and 
Lieutenant I'earcc on board, was in the river, waiting to 
convey tlic guns and stores before .spoken of to Saekett's 
llarlior. She was at once sunk, and part of her crew, under 
Lieutenant Wilson, joined Mitchell at the fort. On the 
West side of the river, near the site of old Fort O.swego, in 
what is now Fortification block, No. 2, and near the corner 
of Water and West Van Buren streets, was a breastwork 
armed with four bra.s.s guns, but it seemed not to have been 
much used. Mitchell had his tents pitched on the west 
side, apjiarently to give the enemy as large an idea of his 
force as jio.ssible, but mustered all liis men at and near the 
fort. 



On came the hostile fleet, their .'^lils swelling gracefully 
before the breeze, and about a (|uarter of a mile from the 
shore they rounded to and began making preparations to 
land. While these were going forward. Colonel Mitchell 
sent an old iron twelve-pounder, under Captain Boyle and 
Lieutenant Legate, down near the shore, a little to the 
westward of the fort. Ere long, fift»?en large boats filled 
with soldiers left the sides of the enemy's vessels, and were 
rowed rapidly towards the shore. They were covered by 
the fleet, which opened a heiivy cjinnonade on the fort, to 
which Mitchell nsjumded with his half-dozen old guns as 
l)cst he might. 

For a short time the thunders of artillery echoed along 
the shore and rolled far iidand, startling the |ieople with 
terrible visions of coming inva.sion. But when the boats 
came within convenient range tlie old twelve-pounder opened 
on them with severe effect. Several of the boats were 
seriously injured, and many of their occupants killed and 
wounded. Two or three boats were abandoned, the sol- 
diers and oarsmen clambering into the others to escape 
drowning. After a few dl.scharges from the twelve-pounder, 
tlie boats turned about and retired, in much confusion, to 
the fleet. Presently, the British sliips unfurled tlieir sails 
and put out on to the lake. They lessened swiftly to the 
view and finally disajipeared, and the Americans congratu- 
lated themselves on the easy victory which they had won. 
Sir George Drumniond. however, in a general order after- 
wards issued, declared that he did not intend to make an 
attack, but was merely feeling the American strength. 

Possibly this was true; at all events Sir George and Sir 
James were not seriou.sly discouraged by their repulse, and 
the next nuirning the fleet again appeared off Fort Ontario. 
The British man-of-war " Magnet" took up a position in front 
of the village ; two other vessels stood in towards the 
mouth of the river. The rest of the fleet occupied nearly 
their former position, but a little nearer shore. About ten 
o'clock the fleet commenced cannonading the fort with all 
its guns. The fort returned the fire as well as it could with 
its feeble artillery. (Jne afler another the American guns 
were disabled, and still the cannonade was kept up. A 
great part of the balls aimed at the fort went over it into 
the woods, and others flew so high that they were appar- 
ently aimed at the forest to scatter any militia that might 
lie lurking there. 

In fact, a few had come in. but the population was ex- 
ceedingly scattered, and the grejiter part of those who had 
been notified had not arrived ; tho.se who had, were po.sted 
in the woods near the fort. Colonel .Mitchell ever bore in 
mind that his main business was to protect the guns and 
stores at the falls, and that he must kee]i his command in 
a position where they could not be caught. He therefore 
left only a few men in charge of the artillery in the fort, 
and posted his battalion in the underbrush to the cast of it. 

About one o'clock, when all but one of the American 
guns were disabled, the Briti.sh boats again M\ the fleet. 
For a description of their force we arc indebted to Lossing's 
" Field- Book of the War of ISl'i," though most of the inci- 
dents of the fight are derived from still surviving witnesses. 
The enemy s attacking IVirce consisted of two ciiin|ianies of 
lie W atteville's regiment of inlanlry, under ('a|iUuii Ite 



HISTOKY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



65 



Bersey, one company of the celebrated " Glengarry" regi- 
ment, under Captain McMillan, a battalion of" marines, 
under Lieutenant-Colonel Malcolm, and two hundred sea- 
men, armed with pikes, under Captain Mulcaster, of the 
royal navy. The whole was commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Fischer. Sir George Drumniond remained on 
shipboard. 

The boats containing the infantry and marines headed for 
the brush-covered shore where Mitcliell was stationed, 
while jMulcastcr led his sailors directly towards the fort. 
Undeterred by the fire of the solitary American gun, Mul- 
easter's men sprang from their boats through the water to 
the shore, and rushed up the high bank before them. 
Another blast of grape from the old twelve-pounder mowed 
down a number of the sailors, and the few infantry in the 
fort did considerable damage during a brief period, but the 
British were in too large force to be stopped by such feeble 
means of resistance, and in a moment gained the top of the 
bank. 

There they found two American sailors ramming down a 
charge, while two or three other men wlio had been helping 
them were just scurrying through the gate of the fort. 
One of the sailors, too, flung down his rammer, and made 
good his escape. The remaining old tar, however, was 
determined to have another shot. Though surrounded by 
foes, who, with leveled pikes, ordered him to surrender, he 
seized the linstock and endeavored to fire the cannon. The 
British might easily have run him through with a dozen 
pikes, but, admiring his valor, they seized him ere he could 
apply the linstock, and dragged him by main force away 
from the gun. 

There was no time to tarry, and, with Mulcaster at their 
head, the British sailors flooded over the feeble ramparts of 
the furt. The few men on the parapet who were not struck 
down fled across the open space of the little fortre-ss, but, 
determined to fight to the last, turned at bay on the outside 
of the southern wall and began firing back upon the foe. 
In the northwestern bastion stood the flag-staff, to which 
the star-spangled banner had been nailed by order of Col- 
onel Mitchell. One of the British sailors climbed up 
to take it down, when a bullet from the southern wall 
stretched him lifeless on the ground. Another attempted 
the perilous task, and he, too. fell beside his com- 
rade. Captain Mulcaster himself than sprang on the par- 
apet, and endeavored to tear down the defiant banner. The 
next instant lie, too, fell severely wounded to the ground. 
It was not till the fourth attempt was made that the flag 
was removed. The few defenders of the southern wall 
wore either slain, ea])tured, or driven away. 

Meanwiiile a still sharper battle had been going on to the 
eastward. Colonel ^Mitchell, with Captains Homey n and 
Melvin, and the principal part of his battalion, met the 
enemy in front as they landed, while Cajitains Mclntyre 
and Pierce annoyed them on the flank. For near half an 
hour the ground was hotly contested. The cracking of 
muskets and rifles was incessant, and the bullets flew thick 
and fast among the saplings and underbrush. But the 
British, outnumbering the Americans two to one, steadily 
advanced, and the latter as constantly fell back. Finally, 
Colonel Mitchell, seeing that the fort was captured and 



that his little force was likely to be surrounded, and the 
munitions at the falls thus exposed to seizure, gave the 
order to retreat. The battalion fell back in good order, 
and took their line of march up the river. 

The enemy did not pursue. It is doubtful if they knew 
that the principal articles of value were at the falls, and 
even if they had their loss had been such, and the road 
through the forest was so easily defensible, that it is not 
probable they would have followed. The Americans lost 
six killed, one of whom was Lieutenant Blaney, thirty-eight 
wounded (thirteen mortally), and twenty-five missing. The 
British loss is reported by Lossing at nineteen killed and 
seventy-five wounded. Although it is customary to exag- 
gerate an enemy's losses, yet we presume that Lossing had 
access to the British official records, and has given the 
numbers correctly. That the English, though successful, 
should suffer far more heavily than the Americans, is ex- 
tremely probable, since the former had to take the offensive 
and attack the latter behind trees and intrenchments. The 
value of a defensive situation is rarely appreciated by 
civilians, who consider nothing but the numbers engaged ; 
especially if their feelings dispose them to misunderstand 
the f^cts. Thus, secession sympathizers are in the habit of 
dilating on the great superiority in numbers of the national 
troops during the war for the Union, but carefully forget to 
consider that the rebels had mountains, rivers, forests, and 
swamps as their auxiliaries, all guarded, and doubly guarded, 
by the most formidable intrenchments, behind which they 
lay in comparative safety, — before which the friends of the 
Union fell by thousands. 

Two citizens of Oswego, Abram D. Hugunin and Wil- 
liam Squires, who had crossed the river with their rifles 
and attached themselves to the American troops to aid in 
repelling the invaders, did not retreat quickly enough, and 
were captured. Peter D. Hugunin, afterwards judge, also 
occupied the breastwork on the west side of the river, 
occasionally sending a bullet from his rifle at the invaders, 
until the fort surrendered, when he made his escape. 

When Mr. Bronson saw how matters were going, he 
began hastily to load some stores on to his schooner, the 
" Syren," preparatory. A sergeant's guard came up to the 
opposite side of the river and fired across at the laborers, 
one of the bullets j)assing within two feet of Mr. Bronson, 
and striking in the end of his warehouse. Nevertheless he 
persisted in sinking the vessel. Meanwhile, the British 
burned the barracks, but could do little to the fort, as it 
was already in ruins. Presently Sir George Dnimmond 
came ashore, and he and Sir James Yeo devoted themselves 
to seizing what public properly they could. They suc- 
ceeded in raising the " Growler " and the "' Syren," which 
were the principal jirizes they made. There was no sys- 
tematic injury to private property, but the soldiers and 
sailors did considerable plundering whenever they had an 
opportunity. 

From the storehouse of Mr. McNair, the government 
commissary, were taken some twelve hundred barrels of 
hard bread, and a quantity of other provisions, whisky, etc , 
but these and all the other prizes were very poor com[ien- 
sation for the loss suft'ered by the British. The work of 
seizure and loadinir went on for several hour.s. While Sir 



66 



IIISTOlll' OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW itUUv. 



James was suporintendinj.' tlic loadinj; of some of the stores 
on a captured schooner, he saw Mr. Bronson walkinp; about 
on the wharf, dressed as became a merchant, and sharply 
addressed him, — 

" Here, sir, I want you to furnish pilots to take these 
boats over the bar." 

Mr. Bronson replied that all the men had Icfl the place, 
and that he had no pilots under his control. With a vulgar 
oath, Sir James seized him by the collar, and shoved him 
back across the wharf, savinir. — 

" Then go yourself and take the boat out, and if you get 
her aground, God damn you, I'll shoot you !" 

Without making any reply, Mr. Bron.son started towards 
the boat. Before reaching it, however, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Harvey, a gallant British officer, much respected on both 
sides of the line, who wxs standing a short di.stance away, 
called out, — 

" That is the public storekeeper. Sir James ; he may be 
useful to us." 

" Here, come back !" cried Yeo. Mr. Bronson did so, 
and awaited the course of events. 

An hour or so later. Sir James sent for »Mr. Bronson, 
who obeyed the call, when the following conversation ^ok 
place between them. Sir James began, — 

" You arc tlie pulilic .stdrckeeper here?" 

" Yes, sir." 

" And you are my prisoner?" 

" Yes, sir. ' 

" Now, sir, I want you to tell mc all about the public 
stores : what have been sent to Saekett's Harbor and Ni- 
agara, if any ; what have been detained at posts in the 
rear ; and what, if any, are concealed in the vicinity. If 
you will give me full and correct information on these 
points, you can remain hero ; if not, you will be taken a 
prisoner to Quebec." 

'• Well, Sir James," replied Mr. Bronson, " my book.s and 
papers have been sent away for safety; I do not think I 
could give you thi.s information if I would, and I am sure 
it would be inconsistent with my duty for me to do so if I 
could." 

" I have nothing to do with your duty," .said the com- 
modore ; "all I have to .say is, — if j'ou give the information 
I want, correctly, you can stay ; if not, you go to Quebec." 

"Very well, sir," replied the faithful storekeeper, "that 
settles it ; I will go to (Quebec." 

Sir James then called Captain O'Conner, his flag-captain, 
and said, — 

"Take that man aboard the ' Prince Regent,' and take 
care of him." 

Mr. Bronson recpiestcd O'Conner to let him go to his 
room to get his trunk or some clothes. The officer con- 
sented, and sent a subordinate to accompany the prisoner 
to his room. On their arrival there, however, he found, as 
he expressed it, " Jack Tar had been ahead of me," and 
neitiier clothes nor books were to be found. Mr. Bronson 
Was then Uiken on board the "Prince llegent." 

Four other residents of Oswego were also taken as 
prisoners on board the fleet, — Abram D. Iluguiiiii and 
William Scjuires, the volunteer riflemen before alludi'd to; 
Eli Stevens, and Carlos Coltoti. Of these, Mr. Scjuires 



still survives, a resident of Oswego. Mr. Colton is also 
living, but resides at Toledo, Ohio. Thus, out of the five 
Oswego prisoners then taken on board the British fleet^ 
three still survive, si.\ty-three years after that event, — a 
most remarkable coincidence in longevity. Mr. Hugunin 
came of a warlike family, two of his brothers being then in 
service, — Robert as a midshipman in the navy, and Daniel 
(afterwards a member of Congress) as a lieutenant in the 
army. 

Four of the five prisoners were grown men. but Carlos 
Colton Wius then a boy only fourteen years old, and a clerk 
for Mr. Bronson. It was doubtless this circumstance that 
Ciiu.sed his capture, for he was taken on another vessel from 
his employer, and his eajitors there endeavored to obtain 
from him the information which they had failed to get 
from the storekeeper. 

" Come, now," they said, " Mr. Bronson has owned up 
all about the public stores, and you may as well do so, too, 
and save going to Quebec." 

"I don't believe a word of it," promptly replied the 
plucky hoy. The British officers were highly amused, and 
soon abandoned their attempts to cajole him into giving 
information. 

The fleet lay ofl" the harbor all night. About midnight 
Sir George Druminond came on board the " Prince Regent." 
Walking up to Mr. Bronson, where the latter stood on the 
deck, the high-toned major-general and knight thus accosted 
him, his prisoner, — 

" So you are the public storekeeper, are you ? You ar(< 

a pretty damned son of a ! You s;iid there were 

no stores concealed, and now we have found cannon sunk 
at your own wharf." 

" I did not say so, Sir George," replied Mr. Bronson ; 
" I said that my books and papers were gone, which w;ts 
true, and that it would not be proper for me to give any 
information concerning the stores, even if I could." 

The general glared at him for an instant, and then broke 
out again, — 

" Damn you, you ought to be strung up to the yard- 
arm !" 

The insulted prisoner made no reply, and Sir George 
presently left hiiu. 

At daylight the next morning (the 7th) the fleet set sail 
for Kingston. In the course of the day. Colonel Harvey-, 
in conversation with Mr. Bronson, a]iologized for the 
ruffianly language of Sir George Drummond and Sir 
James Yco, siiying that they had lo.st heavily and gained 
little by the expedition, that their friend, Captain Mulcas- 
tcr, was severely wounded, and that they both felt terribly 
out of humor. Mulcaster was then on board the " Prince 
Regent," and the groans of the stout sailor showed how 
severely he was sufiering. Ho died of his wound, but not 
till two years later. 

But the behavior of Sir James Yeo towards Mr. Bron- 
son was quite in harmony with his usual style. In the 
beginning of the war he had sent, by a paroled prisoner, 
from the West Indies, where he was then stationed, to the 
gallant Ca])lain Porter, the following message, as printed in 
the Pliilulclpliia ./yi(ni'(/ of September 18, 1812: 

" A piissenger of the brig ' Lyon,' from ILiv^ina to New 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



67 



York, is requested by Sir James Yeo to present his compli- 
iiients to Captain Porter, comniander of the American 
frigate ' Essex ;' would be glad to have a tetc-d-tcte any- 
where between the Capes of Delaware and the Havana, 
where he would have the pleasure to break his own sword 
over his damned head and put him down forward in irons." 

Captain Porter sent a courteous acceptance of this re- 
markable cartel, but Sir James did not come to the tete-d- 
ti'/e he had requested. 

The Drummonds, also, were a brutal race. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Drummond, the brother of the bully of the " Prince 
Regent," was killed a short time after, in the assault on 
Fort Erie, while crying out to his men, " Give the damned 
Yankees no quarter I" and pistoling with his own hand 
the wounded who asked for mercy. We mention the be- 
liavior of Sir George and Sir tJames because it is connected 
with the history of Oswego County, not with the idea of 
sanctioning the common clap-trap notion that all the ruflGan- 
ism in any war is on one side. 

The British fleet proceeded to Kingston, where the 
prisoners were kept in the guard-house a day or two. Mr. 
Bron.son was fortunate enough to have an acquaintance there 
who supplied him with money for his immediate needs. 
After the fleet had been renovated at Kingston, Sir James 
Yeo blockaded Commodore Chauncey for a fortnight, in 
Sackett's Harbor, the prisoners being kept on shipboard. 
At length they were dismissed, one at a time, and sent 
home. Even Mr. Bronson, though holding a semi-military 
position, was finally released, on the representation of Com- 
modore Chauncey that he was only a merchant in charge 
of public property. The difficulty which kept Commodore 
Chauncey cooped up in Sackett's Harbor, while Sir James 
Yeo rode insultingly before him, was the fact that the great 
frigate " Superior," designed to be the monarch of Lake 
Ontario, was still without her armament. To see how it 
was obtained, and chronicle other matters worthy of men- 
tion, we must return to Oswego County. 

As was said in the description of the battle, a large 
number of militiamen arrived after the fate of the day was 
decided. Most of them at once returned home, having 
families in a state of terror on account of the approach of 
the enemy. Although no Indians accompanied the in- 
vading force, yet those merciless foes had been largely 
employed by the British on the frontier, and the traditions 
of the Revolution led every one to expect the presence of 
the red men whenever a British force appeared. Every- 
where the sound of the cannon was listened to with gloomy 
forebodings, and when the fleeing fugitives brought the 
news of disaster, universal consternation prevailed. Hun- 
dreds placed their families and a few household goods on 
whatever vehicles they could command, and hastened 
towards the interior. 

Mr. John B. Johnson, now a venerable resident of 
Oswego, relates that he was then a child of three years ; 
his father residing in the present town of Scriba, on the 
second farm ea.st of the city line, and his grandfather on the 
first one. When the news of the American defeat went 
flying on the wings of terror through the country, his 
grandfather's fiiniily was placed on an ox-.sled, the only 
vehicle to be had, and started ea,stward. Arriving at hi.s 



father's residence, his mother and children were added to 
the load. As they pursued their course, almost expecting 
to hear the Indians' war-whoop echoing in their rear, his 
infant recollections vaguely preserve the appearance of a 
company of militia marching past the sluggish team, one 
of whom carried something which flashed brightly in the 
sun, and which the boy was afterwards told was an officer's 
sword. 

When they arrived at Major Stone's tavern, now called 
Scriba Corners, after sundown, he dimly remembers seeing 
a large crowd, and healing fearful outcries, which he has 
since learned came from a wounded man, from whose 
shoulder a surgeon was cutting a bullet. 

As, however, it was learned the next day that the British 
had retired, and, above all, that no Indians were in the 
vicinity, the panic soon subsided, and the fugitives returned 
home. 

An immense number of cannon-balls were fired into the 
woods by the British vessels, and the very next day all the 
boys and some of the men who had not left the vicinity 
were at work picking up these relics of battle. They were 
not sought as relics, however. Dr. Deodatus Clarke, father 
of E. W. Clarke, Esq., then residing on a farm just inside 
the present eastern city line, knowing that cannon-balls were 
in good demand, offered to pay for all the eighteen-pound, 
twenty-four-pound, and thirty-two-pound balls that should 
be brought him. What he picked up him.self and what he 
bought amounted to nearly five tons. Besides these there 
were some still larger, and some twelve-pounders that he 
would not buy. He readily sold his " pile" to Judge For- 
man, at Onondaga Hollow, the contractor for furnishing the 
government, as these balls were much better than those which 
that gentleman could cast in his forge. 

The munitions at Onondaga Hollow, by the way, were the 
subject of a curious order, illustrative of the fiict that official 
ignorance flourished in the days of the fiithers as well as in 
our own. At one time when ordnance stores were needed 
on Lake Ontario, the secretary of the navy sent an order 
to a naval officer at Oswego, directing him to take his ves- 
sel at once to Onondaga hollow, load it with shot an i shell, 
and to return to the lake with the needed articles. The 
existence of Oswego falls and a few other obstacles pre- 
vented a compliance with the order. 

There were other relies in which young Edwin, with the 
other boys, took perhaps still greater interest. At the gate 
of the fort the retiring British threw down a large quantity 
of wet cartridges. These the boys gathered up, and long 
afterwards youthful soldiers stole out from many a log cabin 
into the roads, and re-enacted the bombardment of O.-'Wc^o, 
by exploding those old cartridges, to the infinite gratification 
of themselves, and the terror of their small sisters. 

Mitchell, when he retreated, marched up to fhi; falls, filling 
the road with trees behind him, and took post there to defend 
the precious arms and munitions. He was accompanied by 
Captain Woolsey and one or two other naval officers. Find- 
ing they were not pursued, Woolsey .set his wits lo work to 
get the guns, etc., to Sackett's Harbor. The chance of carry- 
ing them on schooners, in face of the British fleet, was poorer 
than ever. In this strait Woolsey sent a messenger lo 
Chauncey proposing to take them quietly along the shore 



G8 



IlLSTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW iUllK. 



in open boata to the mouth of Stony creek, some twelve 
miles this side of Sacicett's Harbor, and then up that creek 
and overland to Uenderson bay, thus giving' the go-by to 
Yco's blockaders. Chaunccy assented, and General Gaines 
giive the necessary orders to insure the co-operation of the 
troops. 

For two or three weeks Woolsey and his men were very 
busy. Even before the figlit many of the guns had been 
run over the falls in scows, — a feat which looks h:izardous, 
but was found entirely practicable. The rest were now 
taken over in the sanu; way, all were loaded into boats, 
the cordage was stowed, and all the needful preparations 
were made with the utmost care. Then the precious freight 
was cjirefully rowed down the turbulent Oswego to its mouth. 
The flotilla consisted of nineteen large open boats, and car- 
ried twenty-two long thirty-two-j)outidors, ten twenty-four- 
pounders, three forty-two-pound eanoiiades, and twelve 
large cables, besides other munitions. The main cable for 
the "Superior" was an iniinenso thing, which filled one of 
the largest boats, being twenty-two iiielies in eireuniferenee, 
and weighing nine thousand 8i.\ hundred pounds. Besides 
a strong complement of oarsmen, the boats carried an escort 
consisting of a hundred and thirty riflemen, under .'Major 
Daniel Appling, and an arrangement had been made by 
which a hundred and fifty Onridtt warriors were to meet 
at the mouth of Salmon river. 

At sun.set on the 2Sth of May the flotilla stole (|uietly 
out of the harbor of Oswego, and with eastward pointing 
prows began its hazardous journey along the shore. All 
iiiglit long the rowers plied their oars so vigorously that, not- 
withstanding their heavy freight, at dawn they had reached 
the uioutli of Salmon river. In the latter part of the night 
the darkness w:is increased by a fog, in which one of the boats 
got lost from its companions. The other eighteen .safely 
entered the mouth of the river at daylight, where the 
Oiiililiia awaited them on the shore, but the estray was 
caught up by a British erui-ser. The captain soon learned 
what was going on, and immediately stood away towards the 
blockading .s(|uadroii, under every sail that his craft would 
bear, to inform Sir James Yeo of the Yankee maineuvre. 

Meanwhile, Captain Woolsey had discovered the loss of 
his boat, and as it did not appear at the rendezvous, he 
could easily guess that it wasea]itured,and that there would 
soon be a .scjuadron looking after the great prize. He con- 
cluded that it would be too dangerous to try to take the 
boats along shore as far as Stony creek. He thought, how- 
ever, that he could reach the mouth of Big Sandy creek, in 
the town of Ellisburg, Jefl'er.son county. At top of .speed 
a mes.senger galloped northward to inform General Gaines, 
and !Lsk for aid to be .sent to that point. 

Then, after recruiting their energies with a hasty break- 
fast, the wearied oarsmen rowed their boat,s into the lake, 
turtud their [irows to the north, and bent resolutely to their 
work, while every officer's eyes nervously seanneU the hori- 
zon to see if British men-of-war were coming to derange 
their well-planned scheme. The Oiuiilu warriors, stripjied 
and painted for battle, each arrayed in only a breeeh-eloth 
and a crest of feathers, and armed with rifle, tomahawk, and 
.scalping-knile, strode proudly along the sandy shore, abreast 
of the flotilla. Thus escorted, the .squadron swept by the 



outlet of Little Sandy Creek bay, and soon passed the nortli- 
em boundary of Oswego County. It would hardly do, how- 
ever, to 8us|>en<l the story of the espedition at so interesting 
a juncture, and a brief sketch of its further fortunes will 
bo subjoined, although they carry us for a little while out- 
side of the county which is our especial subject. 

At noon the boats reached the mouth of the Big Sandy, 
and (|uickly sought its friendly shelter. They proceeded a 
mile or so up the south branch as far as the depth of water 
would allow, and then the hard-worked sailors at length 
found an opportunity to rest. 

Meanwhile, as was expected. Commander Y'eo had been 
informed of the expedition, and had sent a light s<|undron, 
consisting of two gun-boats, three cutters, and a gig, to in- 
tercept it. These did not arrive in the vicinity until afler 
Woolsey had entered the creek. They cruised along the 
shore all the afternoon, and not until the evening did the 
commander learn that the American boats had gone up Big 
Sandy creek. Nothing could be done that night, so he de- 
termined to lie off .shore till morning, and then sail in and 
gain an easy victory over the heavily-laden boats ; probably 
being ignorant of the presence even of Appling's men. 

But that .same afternoon a company of cavalry and another 
of liglit artillery had come dashing through from Sackett's 
Harbor, in response to the request of Woolsey and Appling, 
and still later a small detachment of infantry came up. 
Boatmen of the vicinity were kept out on the lake all night 
watching for the enemy, and soon af\er daylight the Ameri- 
can commanders were notified of the approach of the British 
squadron. Major .\ppling placed the artillery and the other 
reinforcements from Sackett's Harbor near the boats and 
just above a bend in the creek. Below the bend he ambushed 
his riflemen and Imlians. The British came confidently on, 
having apparently little idea of serious resistance. When 
they came in sight of the boats they opened on them with 
solid shot, but with very little effect. Landing a flanking 
party on each side of the stream, they moveil forward, con- 
stantly a,ss;iiling the bushes with which the creek was then 
fringed, in advance of the flankers, with gnipe and canister. 
The Indians, alwa^'S easily frightened by artillery, soon fled, 
but the riflemen hugged the ground and let the noLsy storro 
pass harniles-sly over them. 

When the pursuing vessels came opposite their ambush, 
they suddenly arose and poured in a deadly fire on the boats 
and the flankers. The latter were cut in jiieces almost in 
an instant. The boats were raked with a heavy fire, and 
at the same time the American artillery opened on them 
with deadly eft'ect. Another detachment made a rapid cir- 
cuit and as.sailcd the enemy in the rear. In ten minutes 
the British commander found that he w:us engaged in a 
hopeless contest, and surrendereil his whole force. Out of 
nearly two hundred men, he had in that brief time lost 
eighteen killed and at least fifty woundi'd ; while the whole 
injur}' to the Americans consisted of the wounding of one 
rifleman and one Indian. A hundred and seventy prisoners, 
two gunboats and four other boats, five cannon and two 
liowitzers rewarded the skillful plans and vigorous action 
of the Americans. The cannon and cable were afterwards 
carried by land to Sackett's Harbor ; the big cable of the 
" Su])crior," in default of any vehicle of sufticient strength. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



G9 



being borne on the shoulders of two hiiiidred volunteer 
uiilitiauicn. The " Superior" was quiekly fitted out, the 
blockade was broken, and Chauncey was able in turn to 
drive Yeo around Lake Ontario. 

During the remainder of the war very little of especial 
consequence happened in Oswego County. The summer 
and winter passed quietly away, though the people were 
ever in a state of nervous alarm lest the enemy should 
again find his way into the county. But none came, and 
when, in the early part of 1815, the news of peace spread 
through the land, the people gladly returned to the inter- 
rupted task of improving and developing the country. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

FEOM 1815 TO 1830. 

Organization of Oswego County — Towns (ben Existing — Two County- 
Seats — First Officers — The " Year without a Summer" — The Erie 
Canal — Ellicott's Logic — An Oswego County Engineer — The *' Big 
Cat anil the Little Cat"' — The First Steamboat — First Court at 
Pulaski — A Buel on Ice — Court-Houses begun — Three New Towns 
— Mr. Bronson's Services — The Census of 1S20 — Condition of the 
County — Deer anJ Salmon — Oswego County Medical Society — 
Constitution of 1S21 — An Oswego County Senator — Oswego Canal 
Authorized — The Famous " Seventeen" — The First Circuit Court — 
First Church — Anecdote of Aaron Burr — Oswego Canal Built — 
Stopping the Salmon — First Oswego County Congressman — The 
First Pier— The First Village— The Situation in 1S30. 

Without pausing on the unimportant year succeeding 
the close of the war, we pass at once to an event which 
would be of very slight con.sequence in a general history, 
but is of the greatest moment in this local record. 

On the first day of March, 1816, the legislature of the 
State of New York passed an act forming the county of 
Oswego out of the counties of Oneida and Onondaga. Its 
boundaries were the same then as now, embracing one town- 
.ship and thirty-three lots of the Military tract, sixteen 
townships of Scriba's patent, and five townships of the 
Boylston tract. Its area is one thousand and thirty-eight 
square miles. The towns existing at the separate organiza- 
tion of the county were Hannibal, Seriba, New Haven, 
Volney, Mexico, Richland, Redtield, Williamstown, and 
Constantia. 

• It would appear that when the scheiue for a new county 
was mooted, there was a strife, as is freijuently the case, 
between several locations for the county-seat. Oswego 
village, small as it was, had the advantage in population, 
wealth, and commercial importance ; wliile the little settle- 
ment which afterwards became the village of Mexico, but 
which then contained neither store nor tavern, and the still 
older settlement of Colosse, divided between them the honor 
of being in the centre of the county. Pulaski, too, where 
there were as yet but a few log houses, was desirous of 
sharing the benefits of being the capital city. Under these 
circumstances the extreme easfcrn and western parts of the 
proposed county united their forces and procured the inser- 
tion in the law of a provision for two jury districts, with a 
court-house in each. Three commissioners, residing outside 



the county, were appointed by law to select sites for the 
court-houses. These made choice of Oswego and Pulaski. 

Next came the selection of officers. At that time all 
county officers were appointed by the " council of appoint- 
ment." The first OIK'S commissioned for Oswego County 
were Barnet Mooney, first judge ; Henry Williams, Smith 
Dunlap, Peter D. Hugunin, David Easton, and Edmund 
Hawks, judges ; Daniel Hawks, Jr., assistant justice ; Elias 
Brewster, surrogate ; James Adams, county clerk ; and 
John S. Davis, slicrifF. The population of the new county 
was between six and seven thousand, and as they were 
mostly poor, they did not feel like entering at once on the 
task of building two court-houses. The first court of com- 
mon pleas in the county was held at the school-house in 
Oswego village by Peter D. Hugunin and P]dmund Hawks, 
judges, and Daniel Hawks, Jr., assistant justice. The follow- 
ing lawyers, already counsellors of the supreme court, were 
admitted to practice in the Oswego connuon pleas on pre- 
sentation of their certificates : Luther Badger, Abraham 
P. Vosburgh, John Grant, Jr., and Thomas French. 
Three students were admitted on examination, — Henry 
White, Levi S. Burr, and George Fisher. The clerk's 
office was kept in the private house of the clerk, and was 
so kept in private houses or offices, alternating isvery three 
years between Oswego and Pulaski, for forty-five years. 

The summer of 1816 was the celebrated " cold summer,' 
when there was a frost every month during the season. 
The crops were almost an entire failure. The smallness of 
the population, the scantiness of the supplies left over from 
the previous year, and the large number of immigrants 
requiring food, all combined with the failure of the crops 
to raise breadstufis to a very high price, and cause great 
suffering among the people. Fortunately, however, the deer 
were still abundant in a large part of the county, and the 
salmon ran thick in all the streams. These resources sup- 
plied to some extent the place of wheat and corn, but still 
there was much suffering, and the memory of the " year 
without a summer" is deeply impressed on the minds of 
the early settlers. 

In March of this year an act passed the assembly pro- 
viding for the construction of the Erie canal. The senate, 
however, insisted on further surveys, to which the as.sembly 
agreed. The preparatory work was prosecuted under the 
direction of a board of canal commissioners, of which 
De Witt Clinton was the leading spirit ; one of the other 
members being Joseph Ellicott, the principal surveyor and 
agent of the Holland land company in western New 
York. At a meeting of the board, in 1815 or '16, the 
subject of employing a supervising engineer was under con- 
sideration. There were very few engineers in America at 
that time, and it was proposed to send to England to obtain 
one. 

" Stuff and nonsense 1" exclaimed Ellicott, who was a 
rude, blunt-speaking man ; " what will an English engineer 
know about making a three-hundred-mile canal through 
the woods and hills and swamps of New York ? He will 
want to work with as much nicety and elaboration as if he 
were cutting a ditch twenty miles long through some level 
English plain. He will make the work cost three times as 
inucli as it ought to, and it won't be finished in a century. 



70 



niSTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The main thing is to survey a good line, and then have the 
men dig the ditch on that line. A good surveyor, accus- 
tomed to the woods, will be better than the most scientific 
engineer you can find in England." 

Ellicott's logic prevailed, and it was thus il liappcncd 
that the Oswego County surveyor and pioneer, Benjamin 
Wright, together with James Geddes, was selected to 
supervi.-ie the location and con.slruction of the Erie canal. 
The success with wliich ho performed this great work 
amply justified the shrewd ideas of Ellicott. 

The people of Oswego County were naturally opposed to 
a work intended to divert the great and growing western 
trade from its time-honored channel past their borders. 
They repeated the storey of the backwoods philosopher, 
who cut two cat-holes in his door, a big one for the old cat 
and a small one for the kitten ; and they declared that the 
Erie canal was a useless hole for the small commercial cat, 
while the big one wuuhl always go through Oswego. But i 
they evidently didn't know how the cat would jump. 

The pressure in favor of the new route could not be suc- 
cessfully resisted, and, in the spring of 1817, a law author- 
izing the construction of a canal was passed, the work being 
commenced soon after. These proceedings dispelled the 
dream of those who had expected the whole commerce of 
the west to fiass up the Oswego river. The dwellers on 
its shores saw that to get even a share of that commerce 
they must be connected with the great artery of the State, 
and soon began to take measures to that end. 

One event, which tended to revive their hopes of a great 
lake-commerce, occurred this same spring. One fine day 
the whole population of the little village of O.swcgo — men, 
women, and children — poured out into the streets and 
liurried towards the wharf 

" It's come ! She's come ! There she is ! See her 
come! Hurrah! Now we will have some business ! Good 
gracious, what a smoke !" such were the mingled exclama- 
tions of .surprise and pleasure which broke from the lips of 
the excited people as they crowded down to the river. 

The cause was to be sought in an object out on the lake, 
the like of w]tich perhaps not one of the spectators had | 
ever before seen. Cuming from the northe;ist, and heading 
directly towards the harbor, was a large vessel, moving 
rapidly without sails or oars, while from a tall jjipe rolled a 
huge column of smoke. It was the first .steamboat west of 
the Hudson. It had been built the year before at Saeketl's 
Harbor by General Brown, Commodore Woolsey, and other 
prominent men of that vicinity, had a capacity of four hun- 
dred tons, and had been ch listened the '' Ontario," in honor 
of the great lake which it was to navigate. 

As it came up to the wharf the most extravagant mani- 
festations of joy were indulged in by the people, who thought 
the steam-boat would certainly beat the canal-boat, and 
bring the whole wealth of the west directly to their 
wharves. In fact, they were so excited over this new 
wonder that they kept up their njoiciiigs with beating of 
drums and blazing bonfires all night long, atid until the 
steamer departed the next morning. The steamer " Fron- 
tcnac " was built at Kingston, Canada, the ensuing season, 
and ere long a vessel of that kind was no wonder on Lake 
Ontario. 



We may note in piissing that the first term of the com- 
mon pleas for the eastern jury district, being the second 
in the county, was held on the 4th of February, 1SI7, at 
the school-house in the fnunh school-district of Richland 
(Pulaski), with Barnet Mooncy, the new first judge, pro- 
siding, assisted by Judges Huguniu and Dunlap. Juinijs 
F. Wiglit, Jcis<'ph Pyiichon llosseter, Thomas C. Chitten- 
den, Benjamin Wright, and Daniel Wardwell were ad- 
mitted to the bar ; most of them (except Wright) being 
doubtless outsiders who were already practitioners. It was 
provided by law that circuit courts or courts of oyer and 
terminer need not be held in the new county until the 
circuit judges should decide that it was necessary, and none 
were held for several years. 

An event which occurred at Oswego in the winter of 
1817-18 is curiously illustrative of the manners of the 
period. Two Scotchmen, named JIcDonald and Campbell, 
had a (juarrel about the wife of the latter, ('ampbell's 
jealousy at length became so great that he challenged Mo- 
Donald to fight a duel. The latter accepted, and chose rifles 
:is the weapons. Each invited a friend to act as second, 
but dueling was under the ban of the law, and not at all 
popular; so the persons invited declined to act. Mr. Wil- 
liam Squires, who was asked by AIcDonald to be his sec- 
ond, refused, but conquered his .scruples suflicieully to lend 
his rifle to the duelist. 

Being unable to find seconds, the principals determined 
to get along without them. The duel came off in due 
time, and what distinguishes it from most combats of that 
nature was that it was fought on the ice. The field of 
battle was on the Oswego river, a little above the mouth, 
and near the east side, about in front of where the marine 
elevator now stands. At the appointed time, which had 
become generally known, a large crowd of men was as- 
sembled on the bank, who, though none of them were 
disposed to fake part in the fight themselves, were all 
perfectly willing it should proceed. 

The principals had necessarily made their own arrange- 
ments, according to which they marked two lines on the 
ice ten rods apart. Midway between these lines the 
enemies took their places, back to back, with their rifles 
at a "carry." When both were ready, they started by 
mutual consent, marched steadily to their respective lines, 
and faced about. When both were faced, Campbell lifted 
his ritte and fired, McDonald following an instant later. 
The latter remained unharmed, but Campbell dropped as 
if shot through the heart. On examination, however, it 
Was found that he had only received a flesh wound in the 
groin. 

McDonald hid for a short time, and left for jiarts un- 
known. Cam|)bell, too, soon recovered from his wound, 
and made his way to Canada; but what became of the fair 
Helen of this Oswego Iliad history saith not. This battle 
on ice was the last display of old-fashioned chivalry within 
the limits of Oswego County. 

The year 1818 wa-s distinguished for the erection of three 
t4jwns. On the 28tli of February, Orwell was formed from 
Richland ; including within its boundaries the present towns 
of Orwell and Boylston. On the liOth of April, the towns 
of Oswego and (haiiby were fonncd from Hannibal. They 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



il 



had nearly the same boundaries as now, but the dividing 
lino was a little farther north, so that a small part of the 
present Granby was then in Oswego, which also included 
all of the present city on the west side of the river. 

In the summer of 1818, two court-houses were begun at 
both Oswego and Pulaski. The one at the former was a 
wooden building of very moderate dimensions, designed for 
a court-house alone, while that at Pulaski was a substantial 
wooden structure, of which the lower part was intended for 
a jail. The buildings were not completed till a year or two 
later. 

The eastern portion of the canal was now being rapidly 
constructed. The Oswego peojile, as well as many others, 
were anxious to turn it down to Oswego, and not construct 
the western part, — the "hole for the little cat." Failing 
in that, the Oswegonians wanted a branch canal from Syra- 
cuse down the 0.swego river to its mouth. Mr. Bronson, 
being at that time the principal merchant and loading 
citizen of the county, made frequent journeys to Albany in 
the interest of his locality. He had not then acquired the 
facility with his pen for which he was afterwards noted, but 
he furnished a large portion of the facts and arguments 
from whicli S. B. Beach, Esq., and Dr. Walter Colton wrote 
pamphlets on the subject. 

Witli a supply of Colton 's pamphlets, Mr. B. went to 
Albany, and so impressed the leading friends of the Erie 
canal that they obtained an appropriation of twenty-five 
thousand dollars for the improvement of the Oswego river. 
This was not what was wanted, but was accepted for the 
time as a preparatory step towards a branch canal. No 
action, however, was taken under the law. 

The number of inhabitants in Oswego County by the 
census of 1820 was twelve thousand three hundred and 
sixty-four. By this time the county had begun to lose its 
primitive appearance. A few frame houses had taken the 
jilaee of log houses on some of the main roads. The log 
scliool-houso at the four corners was, in a few localities, re- 
placed by the red frame familiar to the memories of the 
present generation. The convenient windlass was some- 
times substituted for the picturesque well-sweep, but the 
])ump was still unknown in the farmer's yard. The clear- 
ings had increased rapidly since the war, but even in the 
western part of the county there were often many miles of 
road to be seen bordered by woods on both sides, and in 
the eastern portion the forest held its own with still more 
tenacity. Besides Oswego, several little hamlets had begun 
to look village-like, — such as Pulaski, Mexico, Fulton, and 
('onstaritia, but there was still not a solitary church edifice 
in the county. The deer still coursed in large numbers 
through the woods, and the salmon ascended the streams 
in immense shoals. 

Mr. William Squires tells of chasing a deer on to the ice 
of Lake Ontario, near Oswego, about this time, and fol- 
lowing it with his dogs out of sight of land, until at length 
his four-footed assistants caught the fugitive, and brought 
it, not to the earth, but to the ice. Mr. Cross, of Pulaski, 
relates how, when he was a youngster, in his father's saw- 
mill, un Trout brook, in the town of Albion, the salmon 
used to come up and collect below the dam in great (|uan- 
titics. The mill-man would shut the gate, when the water 



would rapidly become shallow, and the salmon start back 
towards the river. Then the young man, standing in the 
stream, with a pitchfork would throw them out by the score, 
catching from two to three hundred in a night. 

From 1814 to 1820 tliere had been no member of as- 
sembly from Oswego County. In the latter year Theophilus 
S. Morgan, of Oswego, served as one of the representatives 
of the district composed of Oneida and Oswego counties. 

In 1821, the doctors in the county had become suf- 
ficiently numerous so tliat a county medical society was 
orglmzed, of which a sketch will be given hereafter. That 
year a new State constitution was formed, under which 
sheriffs and county clerks were elected by the people of each 
county. Orris Hart being the first sherifi" elected in Oswego 
County, and Hiram Hubbell the first county clerk. 

Senatorial districts were also provided for, each electing 
four senators. By the first apportionment under the new 
constitution, Oswego County belonged to the fifth district, of 
which the other counties were Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, 
Madison, and Oneida. When the nominating convention 
of the Bucktail or anti-Clintonian party met, it was de- 
termined to give a senator to the new county of Oswego, 
and Mr. Alvin Bronson was duly nominated and elected, 
being tlie first senator (chosen fifty-five years ago) from the 
county in which he still resides. 

In the classification of senators, Mr. Bronson drew a two- 
years' term. He very naturally became the leader of the 
movement in favor of the Oswego canal, and finally brought 
that movement to a successful issue, obtaining an appropri- 
ation of three hundred thousand dollars for that purpose. 
He was al.so, in the latter part of his term, a member of 
the celebrated "seventeen" who were the theme of such 
wide denunciation and praise over half a century ago. 
Previous to that time the presidential electors had been 
chosen by the legislature. At the session of 1824, in order 
to prevent the vote of New York from being cast for Wm. 
H. Crawford, a bill was introduced giving the election to 
the people. Few were willing to oppose what seemed likely 
to be so popular a measure, and it passed the assembly 
almost by acclamation. In the senate, however, seventeen 
senators defeated the bill, considering that whatever might 
be its merits at the proper time, it was a mere party meas- 
ure, designed to affect the ensuing presidential election. 
For a while they were denounced in the bitterest manner, 
and not one of them was re-elected, but in time the reason- 
ableness of their action was admitted, the " seventeen" 
became popular, and one of their number, Silas Wright, 
became a leader of his party in the United States. Mr. 
Bronson 'and Heman J. Redfield, of Genesee county, are 
now the only survivors of the little band once so widely 
celebrated, both being over ninety years of age. 

We have spoken of " parties" and " party measures ;" it 
would be more con-ect to say " factions," for in 1824 it 
could hardly be said there were any parties in the usual 
sense of the word. The Democratic party had swallowed 
all others, and the political contests were merely about ques- 
tions of local policy, or over rival candidates for office. 

It was not until 1823 that the judges of the supreme 
court thought Oswego County of sufficient importance to 
justify the holding of a circuit within it. The first one was 



72 



llLSTUUi UF OSWKGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



held on the 20th of Aujrust, !ii that year, before Hon. Na- 
than Williams, circuit jud_t;e. Four cases were tried. A 
court of oyer and terminer was held the same term, at 
which three criminals were tried. In that year, also, Os- 
weno County alone Wiis lirst allowed an assemblyman. 
Tiieophilus S. Mor-^an, of O.swego, was again elected to 
that position, and thenceforward the county has always had 
a representative in the lower house of the legislature. 

In that year (1823), also, the first church edifice in the 
county wa.s begun at the little village of CoIos.se, in the town 
of Mexico. It w;is a substantial frame building, thirty-.si.'c 
feet by forty-six, and at that time was justly considered as 
a remarkable .specimen of architecture. 

Before a blow was struck on the Oswego canal, the 
Oswego people learned with consternation that the Buffalo 
member of assembly. Reuben B. Heacock, had introduced 
a bill repealing the law authorizing the O.swego canal. Mr. 
Bronson was then out of the .senate, but was expected to 
take care of the interests of Oswego all the same. He 
mounted his horse and started for Albany. On entering 
the capital the finst man he met was Aaron Burr, who, 
twenty-five yeare before, had been vice-president of the 
United States, but was then, in his old age, earning a very 
moderate subsistence by bis practice at the bar. He knew 
Mr. Bronson, having argued cases before him when, as a 
senator, that gentleman was a member of the old court of 
errors. 

" Ah," exclaimed the veteran, as he met the Oswego 
merchant, " so you have come to look after your canal, have 
you ?"' 

" Yes, sir ; that is my main object." 

" Well, now, Mr. Bronson, I am disposed to be on your 
side; I am in favor of the Oswego canal, too." 

"Well, colonel," said Mr. Bronson, "I believe that all 
sensible men are on our side." 

" Ah, my young friend," replied the disappointed and 
cynical politician, " if you have none but the sensible men, 
there is a vast majority against you." 

But whether by the aid of the sensible or the senseless, 
the Buffalo project was defeated, and the Oswego canal was 
begun in 1826, the corner-stone of the first lock being laid 
on the 4lh of July in that year, the semi-centennial of 
American independence. The canal was completed in 
1S2S, at a cost of five hundred and twenty-five thousand 
dollars. 

The greater part of the way the river Wits turmd into a 
canal by the erection of dams ibnmgli which locks were 
built for the p;Lssiige of boats. The building of these dams 
seriously interfered with the navigation of the salmon, and 
finally stojiped it. Over a dam seven feet high they vaulted 
with comparative ea.se, but when they came to one of the 
twelve-feet ones only an occasional very muscular salmon 
could leap it, and a twenty-feet dam vani|nishcd them all. 

The first congres,-iman from Oswego County was General 
Daniel Hugunin, of Oswego village, the young lieutenant of 
the war of 1812, who was elected in the autumn of 1824, 
but was obliged to go through a contest with the person 
holding the certificate, and was not adjudged hi.s seat until 
the opening of Congress, in December, 1825. That winter 
lie obtained an appro{>riation by Congress for a pier at 



Oswego, the first constructed there by the general govern- 
ment. The twentieth congressional district then consisted 
of Oswego, Lewis, Jefferson, and St. Lawrence counties, 
and was repre.-iented by two members. 

In 1.S28 the first village in the county was incorporated, 
being, of course, Oswego. Hon. Alviu Bronson was chosen 
the first president of the board of trustees. In 1830 the 
Wellaiid canal was opened, and the commerce of the upper 
lakes begiin, though slowly at first, to seek the old route up 
the Oswego river. 

By that year the population of the county liad risen to 
twenty-sevcD thousand one hundred and nineteen, and the 
face of the country showed a corresponding improvement. 
Churches began to raise their white spires in hamlets here 
and there ; frame houses superseded the old log domiciles, 
even on many of the back roads ; orchards flourished and 
bore f^-uit on nearly every farm ; the deer and bear receded 
eastward, though not entirely abandoning the county ; the 
canal was hailed as the harbinger of wealth ; and the people 
generally looked forward to a long era of ever-increasing 
prosperity. 



CHAPTER XV. 

FROM 1831 TO 1861. 

Prosperity — Two Nuw Towns — .^^pt'culutioii — I>ei»nrtcd Greatness — 
The " Hord Times"— The " Pntriot War"— Adventure of tho 
Steamer *' United States" — The " Oswego Patriot" — John Cochrane 
— We.-^t Monroe — Slow Progress — Tiie Agricultural Society — Ue- 
viving Prosperity — Lake Commerce — Another .Son of Steam — Tho 
Syracuse and Oswego Railroad — The Home and Walertowii llailri>ad 
— .t>neida River Improvement — Fir!*t Plank-Roitd in the I'nion — 
The Oswego and Rome Plank-Roud — Lively Times — Other Plank- 
Uou<ls — Stage-Routes — Large Increase — The Reciprocity Treaty — 
Approach of War. 

Foil several years Oswego County with the rest of the 
country enjoyed great prosperity. Popidation and wealth 
increased. Business flowed along the line of the canal, 
and its vivifying influence permeated the whole county. 
Two new towns were formed, Schioejipel and Palermo being 
both taken from Volney on the 4tli of April, 18Ij2. New 
villages started up here and there, the growth of whicli will 
be described in the township histories. Oswego maile rapid 
progress towards becoming a city. Soon came the celebrated 
era of speculation, extending through 1834, 1835, and part 
of 18.'{(!, wheti nearly all the people in the United States 
thought they were going to g<,'t ricli at once, by the ri.se of 
land. Oswego County and espccisdiy Oswego village liad 
their delusions like the rest of the country, but did not 
become ijuite .so exalted as Bufi'alo and a few other western 
localities. 

By a curious coincidence, marking well the " irony of 
fate," it was just when the flush times were at their clinnix, 
when half the people cm Seriba's patent thought (henisnlves 
on the highroad to wealth, that George Scriba, once the 
owner of half a million acres of land, the liberal proprietor, 
the cnti'rprisitig citizen, master of towns, and founder of 
cities, died at Constanlia, in hopele.«.s poverty, at the age of 
eighty-four. He had long been a bankrupt, but had been 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ti 



allowed to retain a small homestead out of the immense 
tract he liad otiee called his own, and there he liad seen a 
new world grow up around iiiui, — a worlil of'whijh he iiad 
once hoped to be the Icadinj; spirit, but in which he liad 
now no part, save what was accorded to the jiitying memory 
of the past. 

In 18;^t) came the crash, when all the imaginary wealth 
of the country faded out of e.xistence, leaving behind only 
a beggarly account of worthless mortgages. The depression 
was as deep as the excitement had been great, and for several 
years the " hard times" pressed on the people with a weight 
which has never been equaled, nor even approached, in 
later days. 

In 1837 and 1838 the troubles in Canada, known as the 
" Patriot War," ran their somewhat ridiculous course. 
Nearly all the people along the northern frontier of the 
United States sympathized more or less with the insurgents, 
commonly called the " Patriots," not .so much on account 
of their grievances as because it was natural for Americans 
to sympathize witii any revolt against British power. 

Secret lodges of " Hunters" were formed all along the 
frontier, money and supplies were forwarded to the " pa- 
triots," and some armed men crossed the border. In No- 
vember, 1838, the steamer " United Slates," then eon.sidered 
the pride .of the inland lakes, lay in the harbor of Oswego, 
under the command of Captain James Van Cleve. A large 
number of "patriots," under one General Von Schultz, had 
come on board, and the captain was unwilling to set forth 
down the St. Lawrence. But some of the owners decided 
that she must go on the 11th, and go she did, with the 
" patriots" .still on board, and with two of the owners of the 
steamer al.so on board. Two schooners were seen near the 
entrance of the St. Lawrence, which the owners just men- 
tioned said they wanted to help through to Ogdensburgh. 
Captain Van Cleve took them in tow, one on each side of 
the " United States." In a shoi't time the hatches were 
raised, and a large number of armed men swarmed out of 
the hold and boarded the steamer. 

Captain Van Cleve was afraid of trouble, and wanted to 
run the steamer- and schooners ashore in Alexandria bay, 
but the owners decided dift'erently, and on they went to 
Ogdensburgh. 

Captain W. S. Malcolm, of Oswego, who was then acting 
as United States deputy marshal, on secret service, had been 
sent down to Ogdensbui-gh a week or two before to watch 
the movements of the '• patriots," and was there when the 
'•United States" arrived. The town swarmed with " j)a- 
triots," and it was .soon noised around that they would use 
the " United States" for the purpose of making an incursion 
into Canada. The captain and engineer left the vessel. A 
crowd of " patriots" (piickly took possession of it, under 
the command of a General Birge, of Syracuse, and began 
seeking for a pilot. Some one espied Captain Malcolm, 
who stood near watching their proceedings, and exclaimed, — 
"Here is Captain Malcolm; he has commanded the 
' United States,' and knows every harbor on the lakes or the 
St. Lawrence ; he can pilot her." 

The captain was immediately seized and forced to board 
the vessel, which soon set out on its voyage of invasion. 
His services, however, were not at first rei|nired, as the 
G 



regular wheelsman was well acquainted with the channel. 
The " United States" ran down and landed most of the 
forces on board her at " Windmill point," some three miles 
below Preseott, whither (ireneral Von Schultz and the rest 
of the " patriots" cros.sed in boats about the sanje time. The 
subsequent conflict and the defeat of the insurgents at the 
point just mentioned are beyond our purview, and we only 
mention what occurred on the " United States" because it 
was to some extent connected with Oswego. 

As that steamer neared Ogdensburgh she was fired into by 
the armed British steamer " Experiment," the ball striking 
the head of the wlieelsman and instantl}' killing him. Cap- 
tain Malcolm and a " jiatriot" colonel were standing near the 
wheel-house at the time. 

"Take the wheel, Malcolm," exclaimed the colonel; 
" the man is killed." Captain M., seeing that the vessel 
would be destroyed unless he did so, stepped into the wheel- 
house, and, standing over the prostrate form of the slain 
man, guided the steamer amid a storm of balls into the 
mouth of the Oswegatchie, and ran her on a bar. He im- 
mediately took away some important parts of her engine, 
so as to pi'cvent her being again used by the raiders. 

Colonel Worth soon came with a body of regulars, and 
placed a guard on board of the " United States." Captain 
Malcolm, however, remained in charge, and took her up to 
Sackett's Harbor, where she was kept by the government 
for a year or so, but was finally released. 

The prevalent feeling along the frontier was fiinned by a 
newspaper called ?7te Oswego I'atn'ol, especially devot«d to 
the cause of the insurgent Canadians, and we think the 
only downright organ that they had, though many papers 
favored them. The Puln'o/ was issued from the PalhuUum 
office, and its editor, after a brief trial of another man, was 
the young Oswego lawyer, John Cochrane, sine-' so renowned 
as an ardent politician of New York city. It is safe to say 
that his editorials were of the most enthusiastic description, 
and if armies were to be beaten by glowing words, those of 
Great Britain would have been aimihilated by three or four 
discharges ol' The Oswego Patriot. 

But in spite of young Cochrane's thunders, and of more 
material aid covertly furni.shed by sympathizing Americans, 
the " patriot" war came to an end in the forepart of 1839, 
with an infinitely small amount of bloodshed. Dorephus 
Abbey, the early printer of Oswego, was one of the few 
who lost their lives, having been hung by the British gov- 
ernment for his part in tiie rebellion. Tlie trutii was, the 
people of Canada did not think they were much oppressed, 
and so the rebellion failed for lack of rebels. 

In, 1839, on the 21st (if March, the town of West M(m- 
roo was tiirmed from Coiistantia, embracing the territory of 
the old survey-township of Delft, — No. 12 of Scriba's pat- 
ent. Since that time no new town has been organized, and 
West iMonroc is still the youngest of the Oswego County 
family. 

By the United States census of 1810 the total population 
of the county was forty-tiiree thousand six hundred and 
nineteen, an increase of oidy five thousand three hundred 
in five ycar,s. This showed the result of " hard times" very 
plainly, for during the semi-decade from 1830 to 1835 the 
increase had been over eleven thousand. 



74 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUiNTY, NEW YOI?K. 



It was not until 1S4(( that the Oswcjjo County Afrricul- 
tural Pociclj' was (ir<;anizt>d, tliat event occurrinj; on the 
1st of Fehruary iu that yejir. Tlie fiift [iresideiit was N. 
G. Wliite, and the firet fair was held at Oswc<ro, com- 
nieneiti;; on the 7th of tlie following: Oct<iber. For fifteen 
years the location of the fair was ehanircd each year. A 
more full description of the society' will be given farther on. 

With the new decade the condition of the county bepin 
slowly to improve ; yet it was several years ere it had 
fairly recovered from the " hard times." From about 
1844, however, until 1857 was a season of very sreneral 
prosperity. The log liouses almost entirely disappeared. 
The old red frames wliieli in early times had been tlie resi- 
dences of the most jirominent men in each rur;d district 
now looked shabby and forlorn beside the handsome white 
farm-houses, with green blinds, which ro.se in every direc- 
tion. The cleared ground was extended on everj' side, and 
the greater part of the county took on all the characteristics 
which distinguish an oM from a new country. The com- 
merce, too, whieh p:is.-iC(l tliiiiiigh the Oswego canal. Lake 
Ontario, and the Welland canal continually increased. 

The a]>pcaranee of the lake, too, at least in summer, 
changed with that of the land. Where once the broad ex- 
panse liad been broken only by the solitary canoe of the 
savage, and later by the occiisioiial bateau of the fur-trader, 
now schooners and sloops and brigs swejit in rajiid succes- 
sion before the breeze over the ri]ipling surface, deeplj' 
loaded with the grain of Canada and Ohio and Michig-an, 
and of still more distant fields, or bearing in return the 
manuCacturcs of the east and the immigrant of Europe. 

Among these white-winged burden-bearers, too, was often 
seen the dark cloud of smoke which denoted the presence 
of the less j)icture.s(|ue but more rapid steamboat, crowded 
with pas.scngei-s of the better cla.ss, for whom, before the 
comjiletion of the Central railroad, the Lake Ontario steamer 
was the principal means of summer travel. The " United 
States," the " Bay State," the '• Northerner," the " Onta- 
rio," the " New York," the " Cataract," the '• Niagara, ' 
and numerous other steamers navigated the lake, landing 
and receiving passengers at and from Oswego by thou.saiids, 
and freight by hundreds of tons. The first propeller on 
the lakes was built at Oswego, in 1842, by Sylvester Doo- 
little, of that place, — now the proprietor of the Doolittle 
House, — and numerous others speedily llillowed. 

Meanwhile, however, another son of steam had been 
born ; another agent had taken its place among the instru- 
ments of inodern civilization, destined apparently to surpass 
the canal, the steamboat, and all the other methods of trans- 
portation previously known. A company had been formed 
to build a railroad from Oswego to Syracuse as early as 
is:;i), and a route was surveyed the same year. But the 
times were not propitious, and nothing more was done for 
over seven years. In March, 1847, the company was fully 
organized under the name of the Oswego and Syracuse 
railroad company, and work was begun the siimc season. 
During that and the succeeding years the enterprise was 
pushed rapidly forward. In October, 1848, it was com- 
pleted, and the iron horse every day went screaming up 
and down the west bank of the Oswego, where not so very 
long since the Indian war-whoop had sounded ; where Eng- 



lish and French and Americans had met in deadly conflict ; 
where the burden-bearing squaw had been succeeded by the 
ox-ciirt ; the ox-cart Ity the slage-ciiaeh ; the stage-coaeh by 
the CJinal-boat ; and where now the valiant captain of the 
paS8eiiger-|>aeket siiw his brief reign brought to an untimely 
close by the advent of the locomotive engineer. 

The Rome and Watertown railroad company showed a 
mnch longer hiatus between its orgiinization and tlie begin- 
ning of its labors. The former was aecomiilished in ISIi'i, 
but it was not until November, 1848, that work was actu- 
ally eommeneed at Rome. In the autumn of 184J) tlie 
road was completed to Canjden, Oneida county. The next 
year the most of the work in Oswego County was done, and 
in May, 1851, the road was in running order to Pierrepont 
Manor, a short distance north of the county line. This 
road crossed the towns of .\niboy (barely a corner), Wil- 
liaiustown, Albion, Richland, and Sandy Creek, and fur- 
nished a market to a large section of the county which liad 
previously been almost without one. On being suK-^cfiuently 
extended to Watertown, it took the name of the Watertown, 
Rome and Ogdensburg railroad. 

Another public work of this era was the improvement of 
the Oneida river. In 1840 a steamboat was jilaced on 
Oneida lake, and the dwellei-s on its shores began to hope 
for a renewal of the old times when that was the great 
route of western travel and commerce. -\n appropriation 
to im])rove the navigation of the river was obtained from 
the legislature. A coffer-dam was built at Fort Brewerton 
to deepen the channel. A lock was also built at Coughde- 
noy, four miles below Fort Brewerton, and another at Oak 
Orchard creek, five miles farther down. This furnLshcJ 
ample means of communication between lakes Oneida and 
Ontario, but has not resulted in diverting any great amount 
of travel from the Syracuse route. 

Ill tiiis ])i rind, too, some one, tired of the terrible roads 
of those days, conceived the idea of covering some of the 
principal ones with four-inch j)laiik (as being cheaper than 
turnpiking or macadamizing theui), the expense to be re- 
paid by tolls. In 1845 a charter was granted for a com- 
pany to build such a road from Saliiia, Onondaga county, 
to Central Scjuare, in the town of Hastings, Oswego County. 
In 184G the road was completed, being the first " plank- 
road" built in the United States. This example was ,sooii 
followed in other localities, and for a few years there was a 
mania for building plank-roads all over the country. 

Nowhere was it more prevalent than iu Oswego County. 
The Rome and Oswego plank-road company was organized 
in 1847, and the road, running through Seriba, New llaven, 
Mexico, Albion, and William.stown, was built immediately 
afterwards, being finished in the spring of 1848. During 
the following summer it was crowded with business. Large 
numbers of passengers came down the lake from the west, 
landed at Oswego, took the stage to Rome, and thence went 
eastward by rail. < )tliere from the east went over the .same 
route in the ojiposite direction. Five coaches were fre- 
<|uently dispatched from Oswego the same morning, each 
with nine inL-sseiigeis inside and eight outside, besides the 
driver, making eighty-five passengers in all. Nothing 
could be more exhilarating than a ride on the outside on 
a fine day. With the sun shining brightly, and the air 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



75 



full of vigor, the four spanking horses went at a rattling 
gait over the smooth new road, whirling the delighted pas- 
sengers over hill and dale, past smiling farms, pleasant vil- 
lages, and cool-looking groves, and landing them at Rome 
after a ten-hours' ride of unsurpassed excitement. But all 
the while the iron horse, as has before been said, was 
making his way down the Oswego. Coaches went out to 
meet him as he approached, and when, in October, 1848, 
lie came screaming into the new city, the great stage-route 
was destroyed, so flir as through travel was concerned. 

The Oswego and Syracuse plank-road was begun in 
1848. It ran from Oswego, thirty-two miles, to Liverpool, 
Onondaga county, connecting there with a road to Syra- 
cuse. The Oswego, Hannibal and Sterling plank-road, 
built about the same time, ran from Oswego to Harniibal, 
with a branch to Sterling, Cayuga county. The Oswego 
and Hastings Centre plank-road was begun in 1849. The 
Williamstown and Pulaski plank-road was another of the 
productions of this period, while still another ran from 
Constantia to Fulton. All these roads have been given up 
so far as the plank part was concerned. The worn-out 
planks have been removed and the toll-gates abandoned. 
Railroad rivalry has ruined some of them, but the general 
cause of their failure has been the rapid destruction of 
their material under the wear of travel. Besides, as the 
county progresses, the people can afford to make better 
gravel-roads, and do not so much feel the need of any other 
kind. 

As railroads advanced the stages gave way. Yet as late 
as 1857 there was a daily line from Oswego to Pulaski ; 
another from Oswego to Kasoag ; another from Oswego to 
Auburn, and still another from Oswego to Richland Sta- 
tion, — while a tri-weekly ran from Oswego to Rochester. 
Across these ran other routes, — south from Pulaski to 
Brcwerton, and thence to Syracuse and northward to 
Watertown, etc. In twenty years nearly all have passed 
away, — an occasional tri-weekly or semi-weekly route tra- 
versed by a Concord wagon, with a span of horses, only 
erapha-sizing more thoroughly the loss of the staging glories 
of the past. 

By the census of 1850, the population of the county was 
si.\ty-two thousand one hundred and ninety-eight, an in- 
crease of eighteen thousand five hundred and seventy-nine 
over that of 1840. Business was evidently looking up. In 
1854 the celebrated reciprocity treaty was entered into be- 
tween the United States and Great Britain, by which 
nearly all the natural productions of British America were 
admitted into the United States free of duty, as were those 
of this country into those provinces. By tiie operations of 
this treaty the business of the Oswego canal was largely in- 
creased. This, of course, increased the business of Oswego 
city and the villages along the canal; and these, again, by 
furnishing a better market, and causing a general financial 
activity, promoted the welfare of the towns. The imports 
of the port of Oswego became by the close of 18G0 more 
than four-fold what they were in 1854. 

The census of 1860 showed a population in Oswego 
County of seventj--five thousand nine hundred and fifty- 
eight, an incresise of thirteen thou.sand seven hundred and 
sixty during tiic decade. 



This was a handsome increase, though not as large as 
that of the previous decade. But the events of that and 
the succeeding years put in the background cjuestions of 
increase of business and population, and concentrated the 
thoughts of all American citizens on subjects of vital and 
instant importance. 

The election of Abraham Lincoln to the presidency by 
the Republican party, in the autumn of 18G0, was followed 
by the revolt of seven southern States, wliile four others 
stood ready to join them at the first excuse, and all the 
rest of the south was exceedingly dubious in its loyalty. 
The rebel Confederacy was formed. Treason organized its 
forces and sharpened its weapons, and no power could be 
found in the constitution to prevent the destruction of the 
nation. The citizens of Oswego County, like all the loyal 
north, looked on with astonishment and anger. Thus the 
winter and the early spring wore away, and all was ripe for 
a tei'rific explosion. 



CHAPTER XV L 

OSWEGO IN THE KBBELLION. 

First War-Meeting — The Twenty-rourtli Regiment, New York 
Volunteers. 

No portion of the Empire State exhibited more patriot- 
ism, or re.sponded with greater alacrity to the president's 
call for volunteers, than the county of Oswego. The light- 
ning had scarcely flashed along the wires, conveying the 
intelligence to the expectant north that Major Anderson 
and his gallant band had surrendered as prisoners of war, 
when a meeting was held in the city of Oswego, April IC, 
1801, and mea.sures adopted for the immediate formation 
of a regiment. Recruiting was rapidly pushed forward, 
and on the morning of April 26, 1861, a company, under 
the command of the intrepid John D. O Brien, who was 
the first captain of volunteers commissioned in the State of 
New York under the president's first caH for seventy-five 
thousand troops, proceeded to Elmira. His was the first 
company to rendezvous at that subsequently celebrated sta- 
tion. They found nothing prepared for them, and wliiie 
barracks were being erected were quartered in a barrel-fac- 
tory. While here they were joined by Companies B and 
C, under command of Captains Edward M. Paine and 
Frank Miller. These three companies established a mili- 
tary encampment, and a.ssumed the pomp and cireumstauco 
of war. 

The following companies soon after reported at Elmira, 
and on the 17th day of Jlay, 1861, were mustered into the 
United States service a.s the Twenty-fourth Regiment, New 
York State Volunteers, by Captain Sitgreaves, of the United 
States Army ; Company D, from the town of Parish, under 
command of Cajitain Jlelzar Richards, subsequently lieu- 
tenant-colonel of the Twenty-fourth Cavalry; Company E, 
from Volney, Captain Orville Jennings ; Company F, from 
Oswego city, Captain Archibald Preston ; Company G, 
from Sandy Creek, Captain W. I). Ferguson, subsccjuently 
major in the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment ; 



76 



ULSTOllY OF OSWKUO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Company H, from Voliicy, Captain Alliurt Taylor, after- 
wards major of tlic Twi'iity-fourlh Cavalry; Company I, 
from Oswcjro city, Captain Levi ISiardslfV ; and Company 
K, from EllisburfT, Jefferson county, Captain Andrew J. 
Barney, who was .subsef|uently promoted to major. 
The folliiwiiiir Were the regimental and line officers: 
Colonel, Timolliy Sullivan ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Samuel 
R. Beardsley ; Major, Jonathan TarlM'll ; Surgeon, J. B. 
Murdoch, M.D. ; Assistant Surgeon, Lawrence ReynoldF, 
M.D. ; Adjutant, Robert Oliver, Jr.; (^uartrrmastcr, 
{.'harles T. Richardson ; Chaplain, Rev. Mason Gallagher. 

Line Oflicers. — Company A, Captain, John D. O'Brien ; 
First liieuteiKint, Samuel IL Brown; Second Lieutenant, 
Daniel C. Hubbard. 

Company B, Captain, Edward M. Paine ; First Lieuten- 
ant, B. Ilutcheson ; Second Lieutenant, William L. 
Yeckley. 

Company C, Captain, Frank Miller ; First Lieutenant, 
John Rattigan; Second Lieutenant, William L. Peavey. 

(-'ouipany 1), Captain, Melzar Richards; First Lieuten- 
ant, Severin Bcaulieu; Second Lieutenant, William Wills. 
Company E, Captain, Orvillc J. Jennings; First Lieu- 
tenant, Richard J. Hill ; Second Lieutenant, Ten Kyck G. 
Pawling. 

Company F, Captain, Archibald Preston ; Fir.st Lieuten- 
ant, Patrick Cleary ; Second Lieutenant, Thomas Murray. 
Company G, Captain, William 1). Ferguson ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Calvin Burch ; Second Lieutenant, Henry B. Corse. 
Company PL Captain, Albert Taylor ; First Lieutenant, 
ll('nry Sandorel ; Second Lieutenant, Ed.son D. Goit. 

Company 1, Captain, Ijcvi Beardsley ; First Lieutenant, 
Theo. Dalrymple ; Second Lieutenant, Norman Holly. 

Coin])any K. Cajitain, Andrew J. Barney ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John P. Buckley ; Seeonil Lieutenant, Jonathan 
R. Ayers. 

AfU'r being unilurniiil and cfjuippcd the regiment pro- 
ceeded to Wa.-^hington, vin Baltimore, marching through 
that rebellious city with loaded muskets and bayonets fixed. 
They firet encamped on Kalorania Heights ( Mud Hill), and 
soon after marched to Meridian Hill, where tin-}' remained 
until the battle of Bull Run, disci)iliniiig and perfecting 
themselves in the school of the soldier. 

On Sunday, the 21st day of July, IStJl, was fought the 
disastrous battle of Bull Run. During the day the boom- 
ing of the guns from that sanguinary field was plainly 
lieard in the camp of the Twenty-fourth, and at the close 
of the day an order w:i8 received to move to Chain Hridgc. 
Night had already set in when the regiment marched to the 
arsenal and excluinged their Springfield muskets for the 
more effective Enfield rifle. While preparations were being 
made during the night, an order came to move to Fort Al- 
bany, about three miles distant from Washington. On the 
niorning of the 22d the First Oswego Regiment steadily 
an<l beautifully marched down Fourteenth street, in Wash- 
ington, and, notwithstanding the heavy shower there was 
falling, they were cheered and animated by the waving of 
hals, handkerchiefs, and small flags, which were occa,sionally 
to be seen along the march through the not over-loyal capital 
city of our country, and nowi.>ie disheartened by the retreat- 
ing and demoralized forces in full flight from tlie scene uf 



our first defeat. In twos and threes and larger groups they 
met the Garibaldi Guards and other regiment.'*, willi broken 
weapons and lost accoutrements, and bleeding with wounds, 
filled with dismay and tidings of disa.ster, with stories of 
pressing hordes of Black Horse Cavalry, — men without 
officers, and officers without men. It was any other than a 
cheering prospect for the members of the Twenty-fourth, 
but, never daunted, they pas.sed them by with words of 
encouragement and pressed to the front. 

At Bailey's Cross-Roads the regiment was deployed as a 
picket guard, and through the night rested on their arms, — 
the oidy organized force between the victorious Confederates 
anil the city of Washington. An occasional sliot exchanged 
during the night told to the pursuing and victorious army 
that it had met with a barrier to its further progress. 

During the following thrtv weeks, without a tent, blanket, 
or baggage of any description, the Twenty-fourth held the 
picket-line, and awaited the organization of the scattered 
army. It is a part of the history of this regiment, and 
merits mention, to state that while stationed at the ero.ss- 
roads it was supported by two guns of Sherman's battery, 
and when, at the close of the three weeks, it was relieved 
by anotlier regiment, its di.scipline and bearing was in such 
marked contrast with that of the Twenty-fourth that the 
officer commanding the battery deemed it no longer safe to 
remain on the outpost, and retired within the earthworks. 

On being relieved they encamped in the ]iine-woods. and 
soon after on Arlington Heights, where they were brigjided 
with the Fourteenth New York (Brooklyn Zouaves), the 
Twenty-second and Thirtieth New York A'olunteers, anil 
some three months later the Second United States Sharp- 
shooters, under the command of General Keyes. 

During the fall the regiment broke camp and moved 
to Upton's Hill, where they built Fort Upton, and pawed 
the first winter. During the winter Brigadier-Genernl 
Keyes was relieved by General C. C. Augur in the com- 
mand of tlie brigade. While here General McClellan 
assumed command of the Army of the Potomac, and the 
Twenty fourth at once entered upon a life of dress-parade 
and reviews, held in awe by the ominous-looking Quaker 
guns at Maiuissas and Centreville. In the spring of lSt!2 
the gniiid Army of the Potomac moved. The Twenty- 
fourth advanced to Bristoe Station, where they remained 
about one week, and then marched to Catlett's Station, six 
miles farther west. Here began its .severest duty and 
heavy marching. They started for Fredericksburg, and, 
after a weary march of twenty miles, lialted, and had 
.scarcely divested them.selves of their accoutrements when 
they were startled by a rifle-shot immediately in front. It 
was soon leained that a Federal sharp-shooter iti the van of 
the brigade bad shot a courier for refusing the countersign, 
and upon his body was found an order rei|uiring the com- 
mand to press forward. There was no time for (|uestions 
or delays. They immediately pressed forward, and on the 
following morning reached Falmouth, where they had an 
engagement with the enemy, defeating and driving them 
acro.ss the Rappahannock river. The artillery at once 
opened a destructive fire, dislodging the enemy anil driving 
them from the river. The Twenly-fonrlh was warndy re- 
ceived in Falmouth by the colored [lopulation, who lined the 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



77 



streets on either li;iiid, and as the tronps marched through, 
with flags flying and the biinds playing "Dixie," could but 
clasp their hands in thankful prayer, while some upon their 
knees, vvith tears streaming down their black faces, ex- 
claimsd, " Bress de Lj'd ! Bress de Lj'd ! I knowed ye 
was comin', and here ye is." They had endured one of 
the severest marches of the campaign, and, in consequence 
of the condition of the roads, and the incredibly short time 
in which it was made, received from the commanding gen- 
eral the name of the " Iron Brigade," a designation worthily 
bestowed. 

Camp-life at Falmouth was varie<l by frequent marches 
and countermarches from camp to Spott.sylvania and Front 
Royal, in Shenandoah valley, to intercept Jackson and 
his raiders. While camped at Falmouth this brigade 
passed from the command of General Augur to the com- 
mand of General Hatch, the sou of a former Oswegonian, 
M. P. Hatch. The command of tlie division passed from 
General McDowell to General King, the former assuming 
command of the corps, and General John Pope the Army 
of Virginia. By these changes the Twenty-fourth became 
the .senior regiment of the First brigade and First army 
corps of the army, which they maintained until the First 
corps was terminated by the expiration of term of service 
of the two-years' men. 

General Burnside relieved them at Fredericksburg, and 
they marched to Cedar Mountain, where Pope fought the 
battle of Cedar or Slaughter Mountain. From this place, 
August 9, 1862, commenced what is known as Pope's re- 
treat, the First Oswego Regiment occupying the post of 
honor, the rear-guard. About this time was fought the 
battle of Sulphur Springs, in which the Twenty-fourth 
Regiment was under fire, supporting a battery of artillery. 
At times the cloud of dust that betrayed the position of 
the foe was jilainly seen, and oftentimes was uncomfortably 
near. At Rappahannock Station the regiment was under 
fire, and Company B, being deploj'ed as skirmishers, beheld 
without protest the planting of a rebel battery ; the first 
shot from which killed a man in Company D. After an 
artillery duel, which lasted during that day and part of the 
next, the march was taken up along the main thoroughfare 
known as the Warrenton turnpike, and continued until 
August 28, when Gain.sville was reached. Here commenced 
a series of engagements known in history as the second 
battle of Bull Run. 

The following was the position of the opposing forces: 
The Army of Virginia, numbering forty thousand strong, 
under General John Pope, was in retreat towards Manassas 
railroad, for the purpose of forming a junction with General 
McClellan. Pope was closely followed by Stonewall Jack- 
.son, with an army of thirty thousand ; while General 
Longstreet was pressing up the valley of the Shenandoah, 
liis objective point being Thoniughfare Gap, in Bull Run 
mountain. Pope in the mean time thought to arrest Jack- 
son by decoying him to press our retreat until Franklin's 
division, hourly expected from Alexandria, could attack 
liim in the rear, and thus destroy Jackson before Long.strcet 
could arrive with his force. The latter, however, was one 
day's march nearer the Gap than General Pope had supposed, 
and when he charged Jackson, that wily general drew iu 



his flanks, thereby leading Pope to believe him in retreat, 
who rapidly pressed forward, with the assurance that 
Franklin would .soon open a rear attack. Franklin, how- 
ever, was not there, but Longstreet was with his force of 
thirty thousand men, and the entire army under the com- 
mand of General Robert E. Lee. 

During the night of the 28th of August, the Twenty- 
fourth supported Gibbon's brigade. Some time during the 
night word was silently passed that the enemy had out- 
flanked them, and were clo.se on them both front and rear. 
In the dead hour of the night, silently and stealthily King's 
division crept out from between these superior forces. Not 
a sound was heard as on a double-quick they escaped from 
this trap, marching upon the soft sod and in the grass until 
daylight brought them to Manassas Junction. After a 
brief halt at this point they proceeded to Ccntreville. 

At five o'clock in the evening of August 20, 1862, 
General Pope, believing that Porter was advancing, in 
compliance with orders sent liim, ordered an attack on 
Jackson's right, supposing it to be the right of the entire 
Confederate force in the field. The attack was made along 
the Warrenton turnpike by King's division, then com- 
manded by Hatch, of McDonald's corps, who, trusting to 
find the enemy in full retreat, took the men forward with 
an impetuosity akiu to rashness. Instead of finding the 
enemy retreating he was confronted, after marching nearly 
one mile, by a large force, under the command of Generals 
Hood and Evans, of Hill's division. The regiment was un- 
der the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Beardsley. A fierce 
struggle, lasting nearly one hour, took place, mainly between 
Hatch's brigade, commanded by Colonel Sullivan, of the 
Twenty-fourth, and Doubleday's brigade, on the Union side, 
and A. P. Hill's division on the Confederate. This fierce 
contest is thus vividly described by an eye-witness : 

"All day Friday the Twenty-fourth supported a regiment 
of artillery in sight of the battle, which was raging in a 
natural basin of many miles' extent. At evening, when 
the long shadows of twilight were creeping over the land, 
the regiment moved forward to harass the retreating foe. 
The red dust lay in suffocating thickness in the road 
through which we passed on the double-quick, stirring it 
up beneath our feet until it hung in great clouds about 
us, shrouding the landscape from view. Down the road 
we dashed and through a creek, on the opposite bank of 
which, on his horse, sat General McDowell, hat in hand, 
with clenched fist menacing the air ; as the regiment ap- 
proached he inquired, — • 

" ' What regiment is that?' 

" ' The Twenty-fourth New York,' was the reply. 

" ' Hurrah for the Twenty-fourth New Y'^ork ! Give it to 
them, boys ! give it to them ! They are on the run ; don't 
let them stop ; remember your country, and remember 
Bull Run !' 

"An answering cheer rose to our lips, as through the 
suffocating dust wc rushed along. Soon a retiring battery 
is met. 

■' ' What's the matter, boys ?' 

"'Out of ammunition.' 

" ' Close up, and forward ! Forward !' and away we go ; 
and still the twilight deepens and the shadows gather round. 



78 



IHSTOTtV OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Sudilcnly an ominous flash of fire, sind a rcpurt of artillery 
ininieJialely in front, and tlic whiz and wliistii' of ^'rape 
and canister {rreeted our ears, and explodinj; slielis burst 
anion>r us. AVe iuiinediately flanked out of the road and 
into the lied of a creek out of the ininiodiate rake of their 
batteries, until covered by the cnibaiikment of the creek, 
about ten feet in height, uji which we scrambled. No 
attempt at order then, and .short time was there for organ- 
izing on its brow. 

" Tlie top of tliat bluff revealed a stone wall, at the right 
from which hniidreds of guns poured their murderous fire 
among us. I'pon the rise of ground in front a]ipcared a 
very wall of tire, and in tlie open brush and wood at the 
left was a large force of the enemy, and fire answering 
fire. Ujiward I forward ! nothing fearing till the very crest 
of the hill was reached and bayonets crossed. Two brig-.ides 
of intrepid, enthusiastic youths cros.sed bayonets with an 
army numbering sixty thou.sand men. Who could endure 
it? what amount of ]ia(iiolism or love of country could 
stand in that holocaust of tire and death ? Back ! alas, 
back! Slowly but surely back ! Ah ! what is that? Forth 
steps a youth, his ]iale face lighted up, and made ]>aler by 
the fliishitig lines of tire from three sides of that fatal 
S(|uarc. Ilis musket and his hat raisc-d in I'nmt, his foot- 
steps press forward, while back he ca.sts his face and shouts, 
' He brave, men ; don't run like cowards; forward! and follow 
me ! I'll lead you !' 'Twas but a second, yet many saw 
how Marvin Cozzens fell. While like a wall came up a 
line of bristling bayonets, and the words from the hoarse 
throat of a mounted officer rang out, ' Steady, steady, 
Hampton legion !' and on they passed over the dead and 
over the wounded and the dying. They passed, and back- 
ward wi; .slowly yielded the ground, until the darkness in- 
crea.sed and threw its merciful folds over the scene of carn- 
age, and silence reigned. The battle of Grovetown was 
fought and lost." 

In this engagement the regiment lost twenty-nine killed, 
one hundred and oighty-.six wounded, and one hundred and 
twenty-four missing. Among the killed was Major Bar- 
ney, who fell gallantly fighting at the luiid of his cominand. 

From the battle-field of Bull Bun the hislory nf the 
Iron brigade is tlie hi.story of the army. A.ssoeiated with 
the First corj)s, it followed its marching, camping, battles, 
and glory. At South Mountain, with but a handful of men, 
they again met the .same enemy that had so severely han- 
dled them on that fatal Friday night, and at the point of 
the bayonet utterly routed and defeated them. In this 
charge the regiment was under the command of the gallant 
John I). O'Brien. The battle of Antietam soon followed, 
and the Twenty-fourth rendered gallant service in driving 
the Confederate forces back into Virginia. In this battle 
the regiment was also under the conmiand of Captain 
O'Brien, who was wouiidrd. 

Alter an eneampment of six weeks at Sharpsburg, Mary- 
land, the First corps, with a sr|nadron of cavalry, crossed the 
I'olomae at New Berlin, and fcnight the enemy in skirmishes 
and raids along the diU'erent gaps in the mountains, forcing 
the Confederates back upon their Richmond defenses. From 
Warrenton, where the eomniainl of the armies i)a.ssed to Gen- 
eral Burnside, the Fii-st eorjis and the Iron brigade marched 



across the country to Brook's Station, on the Aquia creek 
and Frederick.sburg railroad. In Burnside's attack on Fred- 
ericksburg it occupied the extreme left. At first Freder- 
icksburg, Company B held the picket-line, under command 
of W. L. Yeekley. The whole army retired and left them, 
fearing that by withdrawing the ]iieket the retreat would 
be discovered. And it was not until the pontoons were 
about to be withdrawn that the company was recalled 
from their perilous position, and the bridge immediately re- 
moved. After this unsuccessful as.sault the army retired to 
Belle Plain, on the Potomac, and went into winter (|uarters. 

In December occurred what was known as Burnside's 
famous •' mud march." In this march the army advanced 
nine miles in three days and then returned to their old 
camp. During the remainder of the winter nothing oc- 
curred to relieve the ceaseless m(motony of camp life. 

In the following .^lay, under " fighting Joe' Hooker, the 
Potomac was ag-ain crossed, and the Iron brigade occupied 
the extreme left in Keymilils' division, and in that order 
went into the second battle of Fredericksburg. During the 
engagement the brigade was withdrawn from the left of the 
army and sent to support the Eleventh corps, on the ex- 
treme right at Chaneellorsville, and when the retreat was 
ordered it covered the movement as the rear-guard, and 
was the last to ero.ssthe Raiijiahannoek river. The Twenty- 
fourth did picket duty alnog the Ba]>pahan[ioek river from 
this time until May 17, 18U3, when, their term of enlist- 
ment having expired, they were ordered to Elmira, New York, 
where they were mustered out of the United States .service, 
on the '2'Jlh day of May. 18(3:}. 

The baltle-flag of the Twenty-fourth bears the following 
inscriptions: "Falmouth; Sulphur Springs; Rappahannock 
Station; Gainesville; Groveton ; Manassas; Snulh Moun- 
tain ; Antietam ; first Fredericksburg ; second Fredericks- 
burg ; Chaneellorsville." 



CHAPTER XVI I. 

OSWEGO IN THE KEBELLION. 
Tlic Eighly-first Regiment. 

The result of the battle of Bull Run, while it carried 
enthusiasm to the south and gave the Confederacy fre.sh 
evidence of the valor of its S(pldiery, fired the northern 
heart with a determination to at once organize an army of 
six hundred thousand strong, and no longer be compelled 
to submit to the humiliation of acting on the defensive, but 
open at once an aggressive eami)aign. 

President Lincoln issued a call for three hundred thou- 
sand men, ami .soon after followed with another eall for three 
hundred thousand more, and under this ]iroelamation the 
Eighty-first, otherwise designated as the Second Oswego 
Regiment, was raised. 

It was mustered into the United States service, on the 
14th of September, ISUl, by Ca|)tain D. B. McKibbin, of 
the Fourteenth United States Infantry. 

The following were the field and staff officers : Colonel, 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Y9 



Edwin Rose ; Lieutenant-Colonel, Jacob J. Do Forest ; 
Major, John MeAnihly ; Surgeon, Wm. II. Rice; Assist- 
ant Surgeon, Carrington Slauf'drlano ; Adjutant, Edward 
A. Cooke; Quartermaster, Roger A. Francis; Chaplain, 
David 3IcFarland ; Sergeant-Major, James L. Belden ; 
Commissary-Sergeant, N. H. Green ; Quartermaster-Ser- 
geant. John F. Young; Hospital Steward, C. S. Hart; 
Drum-Major, W. S. Winters. 

Line Officers. — Company A, Captain, William C. Raul- 
ston ; First Lieutenant, Hamilton Littlefield, Jr. ; Second 
Lieutenant, Elias A. Fish. 

Company B, Captain, Augustus G. Bennett; First Lieu- 
tenant, Hugh Anderson; Second Lieutenant, Martin J. De 
Forest. 

Company C, Captain, Franklin Hannahs ; First Lieuten- 
ant, Orin J. Fitch ; Second Lieutenant. Seth J. Steves. 

Company D, Captiiin, L. C. Adkins ; First Lieutenant, 
John G. Phillips ; Second Lieutenant, R. D. S. Tyler. 

Company E, Captain, Lyman M. Kingman ; First Lieu- 
tenant, W. C. Newberry; Second Lieutenant, D. G. Harris. 

Company F, Captain, T. Dwight Stow; First Lieutenant, 
Edward S. Cooke ; Second Lieutenant, D. C. Ris. 

Company G, Captain, Henry C. Thompson ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Henry H. Hamilton ; Second Lieutenant, H. W. 
Green. 

Company H, Captain, John B. Raulston ; First Lieu- 
tenant, John W. Oliver; Second Lieutenant, Peter French. 

Company I, Captain, D. B. White; First Lieutenant, 
Willard W. Ballard ; Second Lieutenant, B. F. Wood. 

Company K, Captain, J. Dorman Steele; First Lieu- 
tenant, George W. Berriman ; Second Lieutenant, L. J. 
Steele. 

On the 2()th of January the regiment left Oswego for 
Albany, and while here, February 1, 1862, received an ac- 
cession of three hundred and fifty men from Oneida county, 
forming Companies C, E, and I. This completed the regi- 
ment, and on the 21st of the same month it departed from 
Albany for the front. They arrived in New York the day 
following, and went into barracks on Staten Island, and 
here remained until March 5, when the order came to move 
to Washington, which city they reached on the 7th, and on 
the 8th encamped for the first time near the city, on 
Kalorama Heights. Hero the regiment halted twenty days, 
and was attached to the Third brigade, Ca.S3y's division, 
Fourth corps. 

JMarcb 28 they marched to Alexandria, and two days 
thereafter embarked on the steamer " C. Vandcrbilt," for 
Fortress Monroe, where they arrived April 1. From this 
point tlie regiment was ordei'ed towards Ncwjiort News, seven 
miles distant, and encamped in an unhealthy locality, where 
they remained fourteen days, during which period many 
became ill and were sent to the hospital. 

It was with glad heart.s they broke camp on the 15th of 
April, when they marched to Young's Mills, and on the 
following morning continued their march to Warwick 
Court-Uouse, two miles distant, and here remained five 
days. On the 21st they marched four miles, and camped 
in front of the enemy's works at Lee's Mills. While at 
this camp many left the regiment on sick leave, Colonel 
Edwin Rose among the number. 



May 4 and 5 they marched sixteen miles, passing to the 
loft of Yorktown, and encamped on the plain before Wil- 
liamsburg, where they remained during that sanguinary 
.struggle, the division, commanded by Ca.scy, being the 
reserve. On the 10th he engaged in a series of short 
marches via Roper's Church, New Kent Court-House, Bot- 
tom's Bridge, to Seven Pines, where they arrived on the 
morning of the 28th, where they remained until the battle 
which was fought May 31. lu this contest the Eighty- 
first was assigned to the left of Casey's division, unsupported 
and in an open field. 

A member of the regiment thus describes this engage- 
ment : " The enemy in front, screened by a thick under- 
growth of bushes, poured several volleys of musketry into 
the regiment, and, although this was the first regular en- 
gagement in which they had participated, j'et they stood 
like veterans. Volley after volley was poured into the 
bushes with deadly efl'ect. Soon finding that they could 
not maintain their exposed jjosition, the regiment fell back 
in good order to the edge of the woods in their rear. 
During this time both field-officers fell. Lieutenant-Colonel 
De Fore.st was shot in the breast ; Major John McAmbly 
and Captain Kingman were killed and left on the field, to- 
gether with many privates. Captain Wm. C. Raulston, being 
the .senior officer present, then assumed command, and in the 
position then taken they kept up a constant fight with the 
enemy in front for two hours, when a large force, afterwards 
ascertained to be a brigade, entered the field they had left 
and deployed in such a manner as to approach them both 
in front and flank. To save themselves from being taken 
prisoners, the order was given to fall back towards the centre 
of the line, which was on the William.sburg road, half a 
mile distant. While moving in that direction the centre 
gave way and was being forced down the road. To meet 
this they were obliged to change direction, passing through 
a thick wood and, slashing, gaining open ground half a mile 
in the rear of the first line of rifle-pits, which they entered 
and continued the fight until the day closed, — the enemy 
in possession of the battle-field, including the camp, with all 
the tents, the personal baggage, and extra clothing of the 
men and officers." 

Darkness put an end to the conflict. Although this was 
the Eighty-first's baptism of fire they behaved like veterans, 
and all during that memorable afternoon they were found 
in the thickest of the fight, and their thin and decimated 
ranks at the close of the battle told only too well of the 
fierceness of the struggle. 

At night they lay on their arms, and the following day 
was spent in burying the dead. 

June 2, General McClellan issued an address to the army 
announoin<r that the final and decisive battle was at hand, 
which served to inspire the troops with new vigor. 

On the fourth day they marched to White Oak swamps, 
where they encamped and remained until the 28th. While 
here Colonel Rose rejoined the regiment. On the morning 
of the :jOth, after a weary march of fifteen miles through 
mud and mire, they arrived at Malvern Hill. It was im- 
possible, in conser|Uence of the depth of nmd, to get the 
wagons and stores tiirough, and they were destroyed to 
prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy. 



80 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



July 1 the Eighty-first was assifrned to the reserve corps, 
and iin the followitiir day took up the line of inanh for 
Ilarrison's Ij.'indinf;. On the 8th they eiieaniped near 
James river, and remained there tiiirty-uinc days. While 
here Colonel Rose tciidcrcd his re.sijniation, and Major 
Haul.st<>n assumed eoinmand oF (lie re<;inient. On the 
morning of August 10 the regiment broke eamp and 
niarelied twenty miles in the direetion of Williiimshurg. 
The following morning the march was resumed, and at 
three o'clock p.m. they crossed the Chiekahominy, and at 
eventide, after a weary march of twenty miles, hivouacked. 
<hi the 18th the march was resuuied. and they ])assc'd via 
Williamsburg to Yorktown, which place was reached on 
the l!(th, atter one of the most fatiguing marches of the 
camjiaign. Many of the men dropped by the wayside, ut- 
terly exhausted by the heat and fatigue. No member of 
this battle-.scarred regiment will .soon forget the march on 
that August day under the scorching rays of a southern 
sun. 

The Eighty-first went into camp at Yorktown, whore 
lliey remained till the hist of December, doing fatigue duty 
on the fortifications. During their stay at this place Col- 
onel De Forest rejoined the regiment. December 29 the 
regiment letl Yorktown, and on "New Year's day," 1803, 
arrived at Beaufort, North Carolina. They disembarked, 
and, after a march of three miles, reached Caroline City, 
where they encamped and remained twenty days, when they 
re-embarked and sailed for Port Royal, and .subsequently 
camped on St. Helena island. Nearly a month was now 
pa.ssed in rapid changes of position. April 4 they sailed to 
North Edisto inlet; on the 10th returned to Hilton Hiad; 
the 15th sailed for Beaufort; the 17th moved to Newbern, 
and on the 2d of May ordered back to Moreliead City. At 
this time Major D. B. White, with three conijianies, B, D, 
and G, was ordered to Fort Macon to ])erform garrison 
duty. The lamented Captain Ballard, with Companies E, 
I, and K, was a.ssigiied to Beaufort as provo.st guard, and 
the remaining four companies, A, L, F, and H, remained 
at Morehead City, the headfiuarters of the regiment, then 
commanded by Lieuteiiant-(.'ol(Piicl W. C. Raulston. 

While here several important raids were made into the 
enemy's country by the Eighty-first and other troops in the 
district. The Wilmington raid was made July 1, and a 
few days after an expedition was sent to Swansboro'. The 
most important one, however, was that under command of 
Brigadier-General C. A. Ileekman, which penetrated the 
enemy's country to within six miles of Weldon. capturing 
prisoners, destroying cotton, etc. This raid lasted eight 
days, and the men suftered greatly from fatigue. 

On the IKth of October they embarked for Newport 
News, Virginia, which place was reached two days tliere- 
after, and they encamped on the ground occupied*by them 
in April, 1S02. Again they were "tenting on the old 
camp ground. " Here the regiment remained, participating 
in the usual routine of camp duties, until November 18, 
when it was ordered to Northwest Landing, about twenty- 
five miles from Norfolk, on the borders of the Dismal 
swamp. Nothing of particular importance occurreil during 
the march except that the regiment lost two men — one 
wounded and one taken prisoner — in an attack by bush- 



whackers. The lUth of November found them finely en- 
camped near Northwest Landing river. While hero their 
Yankee ingenuity was displayed by the construction of a 
bridge across the river with a dmw cunningly devised for 
the pur|io.so of destroying the enemy in the event of a 
chargt!. 

While in this camp a pleasing episode occurred in the 
presentation to the regiment of a beautiful flag by Mrs. C. 
E. Ingcrsoll, of Lee, Oneida county. The old banner that 
waved over the Eighty-first when it went out to battle had 
been returned to tlic citizens of Oswego in a dilapidated 
condition and no longer fit for service. 

Junuarv 1, 1804, a propo.sition was made to tho.se having 
less than one year to serve to re-enlist for three years. On 
the 23d of the following month two-thirds of the entire 
regiment had reonlistcd, and the Eighty-fii-st became a 
veteran regiment. This entitled them to a furlough of 
thirty days, and February 23 they started for home vin 
Norfolk, and on the afternoon of the 29th arrived in Now 
York. Here the regiment was mustered for pay, and 
March 2 was reviewed by the mayor of the city and Gen- 
eral Burnside, after wliieh they were escorted to the depot, 
ami took the night train for Albany, where they arrived 
on the following morning, and remained three days, during 
which time they were reviewed by Governor Seymour and 
members of the legislature. Upon their arrival in Syra- 
cuse they were met by a delegation of citizens, by wliom 
they were breakfasted, after which they boarded the ears 
for Oswogo, where they arrived at four o'clock, and marched 
to Doolittlo hall, where the ladies of the city ha<l ]irepared 
a sjilendid repast, with which they welcomed home the 
" Second Oswego." 

Ajiril 5, after having passed a few weeks in the ipiiet of 
their homes, the regiment roa.ssembled, and on the 12th 
left for the front, arriving at Y'orktown, Virginia, April 18. 

While encamjwd at this place the Eighty-first was as- 
signed to the First brigade, First division, Eighteenth 
corps, Army of the James. Leaving camp on the 4th of 
Mav, they arrived at Bermuda Hundred on the day f4)llow- 
ing, and on the (ith marched six miles from the landing 
and commenced constructing fortifications. They were de- 
ployed as skirmishers on the 9th, when they encountered 
the troojis of Beauregard, and after a sharp contest routed 
the enemy, who made several ineffectual attempts during 
the night to regain their lost position. During the month 
now following the Eighty-first engaged in an almost unin- 
terrupted scries of skirmishes and battles. 

June 12 an advance was made towards Richmond, and 
General Gillmore's corps, to whidi the regiment was tempo- 
rarilv attaekeil, engaged the enemy, drove them from a long 
line of works, and captured a large number of prisoiuTS. 
The buttle continued until midnight, the rebels in the mean 
time making .several desi)erate charges to re-take the work.s. 
On the 14th it was ordered to sujiport a battery, and on 
the 10th was in the battle of Drury's Bluff, where the 
enemy ca]ilurod many of our men. General Hccknian. the 
brigade commamler, among the number. In this contest 
the Union forces lost about three thousand killed, wounded, 
and inis.sing. 

The Eighty-first occupied a con.spicuous position in this 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



81 



battle, and twice repulsed charges of the enemy, and was 
coniplimented by both Generals Butler and Gillmore for 
their gallantry. May 28 the Eighteenth corps was ordered 
to the James river, where it embarked for White House, 
Virginia, and on June 1 joined the Army of the Potomac 
at Cold Harbor, and, although suffering from the excessive 
heat and weary marches, the Eigliteonth corps was ordered 
to engage the enemy at once, and, taking a position on the 
left of the Sixth corps, went into the conflict. It was a 
desperate struggle, but at last the enemy was forced from 
tlieir position and a long line of works captured. This 
brigade was designated to hold the works during the night, 
and .several times repulsed the enemy in attempting to re- 
take them. June 2 the regiment lost over seventy in 
killed and wounded. Among the killed was Lieutenant J. 
W. Burke, of Company K. 

Cold Harbor ! The mere mention of this name causes a 
sickening dread to creep over us as we remember the 
.slaughter of human life on that June day. This was one 
of the bloodiest conflicts of the war, and the Eighty-first 
acquired fresh laurels to tho.se already won on many a hard- 
contested field. Two captains, W. W. Ballard, of Company 
I, and James Martin, of Company K, were killed, and five 
other captains wounded. The regiment lost thirteen ofii- 
ccrs ; the color-guard was completely annihilated, and one- 
half of those who went out to battle in the morning at night 
lay on the field wounded or killed. Scores of Oswego 
homes were rendered desolate by this day's carnage, as so 
many of her brave sons were offered up as a sacrifice upon 
the altar of their country. 

" They never fail wlio die 
In a great cause. The block may soak their gore; 
Their heads may soilden in the sun ; their limbs 
Be strung to city gates or castle w.alls; 
But still their spirits walk abroad, though years 
Elapse, and others share as dark a doom. 
They but augment the deep and sweeping thoughts 
Which overspread all others, and conduct 
The world at last to Freedom." 

At the close of the twelve days in which the regiment 
had been engaged at Cold Harbor, two-thirds failed to 
answer at roll-call, and an order was issued to consolidate 
the companies provisionally into four. They now expected 
rest, but, instead, were marched to Petersburg, where, on 
the ir)th, they drove the enemy from their first line of for- 
tifications, and participated in the brilliant charge of the 
Eighteenth corps, which was one of the most successful of 
the campaign. On the IGth the regiment sujiported an 
assaulting column, and on the 2Gth were charged by the 
enemy, upon whom they opened a deadly fire, utterly an- 
nihilating the assaulting column. 

July 10 the regiment returned to the trenches that tiiey 
had thrown up before Petersburg. August 2 they marched 
to Appomattox river, where the)' remained until the 2(Jth, 
when they returned to Bermuda Hundred. The Eighty- 
first was in the battle of Fort Harrison, and was the first to 
plant its banner on the enemy's works. They captured 
several pieces of artillery, a battle-flag, and a large number 
of prisoners. Nine officers were either killed or wounded 
in this action, together with many privates. Captain Rix, 
Lieutenants Tuttle and Nethway were killed, and Captain 



T 



Fish, Lieutenants Dolbier and Porter mortally wounded. 
Lieutenant Amos Copeland was wounded, and soon after, 
while en route home, was killed in a railroad accident. The 
day following the regiment captured two battle-flags and a 
large number of prisoners. During the two days' battle 
the Eighty-first lost one hundred in killed and wounded, 
including nine officers. The regiment participated in the 
battle near Seven Pines on the 29th, and subsequently re- 
turned to Chapin's Farm. 

In recognition of its gallant services the Eighty-finst was 
presented with a stand of colors by the War Department, 
bearing the inscriptions, Yorktown, Seven Pines, Savage 
Station, Malvern Hill, Winton, Violet Station, Kingsland 
Creek, Drury's Bluff, Blay 13, 15, 16; Cold Harbor, June 
1, 2, atid 3 ; Petersburg, June 15, 16, and 24, and July 9 
and 30 ; Fort Harrison (Chapin's Farm), September 29 
and 30 ; Fair Oaks (2d), October 27, 1804. 

November 5 the regiment was ordered to New York, 
where it remained during the presidential election, and then 
returned to its camp, near Richmond, and was the first in- 
fantry regiment to enter the Confederate capital. The 
Eighty-first was mustered out of the United States service 
August 1, 1865. 

The following is a list of the sieges, engagements, and 
raids in which the regiment participated : Siege of York- 
town, Virginia, May 3, 1862 ; Williamsburg, Virginia, 
May 5, 1862 ; Bottom's Bridge, Virginia, May 11, 1862; 
Savage Station, Virginia, May 22, 1862; Fair Oaks, Vir- 
ginia, May 30, 1862; Seven Pines, Virginia, May 31, 
1862; Chiekahominy, Virginia, June 24, 1862; Charles 
City Cross-Roads, Virginia, June 25, 1862 ; Malvern Hill, 
Virginia, July 1, 1862 ; Siege of Charleston, South Caro- 
lina, April 7, 8, 9, and 10, 1863; raid on Washington, 
North Carolina, April 18, 1863; raid on Trenton, North 
Carolina, July 4, 1863 ; raid on Winton, North Carolina, 
July 28, 29, 30, 1863 ; raid on Violet Station, Virginia, 
May 9, 1864; Kingsland Creek, Virginia, May 13, 1864; 
Drury's Bluff", Virginia, 5Iay 16, 1864 ; Cold Harbor, Vir- 
ginia, June 1-12, 1864; Siege of Petersburg, Virginia, 
from June 15 to August 26, 1864; Chapin's Farm, Vir- 
ginia, September 29, 1864; Fair Oaks (2d), Virginia, Oc- 
tober 27, 1864 ; entered Richmond, April 3, 1865. 



CHAPTER XVIIL 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

The On.' lliMnlrcil and Tenth Regiment. 

Tins regiment was composed of companies raised in the 
county of Oswego, and was mustered into the United States 
service, Atigust 25, 1862, to serve three 3'cars. It was offi- 
cered as follows, viz. : 

Colonel, Dewitt C. Littlejohn, Oswego; Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel, Clinton II. Sage, Fulton ; Major, Charles Hamilton ; 
Adjutant, Harvey D. Talcott, O.swego ; Quartermaster, 
Warren D. Smith, Oswego ; Surgeon, Allen C. Livingston, 
Fulton ; Assistant Surgeons, Tobias J. Green, Parish, and 



82 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



Alfred Rice, Hannibal ; Chaplain, Edward Lord. FuIkui ; 
QuarteriuxsU.-r-.SL'r^faQt, F. U. Coinstock, Albion; Sur- 
geanuMajor, B. F. Bailey, Oswego. 

Line OfliierK. — Compaii}' A, Captain, Brainanl M. Pratt, 
Fulton ; First Lieutenant, Valorns Riindall, Fultou ; Second 
Lieutenant, Alnion A. Wood, Fulton. 

Coinpauj' B, Captain, Vinson L. Garrett, Albion ; First 
Lieutenant, Albert A. Fellons, Pulaski ; Second Lieutenant, 
J. A.shpole, Pulaski. 

Company C, Captain, 0. B. Olmstead, Orwell ; First 
Lieutenant, Yates W. Newton, .Sandy Creek ; Second Lieu- 
tenant, A. F. John.son, Rcdfield. 

Company D, Captain, H. C. Devendorf, Ilxstintrs ; First 
Lieutenant, D. D. McKoon,Schroeppel; Second l>ieutenant, 
W. S. Bradley, Schroeppel. 

Company E, Captain, John Sawyer, Mexico; First Lieu- 
tenant, Samuel Nichols, Mexico; Second Lieutenant, Wm. 
A. Smith, Palermo. 

Company F, Captain, E. N. Boyd, Hannibal ; Fir.st Lieu- 
tenant, Isaac II. Peekliam. Hannibal ; Second Lieutenant, 
TliomiLs Hunter, Sterlinjr, Cayu;jra county. 

Company G, Captain, Wm. P. .^IcKinley, Oswego ; First 
Lieutenant, E. Jenett, Scriba ; Second Lieutenant, A. B. 
Frey, O.swego. 

Company H, Captain, John Stevenson, Oswego ; First 
Lieutenant, Charles A. Pliilipps, Oswego ; Second Lieuten- 
ant, Wm. I. Rasmussen, Oswego. 

Company I, Captain, James Doyle, Oswego ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Thomas Kehoe, Oswego ; Second Lieutenant, E. P. 
Allen, Oswego. 

Company K, Captain, II. 1>. Biuwn, Constantia; First 
Lieutenant, C. Gardner, ParLsh ; Second Lieutenant, N. A. 
Gardner, Amboy. 

The following list shows the number of men enlisted 
from the various towns in the county, viz.: Albion, 48; 
Amboy, 21 ; Boylston, 15 ; Constantia, 50 ; Grunby, 25 ; 
Hannibal, 77 ; Hastings, 67 ; Mexico, 56 ; New Haven, 
20 ; Orwell, -14 ; Oswego town, 43. City : First ward, 31 ; 
Second ward, 23 ; Third ward, 53 ; Fourth ward, 40. 
Parish, 29; Palermo, 33; Redfield, 15; Richland, 00; 
Schroeppel, 35 ; Sandy Creek, 24 ; Scriba. 55 ; Volncy, 1 HO ; 
West Monroe, 1 1 ; Williamstown, 9. Enlisted from Oneida 
county, ; from Onondaga, 2 ; from Cayuga, 30 ; from Jef- 
ferson and Erie, 1 eiich ; making a total of 1025 men. 

At eight o'clock on the evening of August 25 the regi- 
ment left camp, and was escorted to the depot by the United 
States regulars from Fort Ontario, the Oswego Guards, 
German Light Guards, Washington Guards, Fremont 
Guards, and Captain McKlintock's company, enlisted for 
the Fourth Oswego Regiment, freemen, cte. Business was 
suspended, and more than six thousand people as.scnibled to 
bid farewell to and witness the departure of a regiment 
composed of the best material in (_)swcgo County. They 
proceeded to Baltimore, via Albany and New York, and 
while pa.ssing through the latter city received many enco- 
miums of prai.sc on t\\c jiersoniul of the regiment. Among 
the captains were two ministers of the gospel and two 
officers of the State militia, — Rev. V. L. Garrett, of Com- 
pany B, and Rev. John Sawyer, of Company E ; and James 
Doyle,of Company I, colonel of the Forty-eighth Regiment 



of militia, and H. C. Devendorf, of Company D, lieuteuant- 
colonel of the same organization. 

The regiment remained at Baltimore, in Camp Pattcrison 
park, about two months, and then embarked aboard the 
steamer " Erics.son" for Fortress Monroe, where they 
arrived November 0. While here they were assigned to 
the Department of the Gulf, in the expedition under the 
command of General N. P. Banks. They remained at 
Ship Lsland nine days, and then proceeded by st«amer to 
New Orleans, and were ordered into camp. After a few 
weeks they moved to Baton Rouge, and at the ex]>irati(m 
of ten days the regiment was ordered to Port Hudson, and 
actively participated in that memorable siege. The Union 
land forces were under the command of General Banks, 
and the fleet was directed by the late g-allant admiral wlio.se 
bravery and success at Port Hudson and Mobile immortal- 
ized his name, and won for him the proud epithet of the 
most brilliant and successful naval commander of the age, 
— David G. Farragut. 

Eight war-vessels comprised the expedition to Port 
Hudson ; viz., '■ Hartford," •■ Richmond," '• Mis.sissippi," 
" Monongahela," " Kinco," "Albatross," ''Sachem," and 
" Genesee" On the night of the 15th of April, 1863, all 
being in readiness, a red light from the flag-slii]> signaled 
the squadron to weigh anchor, and the majestic steamers, 
followed by the four gun-boats, steamed silently along in the 
darkness of night. They had not proceeded far, however, 
when a challenge was received from a rebel battery secreted 
in the foliage on the river-bank. The challenge was 
promptly accepted, and a broadside Wiis hurled upon the 
ambuscaded foe. This was the signal for the conflict, and 
immediately there began one of the fiercest naval contests 
of the war. Battery after battery opened its fire until the 
hillsides seenu.d jieopled with demons hurling their tliutider- 
bolts, while the earth trembled beneath the incessant and 
terrific explosions. An eye-witness thus describes the 
scene presented by the mammoth shells : 

" Never shall I forget the sight that then met my iiston- 
ished vision. Shooting upward, at an angle of forty-five 
degrees, with the rapidity of lightning, small globes of 
golden flame were seen sailing through the pure ether, — 
not a steady, unfading flame, but eorru.scating like the fitful 
gleams of the fire-fly, now visible, and anon invisible. 
Like a flying star of the sixth magnitude, the terrible 
missile — a thirteen-inch shell — ncars it.s zenith, up and 
still up, higher and higher. It« flight now becomes much 
slower, till, on reaching it.s utmost altitude, its centrifugal 
force becoming counteracted by the earth's attraction, it 
describes a parabolic curve, and down, down, it comes, 
bursting, it maybe, ere it reaches terra Jirm(i,\mt probably 
alighting in the rebel works ere it explodes, where it 
scatters death and destruction around.'' 

Two of the vessels succeeded in running the blockade. 

About this time the regiment returned to New Orleans, 
and encamped at Algiers, opposite the city, and soon after 
joined the expeilition to the Tench country, and partici- 
pated in the battle of Camp Bisland. They next encamped 
at Alexandria, on the Red river, where they remained ten 
days, and returned to Port Hudson. 

During a period of nearly two weeks the squadron had 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



83 



kept up an almost incessant bombardment ; and on the 
morning of Wednesday, May 27, the land forces came into 
position, and the great battle opened. The conflict was 
severe, and several guns of the enemy were captured. On 
the 13th of June General Banks gave orders for a grand 
assault at three o'clock on the following morning. 

In this grand assaulting column were four companies, A, 
B, E, and I, of the One Hundred and Tenth, under com- 
mand of Major Charles Hamilton. The thin and deci- 
mated ranks of those four companies at the close of this 
fierce assault told only too plainly of the horrors of that 
June day. The fighting lasted eight hours, and was one 
of the most desperate assaults ever witnessed. The regi- 
ment at this time was commanded by Colonel C. H. Sage. 
The six companies of the regiment stationed on the west 
side captured a large number of the enemy while attempt- 
ing to carry the fort. The One Hundred and Tenth 
shared in the general rejoicing when, on July 9, 1863, 
General Gardiner surrendered his entire command to Gen- 
eral Andrews, of the Union forces. No member of the 
gallant One Hundred and Tenth who witnessed the surren- 
der, and saw the old flag of the Union unfurled to the 
breeze, and heard the thunder of the batteries whose rever- 
berations rolled majestically along the calm surface of the 
Father of Waters, will soon forget the entliusi;ism and 
rejoicings of that day. 

After the capitulation the regiment left Port Hudson, 
and next encamped at Algiers, oppo.sitc New Orleans, where 
they remained a few days, and then embarked aboard trans- 
ports for Sabine Pass. They soon after joined the expedi- 
tion to the Tench country, under command of General N. 
P. Banks. General Banks' celebrated " water- train" created 
considerable merriment among the men. It consisted of a 
long train of wagons, each carrying a huge hogshead filled 
with water for the use of horses and men. Theoretically 
it was a success, but practically a miserable failure. Magru- 
der drove him back ; the expedition was abandoned ; the 
water-train was among the things of the past, and the 
regiment returned to Algiers, and embarked for Fort 
Joflierson, Garden Key, otherwise known as the " Dry 
Tortugas." 

The regiment remained here doing garrison duty, and 
had ill charge about nine hundred prisoners, among whom 
was the celebrated Dr. Mudd, of assassination notoriety. 
During the month of August they left Tortugas for home, 
and were mustered out of the United States service at 
Albany, Augu.st 25, 18G5. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

OS\FEGO IN THE KEBELLION. 
The One Hundred aiij Furlj-sevciilh RigiiiKiit. 

The failure of General McClellan's peninsular campaign 
in the spring and summer of 1802, the disaster of the 
second battle of Bull Run, and retreat of the army of the 
Potomac into the defenses of Washington, had dissipated 



all hope of a speedy termination of the war, and filled the 
country with alarm. 

President Lincoln had issued his proclamation for " six 
hundred thousand more." In August, 1862, D. C. Little- 
john passed through every part of Oswego County, and 
with fiery eloquence sounded the " slogan." The farmer 
left his field ; the artisan his bench ; all pursuits gave way 
to the extreme necessity of the hour, and the men hastened 
to enroll their names under the sacred banner of their 
country. 

The One Hundred and Tenth Regiment New York vol- 
unteers was speedily organized, and left for the field under 
Colonel D. C. Littiejohn. 

The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment New 
York volunteers was soon after organized, its ranks filled, 
and the regiment mustered into the United States service 
September 23, 1862. 

The following were the field and stafi" of the One Hun- 
dred and Forty-seventh regiment : 

Colonel, Andrew S. Warner ; Lieutenant-Colonel, John 
G. Butler; Adjutant, Dudley Farling ; Quartermaster, 
Benjamin F. Lewis; Surgeon, A. S. Coe ; Assistant Sur- 
geons, John T. Stillman, S. G. Place ; Chaplain, Harvey 
E. Chapin. 

Line Officers. — Company A, Captain John McKinlock ; 
First Lieutenant, George Huginin ; Second Lieutenant, 
Edward Greyware. 

Company B, Captain, George Harney; First Lieutenant, 
Patrick Slattery ; Second Lieutenant, A. Judson Dickison. 

Company C, Captain, Datus Woodward; First Lieu- 
tenant, E. D. Parker ; Second Lieutenant, William R. 
Potts. 

Company D, Captain, Alexander Hulett ; First Lieuten- 
ant, George A. Sisson ; Second Lieutenant, W. P. Schenck. 

Company E, Captain, Elhannan Seely ; First Lieutenant, 
James Coey ; Second Lieutenant, Orson J. Woodward. 

Company F, Captain, Cyrus V. Hartshorn ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Chauncey L. Grulley ; Second Lieutenant, Harvey 
Flint. 

Company G, Captain, Delos Gary ; First Lieutenant, 
Charles F. Robe; Second Lieutenant, Volney J. Pierce. 

Company H, Captain, R. W. Slayton ; First Lieutenant, 
Abram Conterman ; Second Lieutenant, D. W. C. Mat- 
thews. 

Company I, Captain, Patrick Regan ; First Lieutenant, 
James A. McKinley; Second Lieutenant, Daniel McAssy. 

Company K, Captain, Nathaniel A. Wright ; First Lieu- 
tenant, Franklin N. Hamlin ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph 
Demp.sey. 

Noil- Commissioned Staff. — -Hospital Steward, Charles 
K. Paddock ; Sergeant-Major, H. G. Lee ; Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, Henry H. Mellen ; Commissary-Sergeant, Alfred 
N. Beadle. 

Francis C. Miller, late captain Company C, Twenty- 
fourth New York volunteers, was commissioned major Oc- 
tober 4, and joined the regiment in the defenses of Wash- 
ington. The regiment, comprising eight hundred and 
thirty-seven enlisted men, left Oswego, where it was organ- 
ized and enrolled, under the command of Colonel A. S. 
Warner, for the front, September 27, 1862, viii Elniira, 



84 



UISTOllV OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Ilarrisburg, and Baltimore, and arrived at Washini^ton Sep- 
tember 30. It wasordi-red to C.unp Cliast', in the southern 
defenses, about two miles from Long Bridge. 

October 3 it was ordered to the northern defenses at 
Tenallytown, three miles north of Georgetown. It there 
remained nearly two months, occupied in building forts and 
digging rifle-pits for the protection of Wiishington. It 
occupied an old camping-ground in the midst of a beautiful 
country, diversified with wooded knolls, open glades, and 
bosky dells, but this beautiful encampment wils infected 
with a deadly malaria, emanating from decaying animal and 
vegetable matter, the accumulation of one and a half year's 
occupation by our armies. Dysentery, typhoid fever, and 
jaundice soon became prevalent. The regiment was soon 
decimated by sickness and desertion. 

Nostalgia, or home-sickness, often was a fiiiilful s<nirce 
of more serious illness. Harvej' Flint, second lieutenant 
Company F, died of typhoid fever November 23. Horace 
G. Lee, sergeant-major, was promoted to fill his place 
December 3. Colonel Warner, Lieutenant-Colonel Butler, 
Captain Woodward, Company C, Lieutenant Slatterly, i 
Company B, and Quartermaster Lewis were stricken with 
fever and sent to hospital or went home on sick leave of 
absence. Much discontent and dissatisfaction among the i 
men were caused by enforced labor on the defenses. But 
little time was affurded for drill and military instruction, i 
important re(juisites for preparing the regiment for efficient 
field service. The men had not acquired the pride of a 
professional soldier, which yields willing obedience, unques- 
tioned, to his superior officer. The officer had not yet the 
requisite knowledge of his profession which inspires respect 
from his inferior in rank. 

There was also a great lack of experience with officers 
and men in the practical life of camp and field, hence it 
was difficult to enforce efficient sanitary measures for the 
health of the regiment. 

November 28 the regiment, under the command of Major 
Miller, was ordered to join the Army of the I'otomac, then 
Btatioiicd at Falmouth and Aquia creek, Virginia. 

The enemy occu|)ied the south bank of the Rappahan- 
nock about Fredericksburg, a position strong by nature, and 
made impregnable by art, as the experience of our army 
soon after proved. 

The regiment inarched across southeastern Maryland to 
Port Tobacco, situated on the north bank of the I'otomac, 
opposite to Aquia creek, arriving there December 1. It 
cros.sed the Potomac that night on transports. December 
2, before the baggage train containing the tents came up, 
there set in a furious snow-slonu. The men ha<l with 
them their .shelter-tents, which affimled to them a (lartial 
shelter from the driving storm, but the officers had no tents, 
save one which was brought up by one officer who went 
back to the baggage-train after dark to get it. The night 
was spent b}' the officers mostly in cutting wood to keep a 
huge fire burning to keep themselves from freezing. In 
the morning their garments were frozen stiff on their backs. 
During the next day the train arrived and the regiment 
went into encampment. Soon after its arrival at Aipiia 
creek it was brigaded with the Twentieth, Tweiity-fiist, 
and Twenty -second New Jersey, and One Hundred and i 



Thirty-seventh Pennsylvania Regiments, enlisted to serve 
nine months, under Colonel Bos.sert, of the One Hundred 
and Thirty-.seventh Regiment. 

The brigade was assigned to provost duty under the 
direct command of army headqu,irters. Its duties were to 
guard the line of railroad from Aquia creek to Falmouth, 
atUmd to receiving and forwarding supplies, and perforin 
general police duties. The One Hundred and Forty -seventh 
regiment was stationed at Falmouth, and witne.s.sed the 
disjLstrous battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, but took 
no active part in the engagement. In the first week of 
January, 1863, the brigade was transferred to the First 
army corps, commanded by .^Iajor-Guneral Reynolds, form- 
ing the Third brigade, commanded by Brigadier-General 
Paul, in the First division, commanded by Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Wadsworth. Colonel Warner, Lieutenant-Colonel But- 
ler, Captain Woodward, Company C, and Quartermaster 
Lewis had a .short time previously returned to duty. Up 
to this time the regiment had been performing irreirular 
duty, affording little opportunity to become proficient in 
the details of drill and discipline. Gcnend Paul, an ol<l 
army officer, directly set himself to the task to perfect the 
organisation and discipline of his brigade, attending to the 
details of drill, sanitary jolicing, and the personal and 
•soldierly bearing of officere and men. The regiment w;is 
encamjied at Belle Plain, on the Potomac, four miles below 
A(|uia creek. The country was densely wooded and broken 
into high conical hills and deep ravines. Access to the 
camps was sometimes difficult. The roads during the rainy 
season were nearly impassable. The camping-grounds were 
excessively uueven, and the men were obliged to excavate 
or burrow into the hill-side to erect their tents or cabins, 
and to obtain shelter from the fierce storms of wind, rain, 
sleet, or snow which almost constantly swept the Potomac 
throughout that winter ; consequently much sickness pre- 
vailed, especially typhoid ]im'uinonia. Manv a brave and 
patriotic soldier yielded uji his lii'e with the regret that it 
should be thus untimely cut short before he could strike a 
blow for his country. 

January 30 the Army of the Potomac, under the com- 
mand of General Burnside, started on what is designated 
" General Burnside's mud march." Its object was to sur- 
prise and attack the enemy acro.ss the Rappahannock above 
Fredericksburg. 

Previou.sly, there had been a few days of warm, settled 
weather ; the roads had become dry and hard. During the 
first night aftx-r breaking camp there set in a drenching 
rain-storm, which lasted two days. The second night found 
the whole army literally stuck in the mud. It had reacheil 
the north bank of the strcjim above Fredericksburg and 
encamped near the river. 

The entire transportation had stuck flist, and could move 
no farther. The regiment remained encamped in a dense 
pine grove during the next day ; the day after it retraced 
its steps and returned to its old camping-ground at Belle 
Plain. This was the first experience the regiment had in 
campaigning. General Burnside w;us now (January 2(jj 
relieved from the command of the Army of the Potomac 
by Major-Gcneral Joe Hooker. 

During the months of February and March, there were 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



85 



many clianires in tlie ors;anization of tlie regiment by resig- 
nation and jiromotiiin. Tlie field and staft" and line officers 
were as follows : 

Colonel A. S. Warner, resigned February 4. Lieutenant- 
Colonel J. G. Butler was commissioned colonel February 
24, 1863. Major Francis C. iMiller was commissioned 
lieutenant-colonel February 24. George Harney, captain 
Company B, was commissioned major February 24. 

Comp'diy A. — Edward Greyware, second lieutenant, 
resigned January 8. John F. Box, private, commissioned 
second lieutenant February 11. 

Compdin/ B. — Patrick Slattery, first lieutenant, was 
commissioned captain, vice Harney promoted, JIareli 12. 
William J. Gillett, first sergeant, commissioned first lieu- 
tenant, vice Slattery promoted, IMarch 24. 

Compnni/ C. — Captain Datus Woodward, resigned Feb- 
ruary 4. B. D. Parker, first lieutenant, was commissioned 
captain February 13. Wm. R. Potts, second lieutenant, 
commissioned first lieutenant, vice Parker promoted, Feb- 
ruary 13. H. H. Lyman, first sergeant, commissioned 
second lieutenant, vice Potts promoted. 

Companij D. — Captain Alexander Hulett, resigned Feb- 
ruary 4. George A. Sisson, first lieutenant, commissioned 
captain February 24. W. P. Sclienck, second lieutenant, 
commissioned first lieutenant February 24. D. G. Van- 
dusen, sergeant-major, commissioned second lieutenant Feb- 
ruary 24. 

Ciimpany E. — Captain Elhannan C. Seely, resigned Feb- 
ruary 4. James Coey, first lieutenant, commissioned cap- 
tain February 24. 0. J. Woodward, second lieutenant, 
commissioned first lieutenant February 24. S. J. Taylor, 
first sergeant, commissioned second lieutenant February 24. 

Company F. — Captain Cyrus V. Hartshorn, resigned 
January 25. Second Lieutenant Horace G. Lee, commis- 
sioned captain February 10. Gilford D. Mace, first ser- 
geant, commissioned fir.st lieutenant February 24. Charles 
B. Skinner, second sergeant, commissioned second lieu- 
tenant July 4. 

Company H. — First Lieutenant Conterman, resigned 
January 8. D. C. Matthews, second lieutenant, commis- 
sioned February 10, first lieutenant. Luther M. Hays, 
first sergeant, commissioned second lieutenant February 10. 
First Lieutenant 1). C. jNLitthews, resigned February 24. 
L. M. Hays commissioned first lieutenant March 24. 
Cheney D. Barney, sergeant, commissioned second lieu- 
tenant March 25. 

Quartermaster Lewis, after a severe illness, was sent to 
hospital at Georgetown, and soon after was discharged on a 
surgeon's certificate of disability. Henry H. Mellen, quar- 
termaster-sergeant, was commissioned quartermaster Feb- 
ruary 13. Quartermaster Lewis had, with heroic persists 
enee, shared the fortunes of the regiment, against the 
earnest solicitations of his medical officer and warmest 
friends, through two or three attacks of illness, barely es- 
caping with his life each time ; with a sorrowful heart he 
was forced finally to submit to the inevitable, or offer up 
his life as an unnecessary sacrifice. The regiment thereby 
lost tlie services of a valuable officer. Harvey E. Cluipin, 
chajilain, was al.so discharged on a surgeon's certificate, and 
died, a few weeks afler returning home, with chronic diar- 



rhcea. The office was not again filled. April 3, the regi- 
ment was transferred to the Second brigade, commanded 
by Brigadier-General Cutler. The brigade comprised the 
Seventy-sixth and Ninety-fifth Regiments, New York Vol- 
unteers, and Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania and Seventh Indiana 
Volunteers. James Coey, captain Comjiany E, was pros- 
trated with typhoid fever, and sent home on a sick leave of 
absence. 

The following died in hospital in tlie northern defenses 
of Washington : Alfred Lukin, Company A, private, Nov. 
21, 18G2 ; Chas. A. Brown, Company B, Nov. 22, 1862 ; 
Amos D. Fuller, corporal. Company D, November 2, 1862 ; 
Nathan Rowley, corporal. Company D, December 22, 1862 ; 
Franklin Lurce, private, Company H, December 11, 1862 ; 
Stewart Park, private. Company H, November 12, 1862; 
Thomas Kane, private, Company E, November 25, 1862 ; 
Edwin Robottom, private, Company E, Nov. 23, 1862 ; 
Hamilton M. Wilcox, Company P, November 3, 1862; 
George Button, private. Company E, December 31, 1862. 

The following died in hospital at Belle Plain and in 
general hospital, during the winter of 1862-63, and to May 
1 , 1863 : Tliomas Harrington, Company A, April 11, 1863 ; 
Andrus McChesney, Company A, February 26, 1863; 
Theodore Dolloway, Company B, January 18, 1863; Wm. 
Delamater, Company B, January 15, 1863 ; Joseph Pilow, 
Company B, February 25, 1863 ; Wm. C. Spain, Company 
C, March 19, 1863 ; Henry Miller, Company C, March 5, 
1863 ; Levinus Wait, Company E, George Edmonds, Com- 
pany C, February 1, 1863; Geo. M. Havens, Company C, 
March 7, 1863; John Place, January 9, 1863; Luke 
Potter, Company C, February 12, 1863; Henry Pittsley, 
February 12, 1863 ; Wheatoii Spink, Company C, January 
1, 1863; Justus Carey, Company D, April 25, 1863; 
Darius T. Dexter, Company D, March 10, 1863 ; Albert 
Clemens, Company D, February 4, 1863 ; Barnard McOwen, 
Company E, April, 1863 ; Jo.seph A. Upton, Company E, 
April, 1863; Barton White, Company E, Ajiril, 1863; 
Orvill Wines, Company H, April 21, 1863; Jas. Boddy, 
Company I, December 23, 1862 ; Ephraim Darling, Com- 
pany H, January 10, 1863 ; Henry P. Green, Company H, 
April 24, 1863; Wm. Haight, Company H, February 17, 
1863; Jas. Johnson, Company H, January 10, 1863; Jas. 
K. P. Miller, Company H, April 1, 1863; Elisha Ozier, 
Company H, January 19, 1863 ; Gilbert Jones, Company 
G, February 5, 1863; John Moshiser, Company G, March 
13, 1863; John Warner, Company G, April 8, 1863; Jos. 
F. Munger, Company F, January 11, 1863; Henry Wing, 
Company F, February 28, 1863; Jas. A. Scribner, Com- 
pany G, January 3, 1 863 ; Jas. Forbes, Company K, Miirch 
23, 1863; Timothy Ryan, Company K, March 30, 1863; 
Daniel Whitney, Company K, February 22, 1863 ; Amos 
Grosbeck, Company D, January 21, 1863; Alonzo Ellis, 
Company E, February 12, 18(i3 ; James M. Geer, Com- 
pany E, January 22, 1863 ; William Lyons, Company E, 
February 28, 1863 ; George W. Coon, Company G, April 
13, 1863; John H. Coon, Company G, March, 1863. 



8ti 



IIISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW lOllK. 



(■ II A I'THR XX. 

OSWEQO IN THE REBELLION. 

The One Hundred and Fortv-KCTentli Uegimcnt— Battle of Cban- 
cellorsville — Battle of Gettysburg. 

Ai'RiL 28, the regimcDt broke camp to set out on the 
campaign terminating in the battle of Chanccllorsville. 
During the winter of" 1SG2-G3 the enemy occupied the 
south bank of the llappuhiinnock, extending from Port 
Riyal, twjnty miles south, to Kelly's Ford, twenty-seven 
miles north of Fredericksburg. The ford.s were few and 
strongly guarded, and watched with untiring vigilance. 
No attack or demonstration on the enemy's lines could be 
made below Kelly's Ford without the imnicdiate knowledge 
of the enemy. 

Parts of the Third army corps, thirty tlumsand .strong, 
April 27, marched up the north bank of the stream and 
crossed at Kelly's Ford, with but little opposition, and 
swept down the south bank to Ciiaiicellorsville, skirting 
the wilderness and uncovering the United States ford, 
twelve miles above Fredericksburg; there they were joined 
by the ron)aiiider of the Army of the Potomac, excepting 
the First and Sixth corps. In the mean time the enemy 
became aware of their extreme danger and withdrew all 
but ten thousand men, under General Early, from Frcder- 
ick.sburg, and lia.stened to meet General Hooker at C'lian- 
cellorsville. From May 2 to May 4 was fought the battle 
of Chanccllorsville. The First and Sixth corps were left 
behind to make a feint on Fredericksburg, or if the enemy's 
lines became weakened by the withdrawal of a large force, 
to turn the feint into a real attack, and carry the place and 
eflect a junction with the main army on the south .side of 
the river. The two corps were to approach the river and 
lay the pontoon bridges in the night under cover of darkness, 
but, owing to the bad condition of the roads, daylight (April 
29) found them with the bridges inconiplcte, and the men 
received a galling fire from a line of rittc-pits on the oppo- 
site bank of the river. The regiment, with General Wads- 
worth's division, was to cross at Fitzbugh's cro.ssing, about 
three miles below Fredericksburg. An attempt was made 
to shell the enemy out of the rifle-pits with Battery B, 
Fourth I'nited States Artillery, Captain Reynolds, but 
without avail. General Wad.swortli, with the Twenty- 
second New York and Sixth Wisconsin Regiments, crossed 
below (General Wad.swdrth swimming his horse) in boats, 
attacked the enemy on the flank, and captured the entire 
force, between two hundred and three hundred rebels. The 
bridges were then speedily laid and the corps marched over, 
the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York taking the 
lead. The two corps took position on the enemy's side of 
the river to menace Fredericksburg, placing the enemy 
between the two wings of the army. At this point the 
hills on the .southeast recede about two and a half miles 
from the river and close in on the stream at Fredericks- 
burg above, and also about two miles below, forming an 
amphitheatre. The enemy were strongly posted on the 
hills, with several batteries. Here occurred an artillery 
duel (the infantry was not engaged) during the next three 
days. The regiment lost four or five killed and wounded. 

In the mean time the battle was fiercely raging at Chan- 



cellorsvillc. On the 2d of May the First corps was ordered 
to join General Hooker at Chanccllorsville. The regiment 
arrived on the fiehl of battle in the morning of the ."{d at 
the time of a fierce conflict. It was the day after the 
stampede of the Eleventh corps under Major-General How- 
ard, which /ia.<co rendered the position of the Federal army 
untenable. The enemy were striving to follow up their 
success of the day previous by driving our army into 
the river. The battle raged two hours afterwards, when 
all fighting ceased, s;ive occasional exchange of shots on tln' 
skirmish-line and between the artillery. The army bad 
safely taken up a new position, changing its lines under a 
determined attitck of the enemy. The regiment remained 
two days on the field and fell back with the army, recross- 
iiig the river in the night. It went into camp in a pine 
grove, about three miles below Falmouth. The men suf- 
fered much from .sickness after the fatigue and exposure of 
the campaign. Typhoid and remittent fevers and diarrhoea 
prevailed extensively. George A. Sisson, captain of Com- 
pany D, a brave and valuable oflSecr, died from typboiil 
fever soon after. Colonel Butler was again disabled by 
sickness, and sent home on a sick leave of absence. He 
did not again return to his command. He was a thorough 
discij)linarian ; he had a lively and genial temperament ; he 
was strict without being harsh, and possessed the love and 
respect of his ofScers and men. He had brought the regi- 
ment to a high state of cfhcicncy. F. N. Hamlin, first 
lieutenant Company K, became ill, and was sent to hospital, 
and afterwards .sent home on a sick leave. 

Died in hospitals in May and June, 18G3: Charles H. 
H. MeCarty, Company C, fnini wounds received at Fitz- 
hugh Crossing, below Falmouth, May 1, 1863; William 
II. Robbins, from wounds received May 1, 18C3 ; George 
A. Si.sson, captain Company I), May 13, 18(j3 ; Ira A. 
Sperry, corporal, June 22, 18G3; David Stey, Company 
D, June 11, 1863; Newton Ehle, Company E, June, 
1863 ; Gordon L. Smith, Company H, June 1, ISG!! ; David 
Wines, Company H, May 1, 1863; Thomas Dunn, Com- 
pany I, May 30, 1863 ; James L. Dodd, Company H. June 
7, 18G3; Nathan B. Chase, Company C, June 1, 1863; 
Silas Ilalleck, Company G. 

'lUK M.Mlfll TO GETTVSBURO. 

June 12, 1863, the regiment commenced its march on 
the memorable Gettysburg campaign. It was siiflering 
much from sickness. The ambulances were overcrowded, 
and many of the sick were obliged to follow along the best 
way they could or be captured by the enemy. A march 
generally inspirits and invigorates the men, and rapidly 
dimiiii.shcs the sick list ; but the weather Wius extremely 
hot, and the marches long and fatiguing. Each man earricd 
seven days' rations, forty rounds of ammunition, half of a 
shelter-tent and blanket, besides his musket, making fifty 
pounds ill weight to each man. The .soldiers were tormented 
with blistered feet, and sunstroke became unusually preva- 
lent. Men dropped down exhausted on the march. The sick 
and disableil accumulated on the route. Re<iuisition was 
made on all me.s.s and private transportation for the use of 
the sick. Jless-kitts and other articles of necessity and 
comfort were abandoned on the road. Personal convenience 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



87 



!ind private riirlits were willingly yielded to the necessities 
of tlie siek and disabled. On the 14th tlie regiment reached 
Bealton Station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad. 
The sick were sent from there to Alexandria. On the 15th 
the regiment reached Centreville, and there remained till 
the 18th, affording the weary soldiers much needed rest. 
The regiment had marched over the racing- and battle- 
grounds of the two armies of the two years previous. 
Everywhere were tiie evidences of the ravages of war. 
What few inhabitants remained were dejected and poverty- 
stricken. Houses and fences were destroyed ; landmarks 
obliterated ; even the county records were seen strewn 
upon the road. Long stretches of country, on the plains 
of Manassas and about Warrenton Junction, were an arid 
waste. The men suffered greatly from thirst. At long 
intervals stagnant pools were found, the water of a drab 
color. The march, from that time till the battle of Get- 
tvsburg, was regulated by the movements of the enemy. 
No unusual incidents occurred up to that time save the 
terrible hardships of the march. Several men were pros- 
trated with sickness, and sent to Washington upon every 
available opportunity. George Huginin, first lieutenant 
Company A, was taken ill, and sent to hospital. The 
regiment crossed the Potomac at Edwards' Ferry, June 
26, and encamped near Middletown, Maryland, on the 
evening of the 27th. On June 28, after a toilsome march 
over Cotocton mountain, reached Frederick. The next 
day the regiment was detailed to guard the wagon-train to 
Emmettsburg. It left Frederick at twelve M., and readied 
Emmettsburg about eleven P.M., marching twenty-six miles, 
with scarcely a halt on the route. 

Crossing into Maryland was like passing from a desert 
into a garden, from a land of desolation into a land of peace 
and plenty. 

Save the fatigues of the long, toilsome marches, it was a 
succession of delights. The ripening crops, the well-kept 
fences, and the immense, painted barns, denoted thrift and 
comfort. The line of march passed over a succession of 
low ranges of mountains or hills, cultivated to their tops, 
with beautiful valleys lying between, presenting long vistas 
of variegated landscape, dotted with villages and flirm- 
houses embowered with trees. 

It was a picture of Arcadia to the weary soldiers, who 
had long been accustomed to the worn-out lands and the 
stunted, scrubby groves of Virginia, made more desolate 
by the ravages of war. It made them long for peace, and 
sigh for the rural comforts which they .saw spread before 
them. 

The ravages of armies soon became apparent in this 
beautiful country. Fences began to disajipear, and the 
ripening grain, ready for the reaper, was soon trampled 
down. 

FIRST day's battle OF GETTYSBURG. 

The next day the First corps marched to Marsh crook, 
about four miles from Getty.sburg, and went into encamp- 
ment. jNIany things indicated that the army was on the 
eve of an impending battle. Batteries were put into posi- 
tion ; a strong picket-line was posted, and the corps en- 
camped in line of battle, as if in readiness to receive an at- 
tack. June 30 the regiment was mustered for pay. Early 



in the morning of July 1 the " long roll" was sounded. 
The first division was hastily got into marching order, and 
started on its way towards Gettysburg. As it was crossing 
the summit of the divide, two or three miles from Gettys- 
burg, overlooking the valley below, puffs of smoke could be 
seen from exploding shells, about two miles northwest of 
Gettysburg, but no report could bo heard ; the distance 
was not over two and a half miles. The advance of Gen- 
eral Hill's corps was debouching from the mountain pass, 
and driving General Buford's cavalry before it. The pace 
was quickened, and as the division approached within half 
a mile of the town it filed into the fields; it hastened on 
the double-quick to meet the enemy, the men loading their 
muskets as they marched. It hastily formed in a grove on 
Seminary Ridge, in the western outskirts of the town. It 
was led by General Reynolds in person to a parallel ridge 
four hundred yards distant, towards the advancing enemy. 
Through this ridge is a deep railroad cut. General Cutler's 
brigade was formed on this ridge, the cut dividing the 
brigade into two unequal parts. The One Hundred and 
Forty-seventh and Seventy-sixth New York Regiments 
were stationed to the right; the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania, 
Ninety-fifth New York, and Seventh Indiana Regiments, 
to the left of the cut. The One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh Regiment's left rested on the cut ; the Seventy- 
sixth joined the One Hundred and Forty-seventh on the 
right. The two other brigades of the First division formed 
the centre and left of the line of battle. Captain Hall's 
battery supported General Cutler's brigade, and was in 
position on the right of the railroad cut. 

The principal force of the enemy was advancing on the 
Cashtown road against General Cutler's brigade, and the 
brunt of attack was directed to the right of the railroad cut. 
The battle opened about ten a.m. In front was a wheat- 
field, sloping down to a stream, which sheltered the advance 
of the enemy. They suddenly poured a withering volley 
into the two regiments. General Reynolds was instantly 
killed. The enemy charged through the railroad cut, 
within sixty yards of Captain Hall's battery, and poured 
in a destructive fire, obliging it, with its supports, to with- 
draw. At the same time the enemy advanced in double 
lines of battle in front and on the right flank. General 
Wadsworth directed this brigade to fall back. The Sev- 
enty-sixth Regiment received the order, and fell back in 
time, but the One Hundred and Fortj'-seveuth Regiment 
did not receive the orderto retire. Lieutenant-Colonel Miller 
was wounded on top of the head just at the time the order 
was delivered to him. Confused by the wound, he did not 
communicate the order to his successor, Major Ilarney. 

Major Harney bravely held the regiment to its position, 
against overwhelming numbers, until Captain Ellsworth, 
assistant adjutant-general on General Wadsworth's staff, 
seeing its perilous position, with great personal bravery 
hastened forward and ordered ^lajor Harney to fall back ; 
the enemy at the time held the railroad cut, partially inter- 
cepting the regiment's retreat. It was none too soon to 
save the regiment from total aimihilation or cajiture. It 
had already lost full one-half of its numbers in killed and 
wounded. Major Harney, ever mindful of the good name 
and welfare of the regiment, saw after the retreat that the 



88 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



colors were missiii!:. Serjieanl lliiicliclitr. tlie color-boiiror. 
conspicuous for his bravery and fine sdlilierly beuriiij;, was 
shot thruu>;li the heart, and had fallen upon the colors. 
i^Iajor Ilarnev was about to return in person to brinir them 
off, wlien Sergeant Wybourn, dinipany I, volunteered to 
rescue them. He returned, rolled Sergeant Hinchclitf off 
the colors, and bore them off triumphantly amidst a storm 
ol' bullctis. He wa.S wounded .slijiblly. but wa.s saved by his 
knapsack ; the ball that hit him first ]):Ls.sed through it. At 
this time General Meredith's bri<nide, occupying the centre 
of the line, was in great danger. The right wing had been 
driven back, and the enemy with a large force held the 
railroad cut, ready to intercept the retreat of the remainder 
of the division. Upon the spur of the moment, the Sixth 
Wisconsin, I'ourteenth Hronklyii.and Mnety-fit'tli New Yiirk 
wheeled around per|iendicularly to the line of the cnemj' 
and charged furiously upon them. They caught them in 
the railroad cut, and captured eleven luindred men, two 
battle-flags, and the rebel General Archer, and bore them 
safely off. This movement materially facilitated the retreat 
of the One Hundred and Forty-.seventh New York. This 
uiana;nvre severely repulsed the enemy, and the Federal 
lines were re-established. The One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh New York rallied under cover of Seminary Hill, 
but at no time during the remainder of the day could it 
muster more than seventy or eighty muskets. The battle 
had lasted about thirty minut«s at the time of the falling 
back of the regiment. It returned near its former position 
after the line was re-established. 

The two remaining divisions of the First corps soon 
came up to meet the enemy as they deployed and extended 
their lines on the right, and the theatre of actioir shifted to 
the northwest of Gettysburg, between the Cliambersburg 
and Mummasburg roads. There the enemy endeavored to 
overwhelm our right by superior force. The n^giincnt was 
moved up midway between the two roads about twelve M., 
and again suffered dej)letion of its already diminished ranks. 
Several of its oflScers were severely wounded and borne to 
the rear. 

General Hill's corps, thirty thousand strong, was kept 
at bay by the First corps, thirteen thousand strong, until 
reinforced by General Ewell's corps in the afternoon. It 
came in on the Carli.sle road. The Eleventh corps, com- 
manded by General Carl Scburz. was on the field to oppose 
it. Between the two corjis there was an interval which was 
not wholly filled up during the battle. The enemy now 
had a force on the field nearly sixty thousand strong. The 
two corps. First and Eleventh, were about twenty-five 
thousand strong. The roads ajiproaehing the north side of 
the town — the Mummasburg, Carlisle, and llarrisburg roads 
— converge and unite just before the town is reached, form- 
ing but one street or avenue of escape through the town. Be- 
tween three and four P..M. the enemy with a vastly superior 
force overlapping the Eleventh corps on the right, and 
closing in on the interspace between the two corps, advanced 
all along the line. The Eleventh corps made a feeble re- 
sistance during a brief interval, and then fled in disorder. 
It soon became disorganized and panie-.slricken, and, as it 
approached the junction of the converging roads, became 
wedged and huddled into a ina.ss of frightened humanity. 



The enemy, unopposed, pursued and deliberately jioured 
Volley after volley into this seething ma-ss. The slaughter 
Wiis terrible. There were fields of standing grain in the 
northern suburbs of the town filled with the dead and 
Wounded .soldiers. This exposed the right flank of the 
First corps, and necessitated a hasty retreat. 

General Doubleday, successor of General Reynolds in 
command of the First corps, in his oflicial re]M)rt says, — 

" About four P.M., the enemy having been strongly rein- 
forced, advanced in large numbers, everywhere deploying 
into double and triple lines, overlapping our left, for a third of 
a mile, pressing lieavily upon our right, and overwhelming 
our centre. It was evident that Lee's whole array WiW upon 
us. Our tired troops had been fighting desperately, some of 
them for si.\ hours. They were thoroughly exhausted, and 
General Howard had no reinforcements to give me. It 
became necessary to retreat ... I gave orders to retreat, 
the right to fall back first, and the Third division covering 
the movement by occupying the intrenchments in front of 
Seminary Hill, which I had directed to be thrown up in 
the morning ils a ]irecautionary measure. 

" The fortifications were nothing but a pile of rails, but 
from behind them Rowley's gallant men, assisted by part 
of Wadsworth's command, stemmed the fierce tide which 
pressed them ince.ssantly, and held the foe at bay until the 
greater portion of the corps had retired. . . . The batteries 
were all brought back from their advanced position and 
posted on Seminary Ridge. They greatly assisted the 
orderly retreat, retarding the enemy by their fire. They 
lost heavily in meh and horses at this point, and as they 
retired to town were subjected to so heavy a fire that 
one gun was left, the horses being all shot down. The 
bodies of three caissons were necessarily abandoned. . . . 
1 remained at the Seminary myself until thou.sands of hos- 
tile bayiuiets made their appearance round the .sides of the 
building. I then rode back and regained my command, 
nearly all of which were filing through the town. As we 
passed through the .streets the pale and frightened inhabi- 
tants came out of their houses, offering us food aiul drink, 
and the expression of their deep sorrow and sympathy." 

The two streams of the retreating corps met in the streets 
ol' the town, and impeded each other in their efforts to 
eseajie. The enemy did not pursue our retreating forces 
beyond the town, and they were rallied on Cul|)'s Hill, on 
Cemetery Ridge. This was about four p.m. The first 
day's battle of Gettysburg was ended. For some reason, 
never sufficiently explained, the enemy *were contenti;d, for 
that day, with the advantages already gained. If they had 
continued the pursuit, in the then broken and demoralized 
condition of our troo])s, our army could not have rallied aiul 
defended the strong positions which it occupied during the 
next two days, and the battle which cheeked the rebel in- 
vasion Would have been fought elsewhere. The Union 
losses were five thousand killed and wounded, and five 
tliou.sand tjiken prisoners. The enemy's lo.ss was about the 
same in killed and wounded, but less in prisoners. All the 
liospitals, wounded, and nearly the entire medical staff of 
the First C(u-ps were captured. Many prisoners were 
paroleil ; but, as there was an agreement per cartel that no 
paiiile slioulil be binding unless made at certain designated 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



89 



points, and as Gettysburg was not one of them, the men 
were immediately returned to duty. This was seized upon 
by the enemy as a pretext for returning to duty thirty 
tliousand rebels captured at Vicksburg by General Grant 
about this time. The loss of the One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh Now York was about forty filled, two hundred 
wounded, and thirty missing, 

The following otSeers were killed : Gilford D. Mace, first 
lieutenant Company P; D. G. Vandusen, second lieutenant 
Company D ; Daniel McAssy, second lieutenant Company I. 

The officers wounded were as follows: F. C. Miller, lieu- 
tenant-colonel, .slightly; George Harney, major, .slightly; 
Captains P. Slattery, Company B, severely ; E. D. Parker, 
Company C, slightly ; D. Gary, Company G, severely ; Na- 
thaniel Wright, severely; Lieutenants Wm. R. Potts, 
Company C, severely ; Wni. P. Sclienck, Company D, mor- 
tally ; and Joseph Dempsey, Company K, slightly. 

The following is a list of the non-commissioned officers 
and men killed in this battle, July 1, 1863 : 

Company A, Charles Cole, Alexander Leroy, Joseph 
Lemain, Oliver Legault, Samuel Lesarge, Walter B. Thorp, 
Frank Virginia. 

Company B, Corporals Conrad Warner, Wm. Martin, 
Michael Doyle, David Hayden, Delos W. Field ; Privates 
Albert P. Hall, Jas. Mahoney, Henry INIiller, Stephen 
Planter, James Sears. 

Company C, Allen Morgan, corporal, died July 12, from 
wounds received July 1; Jos. W. Burr, Franklin Clary, 
Eiias Hannis, died July 15, from wounds received July 1 ; 
Horace B. Hall, DegTas.s Hannis, Harlow 31ill.s, Morgan L. 
Allen. 

Company D, Albert Bartley, John S. Butler, Joseph W. 
Diston. 

Company E, Samuel Carpenter, Albert D. Potter, Seth 
Pottci-, Simeon Potter. George W. Tryon, David Welch, 
John Williams. 

Company F, Judson Dolbear, Frank N. Halsey, Henry 
B. Mayo, Alvin P. Bureh, Johnston B. Churcli, Henry F. 
Morton, Asa Pettingill, Chauncey Snell, Asa Westcott. 

Company G, Peter Siniltz, sergeant, Fred. Rife, Edwin 
Aylsworth, Peter Zeigler, Joseph Stouteuger, Louis Ain- 
gen, Frederick Ershman, John Mosheiser, Alex. McAm- 
lily, David Ran, Hiram Stowell. 

Company I, jMartin David, Deglin McGrath, Dennis 
McGrath, Richard Judson. 

Company K, Jas. Hinehcliff, color-sergeant, Tiieophilus 
R. Barl>erick, Thonlas Banistei', James Hudson, sergeant. 

The list of the names of the wounded cannot be obtained 
from the final muster-out rolls in Albany, New York. 

General Donbleday in bis official report says, " I concur 
with tiie division commanders in their estimate of the good 
conduct and valualjlo services of the following-named offi- 
cei-s and men : General Cutler, commanding the Second 
brigade, says, 'Colonel lliifmann. Fifty-sixth Penn.sylvania 
Volunteers, Major Harney, One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh New York Volunteers, Captain Cook, Seventy- 
sixth New York Volunteers, deserve special mention for 
gallantry and coolness; Colonel Fowler, Fourteenth Brook- 
lyn, for charging the enemy at the railroad cut, in connec- 
tion with the Nini^ty-fifth New York Vulunlecrs and Sixth 
7 



Wisconsin, by which the One Hundred and Forty-seventh 

New York Volunteers was released from its perilous position ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel Miller, commanding the One Hundred 
and Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, was severely 
wounded at the head of his regiment on the 1st instant. 
. . . Major Harney, of the One Hundred and Forty- 
Seventh New York Volunteers, and Major Pye, of the 
Ninety-fifth New York Volunteer.s, on assuming command 
of their respective regiments, did all that brave men and 
good soldiers could do, aud deserve well for their services. 
Sergeant H. H. Hubbard, Company D, One Hundred aud 
Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, was in command of 
the provost guard of the brigade, eighteen strong, on the 
morning of the 1st instant. He formed the guard on the 
right of the Seventy-sixth New York Volunteers, and 
fought until the battle was over, losing twelve of his men. 
The color-sergeant of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh 
New York Volunteers was killed, and the colors were caught 
by Sergeant Wm. A. Wybourn, of Company I, One Hun- 
dred and Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, and brought 
ott" the battle-field by him, notwithstanding be was himself 
severely wounded.' " 

This was the baptism of the regiment : fortunately, in 
the previous battles, it had escaped with small loss ; but in 
this its fortune was to be placed in the most exposed and 
trying position of the battle, and receive the furious onset 
of vastly superior numbers. The brave General Reynolds 
was immediately sliot down in its presence. Manfully had 
it stood up to its work, and justified the trust imposed in 
it. It had withstood the attacks of the enemy when nearly 
surrounded on all sides, with over one-half of its numbers 
killed or wounded, it.s flag torn into tatters, and the staff 
completely severed by hostile bullets. Henceforth it was 
considered an honor to belong to the One Hundred and 
Forty-seventh New York Volunteers, and its deeds in this 
day's battle were referred to with pride. The enemy, not 
pursuing beyond the streets of the town, gave our shattered 
and somewhat disorganized forces a breathing-spell. They 
rallied on Gulp's Hill, a part of Cemetery Ridge, on the 
south side of the town, a strong defensive position. 

SECOND AND THIRD DAYS' BATTLE OP GETTYSBURG. 

General 3Ieade, commander of the Army of the Potomac, 
was fifteen miles di.stant, and hearing that there was fighting 
at Gettysburg, sent General Hancock, with orders to take 
command of the two corps. He arrived about the time 
the forces fell back to Gulp's Hill, and immediately si'locted 
a defensive position. He chose a ridge running nearly 
north and south between the Taneytown and Emmcttsburg 
roads, terminating on the south at Round Gap Mountain, 
on the north at Gulp's Hill, south of Gettysburg. The 
northern extremity curves around, similar in shape to the 
bend of a fisli-hook. The convexity of the curve is towards 
Gettysburg. This is called Cemetery Ridge. On the 
morning of July 2 the remainder of the Army of the Po- 
tomac, except the Sixth corps, had come up, and were 
posted all along this ridge. The enemy's army was post<;d 
on Seminary Ridge, running nearly parallel to Cemetery 
llidgc, except Ewell's corps, which lay opposite to Gulp's 
Hill, its left extendiiiir around to the northern suburbs of 



90 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the town, wliere it joined the right of their ("the rebel") army, 
noiirlv encircling the town. The One Ilundrcil and Fortj- 
sevenlli New York Volunteers were jiosted on Culp's Hill. 
The forenoon was spent by both unnieij in getting into po- 
sition. In the afternoon, at 3.30, General Longstreet made 
his celeliralcd attack on our left, striving to get possession 
of Little IlounJ-Top Mountain, the key to the whole posi- 
tion ; that obtained, the enemy could enfilade our whole 
line. Attack followed attack, until night put an end to 
the contest. 

The enemy had obtained some advantage, but tlie posi- 
tion .still remained in the pos,session of onr forces. During 
the battle Culp's Hill had been much weakened by the with- 
drawal of troops to oppose General Longstreet. Rctween 
six and seven r.M. General Ewell made repeated charges 
uj) the steep hill, crowned by a rude breastwork of loose 
BtoQCB and logs hastily thrown up by our men. The at- 
tacks were renewed along in the night. Finally the enemy 
effected a lodgment. A regiment of the Twelfth corps 
g-ave way, and let the enemy in. The One Hundred and 
Forty-seventh New York and Fourteenth Brooklyn, with 
some troops of the Twelfth corps, charged upon them and 
drove them out, restoring the lines. July 3 the enemy 
placed in ]>osition, on Seminary llidgc and the railroad em- 
bankment next to the town, one hundred and fifty pieces 
of artillery. At one I'..M. they opened fire on our centre. 
The Union batteries replied, but owing to their position 
oidy eighty pieces could be brought to bear at once. After 
two hours General Hunt, chief of artillery, slackened fire 
to .see what the enemy were intending to do. The enemy, 
thinking our batteries silenced and the troops demoralized, 
began the grand attack of the day. General Picket, with 
twenty thou.sand men, moved up the slojie in dense columns 
towards our centre. Our batteries opened on them, tearing 
huge gaps in their lines, which were clo.sed as soon as made. 
The enemy prcs.sed .steadily on until they met our forces in 
a hand-to-hand conflict. Gunners u.sed their rammers and 
the infantry clubbed their muskets to beat them off. Lieu- 
tenant Haskell, on (ieneral Gibbons' staff, speedily collected 
several fragments of broken organizations of troops, and at- 
t;ickcd them " on the flank," throwing them into disorder. 
During a period of a quarter of an hour the combatants 
Were struggling in clo.sc quarters. The attack was soon 
repulsed, and nearly the entire charging column was either 
killed, wounded, or captured. On the right, at Culp's 
Hill, General Ewell had kejit up a .series of attacks or feints 
since the evening of the 2d. The hill was steep and rug- 
ged, densely wooded, and the surface covered with loose 
stones. With wonderful ])crsi.stcnce and bravery, the enemy 
had charged up this steep hill to our breastworks during 
the night of the 2d and through the day of the 3d, until 
their dead literally covered the ground. Under the breast- 
works they lay in heaps. Their wounded were mostly 
removed during the night under cover of the darkness. 
The One Hundred and Forty-seventh New York had been 
kept constantly on the alert until e.xhausled by fatigue and 
want of .sleep. A constant stream of musketry was kept ! 
up by our line to repel the enemy. The trees facing the '■ 
line, scarred to their tops, and the limbs cut off by bullets, 1 
attest the severity ol' the contest. An incident occurred I 



on the od which illustrates the desperate valor and reck- 
lessuess of the enemy. In a charge more vigorous and de- 
termined than usual, after ]iersi8lent fighting, their line 
broke ; a number of their men took shelter behind a large 
rock in front of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh New 
York, but it did not wholly protect them from a flank fire 
from both sides. They were being gradually picked off by 
our men. They commenced to wave handkerchiefs and 
give other tokens of surrender. This was seen by an offi- 
cer on General Ewell's staff at a distance on our right. He 
immediately started to ride across our front to arrest it. 
He and his orderlies were immediately riddled with bullets. 
The wadding of their coats was seen to fly a.s the bullets 
passed through them. The regiment had been fighting 
almost constantly fmiu the evening of the 2d to the evening 
of the 3d without rations, and without food, .save a little 
fresh beef without salt, and seasoned with gunpowder. 
The pickets in the nitht were lelitvtd eviiy thirty uiinutis 
and the officers every second hour, as it was impos.sible for 
them to remain longer ou their posts without falling asleep. 
Nature ctmld endure no more. The men and officers in the 
first day's battle divested themselves of every incumbrance, 
their knapsacks, haversacks, and all, save their arms and 
ammunition ; consequently they had nothing to eat, save 
the fresh beef which was once or twice brought to them. 
During two days the enemy had made herculean efforts to 
break our lines, but the Union army at all poiiitij withstood 
and repulsed their fierce onsets, with terrible slaughter. 
Animated by a fanaticism and bravery which was almo.st 
superhuman, only having its jiarallel in the old army of 
Cromwell, they had exhausted the liuiils of human endur- 
ance. Thirty thousand out of an army of one hundred 
thousand men, the flower of the Confederacy, had been 
killed and wounded, and nearly ten thousand more taken 
prisoners. They had the best army the world ever had seen. 
The best blood in the Confederacy was fighting in its 
ranks. They had gathered this splendid army through the 
jiopular desire and inducement of invading the enemy's 
country, and of diverting the ravages of war from their own 
soil. It was supposed when the teeming North, with its 
populous cities, began to witness the horrors of war, the 
jicoplc would speedily sue for peace. They were now ar- 
rested on the threshold, and their hopes and anticipations 
turned to ashes. 

This may well be considered the decisive battle of the 
war. The enemy kept u]) a show of continuing the battle 
till nightfall. In the night they silently gathered their 
dispirited forces and withdrew from the town, leaving the 
hospitals and wounded as they had found tliein. Our army- 
lay on its arms all night; in the niorriiug of the Itli, 
tidings were brought that the enemy had withdraw n in the 
night. They fortified Seminary Hill :ls a menace to our 
army — keeping up a show of renewing the attack during 
the 4th — and a cover of retreat for theirs. In the morning 
General JMeade called a council of war, by which it was 
decided to remain until the enemy's plans were developed. 
There was some cannonading through the day, but little 
infantry fighting. In the night a heavy shower set in, and 
in the morning of the 5th the enemy had retreated from 
Semiiuiry Hill. Thelossesof the < liic Hundred and Forty- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



91 



seventh New York, during the 2d and 3d, were consider- 
able, in proportion to its numbers. Lieutenant Taylor, 
Company E, was killed, and Lieutenant John ¥. Box, 
Company A, was wounded in the shoulder, and had his 
arm amputated at tiie shoulder-joint. 

The following were killed in the second and third days' 
battle of Gettysburg : Jolm Hart, Company C ; Sergeant 
Joseph Stuyvesant, Company C ; Sylvester Taylor, second 
lieutenant Company E ; Sylvester Quick, Company K. 
Francis Dodd, Company H, died at Fairfax seminary, 
July 3, from typhoid fever. The names of the wounded 
ill these battles cannot be obtained. 

Among the incidents of the battle, there was one which 
occurred at the hospital, illustrating the reckless abandon 
and honhommie of the life of the soldier during this war. 
The surgeon of the regiment with the surgeon of the 
Fourteenth Brooklyn Regiment occupied a large hotel in the 
lower part of the town, which was very much exposed to the 
shells of the enemy during the first day, and from the shells 
of the Union ai'ray during the next two days of the battle. 
In the morning of the first day's battle, the hospital was 
soon filled with the wounded of these two regiments ; 
many of them were wounded slightly. In the confusion, 
the slightly wounded had the freedom of the hotel. Tiiey 
ransacked the building, and found a quantity of liquor of 
all descriptions; they soon got somewhat intoxicated. 
Several of the Fourteenth Brooklyn men, with their arms 
in their hands, were looking out of the windows into the 
street, when they saw the enemy come into the town, 
driving the Eleventh corps before them. They fired out 
of the windows at the enemy. A volley was immediately 
returned into the building ; thereupon the wounded soldiers, 
about twelve in number, rushed down and formed a line 
across the entrance, to defend the hospital against the 
whole rebel army ! Just at that time, one of the surgeons 
returned from a visit to several officers of his regiment, who 
had been taken into a building in another part of the town, 
and saw a squad of the enemy, only a few paces off, with 
their muskets raised to their shoulders, about to fire into 
these Brooklyn men. He ordered them not to shoot those 
wounded men ; the rebel officer in command told his men 
not to fire, and turned to the surgeon and said, " Disarm 
them, then, or I will have every man of them shot." The 
surgeon ordered the men to give up their arms and go 
back into the hospital. All but three or four obeyed ; 
these declared that they would never surrender, and it was 
with great difficulty that the surgeon finally saved their 
lives. The enemy were determined to shoot them, and the 
surgeon once or twice pushed the muzzles of the guns 
:iside when they were about to fire. Finally, with assistance, 
he wrenched the muskets from the grasp of the wounded 
men. One man was shot through the heart, and lay across 
the steps of the hotel. As soon as matters were quieted, 
the surgeon looked around and saw a mounted rebel officer, 
considerably intoxicated, across the street, brandishing a 
pLstol, declaring that he would sack and burn the hospital, 
because they had been firing out of the windows at his men. 
He caught sight of the surgeon and came riding across the 
street, saying, " I say, doctor, don't we Louisiauians fight 
like h — 1?" at the same time displaying .several truphies 



which he had picked up from the battle-field, but claiming 
that he had captured them from " Yankee officers" by his 
per.sonal prowess. The surgeon, mindful of the real danger 
the wounded were in, for firing out of the windows was a 
plain violation of the usages of civilized warfare, flattered 
the rebel officer to the top of his bent. Finally he rode off, 
saying nothing more about sacking the building. The men 
who, a short time before, were ready to defend the hospital 
with their lives, soon affiliated with the ones who were 
anxious to shoot them down, and were soon seated on the 
curb-stone side by side, chaffing each other. They soon 
found out that they were old acquaintances, — they had often 
picketed the banks of the Rappahannock opposite to each 
other, and had often, by concerted agreement, cro.ssed the 
river into each others' lines, and had a friendly game of 
cards or traded tobacco for cofiee. They had many remi- 
niscences to relate, and boastings of their respective prowess 
in many a hard-fought battle in which they were oppo.sed to 
each other. 



CHAPTER XXL 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

The Cinu lliuiilied and Forty-seventh Regiment— Pursuit of tha 
Enemy to tlic Kapiitaa and Retreat of the Army of tlie Potomac 
to (?eutrcville. 

In the morning of the Cth the First corps set out for 
Emmettsburg. As the regiment passed along the Emmetts- 
burg road, past the scenes of the late conflict, at the centre 
and left of the line they saw evidences of the terrible 
slaughter. The enemy's dead still cumbered the ground. 
Immense piles of muskets were gathered from the fields 
where the men were shot down. In placas where the con- 
flict raged the fiercest were the dihrls of cartridge-boxes, 
soldiers' belts, fragments of clothing, and bayonets trampled 
into the ground and stained with blood. At Peach-Tree 
Orchard an old man was gathering up lelics from the battle- 
field. He lived close by, in a small wooden house, around 
which the battle had fiercely raged during two days, the 
combatants charging and counter-charging, driving each 
other backwards and forwards over his garden and yard. 
He took shelter in the cellar during the battle. He gave 
a graphic description of his two days' experience. In 
many of the musket.s gathered from the field were found 
many charges of cartridges, some of them filled to the 
muzzle. In the excitement, the cartridge had been put in 
wrong end first; not observing that the charge did not ex- 
plode, another was put in on top of the first, and so on 
until .several had accumulated. 

The regiment encamped at Emmettsburg in the evening 
of the 6th. On the 7th cro.s.sed Cotocton mountain, taking 
a short cut to Middletown ; took a mountain-path or chute 
for getting wood down from the mountain. Many of the 
men were nearly shoeless, and the recent severe rains had soft- 
ened the horses' hoofs so much that it was difficult to keep 
them shod. Many of the horses became lamed ascending 
the steep mnuiitain (latli gullied out by the rains, leaving 



92 



HISTORY OF 08WP:G0 COUNTV, NEW YORK. 



t)ic Ix'tl full of loose, small stones. The men suffcrcl much 
ill tlie feet. Arrived at Miihlletown, Marjhind, in the even- 
ing. General Cutler ordered the inhabitants to remove their 
shiK'S from their feet and jiive them to those s<ildier8 who 
were entirely shoeless. The men had become mueh en- 
feebled by want of sleep and proper nourishment in the 
three days' battle of Gfttysburj;. On tlie Sth the rej;iment 
marched in niin and mud tiirough the village of Middle- 
town, and encanijied near South Mountain Gap. On the 
9tli pa.sscd through the g;ip and encamped in a locu.st grove 
on the side of the mountain, overlooking a beautiful valley; 
the enemy could be seen in the distance. Here, for the 
first time in many days, the baggage-train came up, and the 
officers obtained a change of underclothing, a luxury rarely 
indulged in since leaving camp below Falmouth, on the 
llith of June. On the 12th the ami}' advanced, driving 
in the outposts of the enemy, to Fuiikstown, Marjland. 
Beyond the town the enemy were found intreiiclicd. The 
recent rains had raised the Potomac, making it unfordable. 
General French liad several days previously destroyed the 
enemy's pontoon-bridges ; they were obliged to await the 
falling of the waters or till they could construct a new 
bridge. On the KUli. General Meade called a council of 
war, which advised a jiostponement of the attack until a 
reconnoissance had been made. In the evening an order 
was issued for an advance on the next morning. In the 
morning of the 14tli the army advanced on the enemy's 
works, but found them deserted. During the night the 
enemy had crossed over the Potomac, partly on a new pon- 
toon-bridge constructed out of timber obtained by tearing 
down old buildings, partly by fording the .stream. About 
thirteen hundred rebels were captured, consisting of strag- 
glers and part of the rear-guard which did not have time to 
cross over. Marched on that day to AVilliamsport. Here 
the brave General AVadsworlh left his command for the 
south. He called on the officers of the regiment and bade 
them an affectionate farewell. He was greatly chagrined 
at the escape of the enemy. He had met with the council 
of war and strongly urged an iiiimediate attack upon the 
enemy, but as he was a junior in rank his opinion had but 
little weight. He was a patriot of an antirpie mould, sturdy 
and robust: his bravery was a little prone to rashness. 
His voice was always for a vigorous prosecution of the war, 
and to attack the enemy wherever found. Perhaps what 
he lacked in discretion was anijily made up in boldness and 
bravery. Hitherto there had been" too much halting and 
timidity io executing and shrinking from assuming respon- 
sibility. Geiiend JlcClelhin, one year ago, had, near this 
jdace, let the enemy slip from his grasp from the want of 
vigor and boldness. Now, under vastly more favorable 
conditions for our army, the enemy had escaped while our 
generals were deliberating when they should have been 
acting. The men had, on the 8tli, got news of the capture 
of Vicksburg, and, notwithstanding their enfeebled condi- 
tion, were inspirited and eager for the attack, knowing that 
the enemy must he much demoralized and nearly out of 
ammunition. The enemy were now safe across the river, 
and the men had long, weary marches before them and 
many a hard battle to fight before the rebellion could be 
]iut down. 



Pii.s.--ing over the battle-field of Aniietam, July 15, the 
regiment marched to Crampton's Gap, in the Cotocton 
mountains ; the next day it passed through the Gap, and 
crossed the Potomac into Virginia again, ab<ive Harper's 
Ferry. Adjutant Farliiig and Lieutenant-Colonel Miller 
returned to duty on the 15th. At Keedysville, July 21, 
a detail was made, consisting of Lieutenant-Colonel Jliller, 
Captain James Coey, and Lieutenant (iillett, to go to Eluiira, 
New York, for con.scripts to fill the depleted ranks of the 
regiment. MajorGeneral Newton, who had been assigned 
the command of the First corps, alniut this time joined the 
corps. The corps marched through a beautiful valley, an 
elevated plateau between the Bull Run and Blue Ridge 
ranges of mountains, to Warrenton, reaching there July 2H. 

The inhabitants were extremely hostile. This region 
had been the stronghold and refuge of the guerrilhis, and 
some of our officers and men were captured when not far 
from the main column. When at Warrenton the regiment 
witnessed a battle at Manassas Gap, in the Blue Ridge 
range, five or six miles distant. The enemy attempted to 
pass through the Gap, but were met by one of the Federal 
corps and driven back. The corps lefl, July 25, for War- 
renton Junction. August 1 marched to the Rappahan- 
nock, and crossed the river August 2, and conimeneed to 
fortify the south bank of the stream, expecting an attack; 
had some skirmishing in front. Alexander R. Penfield 
reported for duty as first lieutenant, Coiii|iany H, commis- 
sioned July 4. The regiment lay in camp at Ra|>pahaiiiiock 
Station until September 16, then marched to Stevensburg, 
near Culpepper; there remained till the 24lh instant, then 
marched to Raccoon Ford on the liapidan river. Septem- 
ber 24 an elegant sword was ]ireseiited to Major Harney by 
Adjutant Farling, — a gift of the regiment, as a token of 
respect and esteem. Received October G one hundred and 
forty-two conscrijits, and eighty more on the 'Jth. October 
10 the regiment marched to Morgan's Ford, on the Rapi- 
dan, and returned to Pony mountain, near Culpepper, in 
the night. 

RETREAT OF THE ARMY TO CENTREVILI.E. 

There had licen signs of some impending movement by 
the enemy during several days; the movement on the Rapi- 
dam was a reconnoissance. The experience of General Pope, 
the year jirevious. had niaile our generals more wary. The 
Bull Run range of mountains afforded a curtain for the 
enemy to mask their movements from our view. In August, 
1862, Stonewall Jackson had marched up behind that range 
of mountains, jia.-ising through Thorouglil'are Gap, cut off the 
communications of Pope's arm}-, and destroyed an immense 
amount of military .stores at Centreville and rolling stock on 
the Orange and Alexandria railroad, before General Pope 
was aware of the movement. He at the. time supjioscd he 
was holding the enemy at bay across the Rajiidan. It was 
supposed a similar movement was being executed by the 
enemy at this time. The reginient remained near Pony 
mountain until noon, and then retreated to Kelly's Ford 
on the Rappahannock. As it piLsscd over the hills near 
Stevciisbuig the enemy's cavalry came in sight in pursuit. 
General Plea.xonton's cavalry |>rotected the rear. 

The enemy's cavalry could be distinctly .seen deploying 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



93 



and charging upon our cavalry, wliit-h handsomely repelled 
their charges and kept them at bay. Heavy cannonading 
was heard towai'ds Rraiidy Station to our left during the 
afternoon, but the retreat of the First corps was not again 
molested. It crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's Ford 
that evening, and encamped on the north bank that night. 
The regiment remained till the 12th, then retreated at 
midnight, leaving the camp-fires burning to deceive the 
enemy ; they coming up soon after shelled the deserted 
camp. Reached Warreiiton Junction at twelve M. on the 
13th, and then halted in line of battle. Heavy cannon- 
ading was heard towards Warrenton. The corps halted 
until the baggage-train got safely under way, and a large 
quantity of forage had been sent to the rear on the cars, 
then moved to Bristoe Station, arriving there at 11 P.M., 
after a toilsome march, and encamped over night. 

In the morning heavy cannonading was heard from' the di- 
rection of Warrenton. The First corps pursued its retreat 
to Ceiitreville, reaching there about three p.m. From the 
heights of Centreville could be seen the rebel army advan- 
cing in pursuit of General Warren, then at Bristoe. They 
pressed so closely upon the heels of the retreating Second 
corps that it was obliged to make a stand behind Broad 
Run and deliver battle. It handsomely repulsed the enemy, 
and captured five guns and several prisoners. It resumed 
its march to Centreville in the night. The next day there 
was heavy cannonading to the left towards Bull Run, but 
it soon subsided. The entire Army of the Potomac had 
now taken .shelter once more behind Bull Run. The enemy 
had been foiled in his object, partly by the tardiness of his 
movements and partly by the skill of General Meade in 
keeping his army well in hand, and making a timely 
retreat. 

General Jleade, in his eagerness to escape the disasters 
which had fallen upon the army under General Pope in 
August, 1862, lost a golden opportunity to attack and defeat 
the enemy in detail. Their flanking column came upon his 
flank and rear at Bristoe Station, and there it was severely 
defeated by one corps. 

If he had halted his whole army then and given the 
enemy battle, instead of falling back to the heights of Cen- 
treville, he must have obtained an easy victory. General 
Ewell coming up too late on our left found the Union army 
safe behind Bull Run, threw across the stream a few shells 
as a token of love and respect, s.nd then retired. The 
enemy, baffled in his attempt to cut the communications of 
the Union army and repeat the brilliant manoeuvre of the 
year preceding, set about destroying the Orange and Alex- 
andria railroad. They twisted every rail and burned every 
tie from Broad Run, near Bristoe Station, to the Rappa- 
hannock, about twenty-five miles. On October IG the 
regiment received, one hundred more conscripts. Assistant 
Surgeon Place reported for duty. He was left at Gettys- 
burg, soon after was taken ill, and went from there to his 
home. 

The following promotions took place about this time : 
Sergeant H. H. Hubbard was promoted to second lieutenant, 
for gallant conduct at the battle of Gettysburg; James A. 
McKinley, first lieutenant Company I, promoted to captain, 
October 7, vice Patrick Regan, discharged on surgeon's 



certificate of disability ; Volney J. Pierce, first lieutenant 
Company G, promoted captain Company D, vice Hulett, 
resigned ; Joseph Dompsey, second lieutenant Company K, 
promoted first lieutenant August 26 ; Edward Seenler, ser- 
geant Company E, promoted second lieutenant Company 
E, October 7, vice Lieutenant Taylor, killed at Gettysburg ; 
Sidney Gaylord, sergeant Company E, promoted second 
lieutenant Company E, October 7 ; James W. Kingsley, 
sergeant Company K, promoted second lieutenant Company 
K, August 26. 

The following is a list of deaths in hospitals : 
George W. Box, Company C, vSeptember 22, 1863; 
Charles H. Backus, sergeant Company D ; Levi M. Wallace, 
Company E, August 18, 1863 \ William Edmonds, Com- 
pany F, September 17, 1863; Horace Cheever, Company 
F ; Asa Westcott, Company F, July 25, 1863. 



CHAPTER XXIL 

OSWEGO IN THE KEBELLION. 

The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment — Mine Run — Winter 
Quarters — Battles of tlio Wilderness, North Anna, and Peters- 
burg. 

October 19, the First corps advanced to Haymarkct, 
near the entrance of Thoroughfare Gap. The regiment lost 
several men, captured on the picket-line that evening. They 
were surprised by the enemy's cavalry, in consequence of a 
blunder or negligence of the officer posting the picket-line. 
On the next day the corps marched through the Gap and 
encamped on the other side, and remained several days. 
Captain Gary, Company G, returned to duty. Brigadier- 
General Rice, late colonel of the Forty-fourth Regiment 
New York Volunteers (Ellsworth Avengers), about this 
time was a.ssigned to the coiumand of the Second brigade. 
Brigadier-General Cutler commanded the First division,* 
vice General Wadsworth, relieved at Williamsport, Mary- 
land. October 24, returned through the Gap in a cold, drench- 
ing rain, and marched to Bristoe Station. The railroad was 
gradually being repaired, and the army advancing towards 
the Rappahannock. October 31, Captains Wright, Com- 
pany K, Parker, Company C, and Slattery, Company B, 
who were wounded at Gettysburg, reported for duty. No- 
vember 5, the regiment removed to Catlett's Station. A 
brigade of the Sixth corps captured more than its number 
of the enemy at Rappahannock Station. It made a gal- 
lant charge on a rebel redoubt about sunset, cutting off 
their retreat across the river, and forced them to sur- 
render. November 11, Captains Wright, Parker, Gary, 
Huginin, and Slattery were discharged on General 
IMcClellan's general order No. 100; also Assistant Sur- 
geon Place and Lieutenant Hamlin, Conqjany K, were 
discharged on the same order. On the 9th of November 
the army crossed the Rappahannock and drove the enemy 
out of their encampments between the Rap[iahannock and 
Rapidan. They had made elaborate preparations for the 
winter; had erected comfortable log huts for winter-fiuar- 



ot 



lllSTOKV OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW lUUK. 



tcrs, as if the)' had iiK'iiiit to stay. The eneioy rctri'utcJ 
across the liapidnn. and again went into winter (|uarlor8 at 
(lordonsville and Frrdcricksbur'.'. NoVCMnher 27, the Union 
ami)' erosscd the Itajiidan to attacii the enemy ; tlieir army 
at the time was stretehed from Gordonsvilie to Fredericks- 
burg. Tlie object of the movement was to suryirise the 
enemy, separate the two wings before they could unite, and 
attack cacli in detail. The enterprise miscarried because 
of delay in concentrating for tlie attack, giving the enemy 
lime to unite and oppiise the Army of the I'citoniac with 
llicir entire force. The First corjis crossed the liapidun 
at Germania Ford at three A.M., marched to Gold Mine, 
near the juncliori of the Gordonsvilie road, and encamped. 
On the 2^ith niarclied to liobiuson's Tavern, in tiie Wilder- 
ness. On the way, the FitUi corps ordnance train was at- 
tacked l)y guerrilla.s. Tliey were sUitioned on the road, 
dressed in Federal uniform, and were taken for Union 
stragglers. As soon as the ordnance train passed by they 
deployed across the road, and in the thicket intercepted tlic 
head of the column oi' the First corps. 15y the time troops 
had deployed and driven the guerrillas off they had killed 
or captured several of the wagon-guard, who on the way 
were riding on the wagons, neglecting their duty ; and 
drivers ran off three or four of the ordnance wagons on to 
a by-road, and killed several of the mules. 

Tliey set fire to the wagons which they had captured ; the 
explosions of the shells were heard a long time afterwards. 
This delayed the column but a short time in its march. 
About three p.m. the corps reached Robinson's Tavern. 
Towards Gordonsvilie, heavy cannonading and musketry 
Were heard to our right, about two or three miles distant. 
The corps was immediately got in marching order, and started 
through the dense thicket for the scene of action. General 
French, commander of the Third corjis, had experienced 
delay in crossing the ford, and was several hours behind. 
The enemy had attacked him in force and liad checked his 
advance. When the First corps arrived on the ground 
the battle had ceased. The remainder of the day and till 
about ten .\.M. on the 2!)th was occupied in getting into 
po.sition. The First cor])s formed into lino of battle, and 
charged through the dense thickets, and over ravines, pre- 
serving a perfect line wlien po.ssible; when any part of the 
line was interrupted by some impediment, formed into 
columns by regiments, de[iloying into line again when the 
impediment was j)assed. preserving intact an unbroken and 
even front, and a continuous line of battle, until the enemy 
were driven across Mine Run. No manceuvre could have 
been more jierfectly executed on an even parade-ground. 
It was a beautiful sight. Across the run, the enemy 
occupied a natural fortification, with escarpment, bastions, 
and salii'nt angles, the run serving as a ditch. November 
80 was spent in reconnoitcring the enemy's position to 
find a weak point for an attack. Decendier 1, the army 
remained throngh the day to await the result of a flank 
movement by the Second corps, commanded by General 
Warren, but he found all parts of the enemy's line cf|Uallj' 
]irotected and ini])ervious to attack. In the mean time the 
weallier had become intensely cold ; the men on theskirmish- 
and picket-lines suffered terribly ; some of the wounded 
were frozen on the ground. In the night it fell to the lot 



of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Rcgiinent, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Harney, to picket the front across the run. 
No fires were allowed ; they were in clos<- )iroxiinily to the 
enemy, and the least noise would draw upon them a .shower 
of bullets. When he withdrew the line, many of the men 
were so benumbed with cold that it was with difficulty that 
they could be urged to withdraw. The enemy had alri-.idy 
made a movement t^i cut them off, and the regiment barely 
got across the run in time to escape capture. 

In the evening of December 1, the army fell back. 
The First corps encamped on the south bank of the Ra]>idan, 
at Ely's Ford. In the morning of December 2 returned to 
near Culpepper, and from there went to Kelly's Ford, on the 
Rap]>ahurmoek. Here the corps went into encampment, 
and remained several weeks. The regiment suffered much 
by sickness, especially the unsea.soned conscripts. Remittent 
and typho-malarial fevers beciinie prevalent. The ground 
was saturated with moisture ; it had a clay subsoil which 
retained the moisture from the autumnal rains. Excavations 
made for the puq)ose of constructing the camp would soon 
fill up to the surface of the ground with water discolored 
by the clay. Colonel Miller, Captain Cocy, and Lieutenant 
Gillett returned to duty from their trip north for conscripts. 

About January 1, 1864, the First corps moved to Cul- 
pepper and went into winter quarters ; it occupied a rolling 
country with pure water. The health of the regiment 
immediately improved, and the hospital soon became empty. 
During the winter the following promotions took place: 
Lieutenant-Colonel F. C. 3Iiller, promoted to colonel, No- 
vember 24, 1803, vice J. G. Butler, di.^charged on sur- 
geon s certificate of disability ; Major G. Harney, promoted 
lieutenant-colonel, December 15, vice F. C. Miller, pro- 
moted; D. Farling, adjutant, promoted major, December 15, 
vice G. Harney, jiromuted ; H. II. Lyman, second lieu- 
tenant Company C, promoted adjutant, January 12, 18G4, 
vice Farling. ]iriimoted ; Jose]ih Demp.sey. first lieutenant 
Company K, promoted ca])tain, January 12, 18G4 ; Gmrge 
Iluginin, first lieutenant Company A, promoted captain 
Company B ; Henry H. Hubbard, second lieutenant C<pm- 
pany D, promoted first lieutenant Company D, Decendjcr 
24, 18ti8, again promoted to captain, March 24, 18G4; 
Alexander R. Penfield, promoted to captain, December 24, 
1SG3; Nathaniel Wright, re.sU>red, November 30, 1863; 
William J. (iillett, promoted to caiitain, March 30. 1864 ; 
James W. Kingsley, second lieutenant Company K, pro- 
moted first lieutenant, March 30, 1864; James Brown, 
sergeant Comii:iiiy B, promoted first lieutenant. July 27, 
1863; Byron Parkhurst, sergeant Company G, promoted 
first lieutenant Company G, December 24, 1863; Alexander 
King, sergeant Coni]iaiiy D, jironioted second lieut»'nant Com- 
pany I), December 24, 1863, again promoted to first lieuten- 
ant Company D, April 14, 1864 ; Cheney D. Barney, second 
lieutenant Company H, promoted first lieutenant Company 
II, February S, 1S64; William A. Wybourn, second lieu- 
tenant, promoted first lieutenant, January 23, 1864 ; Lansing 
Bristol, sergeant Company D, promoted second lieutenant 
Company D, April 14, 1864 ; Franklin N. Hamlin, restored 
first lieutenant Company K, December 24, 1863; Edwin 
M. Spcrry, sergeant Company C, promoted second lieutenant 
Company C, February 8, 1864 ; Clark H. Norton, sergeant 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



95 



Company H, promoted second lieutenant Company II, 
December 7, 18(53 ; John Berry, of the Fourteentli Brooklyn, 
promoted second lieutenant Company A, November 24, 
1863 ; William Kinney, sergeant Company K, promoted 
second lieutenant, January 11, 1864; Joel A. Baker, ser- 
geant-major, promoted second lieutenant Company G, April 
19, 1864. 

The winter of 1863-64, after the terrible battles and 
weary marches of the previous season, was spent in a series 
of amusements and recreation. All pursuits of life were 
represented in our volunteer army. Rude theatres were 
constructed, and the drama became the most popular source 
of amusement. Scenes of the war were represented on 
the mimic stage, generally at the expense of the enemy. 
The Fourteenth Brooklyn was specially fertile in inventing 
these ludicrous representations, but they stimulated rivah'y 
and emulation, and rival theatres sprang up. March 19, 
1864, a reconnoissance in force was made on the enemy's 
front. The baggage was packed, tents struck, and every- 
thing put in readiness to be sent to the rear. The First 
corps marched to the Rapidan at Morton's Ford in the night, 
and there encamped in a swamp. The men were obliged 
to put down a layer of rails and logs to keep out of the 
water. The enemy were strongly fortified across the stream. 
The opposite bank rose abruptly, and a series of rifle-pits, 
filled with rebel sharpshooters, rose up to the top of the bank. 
The Sixth corps eflFected a crossing in another part of the 
line, but was driven back with considerable loss. The 
object of the movement was to prevent the enemy from 
detaching any considerable force to send southwest to oppose 
General Sherman. 

During the winter a congressional committee investigated 
the condition of the army. It was thought that results in- 
adequate to the force and strength of the army had been 
attained. 

A reorganization of the army was recommended to make 
it more eificient. The First corps was consolidated with 
and merged into the Fifth corps under Major-General War- 
ren. The Third and Second corps were consolidated into 
the Second corps under Major-General Hancock. Other 
changes took place. General Wadsworth returned, and 
a.ssumed command of his old First division, now of the Fifth 
corps. General Grant had been assigned the command of 
all the Federal armies, and made his headquarters with 
those of the Army of the Potomac. JIarch 29, the Army 
of the Potomac was reviewed by General Grant. He in- 
spected the trooi)s very closely and with care. 

The following is a list of those killed in battle or who 
died in hospital,* from October 16, 1863, to May 4, 1864 : 

Alpheus Austin, Company A, captured at Haymarket, 
Virginia, October 19, died in Andcrsonville prison ; James 
Guard, Company A, killed November 3, 1863, at David's 
island. New York ; Israel Barber, died November 8, 1863, 
of typhoid fever ; Daniel Wilson, Company B, December 
23, 1863; Lucian Gibbs, Company B, November, 1863; 
Samuel Delano, died at Richmond, Virginia, December 2, 
1863; Jonathan Ween, Company B, December 10. 1863; 
Josiah Farrington, Company F, November 24, 1863; Os- 

* Tho iibovo only in;Iu Ics tho iiatn'js of the original organization. 



sian Howe, Company F, December 15, 1863; Jacob 
Snider, Company F, date unknown ; Robert N. Baker, cor- 
poral Company G, November 20, 1863; Decatur Russell, 
Company H, November 28, 18C3 ; Isaac Gosline, Company 
H, November 27, 1863 ; John B. McCord, Company II, 
February 15, 1864; Elam Seymour, Company F, January 
30, 1864; Benjamin I. Stone, December 20, 1863; Levi 
Decker, Company I, November 23, 1863; Nathaniel 
Covert, Company K, January 10, 1864; Andrew Craig, 
Company K, December 8, 1863 ; John Daly, Company K, 
January 18, 1864 ; John W. Elliott, Company K, Novem- 
ber 17, 1863; Nicholas McCoy, Company K, January 8, 
1864 ; Daniel Sharp, Company K, January 2, 1864 ; John 
Maggerly, Company D, January 31, 1864; Stephen L. 
Lacy, Company E, March 10, 1804 ; William Toplier, Feb- 
rnary 25, 1864. Conscripts or recruits killed in battle or 
died in hospitals are not included in this list, as their names 
are not found on the final muster-out rolls deposited in the 
adjutant-general's office in Albany. 

B.\TTLES OF THE WILDERNESS, SPOTTSrLVANI.\, NORTH 
ANNA, AND PETERSBURG. 

May 5, 1804, commenced the memorable campaign of 
the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Petersburg. 

The Fifth corps set out in the night of the 3d, crossed 
the Rapidan at Germania Ford, and encamped near the gold 
mine. On the morning of the 5th, advanced to the right on 
a wood road over a mai'sh, and up a steep hill through a 
dense thicket of scrub pine timber, into a clearing. Here, 
the ammunition- and baggage-trains and artillery were halted. 
Heavy skirmishing was heard in front. A captured rebel 
was brought in to Generals Warren and Wadsworth, and 
questioned. He said there were only two or three rebel 
regiments in front. The First division formed into a line 
of battle and advanced towards Mine Run. After advanc- 
ing about half a mile in a dense thicket, and over ridges and 
ravines, preserving the line with difficulty, they met the 
enemy. They were concealed in an opening partially grown 
up to stunted, bushy pine. The division was greeted with a 
withering volley. The right of the line soon fell back, leaving 
the right flank of the Second brigade exposed. The 
enemy pressed on all sides, and the brigade was forced to 
give way. It fell back to the clearing from whence it started, 
in some disorder, but none too soon to prevent being cap- 
tured. The enemy had driven in all on the left, and occupied 
part of the clearing. The ammunition- and baggage-trains 
and artillery were all gone. The entire Pennsylvania Re- 
serves, who were to the left, were cut off and captured. The 
enemy had formed a " cul de sac," and the only point of 
egress was the narrow path through which the brigade had 
retreated. Blany of the regiment, trying to escape, ran into 
the enemy's lines and were taken prisoners. 

Colonel Miller was severely wounded, and captured. Adju- 
tant Lyman and many of the skirmish-line were captured. 
Generals Griffin's and Crawford's divisions, in advance 
farther to the left, had been struck by General Hill's corps, 
and driven in. When the Second brigade emerged from 
the woods on the retreat, the enemy occupied a hill to the 
left, in short range from the broken brigade. General Rice, 
supposing them to be Federal troops, tried to rally his 



no 



HISTORY OF O.SWKC.O COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



liii^'adi', hut he soon foiiti(i (lie imsilion uiitciiablo, and lull 
back to iiL'ar tlif road, at Tod's Tuvctd, from wlicru tlie Fifth 
corps turned off in the momiii<;. There General Wadsworth 
w;ls railvinji liis division. The First divisiim wxs luovcd 
ofT ill another direttion, but «a.s not agiiin engaged that day. 
The loss of the regiment in killed, wounded, and prisoners 
wa.s very large. It is difficult to describe tlie positions 
which the regiment took during the remainder of the two 
days' battle. The country is a wild region. The timber 
had been formerly cut off to supply iron-furnaces, and the 
land left to grow up to dwarf jiine, scrub oak, chini|uapin.s, 
and bnunblcs. The surface is broken into low ridges, 
ravines, and swamps. The wood took fire in many jdaces, 
adding the torture of burning by a slow fire to the usual 
horrors of a kittle-field. There was a continuous discharge 
of musketry tliroughout the night from the muskets of the 
fallen as they were ignited by the burning woods. In the 
morning at five the battle was ag:iin opened. The Fii-st divi- 
sion had marched several miles to the left after its repulse 
on the 5th. It made a fierce attack on the enemy's right, 
and drove it back one mile and a half, overturning General 
Lee's head(|uartcrs. The Fifty-.sixth I'enn.-iylvania and 
the One Hundred and Forty -seventh New York, under 
Colonel Hofmann, of the Fifty-sixth Pciin.«ylvaiiia, attacked 
the enemy and recovered a jiosition lost by a part of the 
Second corps, which had given way. The position was de- 
manded of Colonel Hofmann by the defeated colonel of the 
Second corps, which he refiLsed to give up until ordered to 
do so by his superior officer. General Wadsworth was 
killed while leading his division to theattaek.and fell intothe 
hands of the enemy. His bravery commanded respect from 
the foe. His body was carefully preserved, and afterwards 
sent into the Federal lines under a flag of truce. In him 
the country lost an earnest and single-minded patriot. It 
was often s;iid of him that " he knew not fear." lie was 
shot down when rashly exposing himself to encourage his 
men, who were shrinking from a gsdling fire, saying, 
" There is not danger enough to harm a mouse." The 
battle raged until after dark, neither side gaining any ma- 
terial advantage. Towards nightfall General Lee massed 
a large force on our right, and drove it far enough to get 
possession of our cominunieations. The wounded were 
loaded into ambulances and empty baggage-wagons, ready to 
be sent to Wa.'«hington by Ciilpe|iper, when the news of the 
disaster came. They were retained in the ambulances until 
Communications could be opened by Fredericksburg and 
A(|uia creek or Belle Plain. They suffered much by the 
detention and transportation over rough roads. The First 
division in this two days' battle lost over half of its num- 
bers. Thus terminated, for the Union forces, the most 
bloody and unii|ue battle of the war. It was fought mostly 
in dense thickets, the eombatant.s often coming upon each 
other without warning, and soon became inextricably mixed 
and confused, neither party knowing which way to turn to 
find its way out. It w:\s only by the general plan of battle 
that any order could be preserved. The effective fighting 
force of the Union army was about eighty thousand, in- 
cluding the artillery, which, owing to the nature of the 
country, did but little service. 

This is exclusive of General Burnside's corps, which re- 



mained liehind to protect the rear, and did not cross the 
Rapidan till the .second day. The effective strength of the 
enemy was sixty thousand muskets, which was reinforced 
on the second day twenty thou.sind muskets by General 
Longstreet. The Union army was jiermitted to cross the 
fords, which were strongly fortified, unmolested. Gencrul 
Lee's jilan was to launch his whole force and strike the 
Union column on the flank, after cro.ssing the fords, when 
marcliing. It had failed through difficulty of maiKuuvring 
his army in the dense thickets of the Wilderness. It was 
sujiposed by General Ijee that General Grant would turn 
back after the second day, and he sent a large cavalry force 
across the river to intercept his retreat. But General Grant, 
contrary to the previous habits of Union generals, on the 
morning of the 7th, with about twenty thousand wounded, 
in ambulances and wagons, set out for Spottsylvania, about 
fifteen miles distant. General Lee, on interior lines, 
hastened on, reached and occupied his fortified positions 
before him. 

The Fifth corps in the advance was impeded by the 
enemy's cavalry, and infantry attacks on the flank obliged 
it to keep up a running fight all that day. General Rob- 
inson, Second division, was wounded and lost a leg. By 
the time the Fifth corps came up the enemy had arrived, 
and were strongly intrenched in its front. In the niorning 
of the 8tli the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment 
was engaged in repelling an attack of the enemy, with con- 
siderable loss in killed and wounded. May 9 was mainly 
occupied in getting into position by both armies. The 
enemy occu|iied a strong intrenched position, barring fur- 
ther advance of the Union army. No fighting except by 
sharpshooters ; the men were obliged to keep under cover, 
as the least exposure drew the fire of the enemy. General 
Sedgwick, of the Sixth corps, was jiieked off by a shar])- 
shootcr. May 10, about lUHin, the regiment was engaged, 
and was relieved when out of ammunition. About five P..M. 
was again brought into action and remained until after dark ; 
was driven back by the burning woods; loss in killed and 
wounded considerable. May 1 1 the regiment lay in the 
rifle-pits under a heavy cannonading of shot and shell, and 
a constant fire frinn sharpshooters. May 12, five .\..M., the 
regiment went into the skirmish-line without its breakfast, 
charged through a dense thicket up a hill to the cnetny's 
breastworks, and were repulsed. The regiment then went 
about five miles to the left, to engage in one of the most 
determined and fiercely-contested battles of the war. At 
4.30 .\.M. General Hancock with the Second corps stormed 
a salient angle of the enemy's works, and carried it, cap- 
turing twelve thousand of the enemy. He pursued the 
enemy to the second line of works ; having partially lost tlio 
organization of the corps, he was forced to retire to the first 
line, which, by the aid of reinforcements, he was able to 
hold. The whole rebel army wits nearly demoralized and 
routed by this on.set, and was only saved by the jiersonal 
cxanijile and bravery of (iciieral Lee. He caught up a 
standard and jilaced himself in front of his routed and de- 
moralized troops, rallied them, and in person commenced 
to lead them back to the charge. His officers and men, 
inspirited by his exain|ile, first forced him to the rear, then 
cliarged upon General Hancock, and drove him back to the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



97 



first line. In course of the clay General Lee made five 
desperate attacks upon this line, but wa.s repulsed each time 
with great slaughter. 

Here was the most remarkable fighting of the war. Part 
of the Fifth corps was moved up in the evening to assist 
in holding the position. Every man was given two hundred 
and fifty rounds of cartridges, and was ordered to keep up 
a constant fusilade towards the enemy throughout the night ; 
by .so doing they kept down the enemy's fire. No living 
thing could withstand such a constant stream of bullets. 
In the morning there was no enemy in sight in front, and 
their dead lay in heaps behind their breastworks, mostly 
shot through the head. The trees within musket-range 
were killed, and one tree eighteen inches in diameter was 
cut clean in two by bullets. May 11, the brave General 
Riee, commander of the Second brigade, when in front of his 
command, had his thighbone shattered by a bullet from a 
rebel sharpshooter, and died that evening after an amputa- 
tion, from loss of blood. When breathing his last, he made 
a request to have his face turned towards the enemy. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Harney was slightly wounded that after- 
noon in leading a charge on the enemy's works. In with- 
drawing the First division of the Fifth corps to aid in 
holding the position gained by the Second corps, the Fifth 
corps' hospitals were necessarily uncovered. 

All the wounded that could be ea.sily moved were re- 
moved to a place of safety during the night, but about two 
thousand were abandoned and captured by the enemy's 
cavalry. Among them were several officeis and men be- 
longing to the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment. 
They were rescued by the Federal cavalry three days after- 
wards, but, from the want of care and proper nourishment, 
many of them died who would otherwise have recovered. 
In the night of the 13th the regiment experienced the 
most fatiguing march of the war. It had been raining 
steadily during several days, and the mud was deep. The 
corps moved twelve miles to the left, through thickets, 
swamps, and ravines. 

During several days General Grant had been gradually 
moving his army to the left to get around the enemy's 
right, but he was met by a corresponding movement by 
General Lee. In these series of battles the regiment had 
sufi'ered greatly in killed and wounded and from sickness. 

The following were killed or fatally wounded in the bat- 
tles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, ]May 5, 1865 : 

Company A, Arnold Brown, Benoni Baker, David Bird, 
George Bull, William Backus, Job G. Campbell, Abram I. 
White, John E. Peer, May 8; Drisdon Founier, wounded 
May 5, died August Ifi. 

Company B, May 5, Bcntly H. Throop; Simon Barbo, 
May 12. May 5, wounded, Eugene Burlingame, died July 
2, 18C4. May 5, William Cullen, Allen S. Voree. 

Company C, May 5, Ransom Guinness, Albert Eaton. 

Company D, Thomas Murphey, corporal, May 8 ; Wil- 
liam Horsford, May 12; John 0. Hadley. 

Company E, Burr B. Lathrop, May 5; William Caster, 
Jlay 5 ; Roland T. Rogers, May 10 ; Charles Brownell. 

Company F, James Brown, first lieutenant, died July 
1, 1SC4, from wounds received May 10, 18G4, at Spottsyl- 
vania. 



Company G, May 5, William S. Herrick; May 5, Wil- 
liam HarrLson ; May 5, Albert June ; George W. Snell, 
May 10. 

Company K, Franklin N. Ilamlin, first lieutenant, died 
of wounds received May 5, 1804 ; Joseph Walker, May 5 ; 
Joseph Ballard, Silas E. Parsons, Daniel A''anderwalker, 
William Whitehead, Abram M. Wiburu, Michael Walken- 
block. 

May 21 the Fifth corps marched to Guineas' station-, on 
the Fredericksburg and Richmond railroad. Continued 
the march on the 22d, and reached the North Anna river 
at four P.M. on the 24th at Jericho ford. The banks of 
the stream were precipitous, and at places rising up perpen- 
dicularly thirty or forty feet. The cro.ssing was at a dis- 
used ford. The road leading down the banks had been 
washed out by rains, and had to be graded. The First 
division, commanded by General Cutler, crossed over in 
advance, fording the stream, before the pontoon bridge was 
laid. The general carelessly gave permission to his division 
to mass and get cofiee, at the same time posting a few 
pickets. General Warren coming up a few minutes after, 
seeing from the opposite side of the stream the precarious 
condition of the division, sent a peremptory command to 
General Cutler to get his division into line of battle at 
once, and get it in readiness to receive an attack from the 
enemy. One brigade had time to form and advance a few 
paces in a pine wood, when it was greeted with a deafening 
roar of musketry. It came out disorganized, and fled pre- 
cipitately down the banks of the stream. A host of non- 
combatants, — chaplains, servants with pack animals, stretcher 
bearers, hospital attendants, and surgeons, — who had crossed 
over with the division, took fright, and fleil, giving the 
appearance of a stampede. In the mean time, the enemy 
had commenced an artillery duel with four Federal bat- 
teries stationed on the bluifs on the north side of the river, 
the shells pa.ssing over the heads of the frightened non- 
combatants, adding terror to their fright. The Second 
brigade, commanded by Colonel Hofmann, was formed 
into line, stood firm, and was in readiness to receive the 
enemy. A battery, commanded by Captain Mink, formerly 
a Black river boatman, a brave artillery oflicer, came over 
at the critical moment ; he posted his battery on an eleva- 
tion to the right of the Second brigade, at the same time 
sending a request to Colonel Hofmann to reserve fire, and 
give him the first chance at the rebels. He had loaded 
his guns to the muzzle with canister. The enemy came 
swarming out of the woods within short range of the bat- 
tery, when it was discharged in their midst. They recoiled, 
and fled panic-stricken. The battle was soon renewed. 
The enemy was finally repulsed with a loss of one thou.sand 
prisoners. The Fiith corps lost three hundred and fifty 
killed and wounded. A second Ball's Bluff disaster was 
only prevented by the timely arrival of General Warren on 
the north bank of the stream, and the opportune arrival of 
Captain Mink at the critical moment on the field of battle. 
He had been wounded, and carried a crutch with him at 
the time. 

During the battle General Warreu came over and up- 
braided General Cutler, an old man, in forcible but not 
over-polite terms for his carelessness. In the mean lime, 



98 



HISTORY OF OSWEOO COUNTY. NEW YORK. 



General Hancock, with tlie SecoiiJ corps, had cfffcted a 
cros.siiig four or five miles below, and General Wright, with 
the Sixth corps, afterwards crossed above. 

In the morning, May 24, the One Hundred and Fortj'- 
seventh Regiment was deployed as skirmishers in the ad- 
vance. Atjout forty of the affrighted rebels were captured. 
They had not recovered from the demoralization caused by 
the battle of yesterday. They appeared to be very willing 
prisoners. In the morning of the 25th the regiment was 
again deployed on the skimiish-linc, and advanced towards 
Hanover junction, to the southeast about two miles; had 
severe fighting; the countr}' flat and densely wooded at 
places ; loss in killed and wounded considerable. May 2G 
it seemed evident that not much progre.ss was to be made 
towards Kielimond in this direction. The enemy still held 
the south bank of the stream between the Fifth corps and 
General Hancock, and were strongly posted in our front. 
In the night the corps wiis witiidrawn to the north bank of 
the stream, and started for Hanover town on the I'aniun- 
key. Arrived at Hanover town on the 28th. There met 
General Sheridan's cavalry on its return from a raid on the 
defenses of Richmond. It had met the cavalry of the 
enemy, under the rebel general, Stuart, about four miles from 
Richmond, and fought a .severe battle, in which General 
Stuart was killed. About one thousand of the wounded 
cavalry were left in hospital at Hanover town. Jlay 30 
the regiment was engaged in the battle of Bethesda Church, 
ill which a large number of wounded prisoners fell into our 
hands. May 81, lay in the trenches in front of the defenses of 
Richmond. Heavy cannonading was heard in the niorningon 
the riglit, and in the afternoon on the left, but no fighting in 
front. Juno 2. attacked by the enemy about five P.M. ; fell 
back and changed front to meet the enemy, and drove them 
back ; loss considerable. Tliere was heavy firing to the 
right during the day, wliieh continued along in the night. 
June 3, battle of Cold Harbor. Commenced throwing up 
breastworks about daylight ; they were not finished when 
the battle opened with groat fury ; several were wounded, 
but none seriously. The heaviest fighting was on the right 
anil left. The Ninety-fifth New York suffered severely. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Pye was mortally wouiided. 

Since crossing the Pamunkey, General Grant had been 
tentatively feeling the enemy's lines. To-day he had 
made an assault all along the lines, and was repulsed with 
great loss in killed and wounded ; the enemy's loss was 
comparatively' slight, as they were fighting behind breast- 
works. The regiment lay in the trenches till June 0. The 
baggiige-wagons came up the first time during thirty days. 
Officers oy)tained a change of under-clothing for the first 
time during that period. The state of that which they had 
on, and of the cuticle, can be ea-sily imagined. 

In the morning of the 7th, at 3.30, the division moved 
to the left ; met the enemy at the West Point and Richmond 
railroad. The Second brigade was deployed as skirmishers, 
and drove the enemy across the Chickahominy river ; then 
encamped in the mud for the night. Picketed the north 
bank of the stream till the li;th. the enemy picketing the 
other side. The river here is about twenty feet aero.ss. 
The enemy's pickets were disposed to be friendly, and de- 
sired to trade tobacco f(jr coffee, but were forbidden to do 



80 by their offii-ers ; but the men did so elandestinely, toss- 
in"; their ctehaniies aero.ss the river. Si.x rebels came into 
our Hues on the niglit of the 9th. The men fished in the 
stream. Moved July 13, and crossed the Chickahominy 
in the night. The regiment was detailed a.s a train-guard, 
and moved on the road towards the James river ; arrived 
near the river at eleven P.M., and encamped on a fine ]ilanta- 
tion, the owner of which, with three sons, had joined the 
rebel army, one of whom was killed and another wounded 
in the battle of the Wilderness. June 10, cro.s.scd the 
James river at Wilson's landing ; marched for Petersburg, 
starting about noon ; had a weary and toilsome march of 
twenty-six miles in a broiling sun, each man carrying a 
blanket, forty rounds of ammunition, and half of a shelter- 
tent, making a weight of forty or fifty pounds, and went 
into camp at two .v.M, June 17, about three miles from Pe- 
tersburg. The regiment by this time had become much 
enfeebled by constant vigils and long, weary marches in the 
heat of a Virginia summer. Ssince May 5 it had been 
almost constantly in the presence of the enemy, and more 
than half of the time under fire. It often slept in the 
trenches when the enemy's shells were bursting thick and 
fast around them as a lullaby. 

The losses of the armies in their fierce struggles from 
the Wilderness to the James river were never officially 
published ; probably they were so enormous that the au- 
thorities deemed it unwise to appall the country by making 
known their magnitude. The whole scene of contest from the 
Rapidan to the Chickahominy rivers was one Golgotha. In 
many places in the dense thickets the dead were left with- 
out sepulture, and their bleaching skeletons were seen upon 
the return of some of their comrades after the surrender 
at Appomattox Court-House (18G5), who passed through 
there to revisit the scenes of their former struggles. Gen- 
eral Grant had had his losses more than made up by con- 
stant reinforcements from the defenses of Washington by 
the heavy artillery regiments stationed there. They never 
supposed they were to be called into the field, and lacked 
the experience and efficiency of the veterans who had been 
in con.stiint service and had withstood the shock of a hun- 
dred battle-fields. They had to withstand the jeers and 
gibes of the hardened veterans, who, not always without 
malice, greeted them as " Heavies," and said, " It is better 
to get accustomed to the use of small guns before attempt- 
ing to use big ones," because, as they thought, they had 
shrunk from the dangers of the war by seeking a safe 
place behind the defen.ses of Washington. These regi- 
ments were from two thousand to two thousand four hun- 
dred strong when they came into the field. From sickness, 
arising from want of j)roper seasoning, and casualties in 
battle, in a great measure arising from the want of expe- 
rience, they were soon reduei'd to two or three hundred. 
They had not yet acquired the '' discretion which is the 
better part of valor" (not speaking, however, in the Fal- 
staffian .sense) of the veteran, eoolne.ss and wariness in 
battle, which can only be attained by long experience, and 
which makes a veteran three times as valuable as a raw 
recruit, bravery in both being eipial. From nature's most 
imperative law, self-preservation, the veteran learns to avoid 
all unncccs.sary danger, and instinctively seizes upon all the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



99 



advantages of his position. At the end of every day's 
mart-h, liowever weavy he might be, the veteran would pro- 
tect him-self by constructing some kind of breastwork to 
guard against surprise. When on the picket- or skirmish- 
line, with marvelous quickness, if there was no natural 
cover, he would scoop up a little mound of earth to protect 
himself from the bullets of his foe. A gopher could not 
burrow out of sight sooner than a veteran would conceal 
himself from the enemy by the use of a tin-cup or a bay- 
onet. 

General Grant had been flanking the enemy from the 
Wilderness to the James river, and now endeavored to suc- 
ceed by hastily seizing Petersburg before General Lee could 
get there to defend the place. It was protected by an elab- 
orate fortification built in the early part of the war, encir- 
cling the town on the south side of the Appomattox, about 
two and a half miles from the suburbs. Generals Han- 
cock, Smith, and Burnside, with a large force, crossed the 
James river and made a rapid march to surprise the place 
on the ICth of June; but the enemy got there about the 
same time. The Union forces took the outer works with- 
out opposition, and met the enemy midway between the 
works and the town. A fierce battle ensued ; neither party 
gained advantage. The enemy, to hold their position, com- 
menced to build an inner line of works. In the morning 
of the 17th the Fifth corps, after the toilsome march of 
the day previous, advanced on the enemy and gained a 
position, from which it took part in the general assault upon 
the enemy's lines which was made the next day. June 
18, the Union army endeavored to take the enemy's works 
by coup dc main, but was partially repulsed. A position 
was gained varying from one hundred to four hundred 
yards from the enemy's works. A vigorous use of the 
pick and spade was then made, and in a few days a heavy 
line of works was built, confronting the enemy's. In the 
charge of the 18th the line of battle of the Fifth corps 
passed over a broken country, partly wooded, partly open 
fields, and crossed diagonally over a deep railroad cut, and 
up the steep bank, consequently the line of battle became 
very irregular and uneven. The part of the line occupied 
by the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment, under 
Lieutenant-Colonel Harney, was in the open field ; the line 
gave way on each side of the regiment, but a part of an- 
other regiment remained with it. They had charged within 
a short distance of the enemy's breastworks, and were there 
left without support. It was more dangerous to fall back 
than to hold the position. Lieutenant-Colonel Harney 
ordered the men to lie down behind a low ridge, which 
afforded partial protection from the enemy's fire. The 
enemy opened embrasures in their works in front (the men 
could look into the muzzles of the enemy's cannon as they 
were run out), and bombarded them with spherical case- 
shot, which nearly grazed their backs when they passed 
over them. They kept their position through the day in a 
broiling sun. The enemy at one time sent out a force on 
the flank to capture them. Lieutenant-Colonel Harney 
reserved the fire of liis command until they came within 
point-blank range, and poured a volley into them. They 
immediately fled back behind the works. 

Some of the men clamored for permission to go to the 



rear. The colonel endeavored to convince them that it was 
much safer to remain where they w>;re ; but, finally, to quiet 
the complaints of others, gave four or five of them permis- 
sion to retire and see what would come of it. They made 
the attempt, and were all killed or wounded. 

The lieutenant-colonel, like a true soldier, wished to save 
the colors, and called for a volunteer to carry them to the 
rear. William Sullivan, sergeant Company I, volunteered, 
and carried them off, but was .severely wounded. He was 
soon after promoted second lieutenant for his gallant con- 
duct. The regiment remained till after dark, and got off 
safely. The losses in this day's battle in killed and wounded 
were very great. 

The following were killed in battle, or died in hospitals, 
from Jlay 22 to June 19, 186J : 

William Upcraft, Company A, killed June 1 ; Christian 
Field, Company B, killed at North Anna, Slay 25 ; Patrick 
O'Connor, Company B, wounded May 25, died June 14 ; 
Orange Beardsley, Company C, killed May 2-1 ; Henry 
Foster, Company C, June 18, at the battle of Petersburg; 
Charles Gurnsey, Company C, June 18, at the battle of 
Petersburg; Herbert Gilbert, Company C, June 17 ; Philip 
Stevens, Company C, June 18 ; John Fitzgeralds, Company 
D, killed at battle of Bethe.sda Church, June 2 ; Sidney 
C. Gaylord, second lieutenant Company E, killed June 18 ; 
John L. Bayne, Company E, June IS ; Lewellen Laird, 
Company E, wounded June 18, died June 24 ; David S. 
Ilice, Company F, June 18 ; Edwin Marshall, Company G, 
June 18; John McMurray, Company G, June 19 ; Thomas 
Seagraves, Company G, June 19; Wilbor H. Wentworth, 
Company G, June 18; Atwell Winchester, Company H, 
June 19 ; James A. Castle, Company H, June 10 ; Thos. 
I. Wrightj Company H, May 28, at Andersonville, Georgia; 
John Mitchell, Company I, died from wounds received 
June 18; John Daly, Company K, June 18; Samuel 
Morey and John S. Riley, Company K, June 18 ; Daniel 
Sanders, Company K, May 25 ; Franklin B. Woodruff, 
Company K, wounded June 2, died June 11. 



CHAPTER XXII L 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment — Siege of Peters- 
Ijurg — Battles of Weldon Railroad, Peoble's Farm, Hatcher's Run, 
Hicksford, and Dabne3''s Mills. 

Now commenced the most arduous and trying service of 
the war, taxing the temper of the men to the utmost endur- 
ance. The Union army, to make any headway, was com- 
pelled to hold on to every foot of ground gained, with a 
death-grip. The front of the line occupied by the One 
Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment was in an open field, 
about two hundred yards from the enemy's breastworks, 
which it was expected to build up and defend. No one 
could expose any part of his person without being hit by 
the enemy's sharpslmoters. Several of the men were shot 
through the head during the first two or three days. 
Nothing could be done at first in the daytime, and the men 



100 



IIISTOIU' OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



worked with a will in the night for self-preservation. The 
sun came down broiling hot in the day, and the men were 
without sheltor, save what could be got by planting bougli^, 
obtained from the neighboring woods in the night. The 
rear descended to a small stream, then dry ; then ascended 
an inclitie, fullj' exposed to the rebel sharpshooters; conse- 
cjuently no reliefs or communications could be got from the 
rear, without great risk, in the d.iytime. Moreover, on the 
right thi; Ninth corps occupied a salient angle on a hill 
within one hundred and twenty-five yards of the enemy's 
lines. There was constant skirmishing going on in front 
of that corps ; the balls, passing over the Ninth corps on the 
right flank, de.scenJcd into the depression in the rear of the 
regiment. Many men were killed and wounded when 
cooking their food or wa.shing their clothes: there seemed 
to be no place of safety, no matter how well, apparently, it 
was sheltered. In a few days, by constant labor through 
the nights, strong b.jnib-proofs were built and covered ways 
constructed, which afforded complete shelter for the men 
behind the works, and a safe access to the rear. By this 
time the men were worn out by constant vigils and exposure 
to the inclement heat. Nearly every man was sick with 
diarrhcea. There were only one hundred and fifty nien fit 
for duly. The enemy soon procured cohorn mortars, and 
silently dropped down shells in the midst of the men when 
they su]pposcd they were safe. That was a game that two 
could play at. Mortars were procured on our bide, and 
both parties amused each other by an exchange of conipli- 
uients, which often had tragic endings. Occasionally, when 
a fine opportunity off"ered, when more than usual the enemy 
were off their guard, a shell would be thrown into their 
midst, and ])layiiig havoc by a timely explosion (scoring 
one for our side), would rai.se a shout from our men which 
would pa.ss all along the line. For a while this game of 
ball afforded recreation for both parties, but at length a 
truce was made against picket-firing and sharpshooting for 
amusement, except by the Ninth corps, which kept up a con- 
stant fire upon the enemy, for the purpose of concealing 
from thciu the mining of a rebel fort in its front. 

The lines, about one mile to the left, approached still 
nearer to each other, and the picket^lincs were only a few 
paces apart. The fort erected at the left extremity of the 
line at this time commanded, by its position on a hill, the 
enemy's line. Desperate efforts were made by the enemy 
to drive our forces from it, but without avail. 

They called it " Fort Ilell," by which name it was after- 
wards designated. At 4.40 a.m. July 30, the mine in front 
of the Ninth corps was exploded, blowing up a rebel fort 
with several hundred men; at the same time the artillery 
opened all along the line. The Fifth corps took a very 
small part in this engagement. It kept dciwn the enemy's 
fire in its immediate front, and awaited orders to join iu the 
as.sault afterwards. 

The assault was to have been made by the colored troops, 
but a short lime before the time set for the springing of the 
mine the plan of attack was changed, creating some eon- 
fusion from want of time for ])ri'paration and training the 
nicti by the commanders who were to lead the a.ssault. 
The explosion had made a crater one hundred and fifty feet 
in length by sixty in width, and twenty-five to thirty feet 



in depth. The sides were of loose sand, from which pro- 
jected huge blocks of clay, makitig a formidable barrier to 
the advance of the attacking column. Some delay was 
caus:;d by removing the ab.itis and clearing away obstajles 
for the advance of thi troops, giving th.: enemy time to 
recover from the miuuntjiry panic caused by the explosion. 
The troops as they rushed into the opening fell into confu- 
sion, and became mixed up, losing their organization. The 
enemy rallieil, and poured in upon them a destructive fire 
from both flanks, and from the crest of the hill in front 
beyond. But a few troops were able to pass through the 
crater and deploy so as to protect the fl.mks. 

The enem}' were protected by covered ways, and were 
enabled to advance upon them without molestation from 
the fire from our old works on either side. The atUicking 
column became wedged in the crater, confused and helpless, 
unable to advance or retreat. In the mean time the enemy 
had planted artillery at several points, and gained the range 
of the crater, and poured a terrible fire upon ths helpless 
mass. Most of the men in the crater were killed and 
wounded or captured. Thus ended the attempt to capture 
Petersburg by breaching the works, by springing a mine, 
and attacking them in the confusion and panic following it. 
Great expectations were based upon its success, and corre- 
sponding depression followed its failure. August 18, the 
Fifth corps moved to the left, taking a circuitous route, and 
captured the Weldon railroad, at the Yellow lIou.se. The 
Second corps had been sent over to the north side of the 
James to make a feint. 

The enemy had weakened this point to oppose the Second 
corps. Two or three attempts had beeti made previously to 
eajiture this road, and they all had come to grief It was 
the princijjal .source for supplying the rebel army, and had 
bjen defended with great pertinacity. The corps massed 
in an open field on the side of the road. A rebel battery 
opened at a distance, and plowed uj( an adjoining field 
with solid shot ; no one was hurt. About six A.M. the 
enemy had discovered the joke, and returned. The corps 
formed in line of battle, and advanced to meet them. A 
sharp fight ensued. Captain Iluginin was severely wounded. 
The loss in killed and wounded was considerable, mostly in 
the Second division. In the evening there came up a 
drenching rain and flooded the country, it being very flat. 
The rain continued at intervals throughout the next day. 
In capturing the road there had been an interval left of 
about four miles, occupied by a line of pickets. 

The country was mostly grown up to a dense thicket of 
second growth of yellow pine. In the aft^jmoon of the 1 9th 
the Fifth corps advanced a strong skirmish-line towards 
Petersburg, before connecting the line on the right, leaving 
the gap unclosed, llebel General Mahone, the liele noir of 
the Fifth corps, marched throngli the gap witli a large force, 
in the rear of the skirinish-lioe, and captured nearly the 
entire force — nearly three thousand men — without firing a 
shot. They were all armed with Spencer rifles. One brigade, 
commanded by Colonel Wheelock, faced about, atid fought 
its way back. The enemy came upon the Federal line of 
battle without warning. The centre of the line, being sur- 
prised, gave way, and fled in confusion. The disaster for a 
time seemed irreparable. The Second brigade. Colonel Hof- 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



101 



inann commanding, occupied the extreme left of the line in 
an open field, and was cut oflF. It was ordered to fall back. 
The officer on Colonel Hofuiann's staff had to pass over a 
long space swept by the enemy's bullets to give the order. 
He reached the regiment on the right, and gave the order, 
and told the colonel of the regiment to pass it down the 
line, and then returned. The order was not promulgated 
to the other regiments. The regiment that received the 
order fell back, leaving the remainder of the brigade on the 
field. General Warren, seeing from a distance the three 
regiments of the brigade, supposing theui to be the enemy, 
ordered a battery to open upon them. The brigade was 
successfully repelling the enemy when the battery sent a 
shower of shells into its midst. They were receiving a fire 
from friend and foe, and were for a while obliged to dodge 
from one side of the breastworks to the other for protection. 
The mistake was soon discovered, and the captain of the 
battery was ordered to desist firing. The brigade held to 
its position, and repulsed the enemy in its front. About 
this time the Fifth corps was reinforced by a division of the 
Ninth corps under General Wilcox, and the enemy were 
driven back. 

The possession of the railroad was maintained in conse- 
quence of the failure of the staff ofiicer to give the order to 
the whole brigade to retire, and the determined bravery of 
the brigade in holding to its position when receiving a fire 
from the front and rear. Lieutenant-Colonel Harney was 
slightly wounded by a fragment of one of our .shells. Sev- 
eral of the men ct' the One Hundred and Forty-seventh 
Regiment were killed and wounded by the shells from our 
battery. General Warren, fearing another attack from the 
enemy, in order to drive him from the railroad, as the road 
was almost a vital necessity to them, immediately com- 
menced to re-arrange and strengthen his lines. He was a 
very able engineer officer. He superintended the construc- 
tion of the works in person, at times using the spade to en- 
courage the men. The corps worked day and night to 
prepare for another attack. August 21 the enemy made 
another attack. They expected, from the knowledge gained 
of our position in the previous attack, to win an easy vic- 
tory, but in the mean time the position of the works had 
been materially altered and strengthened. They were 
easily repulsed, this time with terrible slaughter, and with 
slight loss to the Fifth corps. The attack fell almost 
wholly on the First division. 

An incident occurred during this battle illustrating the 
reckless daring of some of our officers. The attack in front 
had been terribly repulsed, and all fighting had cea.sed, 
when a rebel brigade emerged from some woods on the left 
flank and rear of the First division, within short range of 
our troops. They liad arrived on the field too late. Cap- 
tain Daily, on General Cutler's staff, took in the situation, 
and rode alone down in the mid.st of them, snatched away 
the brigade colors from the color-bearer, and demanded a 
surrender of the brigade. General Haywood, the rebel 
commander, being dismounted at the time, walked up to 
Captain Daily and shot him through the lung. As Captain 
Daily fell from the saddle, General Haywood leaped into it, 
and ordered his brigade to face about and retreat. Up to 
ibi.s time there had been no firing from either side. The 



division, seeing Captain Daily with the colors, supposed the 
brigade had surrendered. 

Wlien General Haywood shot Captain Daily the division 
opened upon them a destructive fire. One-half of the brigade 
was killed or wounded. Captain Daily was found behind 
a stump, where he had crept for shelter from our bullets. 
His horse was found wounded. General Haywood had 
got off wounded. A Charleston paper soon after contained 
an account of a personal encounter of General Haywood 
with a Yankee officer in this battle, in which General Hay- 
wood by his prowess had slain the officer and come off 
victorious. 

The dead and wounded of the enemy lay thick before 
our breastworks ; many battle-flags and other trophies were 
picked up on the field. Our hospitals were filled with their 
wounded, many of them riddled with bullets, showing the 
destructiveness of our fire. The men were greatly elated 
and inspirited over this easy victory. The conditions of 
the fight had been reversed. Since the battle of the Wil- 
derness the enemy had acted on the defensive, and had 
fought mostly behind breastworks, and had our army to a 
great advantage. 

In the Wisconsin brigade there were several wild Indians 
from the plains ; many of them could not speak English. 
They served an excellent purpose as irregular troo])S, as 
scouts and skirmishers The nature of the country afforded 
an excellent field for their mode of warfare. With character- 
istic cunning, they would creep upon the enemy's picket- or 
.skirmish-line like a snake, or ascend trees, and conceal 
themselves among the branches. In one of the engage- 
ments many of them were wounded, and taken to hospital. 
They silently, with frightened looks, watched the surgeons 
as they placed the wounded on the operating-table, made 
them insensible with chloroform, and probed and examined 
their wounds or cut off their limbs. 

When it came to their turn to be examined, they were 
seized with a great fear lest they should be dismembered of 
their limbs. Their untutored minds could not be persuaded 
that it was for their good, and the surgeons meant them no 
harm. They looked upon it all as a species of torture. 
Many of them who were seriously wounded had to be left 
to nature, unaided, to cure their wounds. 

One time Lieutenant-Colonel Harney had command of 
the skirmish-line when a rebel was captured. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Harney gave him in charge of one of the.se Indians, 
and instructed him to take the prisoner to the rear, and deliver 
him to the provost-guard. In a very short time the Indian 
returned to the front. Lientenant-Colonel Harney asked 
him what he had done with his prisoner, and was hor- 
rified at hearing the rejily, " Oh, me shoot hiiu." He 
had taken him a short distance in the thicket and shot him. 
He could not understand why so much pains should be 
taken with a prisoner, after incurring so much trouble and 
danger in capturing him. 

In a few days after the battle the lines were strongly 
fortified, and extended beyond the Weldun railroad. The 
siege of Petersburg was slowly progressing; every fijot of 
ground gained was so strengthened as to be defended with 
a small force. In Scptcmljcr, another feint was made across 
the James river, and the Fifth corps uuide an attack on the 



102 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



enemy's line, lialf a mile to the left, capturing by surprise 
two strong forts newly built. Towards ni^'htfull the 
enemy returned. The Second brigade, under Colonel Hof- 
mann, was marched about half a mile in front, through 
a belt of timber, :ind encamped for the night. At early 
dawn the next morning the enemy discovered the exposed 
position of the brigade, and opened an enfilading fire upon 
it. Before the brigade could get under arms and gain a 
defensive position it was thrown into disorder, notwith- 
standing the coolness of Colonel Hofmann, whose voice rang 
clear and distinct above the din of the bursting shells and 
the roar of musketry. The brigade retired in some di.s- 
order behind the forts captured on the day previous. The 
remainder of the corp.s was waiting to receive them, and 
the enemy were quickly repulsed. The brigade was sent for- 
ward for a decoy to draw the enemy into the works, — a foolish 
and needless sacrifice of men. This was called the battle of 
Peeblc's Farm. Again several weeks were spent in fortifying 
and extending the lines, gradually closing in upon the 
enemy. About the middle of October, another see-saw 
movement was made. Three corps, the Second, Fifth, and 
Ninth, advanced three miles to the left, to get po.s.scssion of 
the South Side railroad, the last line of communication 
leading to Petersburg, excepting the railroad connecting 
Petersburg with Hichmoiid, Tiie Fifth and Ninth corps 
marched to the right and fornjcd on Hatcher's run, the Ninth 
corps to the right, the Fifth corps to the left of the run. 
The Second corps took a detour to the left and was to join 
the Fifth corps on its left. The Second corps met with 
considerable opposition from the enemy in endeavoring to 
got into position, and did not succeed in forming a junction 
with the Fifth corps, there being an interval of nearly a 
mile between them. The country was grown up to a dense 
thicket, the .surface was uneven, and ;is difficult to manoeuvre 
an army in as the Wilderness. 

The maps which were used by our generals as guides 
were imperfect and misleading. Hatcher's run is a very 
tortuous stream. General Warren was ordered to keep his 
right on the stream. The two corps. Fifth and Ninth, 
formed into line of battle, without waiting for the Second 
corps to come up and join the Fifth corps on the left. The 
One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment was detailed to 
act as flankers on the left, to guard the Fifth corps against 
surprise. The duty of flankers is to march by the flank, 
or in column, within sight of the main army, to guard it 
against surprise. The thicket was so dense that objects 
but a short distance oflT could not be seen. The direction 
of the line of battle of the Fifth corps was soon deflected 
to the right, in order to follow the turning of the stream. 
The One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment soon lost 
sight of the main line, and continued its march in a straight 
course into the gap between the Second and Fiflh corjts, 
diverging more and more from the line of battle as it 
marched ; it soon become lost. After a while a stafl'-officer, 
after a long .search, came with an order to Lieutenant- 
Colonel Harney, directing him to advance with the regi- 
ment and find the right of the Second corps, and picket 
the iiitcr.space between the two corps. Iiicutcnaiil-(.'oloiiel 
Harney, ever cautious to guard again.st surprise or sudden 
disaster, rode in front with an orderly, to examine the 



ground : when the regiment came up halted it until he 
examined farther on. The regiment kept on in this way 
until the left of the Fifth cor[i6 was found. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Harney then rode oflT to find the right of the 
Second corps. Soon after, a deafening roar of musketry 
was heard from the direction towards which he had but a 
few minutes before disappeared. 

The enemy soon poured into the gap. They attacked 
the Second corps in front and on the flank at the same 
time, overwhelming it and forcing it back. The One Hun- 
dred and Forty-.seventh Regiment made a hasty retreat 
and got 08 without loss, save the great one of losing Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Harney. He was not again seen by the 
regiment until it was on its return from Appomattox 
Court-House after General Lee surrendered. He had 
saved the regiment from capture, and probably from a great 
I0.SS in killed and wounded, by his timely caution. It was 
not known during matiy months whether he was killed or 
captured, and his loss was mourned by the regiment more 
than all of its previous misfortunes. The whole army fell 
back when the Second corps was forced to retire, and en- 
camped near Hatcher's Run. Early the next morning it 
resumed its retreat and returned to its old (juartcrs in the 
intrenched camji. 

Many incidents occurred of an amusing nature during 
the stay in the dense woods. 

Rebel General Mahone, the bugbear of the Fifth corps, 
found, as was his wont, the weak point in our line, and it 
was his division which came into the gap. In the attack 
on the Second corps his troops became much broken up 
into S(|uads, which became lost in the woods. They wan- 
dered aimle.ssl}' around, and often met similar squads of our 
own troops lost in the same manner. They would demand 
of each other a surrender, a brief ]iarley would be had, and 
it was decided that the weaker in numbers should surrender 
to the stronger, upon the democratic principle that the 
stronger should rule. At length they would run upon 
another squad, there wouM be another counting of noses, 
and perhaps a reconsideration of the former vote, the 
stronger always carrying the day. But in the retreat the 
gap was closed by the two corps uniting, and all the lost 
squads of the enemy were captured and brought out as 
prisoners. There were between seven and eight hundred 
of them. No new move was made until December. 

It was discovered that the enemy had established a line 
of communications connecting the Wcldon railroad, about 
twenty miles below or south of our lines, with tiic same 
railroad within the enemy's lines, near Petersburg, by the 
Boynton plank-road. The fifth corps was ordered on a raid 
down to the North Carolina line, to destroy the Weld'Mi 
railroad and break up the communication. The corps 
crossed the Nottoway river, about twenty miles south of 
Petersburg, and there cut loose from all communications. 
The weather was very warm for the season. It seemed 
very nincli like .setting out on a pleasure excursion. The 
rights of property with the inhabitants were scrupulously 
respected. The first day the troops marched till late in the 
night. The moon shone with unusual s]ilendor; there was 
not a fleck of a cloud to be stvn. The weather was so 
warm and the air so balmy that the officers did not have 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



103 



their tents put up, but laid them on the ground to sleep 
on. Late in the night there came a sudden down-pour; 
the officers awoke witli the rushing of waters under them, 
which nearly floated them off. The next day, about noon, 
there came a dash of the enemy's cavalry, throwing the 
head of the column into temporary confusion. The division 
was then commanded by General Crawford, and had the 
advance. 

The troops were as soon as possible deployed across the 
road and in adjoining fields to repel the cavalry, on account 
of the suddenness of the attack. There were conflicting 
orders, and the enemy's cavalry got oflF without much loss. 
As soon as they saw that they were charging upon a line 
of infantry they turned and fled. General Warren, hasty 
and passionate, upbraided some of his officers for allow- 
ing them to escape. The Federal cavalry were supposed 
to be in advance. The inhabitants in the country had 
stored in their cellars plenty of eider-brandy, or apple-jack. 
Our cavalry had on the road stopped at the houses and 
partaken freely of the fiery beverage, and were nearly all 
lying intoxicated along the road. 

Towards evening the Weldon railroad was reached ; then 
commenced its destruction. A brigade was marched along 
the side of the railroad track and halted. A break was 
made in the track at one end of the brigade. The track 
was then pried up at that end with ties, and turned nearly 
over bodily. After once started, the process of lifting one 
side of the track from the bed and turning it over became 
a very easy matti r Miles of track, with its ties attached 
intact, were, in a very short time, turned over from the 
bed, leaving the ties on top of the rails. It was then an 
easy matter to wrench the ties from the rails and pile them 
up into heaps and set fire to them. The rails were placed 
across the burning piles of ties, which soon became heated 
in the middle, and the weight of the ends bent them in the 
shape of a bow. A rail of railroad iron, when once sub- 
jected to this process, can never again be restored. By the 
evening of the next day nearly twenty-five miles of the 
Weldon railroad was completely destroyed. 

At Hicksford, on the Meherrin river, the enemy con- 
fronted the Fifth corps witji a superior force. A sharp 
skirmish was had at that place, and the corps set out on its 
return, the object of the expedition having been accom- 
plisiied. In the night of the commencement of the retreat 
there came up a sleety storm ; in the morning the branches 
of the trees were crusted over with ice. Then set in a cold, 
drizzling rain. The enemy pursued, and their cavalry an- 
noyed the rear exceedingly. The Federal cavalry, that 
should have protected the retreat, wore demoralized and 
fled, mixing in witli the infantry along tlie column. Gene- 
ral Crawford, ambitious for the post of lionor, had the rear 
division, and the Second brigade was perpetually pestered 
by sudden eruptions of the enemy's cavalry from by-paths 
or openings in the woods. They were easily driven ofl", but 
kept the men in a state of irritation and alarm. 

Whenever there was a good defensive position the army 
halted and awaited attack from the enemy ; but the enemy 
was-wary, and was not to be induced to attack when the 
advantage of position was in our favor; they contented them- 
selves by throwing a few shells after us, which did us no 



harm. In the evening of the second day of the retreat, 
weary from a long and toilsome march through deep mud, 
and drenched by a cold, drizzling rain, the men were in- 
spirited by an opportunity to get even with the enemy's 
cavalry, which had been annoying and pestering the rear 
throughout the day. 

A trap was set for them. General Wheelock's brigade had 
the rear. Passing a ravine and through a deep cut in the 
hill opposite, which the rains had washed out, and left high 
banks on each side of the road, overgrown with dense 
thicket, the general arranged his plan. Placing a regiment 
on each side, on the brows of the cut, he instructed them 
that when the enemy were in the cut, to close in upon them 
and capture them without firing upon them if they could. 
After arranging the men out of sight of the enemy, he in- 
structed the pioneers to pretend to be busy in tearing up 
the bridge across the stream, and when the enemy came in 
sight to retreat hastily through the cut, and entice them 
into the trap. 

The enemy's cavalry came and made a dash at the 
pioneers, who hastily retreated. When the enemy's cavalry 
da.shed into the cut, both regiments rose up and poured a 
volley into them, killed and wounded many of them, and 
captured the remainder. The men could not be restrained 
from firing, they were so much incensed and irritated by 
the annoyance they had sufi"ered all that day. In their 
cagerne.ss, some of them overshot the mark, and wounded 
two or three of their own men on the opposite banks, by 
their own fire. The enemy pursued no farther. The next 
day the corps recrossed the Nottoway river and encamped 
on the north bank of the stream, in the woods; the weather 
had become very cold and the wind blew a gale ; the wood 
was saturated by recent rains, and there the men remained 
through the night, shivering over the smoky, smouldering 
fires. The next day the cold increased in severity. The 
men were exhausted by previous hardships and benumbed 
with cold. Many a poor soldier had fallen by the way and 
had to be urged on by the provost guard, occasicnally at 
the point of the bayonet, to prevent his falling behind and 
being captured by the enemy. At the Nottoway, going 
down, the corps had cut loose from all communications. On 
its return it met a friendly force sent down to meet it, but 
there was no occasion, as the corps had got safely back. It 
had accomplished its object with a slight lo.ss ; but its 
hardships were great, — more from the inclement weather 
than from the encounters with the enemy. On the way 
down rights of property of the inhabitants were scrupu- 
lously respected. On the way back, every house, barn, 
church, and corn-crib was burned. 

The retreat of the army could be traced for miles by the 
smoke rising from the burning buildings. Families of 
helpless women and children were turned out in the cold at 
the commencement of winter. The able-bodied male popu- 
lation was all in the rebel army. The writer went into a 
house that seemed to he deserted at first by its inmates. 
It was filled with Union soldiers, who were ransacking the 
house. The brave General Wheelock was there, endeavoring 
to restrain them, but without much avail. 

Passing into a back room, there was found a poor woiiuui 
with four or five small children cowering around her, cling- 



104 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ing to her skirts ; slic with mute appeal looked imploringly 
for protection. The soldiers were driven out of the house, 
but upon lonkiiig back after the march was resiimed, the 
flames were seen bursting out of the house. The occa.<ion 
for this vandalism was that on the way down several of 
the Union men ^avc out on the way. or had straggled; on 
their way back they were found dead, stripped naked, and 
horribly mutilated. 

Upon the return the regiment went into winter encamp- 
ment, and but little was done, save strengthening the lines, 
until February C, 1805. 

Thc.foUowing promotions took place <Iuring the last year 
of the war : James Coey wa.s promoted to the lieutenant- 
colonelcy, November 15, 1864; Alexander IVnfield was 
promoted to the majority, November 15, lSt)4. 

The following were made captains: William J. Gillett, 
Byron I'arkhiiist, Henry H. Hubbanl, William A. Wy- 
bourn, Alexander Ring. Alfred N. Beadle was made (juar- 
termastcr. 

The filliiwing witc m:ide first lieutenant.s : Patrick J. 
Brown, James W. Kingsley, Richard Esmond, John N. 
Beadle, Frank P. Benks, A. Judson Dicki.son, Lansing 
Bristol, Samuel S. Conde, Edward iM. Sperry. 

The following were made second lie\itenants: John S. 
McCoy, William Sullivan, William Boyce, Joseph W. 
Emblem, and Sidney G. Cook. 

During the fall and winter of 1SG4-65, General Grant, 
with grim humor, often greeted the enemy with shotted 
salutes upon the receipt of the news of important victories, 
such as the battle of Cedar Creek, the capture of Fort 
Fisher, and General Sherman's succes.ses in the south. 
The time chosen was generally about dusk, when all was 
quiet along the line.s. Suddenly the heavens were lighted 
up by the discharge of hundreds of cannon, and the course 
of the projectiles could be traced, followed by the explosion 
of shells as they descended into the enemy's lines. The 
enemy would spitefully return the salute by the time ours 
was over. The enemy were not long in discovering it.s object. 
Their papers complained bitterly, giving General Grant all 
sorts of hard n.inics for what they pretended to consider 
his " brutal linnior. ' It bad a very demoralizing effect upon 
the enemy, as they soon learned that each salute was occa- 
sioned by some fresh disaster to their cause. 

There were signs of demoralization and breaking up of 
the Confederacy; deserters were constantly coming in from 
their lines ; but our ranks had been largely filled with mer- 
cenaries, or bounty-juni]iers, who availed themselves of 
every opportunity to escape, and often, in battle, would lie 
down and submit to capture without resistance. To these 
General Lee issued a proclamation oft'ering them safe-eon- 
duct by blockade-runners, or through distimt parts of the 
lines, home. 

The Fifth corps brf)ke camp February 5, and niarclied 
to near Dinwiddle Court-House, and encani|)cd lor the 
night. About dark a heavy cannonading was heard in the 
rear, and an order came for the corps to get into marching 
order. The corps was marched back a short distance, and 
halted in an open field ; the wind was blowing a gale, and 
the weather cold. The men were told that they might lie 
down and get some sleep. It rcniaini'J there a few hours, 



and then resumed the march ; at snnrise the corps wa8 
halted at the crossing of Hatcher's Run. The Second corps 
was busy throwing up breastworks. The corps remained 
until about four P.M. ; then it was formed into line of battle, 
and advanced upon the enemy. The Second brigade Wiis com- 
manded by Genend Morrow, formerly colonel of the Twentv- 
fourth Micbigiui Regiment. The Second brigade drove the 
enemy, and gained a position in advance of the line. It held 
it against .several a.«.saults of the enemy until out of ammu- 
nition. The regiment had protected itself by placing 
in front an abatis of tree-tops and limbs. When out of 
ammunition. General Morrow still strove to maintain the 
place, hoping relief would come soon. The enemy had 
come up and were removing the abatis before a retreiit was 
ordered. The brigade was driven back, and lost all it had 
gained. 

The los.s of the regiment in this battle was great. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Coey, commanding the regiment, was shot 
through the face, and it was suppo.scd he had received a mortal 
wound. Lieutenant Wybourn was shot through the ankle, 
and had his leg amputated ; Lieutenant Bristol was killc<l ; 
Lieutenant Berry was captured ; Captain Joseph Dempsey 
was wounded in the arm; General Morrow was shot in the 
side. 

The Fifth corps was driven back to the breastworks that 
night. Scant provision had been made to shelter the 
wounded in case of a battle; but few of the hospital tents 
had been brought up, and what there were were filled with 
wounded, and many wounded were placed outside in the 
open air; fires were built around them to kccj) them fmm 
freezing. 

In the night came on a sleety storm, covering every- 
thing with ice. About two A.M. February 7 the wounded 
were all got into the ambulances and sent to City Point. 
That day was a cold rainy day. There was constant 
skirmishing with the enemy, at times amounting to a 
real battle. The regiment occupied a swamp, and had no 
shelter. The men who were wounded soon became stifl'ened 
with cold, and by the time they reached the hospital were 
])ulseless. The fighting continued through the night of 
the 7th. The morning of the 8th broke clear and cold. 
The men, when they left camp on the 5th, were not allowed 
to cumber themselves with more than one blanket apiece. 
Their sufferings from exposure were great. On the Sth 
they were allowed to return to the old cjinip and get their 
tents and blankets. This battle enabled the army to extend 
its lines two miles, which were strengthened with strong 
defensive works. The rcginu'nt again went into winter 
quarters near the place where it had fought so persistently 
and bravely. 

It erected new huts and had a season of rest. In the 
morning of March 25, before daylight, a terrible roar of 
artillery was heard towards the right. The Fifth corps 
was immediately got under arms and marched towards the 
scene of conflict. By the time it got on the ground the 
battle was over. The enemy had captured Fort Steadman 
bv surprising the picket-line in its front. Deserters froTu 
the enemy were in the habit of coming in in the night. 
Squads of men, first announcing them.selves i\s deserters to 
lull suspicion, diuslied upon the pickets and overpowered 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



105 



them. Immediately five tliousund of the enemy rushed on 
the fort and surprised it. Tiie fort was garrisoned by a raw 
Pennsylvania regiment. The men were soundly sleeping 
in their huts or tents. The enemy woke them up with the 
points of their bayonets, though in a playful manner. The 
Peniisylvanians had full haversacks and kiiapsacics. The 
enemy, half starved, made a raid upon the larder, and 
searched tiie haversacks and knapsacks for food. AH con- 
trol over them by their officers was lost ; no throats or en- 
treaty availed to restore order out of their demoralized con- 
dition. Daylight found them still in the fort, which was 
commanded by a Federal fort on each side. They were 
to advance on the military railroad, capture it, and cut off 
all of our army on the left. But the enemy thought — if 
he thought anything — that he could fight better on a full 
stomach, and tarried too long to fill it. The two forts 
poured iiito them a destructive fire of shot and shell, and 
they were all captured. The enemy a.ssaulted our lines in 
front of the Second corps. The Second brigade suffered 
severely. All that day there was mischief in tlie air, and 
the Second division of the Fifth corps was moved about 
from point to point to be in readiness to take part in it. 

In the afternoon the division was reviewed by President 
Lincoln. During the review heavy firing commenced in 
front, and the division marched from the review direct to 
the scene of action, but by the time it got there all was 
(juict again ; then it returned to its camp. 

The following were killed or died in hospitals from June 
19, 18G4, to the end of the war : John S. Kippen, corporal, 
Co. B, February 6, battle of Hatcher's Run ; Wilson Sanders, 
Co. B, July 8, 1864, typhoid fever; Christopher Rising, 
July 18, in hospital; Charles A. Brown, Co. C, killed 
November 22, 1861; Albert Fuller, Co. C, September 1, 
186-t, died in hospital ; L. Lawrence, killed February 5, 
1865; Wm. Minor, Co. C, August 11, lSG4,diediii hos|iital; 
Ansel Orr, Co. C, died in hospital ; Henry Smith, Co. C, died 
in hospital; Edw. Topping, Co. D, died May 11, 1865, of 
smallpox ; Luther Clark, Co. D, wounded April 1, 1865, at 
Five Forks, died April 19; William Cline, Co. D, died in 
hospital September 25, 1864 ; Samuel Fessenden, Co. D, 
wounded April 1, died April 10, 1865 ; James Nolan, Co. 
D, died at home August 20, 1864 ; Asa Badick, killed at 
the battle of Hatcher's Run, February 6, 1865 ; Alfred S. 
Nichols, Co. E, killed April 1, 1865, at Five Forks ; James 
Brown, first lieutenant, Co. F, died July 1, 1864, from 
wounds received at Spottsylvaaia ; Daniel Densmore, Co. 
G, died October 10, 1864, of wounds received May 5, 1864 ; 
Sylvanus E. Barker, Co. G, killed at the battle of Gravelly 
Run; Edward Damm, Co. G, killed in action August 18, 
1864; Wm. Knight, Co. G, killed in action August 19, 
1864 ; Andrew Morrison, Co. G, killed at the battle of 
Gravelly Run March 31, 1865; Charles Brown, Co. G, 
missing in action October 1, 1864; John F. Kellcy, Co. G, 
killed October 1, 1864; (Co. H) Alamander Plumb, killed 
June 22, 1864; Wm. H. Morse, died August 30, 1864, 
in hospital; Daniel A. Wheeler, died August 23, 1864; 
(Co. I) Horace Chapin, killed June 25, 1864; John 
Mitchel, killed June 20, 1864; Richard Murry, killed 
July 16, 1864; (Co. K) Lansing Bristol, first lieutenant, 
killed February 0, 1865, at the battle of Hatcher's Hun; 
8 



Richard McGraw, killed August 19, 1864, at the battle of 
Weldon Railroad; Wm. Fitzpatrick, killed August 19, 
1864; Florin Hes.s, killed August 21, 1864: John F. 
Roberts, died August 13, 1864, of wounds received May 

5, 1864; Richard White, killed June 25, 1864 ; Theodore 
Wliitlock, killed at the battle of Hatcher's Run, February 

6, 1865. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

OSWEGO IN THE KEBELLION. 

The One Hun Jrec! and Forty-seventh Regiment — Battles of Gravelly 
Run, Five Furks, and Appomattox Court-House. 

In the morning of March 29 the Fifth corps broke camp 
to set out on tlie last campaign of the war. It was joined 
with General Sheridan's command, under the direction of 
General Sheridan. General Sheridan had, with a large 
cavalry force, set out farther to the left to make a long de- 
tour, to get around the enemy's right. During the first 
day, near sunset, the Fiftli corps came upon the enemy and 
had a sharp engagement. The One Hundred and Forty- 
seventh Regiment, at Hatcher's Run, on the 6th of Febru- 
ary, had lost its field and staff officers, and the command 
was given to Colonel Daily, of Weldon Railroad renown. 
Colonel Laycock commanded the Fifty-sixth Pennsylvania. 
They were two kindred spirits. These two regiments were 
ordered to charge and t;ike the Boynton plank-road, which 
was on a ridge in their front. Each colonel seized the 
colors of his respective regiment and led the charge in per- 
son. It was a rivalry between the two which should plant 
the colors on the ridge first. The charge was made with a 
great flourish and noise, the men fully entering into the 
spirit of the rivalry. 

The enemy fired a volley into the two regiments and fled 
precipitately. 

During the night it commenced to rain ; the rain con- 
tinued steadily till the 31st of March. The soil is of quick- 
sand and clay, and moistens up to a great depth. The en- 
tiro transportation of the army was stuck fa.st. The roads 
had to be corduroyed ; in some places the first layer of logs 
sank out of sight, and a second layer had to be put on top 
of the first before the trains could be moved. The Fifth 
corps was groping its way through dense thickets and 
swamps, endeavoring to get po.s.session of the White Oak 
road and join its left to Sheridan's cavalry. In the morn- 
ing of the 31st the enemy massed a large force on the left 
of the Fifth corps when it was groping its way bewildered 
in the swamps and woods. They made a furious attack, 
sweeping down the line, doubling up brigade after brigade, 
until two divisions of the corps wore disorganized and the 
woods filled with retreating soldiers, with all semblance of 
organization lost. The left had been driven in two miles, 
to a swale, where was posted the Wisconsin brigade in re- 
serve. This brigade checked the pursuit of the enemy. 
It met the enemy in a hand-to-hand encounter. One of 
the enemy attempted to seize the colors of a Wisconsin 
regiment from the hands of a stalwart standard-bearer. 



lOf, 



niSTORY OF ()S\VE(JO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Tlic standard-bearer seised a miinket and brained him on 
tlie spot. He was afterwards rewarded by a medal b)' the 

Slate of Wiseiiiisiii for his pillaiitry. Al\cr tlie eiiciiiv was 
repulsed lie turne<l around and attaiked General Sheridan. 
General Sheridan was driven back three or four miles near 
Dinwiddii! Court-House, but he retre-.ited in j;ood order, 
and finally held the enemy at bay. The lo.ss of the regi- 
ment in this encounter was very severe. Colonel Daily 
received a painful wound in the hand. 

BATTLE OF yiVE FOKKS. 

When Genenil Sheridan had drawn the enemy kick, and 
wiLs hoKliiiL; him at Ixiy, ho sent an order to Genenil War- 
ren to march the Fifth corps up to the rear of the enemy 
and cut off his retreat, and capture the whole force ; but 
the Fifth coqis was so much scattered that it could not 
be pit towther in time. On the nij;ht of the iilst two 
divisions of the Fifth ajrps advancetl to join General Sher- 
idan, but the entire corps did not a;et up and into position 
until alKiiit four I'.M. By thai time ihe enemy had ]iarliallv 
fallen liaik. The corps was formed so as to swiiij; around 
and intercept the enemy's retreat, and capture five thousand 
of them. The cavalry and Fifth corps pui-sued ihe enemy 
over their works to Southoriaiid station on the South Side 
railroad ; there they tried to rally and make a st.tnd, but 
were soon driven from their {losilion. The enemy were 
broken and demoralized. The pureuit was continued along 
in the night, and many of their trains were captured. The 
pursuit was so close that the enemy were not enabled to 
cross the Apjiomattox to join General Lee. After the 
battle of Five Forks was over, General Sheridan relieved 
General Warren from his atminand on the field. The pur- 
^uit was continued, giving the enemy no rest, night nor 
day, until April 4, when the army arrived at Jetersville, 
five or six miles from Buck's Station. Sheridan's cavalry 
and the Fifth corps were now across the track of General 
Lee's army, intercepting its retreat into North Carolina. 
During the night of Ajiril 1 a terrible cannonading was 
heard towards Petersburg. On the morning of the 2d an 
a.ssiiult was made on the enemy s works all along the line. 
General Lee had weakened the force in the defenses to 
strengthen his right to oppose General Sheridan and the 
Fifth corps. The works were soon carried. The principal 
resi.stance was met in one fort gjirrisoned with two hundred 
and fifty rebels. It was captured with a loss of five hun- 
dred men in killed and wounded. Only about thirty of the 
enemy e.scapiil. The force which General Lee depended 
upon for the s;ilvalion of his army was broken and scattered 
by (Jeiieral Sheridan's cavalry and the F'ifth corps. Gc>n- 
eral Ix^e collected the remnants of his army, and in llie 
night of the 2d evacuated Itiehmond, burning the bridges 
behind him, and blowing up the magazines on the whole 
line of his defenses. Anarchy and destruction ran riot 
during the evaenalion and the final breaking up of the 
Confedeniey. The business part of Uiehniond, consisting 
of magnificent warehouses, was laid in ashes. The Con- 
fi'derale archives were partly burned and partly scattered 
about the streets. The inhabilanls were kept in a constant 
slate of consternation and alarm, fearing alike the uncon- 
trolled liccn.se of their own rabble and the entrance of the 



Federal army. Many of them gathered np hastily what 
they could of their vahiablcs. and fled with their n'trealing 
army. It was to them like the breaking of doom. Bv 
the time that General Lt-e had arrived at Amelia Court- 
Ilonse, on the Danville railroad. General Sheridan's cavalry 
and the F^ifth cor|>s werc^ across his trick, inlerei'pling fur- 
ther retreat, at Jetersville, about four miles in his front. 
General Sheridan expected an attack from the desperate 
enemy In-fore the rvmainder of the Federal aniiv could 
come up in their rear. His sctiuts, dressed in rebel uni- 
form, were scouring the whole country, misleading their 
baggage-trains, which were endeavoring to get off on by- 
roads. Some of them were led into our lines by the.se pre- 
tended friends and captured ; others were pounced upon by 
Sheridan's cavalry, which seemed to them omnipresent, and 
burned, (►ne train, two or thri-e miles distant, was sur- 
prised by the Twenty-fourth Regiment New York Cavalry, 
with some other cavalry troops, and was pillaged and burned. 
The rebel cavalry, under General Lee, came upon thein, 
and a desperate fight ensueil, in which Lieutenant-Cfilonel 
Richards, of Pari.sh, was killed. The smoke arising from 
the burning train, and the explosions from the powder- 
and ordnance-wagons, could be distinctly s<"en at Jetersville. 
General Sheridan n-inained at Jetersville, awaiting attack, 
until the remainder of the Union army began to press 
General IjCc in the rear. April 0, General I^ee com- 
menced his retreat towards Lynchburg. Then a hot pur- 
suit commenced. The Fifth corps, under the command of 
General Grifl[in. pursued on the right flank, its column 
keeiiing ]iace with the fleeing rebel army. The Second 
corps pursued in the immediate rear, and crowded so 
closely u]ion the enemy's heels that he was forced at times 
to deploy the rear-guard into line of battle to keep it back. 
In the mean time the flanking columns made it necessary 
for them to keep moving on to prevent being wholly sur- 
rounded, and having their retreat cut off. General Gor- 
don's division was nearly all destroyed or captured. A])nl 
6 the enemy, with its shattered forces, succeeded in crossing 
High bridge, and partially destroyed it. Genend Ewell's 
corps made a stand across Sailor's creek, near I'armvillc. 
The enemy occupied a strong position, protected in front b3- 
a swale and the creek. In attacking this position, two or 
three l'enn.sylvania regiments, endeavoring to cross the 
swale, were nearly annihilated. At length General Custer's 
cavalry gained a position in the enemy's rear. In a mag- 
nificent charge, it came sweeping down upon them, and 
captured neaily the whole corps, with General Ewell. This 
is commonly called the battle of Farmville. Our los.ses 
were very great, principally confined to the Pennsylvania 
regiments. The [lursuit conlinued through the Slh, and 
until the morning of ihe Olh. when the Fifth corps, alter 
marching continuously through the Sth, and in the night, 
till two A.M. of the "Jth, cut off further retreat of the 
enemy at .\pponiallox Courl-House. F^arly in the morn- 
ing of the !lth luavy firing was heard in our front. The 
Fifth corps immediately got under arms and advanced. It 
soon came u]>on the enemy driving the cavalry before them ; 
a brief fight ensued, and a ivbil brigade was cut off and 
captured. It was the last efi'ort of General Lee's army to 
escape. It was completely hemmed in on three sides by 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



107 



our forces ; on the other side was an iiiipcnetrablc swamp. 
As the Fifth corps advanced to a high ridge, the whole 
rebel army came into view, exposing tlieir weak position. 
Tiicy were encamped across a valley on the side of the 
opposite ridge. Overtures for surrender had already been 
made, and a conference of the opposing generals was in 
progress. There was a truce to all further fighting. The 
elation of the army can better be imagined than described. 
All the toils and the dangers of the weary and famished 
soldiers were over. The demonstration of their joy was ex- 
pressed in one hearty and prolongedeheer, extending through- 
out the lines, and then subsided into perfect stillness. They 
respected the bravery of the fallen foe, who had met them 
in many a terrible battle-field, and now lay helpless at their 
feet. There was not the disposition to gibe and jeer them 
which was common after their discomfitures in other en- 
gagements on the pursuit. The enemy wore cowed and 
humiliated, and showed none of the arrogance universal with 
them before in any of their misfortunes. Their spirit was 
completely broken. 

The hardships of the pursuit had baen terribly severe 
upon our men. They had to follow in the wake of the re- 
treating enemy, over roads trampled into a thick mud of the 
consistence of a mortar-bed. The roads wore lined with 
dead mules, given out on the way, festering in the hot sun, 
giving out a stench that was intolerable. The supj)ly-trains 
were far in the rear, and during days the famished soldiers 
would pick up the corn left by the feeding mules to stay 
their famished stomachs. Nothing but the elation of vic- 
tory, and a sure prospect of destroying or capturing the 
rebel army, could have kept them up on the pursuit. There 
was much less straggling than usual in our rear in this pur- 
suit. In the evening of the 8th, General Sheridan, in the 
advance of the enemy, captured a rebel supply-train of pro- 
visions coming from Lynchburg for the relief of the rebel 
army. This was like manna sent from heaven to our faiu- 
islied soldiers, and starvation or surrender to the starving 
rebels. It was the last straw that broke the camel's back. 

One great feature in this campaign, and which greatly 
contributed to its final success, was the daring and ubicjuity 
of General Sheridan's scouts. 

They were dressed in the rebel uniform, with long 
Shanghai gray coats. They presented a unique appear- 
ance. They were constantly coming and going through 
the lines, and sometimes ran great risk of being shot by 
our pickets as rebels. They were gay, bold riders, and de- 
lighted in their duties. There was a spice of adventure in 
that s<irt of .service which made it peculiarly attractive to 
them. Out of many hundreds of them, the writer was 
told that only two had got caught, but they were given a 
short shrift, and immediately hung up. They claimed it 
was the least dangerous of all the branches of the service. 
They had the complete .style and reckless abandon of the 
Confederate cavalier, and the peculiar accent of the South- 
erner. As the regiment was pa.ssing two or three hundred 
of cjiptured rebels, near Southerland st;ition, the men, as 
usual, commenced bantering them: "Ah, Johnny! you 
have got enough of it, have you ? Pretty hot work now, 
and poor feed, and about time to ((uit. Getting tired of it. 
Kli, Johnny?" Oue of them, thinking that it was an im- 



putiition upon their courage and constancy to the rebel 
cause, replied, " By golly ! you wouldn't have got us if it 
wasn't for one of your fellers dressed in our clothes. He 
misled us when wo were lost, and trying to find our way 
into our lines. He told us that he was .sent to find us, and 
show us where to go, but led us right into your lines, and 
we were captured. We'll fix him if we ever catch him 
again." 

That same night a rebel wagon-train was captured by 
one of these scouts, who told the conductor of the train 
that he was ordered to show him where he wa.s to park his 
train for the night. lie led the train into our lines, and it 
was captured. 

These scouts were everywhere in the rebel army. They 
pointed out the places where some rebel cannon were buried, 
with tablets put up, with some names inscribed on them, 
representing them to be soldiers' graves. They had assisted 
the enemy to bury them. The pursuit had been so close 
that the rebel army had become demoralized, and nearly 
scattered, leaving a remnant otdy at the capture. The 
country was filled with rebel soldiers wandering aimlessly 
about. 

Out of about forty-five thousand at Amelia Court-House 
only twenty-two thousand had reached Appomattox Court- 
House, and of that number only eleven thousand had 
muskets. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

Return of the One Ilunilreil ami Forty-seventh Regiment to the De- 
fenses at Washington, and its tinal Muster-Out. 

TtfE First division remained two days to rest and receive 
supplies. It then returned to Burk's Station. The con- 
dition of the roads beggars description. Bridges were 
destroyed, and the baggage-trains had great difliculty in 
crossing the streams. 

At Farmville the news came of the a.ssa.s,sination of 
President Lincoln. The inhabitants were in great fear lest 
the soldiers would wreak vengeance upon them. They has- 
tened to express their horror for the deed, and showed 
regret and sympathy for the great loss to the country. 
They said they feared Andrew Johnson much more than 
they did President Lincoln, whom they had begun to look 
upon as their fiiend. 

They feared their liberated slaves, who were roaming 
about the country, and clamored for protection from our 
army, but they feared more their disbanded and straggling 
defenders, released from all restraint and discipline. Their 
great anxiety was to know " what was going to be done 
with them," as they were now coniincrcd. 

They were amazed and delighted with the generous 
terms of surrender granted by General Grant. After the 
surrender. General Crawford, with his staflF, rode into t!ie 
rebel camp to call on his former old army friends, who had 
been fighting for the Confederacy. General Longstrect told 
him that lie had fought to the last ditch, and expected no 



lOS 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COr.NTY. NKW YORK. 



tui'ins but :iii iiiii'uncliruiiial siirrriidor, mid that lie sliuuld 
be liuiij; for treu.sdii. The iiuist of tliem greeted 'he jjeu- 
cral very cordially, but ocesiNioiially there was one whose 
relx-l Kjpirit was still stroiij; within him. and wuuld aiiswcr 
his salutation with a scowl, and turn his back upon him. 
Froui Burksvillu the regiment returned by short marches 
to Manchester, ojijiosite to Richmond. p:LSsini; thron-ih 
Putersburg on its way. The men gave themselves up to 
joy and frolic on the way, and discipline was very much re- 
laxed. The poor liberated contraband contributed more 
than his share to the amusement of the troops. Tossing 
him up in blankets, and blowing him up by mined cracker- 
boxes, when he e^ime into the camp for food, were the daily 
sport of the men, but they always rewarded him well aHer- 
wards for the entertainment. 

The regiment remained at Manchester two or three days, 
and visited the stronghold of the Confederacy, the objeciivc 
point of three immense armies, and to capture which had 
cost the country hundreds of thousands of men and an in- 
credible amount of treasure. Libby prison, Castle Thunder, 
and Helle Isle were objects of interest and places of histor- 
ical celebrity. 

The notorious Dick Turner, shut up in the dungeon-cell 
under Libby, and fed on bread and water until his comjilex- 
ion became bleached and eyes watery, had frequent calls 
from some of his old acr|uaintanccs, whose relative conditions 
were now rever.sed. lie was very cautious in coming to the 
door of his cell when called for by his former victims ; some 
of them had endeavored to retaliate upon him part of the 
punishment he had inflicted upon them. In the month of 
May the regiment marched from Richmond to the southern 
defenses of Washington. On its way from Appomattox 
Court-House it was joined by Lieutenant-Colonel Harney, 
Colonel Jlillcr, and Adjutant Lyman, who had been liber- 
ated from the rebel prisons by the march of General Sher- 
man from Savannah north ; also by Lieutenant-Colonel Coey, 
who had jiartially recovered from the frightful wound received 
at I>al)ney's Mills; and Cajitain Wybourn, W'ho lost a leg 
at the same place. The regiment was then mustered out of 
the United States service, June 7, 1865, and started on its 
way for the north a day or two after. At Baltimore it was 
assigned two or three box-cars, fitted up with seats con- 
structed out of rough boards loosely put together, affording 
insulTieient room and no possibility of reclining for sleep in 
the night, on their long journey home. The ears were ex- 
cessively dirty, having been used formerly for a misecllaneous 
kind of trans])(irtation. The men became indignant at their 
treatment by the railroad company, which was receiving sufli- 
cient compensntion from the government to afford them fii-st- 
class passage. They were to go by Hairisburg an<l Elmira, 
A demand was made by Colonel Miller for better cars, on 
the superintendent of the road, which was refused ; he then 
demanded more cars, so that the men could ride more com- 
fortably; that also was refused. The men could no longer 
be restrained. They forcibly took possie.s.sion of two more 
cars and attached them to the train. A riot wa.s with dif- 
ficulty prevented. There were one or two other regiments 
in the same predicament. 

The regiment was two days and nights going from Bal- 
tinmre to KImira. It was switched off on a side-track for 



the pas.«age of every passi'ngcr and freight tniin that came 
along, as if it contained cattle or swine instead of the brave 
defenders of the country, who had bravely fought iu a 
hundred batll(^s. 

The railroad company had been jiampered throughout 
the war by the government. It unfortunately was managed 
by corrupt politicians and lobbyists, who did not scruple to 
profit by the misfortunes of the country and the blood of 
its brave defenders. 

AVhen the regiment arrived at Kliuin it was warmly 
greeted by the citizens of the place, and the irritation caused 
by its treatment at the hands of the Pennsylvania road 
soon subsided. The Eric railroad, contrary to the practice 
of the Pennsylvania road, fitted out an elegant special train 
to take the regiment to Ithaca. The weary men reposed 
on the luxurious seats of the cars, an enjoyment no one 
could fully a]ipreciatc who had not piu^scd through weary 
uiarshcs and bivoucks in rain and mud, often disturbed by 
the enemy's cannon, during nearly three years. At Ithaca 
it was transferred to an elegant boat on Seneca lake, and 
enjoyed a luxurious riile upon its clear waters, bordered 
with abrupt banks, crowned with trees which were reflected 
in the pellucid depths of the lake. It was a licautiful 
clear day. The surrounding country, diversified with wood- 
land and growing field, with farm-houses nestled in em- 
bowering shades, presented a picture of peace and happiness 
that the men had been a long time strangers to. Arriving 
at Geneva, the regiment was again met by a deputation of 
grateful citizens, who had made elaborate preparations for 
its reception. 

A special train was soon got in readiness to take the regi- 
ment on another stage on its journey Iiome. It arrived iu 
Synicuse in the night, its place of rendezvous. It then 
went into encampment, and remained several days awaiting 
its final muster-out and disbaudment as a regimental organ- 
iziition. July 7, the regiment was mustered out of the 
State service, and returned to Oswego. It was there greeted 
with firing of cannon and other demonstrations of joy. An 
elaborate collation was in readiness at one of the public 
halls of the city, graced with a profusion of beautiful flowers. 
Tlie fair daughters served the bronzed and " battle-scarred 
veterans" the delicacies of the groaning tables, who with 
modest demeanor accepted the proffered service with un- 
feigned embarrassment. They were much more accustomed 
to storming batteries than meeting the glances of the fair 
sex. Out of the eight hundred and thirty-seven enlisted 
men who had left Oswego September 27, 1802, only one 
hundred and forty-seven had returned ; sevend of them 
were crippled or maimed for life. Its ranks had been filled 
several times during the war. The recruits, what were left 
of them at the time of the muster-out of the regiment in 
Washington, were transferred to other regiments. There 
were on the muster-rolls of the regiment nearly two thousand 
three hundred men. 

This hi.-tory would not be complete without a brief men- 
tion of Mrs. II. H. Spencer. 

Mrs. Spencer ]ios,se.s.scd the true missionary spirit, with 
superabundant energy for its constant eniiiloynieiit. The 
war furnished an excellent field (nr lis exercise. She .set 



1 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



109 



out with the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Regiment 
New York Volunteers, as matron and nurse in the hospital 
department. She persuaded her husband, R. H. Spencer, 
to enlist in the ranks. He was mostly occupied with her 
as hospital attendant. They remained with the regiment, 
in the defenses of Washington, until it was ordered to the 
front, at Falmouth. They were left l)ehind to care for the 
sick who were left in the hospitals in Washington. 

January 12, 1863, they joined the regiment at Belle 
Plain. The sick at that time were suffering very much 
from the want of delicacies of diet and comforts of bedding, 
which could not be obtained from the purveyor's stores at 
Aquia Creek. 

The freijuency of desertions, and smuggling contraband 
stores into the army, had necessitated stringent regulations 
in all communications to and from the front. 

Mrs. SjJencer gathered a large amount of stores from the 
Sanitary and Christian Commissions. 

It was necessary to apply to Colonel Rucker, the head of 
the transportation bureau in Washington, for transportation. 
He was a terror to the inexperienced regimental quarter- 
masters. Bluff and rude in manner by nature, the want 
of knowledge of the official forms and red tape in transact- 
ing the business of the department by I'egimental quarter- 
masters, and the many blunders and impositions practiced 
upon him, often drove him into a paroxysm of passion. 

Mrs. Spencer applied to him for transportation for her 
stores to Aquia Creek. She wa.s very curtly told she could 
not have it ; nothing daunted, she then called on the secre- 
tary of war, and made known her niissi<in. 

The secretary of war gave her an order on Colonel Rucker 
to give her transportation on the next boat going to A(|uia 
Creek. She gave Colonel Rucker the order, and asked him 
if that Wiis satisfactory. He gruffly said, " Yes ; take the 
boat and run it !" 

Her appearance with the needed supplies was like the 
advent of a ministering angel to the sick, languishing in 
the ho.?pitals. 

She accompanied the troops on the Gettysburg campaign, 
carrying with her, on her horse, her bedding, cooking uten- 
sils, and a supply of clothing, besides supplies for the sick. 

She often assisted the men, when exhausted on the weary 
marches, by carrying for them their coats and blankets, 
which they would have otherwise abandoned on the way, 
and then suffered from the want of them in the twilight 
dews, chilly nights, and drenching rains. Nearly the entire 
hospital department and medical staff of the First corps 
was captured in the first day's battle of Gettysburg, and 
there was great lack of medical officers and hospital attend- 
ants to care for the wounded during the following two days' 
battle. Amidst great confusion, and not wholly free from 
danger from hostile shells, Mrs. Spencer, assisted by her 
husband, got over the fire her camp kettles, and took from 
her haversacks, hanging to her saddle-bow, coffee and 
canned extract of beef, and was soon ministering to the 
wants of the wounded, by giving to them fragrant coffee 
and delicious .soup. She was always cool and brave in time 
of danger, and never shrank from going to the relief of the 
wounded when her services were the most needed. In the 
trenches before Petersburg, when no ouc could go to the 



front without incurring imminent risk from the enemy's 
sharpshooters and stray bullets, she frequently conveyed to 
the weary, famisliing men delicacies, of which they were 
sadly in need. After the terrible battles of the Wilderness 
and Spottsylvania, the wounded were conveyed in ambu- 
lances and lumbering b;vggago-wagons, over rough roads, 
miny weary miles, by Fredericksburg to BjUc Plain ; there 
they were put upon hospital transports and taken to Wash- 
ington. 

At Belle Plain, the wounded, weary, famished, and tor- 
tured by festering wounds, were greeted by their old friend, 
Mrs. Spencer, who hid, as usuul, comj to their relief in 
time of their greatest need. It had been raining several 
days. She spent several days, standing ankle-deep in the 
tenacioiTS Virginia mud, making coffee and soup, till thou- 
sands were served. Thousands were removed from the 
ambulances and baggage- wagons and placed upon the hill- 
sidas, without shelter from the pouring rain. Tliey were 
made cheerful by her ministering care, and forgot their own 
sufferings in their anxiety for her own comfort, and danger 
in taking cold. As the Army of the Potomac advanced 
towards Richmond new communications were opened, by 
Port Royal, White House, and City Point. She, at each 
successive point, repeated her ministering care to the 
wounded and afflicted. The remainder of her deeds of 
heroism and mercy are duly recorded in " \Voman's Work 
in the Civil War." 

The following members of the regiment died in rebel 
prisons during the war : 

Company A, Thomas Barnes, October 4, 180-1 ; Theo- 
dore Elliott, September 16, 186-1; Moses Shaw, September 
10,1864; Miles Morgan, September 1, 1864; Wm. Camp- 
bell, August 31, 1864; Orrin Kimberly, July 13, 1864; 
John Green, August 26, 1864 ; Robert Hyde, September 
14, 1804. 

Company B, Joseph P. Clyens, August 17, 1864; Jacob 
F. Goodbred, August 28, 1864 ; Gilbert Sherwood, August 
4, 1864 ; George Walling, August 22, 1864 ; Francis G. 
Defendorf, July 13, 1804; Matthew Devine, July 12, 1864 ; 
John Garner, July 22, 1864. 

Company C, Peter Douglass, October 5, 1864 ; Lorenzo 
W. Horton, Morgan L. Allen, Jr. 

Company D, Henry Broder, August 26, 1864; James 
C. Eldred, July 19, 1864 ; Edgar A. Stratton, October 10, 
1864; Wm. Cline, September 25, 1864; Theo. W. H. 
Hawley, October 11, 1864. 

Companj- E, John Chambers, August 29, 1864 ; Reuben 
Ellis, August 24, 1864 ; Wm. Haggerty, August 20, 1804 ; 
Theo. Smith, August 24, 1864 ; Ezra C. Jones, October 
12, 1864; James Kenny, September 10, 1864; David 
Smiley, October 9, 1864 ; Jehiel Weed, at Salisbury, North 
Carolina, November 29, 1864 ; George Yerdon, at Salis- 
bury, North Carolina, November 29, 1864. 

Company F, Leonard A. Freeman, date and place un- 
known ; Burr B. Lathrop, Florence, South Carolina ; Fred- 
erick Shultz, Augu.st 23, 1804, at Andersonville, Georgia ; 
Wm. 0. Daniels, sergeant, November, 1864, at Rich- 
mond, Virginia; Ansel Gannon, September 12, 1864, at 
Andersonville, Georgia ; Charles S. Little, September 20, 
1861; A. B. Rundall, September 20, 1804; Michael 



no 



IlISTORV OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



TniiiicT, .SfjiteiulKT 12, 18C-J, Aiidorsonville, Gwrgia ; 
Walilo IVncliiii, died, after cxcliaiigcd, at Aiinapulis ; 
Will. W. Wood, MarL-li 16, 1805, Floruiice, South Carolina. 

Company O, Harvey D. Merritt, Aii;.'u.st 18, ISCi-t, An- 
dersonvillc, Geori^ia ; Cornelius Cranili, date unknown; 
Gcor<;e Kciser, ScptenilK-r 15, 1864; John Thompson, 
date unknown ; Is;iac Wa-shington, August 18. 1804 ; Jolin 
Wetliorhy, L>eeeinlxT 1, 1801, Salisbury, North Carolina; 
John Miller, date unknown ; John llijiby, December 10, 
1804 ; Garrett S. Ayres, date unknown. 

Comi>any II, Sanford Alsavor, died in Florence, South 
Carolina; John Granger, July 10, 1804, at Andcrsonville, 
Georgia; Isaac Ga.slin, Kiehmond, Virginia; David II. 
Johnson, Decemlier 2!t, 1804, after exchanged, at Annap- 
olis ; Thomas Wright, May 28, 1804; Samuel "iJowen, 
July 20, 1804, Andersonville, Georgia; Wesley Brock, 
September 18, 18C4; James A. Castle, June 10, 1804 ; 
Noah L. Myers, August 7, 1804; James Spoor, July 18, 
1804. 

Company I, John Dooley, after exchanged, at Annapolis; 
Griggs Ilolbrook, August 22, 1804 ; Joseph Lemoreux, 
August 21, 18i;4; Elijah Chappel, October 12, 1804, at 
Andei-sonville; John H. Loach, September 11, 1804. 

Company K, Silas B. Taylor, Se|)tcmber 29, 18C.4, An- 
dei-sonville, Georgia ; Jabcz K. Sjiaiilding, Company E, date 
unknown ; Chas. Jennings, date unknown. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

OS-WEGO IN THE KEBELLION. 
The One Hundred and Eiglity-fourth RegimeDt. 

The One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Regiment w.is 
aulliiirized by Governor Seymour, upon the personal appli- 
cation ol' Hon. Elias Root, of Oswego. W. G. Robinson 
and William I. Preston immediately thereafter held a series 
of war-meetings throughout the county, a.*isisted by D. G. 
Fort, Cheney Amos, A. B. Getty, Henry Fitzhiigh, and 
A. Van Dyck. Though Oswego had sent thousands of her 
brave sons to the front, and the home ranks were sadly 
thinned, the patriotic fire was again kiiiilled, and roeniiting 
for tile lit'lli Oswego regiment was rapidly jiuslied forward. 
There were over fourteen liundrcd men recruited for the 
regiment from this county, and two hundred from Madi.son 
and (,'ayuga counties. It was mustered into the service 
during the months of August and September, 1864. 

The following were the regimental and line officere : 

('oloiiel, Wardwell G. Robinson ; liientenant-Colonel, 
Wm. P. McKinlcy ; Major, W. D. Fuigeson ; Adjutant, 
Howard M. Smith ; Quartermaster, John Dunn, Jr. ; Sur- 
geon, Tobiiis J. Green ; Assistant Surgeon, T. Y. Kinnie ; 
Chaplain, Jacob Post. 

Liitf Officers. — Company A, Captain, Joel S. Palmer; 
First Lieutenant, C. P. Strong; Second Lieutenant, JI. L. 
Hraiicli. 

Conifiaiiy B, ('a|.taiii, W. S. .Mor.se ; Fiivt Lieutenant, 
J. N. Root; Second Lieutenant, C. H. Pavey. 



ComiHiny C, Captiiin, J. W. Parkliurst ; First Lieu- 
tenant, George A. Leonard; Second Lieutenant, Daniel 
Bothweil. 

Company I), Captain, S. R. Town ; FiiTt Lieutenant, 
Augustus Philipps; Second Lieutenant, Joel II. Warn. 

Company E, Captain, John Sheridan ; First Lieutenant, 
J. M. Francis; Swond Lieutenant, J. H. Looinis. 

Company F, Captain, Wm. Dickinson ; First Lieutenant, 
I. W. I>arrow ; Second Lieutenant, S. H. Brown. 

Company G, Captain. J. T. Outerson ; First Lieutenant, 
J. H. Grant; Second Lieutenant, T. W. Smith. 

Company H, Captain, H. W. Ramsey ; First Lieutenant, 
G. W. Woodin; Second Lieutenant, T. M. Watkins. 

Company I, Captain, (ieorgc Wetmore; First Lieutenant, 
E. F. Morris; Second Lieutenant, John H. (jilnian. 

Company K, Captain, S. Scriber; First Lieutenant, M. G. 
McCoon ; Second Lieutenant, Jerome H. Coe. 

The regiment left Elmira for the front in September, 
1804. They arrived at Washington, embarked for City 
Point, and subser|ueiitly went into ciimp about two miles 
di.staiit from Bermuda Hundred. 

September 27, orders were received to move to Wilson's 
landing, known as Fort Pocahontas. The regiment enibiirked 
aboard the " Thomas Pcjwell," and at four o'clock V.M. 
arrived at the fort. On the following day one hundred 
and twelve men were detached for picket duty, and two 
companies sent to Harrison's Landing. SeptenilxT 29, the 
regiment embarked for Harrison's I.ijindiiig. Here they 
found comfortable quarters within sight of City Point, and 
Colonel Robinson, being the ranking officer, became post 
commandant. November 8, Rev. Jacob Po.st was selected 
as cliaplain. Tlie regiment remained here during the term 
of service, and although not participating in any .severe 
conflicts, they performed the duties assigned them faith- 
fully. 

To place before the reader a history of the entire regi- 
ment, it will be neces-sary to follow the four companies, 
A, B, D, and F, as these companies were forwarded from 
Elmira before the remainder of tlie ri^gimeut, and rejoined 
it only a .short time previously to its discharge. 

The four companies mentioned above, under command of 
Major Furgeson, left Elmira September 14, 1804, and .soon 
after arrived in Washington, where they remained until 
September 215, when they took up the line of march for 
Winchester, Virginia. At Harper's Ferry they halted four 
days, and left for Ilarrisburg as a guard for a provision 
train. They joined the army of General Sheridan, and 
were with him during the celebrated raid through the Shen- 
andoah valley. In three days they marched one hundred 
and four miles on the track of the rebel General Earl}', 
burning and destroying property. During this long and 
tedious march they daily exchanged shots with Mosby's 
guerrillas, and at Fi.shcr's Hill the army participated in a, 
sharp cng-agemcnt. They subsequently were ordered to 
JIartinsliurg. Here they remained two days, and were 
again ordered up the valle}', and encamped at Cedar creek. 
F.arly on the morning of the 19th of October, 1804, while a 
greater portion of the men were sleeping, an orderly dashed 
into camp with orchis from (ieneial Wright, the corps 
commander, to fall into line of battle immediately. With 



1 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



Ill 



ail alacrity truly commendable, tliey struck tciits and ad- 
vanced, when they were immediately attacked by the enemy, 
and the nieniorablo battle uf Cedar Creek commenced. 

The battle raged until night put an end to the contest. 
It was a severe engagement, and thrice were they driven from 
their ground, and as often regained it. At the close of the 
conflict they encamped on the ground that they had left in 
the morning, but not all of those brave men who responded 
so promptly to the call returned to the old camp. Si.\teen 
sealed their devotion to their country with their life's blood, 
Lieutenant Philipps among the number. In addition to 
the killed, there were forty wounded. General Early was 
defeated, and the Union forces captured five thousand 
prisoners, sixty-two pieces of artillery, besides a large quan- 
tity of small arms. In tliis engagement the cavalry was 
under the command of the lamented Custer. This was the 
first engagement in which the.se companies wore under fire, 
but they behaved like veterans, and won many encomiums 
of praise for their prompt action and bravery. Througli 
the inexcusable fault of some one, no tents were issued to 
these companies until the battle of Cedar Creek. Adjutant- 
General Andrew J. Smith, of General Seymour's staff, 
presented the ofiieers with a wagon-cover, and this was the 
only tent in the command. 

They subsequently were ordered to Winchester, wliere a 
long line of works was thrown up, called " Camp Russell." 
Hisre the companies remained about four weeks, when they 
returned to Harrisons Landing, and joined the remainder 
of the regiment. The entire command remained here several 
months, and, in addition to their other duties, bestowed 
much labor upon their camp, in beautifying and rendering 
it comfortable. It was said to be one of the finest in the 
army. While at the Landing, Colonel Robinson was post 
connuaudant, and Major Furgeson acting provost-marshal 
and post inspector. June 30, 1865, Colonel Robinson re- 
ceived orders from MajorGeneral HartsuflF directing that 
the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth be marched out of the 
breastworks preparatory to embarkation. The order was 
promptly obeyed, and the embarkation commenced. Com- 
panies A, B, D, I, and F, under command of Major Fur- 
geson, shipped aboard the steamer " North Point," and the 
remainder of the regiment on the " Robert Morris." July 
1, tlie entire command reached Baltimore, and after march- 
ing to the " Soldiers' Rjst," where dinner was served, they 
took the cars for Elmira, New York, where they arrived at 
four o'clock ou the following day. The regiment subsequently 
went to Syracuse, where they were paid oft' and mustered 
out. 



CHAPTER XXVIL 

OSAVEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

The Twelfth Ucgiiuent of Cavalry : "Tliinl Ira Harris Guard"— First 
Rogimcut liight Artillery. 

TllK Twelfth Regiment of Cavalry, otherwise known as 
the '■ Tiiird Ira Harris Guard," was organized at New York 
city to serve three years. The companies of which it was 



composed were raised in the counties of New York, Colum- 
bia, Albany, Rensselaer, Clinton, Franklin, Oswego, Onon- 
daga, and Erie. It was mustered into the United States 
service from November 10, 18G2, to September 25, 1863. 

Two companies were raised in this county, and were com- 
manded by Captains Cyrus and Simeon Church. After the 
formation of the regiment they encamped at Camp Wash- 
ington, on Stateu Island, where they remained until March, 
1863. The colonel, James W. Savage, was on General 
Fremont's staff", and when the latter was relieved he came 
to New York and was tendered the command of the regi- 
ment. He served during the entire term of service, and 
at the close of the war emigrated to the far west, and is 
now a member of the judiciary of Omaha. 

March 8, 1863, the regiment broke camp and embarked 
for Newbern, North Carolina, and remained there during the 
war. While stationed here the regiment participated in a 
series of raids into the enemy's country, the most important 
one being the advance on Tarboro', which was made by eight 
hundred men for the purpose of destroying a rebel gun- 
boat, stores, etc., at that place. They destroyed the Wel- 
don railroad, and on approaching Tarboro' found the enemy 
in force, and immediately charged them with portions of the 
Oswego companies, A and B. It was a sharp contest, and 
Captain Cyrus Church, while gallantly leading the charge 
at the head of his company, was instantly killed, eleven 
bullets entering his body. Lieutenant Hubbard was 
wounded and taken prisoner, and was subsequeutly killed, 
in March, 1865, in the advance on Goldsborough. Ephraim 
Mosier, second lieutenant of Company A, was taken prisoner, 
and died at Charleston. In this charge the two companies 
lust twenty men. 

A detachment of this regiment was sent to Plymouth 
and also one to Little Washington. The Plymouth detach- 
ment performed general scouting duty, and was in the bat- 
tle of Plymouth, fought April 20. 1864, when the Federal 
forces were defeated by the Confederate General Hooke, 
and the two companies of this regiment composing the de- 
tachment were taken prisoner. In this contest Capttiin A. 
Cooper was in command, and was among the number cap- 
tured. Eighty-five men were sent as prisoners of war to 
Andersonvillo, and nearly all perished in that hellish pen 
lorded over by the notorious Wirz, who was subsetjuently 
executed. The detachment sent to Little Washington also 
did scouting duty, and were very instrumental in breaking 
up and routing the rebel General Mosby's celebrated gang 
of guerrillas. The Twelfth performed substantial service 
for the go\-ernment, and no portion of the regiment did 
better service during their two years of life on the tented 
field than the Oswego companies. The prison-pen and the 
bullet left their impress upon these companies, as many 
who went out never returned. They battled nobly for their 
country, and it is an honor to say, " I belonged to the 
Twelfth Cavalry." The regiment was mustered out iu 
July, 1865. 

FIRST REGIMENT LIGHT ARTILLERY. 

This regiment was organized at Elmira, New York, to 
serve three years. The companies of which it was composed 
were raised in the counties of Oswego, Oneida, Onondaga, 



11: 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOHK. 



Cheimiii;^, Stt'ubcn, Monroe, W:i_viip, Eric, Niauara, Jeffer- 
Boii, St. Jjiiwrciice, IjCWIs, and Herkimer. It was uiustcred 
into the United Stales scn'ice from Aujrust 30 to Noveiu- 
bor 11), 1861. The Fuurleenlli New Yc.rk Iiideiiciideiit 
Batter^' was a»<i<j:iied to this re-iimeiit Septeiiilier 7, 18G!5. 
On the expiration of its term of service the original mem- 
bers, except veterans, were mustered out, and the or^ani/ii- 
lion, coni[iosed of veterans and recruits, retained in service. 
We give below a liistury of Battery D, compiled from the 
diar}' of the lamented Lieutenant Albert N. Ames, who was 
killed by sharpshooters near Petersburg, Virginia, Septein- 
W 2fi, 18GI. 

After leaving Oswego they remained in Elmira a short 
time, and ab*.>ut November 1 moved to Washington. Tlie 
regiment arrived there in the night-time, and took sujijjer 
in u building bearing the pleasant-.sounding title of the " Sol- 
diers' Retreat," and after partaking of a meal consisting of 
jxK)r coffee, dry bi\;ad, and poor b,;ef tongue, they niarelied 
to a large building called the " Soldiers' Rest," where the 
members of tbLs regiment passed their first night on south- 
ern soil. They went into canijiliere. where they pas.^ed the 
time in drilling, etc., until March 1, 18G2, when niarcliitig 
orders were received, and on the following day tents were 
struck and the batteries embarked on board ste;imers, and 
they were soon steaming down the Potomac. At four 
o'clock they disembarked, and commenced their march to 
camp. While on this .slow and tedious tramp they received 
their fii-st taste of the unpleas;inlne,ss of war, being harassed 
continually by the shells from the enemy's batteries. 

March 5, the first gun wils fired by this regiment in de- 
fense of her country's riglits. They stationed a battery at 
Budd's ferry, opposite the rebel batteries, and immediately 
opened fire. They resjionded with three batteries, and the 
shells and solid shot dropped around them like hail. This 
firing soon ceased without loss to the regiment. 

April 5, they marched to Liverpool Point, Maryland, 
and embarked for Chesapeake bay, where they arrived 
April 9. Camped liero until May, when niareliiiig orders 
were received. At six o'clock a.m. on the following day, 
after having marclied during the whole night, with no sup- 
per and through a country rendered almost impaasable by 
the recent rains, orders were received to move immediately 
to the front, and without breakfa.st they continued their 
march through mud knee-deep. While moving a.s rapidly 
as po.ssible one of General Hooker's aids dashed along and 
gave the order to hurry to the front, as the infantry Wiis in 
pjsition anl the general was only awaiting the arrival of the 
batteries to open the engagement. 

At nine o'clock the butteries an'ived, and while forming 
the enemy opened fire, and several men were wounded, 
among them Lieutenant C. P. Aiken, who was struck in 
the breast with a shell, and Lieutenant H. V. Pike, who 
had a leg shot off. 

JIajor Wainwright attempted to rally his men, who had 
become panic-stricken at this su<lden firing; but neither he 
nor Captain Webber, who commanded a battery of regu- 
lars, could call the men to their posts of duty. At length 
Major Wainwright, exasperated at the conduct of the reg- 
ulars, rode up in i'ront of Battery 1>, which w;us awaiting 
orders, and asked '• if a volunteer company would volunteer 



to work the guns of a regular battery.' The battery re- 
sponded promptly to the call, and nobly did they do their 
work. They manned the regular battery, and thin, to- 
getlier with Captain Branchall's that came up soon after, 
Were the only batteries in this division outside of the woods 
in fnint of the enemy's works. Here remained these gal- 
lant batteries, supjiorted by Himkcr's infantry, firing and 
silencing the rebel artillery, until four P.Jl.. when tlie di- 
vision, having fought during the whole day without rcin- 
forecnients or relief was forced back by the enemy, who had 
been heavily reinforced. Though pouring in a deadly fire 
of shot, which swept the ground and left the rcl>el dead 
thick upon the field, they were being driven steadily back. 
At five o'clock the lamented Kearney and his gallant divi- 
sion came to their relief, and, driving the enemy back, re- 
gained the ground from which the batteries had been forced, 
after a severe contest of eight Imurs with a force largely 
.superior in numbers, an<l which had constantly Iwen re- 
inforced. Through the fault of some uflBcer this division 
was suffered to wage this unequal contest unrelieved, and 
their thin and decimated ranks at the close of the battle 
alone told of the severity of the struggle. Their loss was 
over two thousand killed, wounded, and missing. 

After the battle the regiment camped near William.s- 
burg, and here reuiainod nearly one month, during which 
time nothing of particular interest occuiTcd to relieve the 
ceaseless monotony of camp life. June 1, the order was 
received to move out in front of the works, and while occu- 
pying this position they afforded excellent marks for the 
enemy's sharp-shooters, who hara.ssed them until they fell 
back. The regiment remained in this section until the 
latter part of August, when they embarked for Alexandria. 
Prior to this lime the battery had participated in the fol- 
lowing baltlcs : Y^orktown, Willian)sburg, Seven Pines, 
battle of June 25, 18()2, I'each Orchard, Savage Station, 
W'liite Oak Swamp, Glendale, and Malvern Hill. At this 
point Lieutenant Ames ceased the keeping of the record, 
and it is impossible to give a further di'tailed history of the 
battery. It was subse(|Uently in the following engage- 
ments : Fredericksburg, Chanccllorsville, Gettysburg, Rap- 
pahannock Stati(.n. Mine Run, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
North Anna, Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Petersburg, 
AVeldon Railroad, and Chapel House. 

Li the various battles in which this battery was engaged 
— and many of the number were the greatest struggles of 
the war — it acquitted itself with distinguished credit and 
received man}' compliments for its gallantry. It was mus- 
tered out of the United States service June 10, 1805. 



CHAP TER XXVIII. 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 
The Twcnty-foiirtti Ciivalry. 

This regiment was organized at Auburn, New York, to 
serve three years. It was composed of companies from the 
counties of Oswego. Erie, Jlonroe, Chemung, Oneida, Ot- 
sego, Ontario, Onondaga, Livingston, and Albany. It was 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



113 



mustered into the United States service in January, 1864. 
Three companies were raised in this county. The colonel 
of the Twenty fourth was William C. Raulston. 

The regiment left Auburn in February, 1804, and went 
to Washington, where they remained until March, and 
were tlien sent to the front as dismounted cavalry. They 
crossed the Potomac, and went out to the Wilderness and 
participated in that battle. The regiment was detailed for 
picket duty, and the loss was light. A few days afler they 
marched to Spottsylvania Court-Houso, where they had an 
engagement with the enemy. Several were wounded, Ma- 
jor Taylor among the number. There .seemed to be no 
rest for the regiment, as they soon after marched to North 
Anna river, where a battle was fought and a few men 
wounded. 

On the day preceding the battle of Gold Harbor the 
Fourteenth Heavy Artillery was attacked by the enemy. It 
soon became evident that they would be repulsed, and the 
Twenty-fourth was ordered to advance as reinforcements. 
The order came to hold the line at all hazards, and, while 
fighting manfully to retain the line, the enemy, towards 
night, charged these gallant regiments with an overwhelm- 
ing force, defeating them and capturing many prisoners. 
Thirty men b.-longing to Company E were taken prisoners, 
and sent to Andersonville, where they nearly all perished 
in that inhuman stockade. After the engagement at Cold 
Harbor the regiment crossed the James river and marched 
to Petersburg, and was actively engaged in the operations 
in front of that city. 

On the 17th day of June, 1864, the grand charge was 
made on the enemy's works, and this gallant cavalry regi- 
ment led the assault. It was one of the most brilliant 
charges of the war, and the entire command lost heavily. 

*' When can their glory fade? 
Oh, the wild charge they made !" 

Captain Burch, of Company I, was killed, and Captains 
Taylor and Martin wounded. On the. following day the 
same command made another charge, and again lost heavily. 
The Twenty-fourth was then sent to the rear to recuperate, 
where they remained a few days, and were ordered into the 
breastworks to relieve the colored troops. They were in 
line of battle when the explosion of the mine occurred, and 
soon after Captain George Simons, of Company I, was mor- 
tally wounded by a shell, which carried away one eye, his 
nose, and a portion of his forehead. He survived several 
weeks, and died in Washington. In the engagement at 
Peeble's farm, in September, 1864, Colonel Raulston, Cap- 
tain Thomas, and Lieutenant McGraw were captured and 
taken to Danville, Virginia. Soon after. Colonel Raulston 
was killed in attempting to escape. He was a brave and 
faithful officer, and his loss was keenly felt. The regiment 
participated in the battle of Woldon Railroad, and soon aflor 
received their horses, at Camp Yellow House, and joined 
the mounted force. The division was commanded by Gen- 
eral Gregg, and the brigade by General Henry E. Davics, 
of New York city. 

During the winter the regiment did general picket duty 
on the left and in rear of the army operating before Peters- 
burg. One night Company E, which had been stationed as 



a reserve near what was known as the Calhoun House, was 
attacked by guerrillas, and Orderly Sergeant Benj. La Rook, 
then in command of the company, was killed in his tent, 
several were wounded, many taken prisoners, and every 
horse save two captured. 

In the spring of 1865 the regiment moved to Dinwiddie 
Court-IIouse and joined the general advance of the Army 
of the Potomac. On the day of the advance the Twenty- 
fourth was deployed as skirmishers, and in an engagement 
with the enemy they lost several men, Colonel Newbury 
among the number. They were in the vicinity of Fair 
Oaks during the battle, and at this time the brigade was 
composed of the Twenty-fourth, Tenth Heavy Artillery, and 
a New Jersey and also a Massachusetts regiment. Soon 
after the battle of Fair Oaks the Twenty-fourth and Tenth 
were sent out on a reconnoi-ssanoe, and surprised a long bag- 
gage train of the enemy, which they destroyed, and cap- 
tured a battery of new Wierd steel guns. They kept up a 
running fire with the enemy, which finally made a stand, 
and were immediately attacked by the Twenty-fourth and 
Tenth, and, after a sharp conflict, were repulsed. In this 
engagement Lieutenant-Colonel Melzar Richards was mor- 
tally wounded. They followed bard upon the retreating 
enemy, which, being pressed close, a second time fell in 
line of battle, and, after firing one volley, waved the white 
flag in token of surrender. 

The Twenty-fourth was at the front, skirmishing with 
the rebel cavalry, when the order came to cease firing, as 
the grand army of the Confederacy had surrendered. The 
regiment moved back from Appomattox to Petersburg, 
where they remained until Sherman's army came through 
from North Carolina, when the entire force moved to Rich- 
mond, and from thence to Washington. The Twenty- 
fourth participated in the grand review at Washington, and 
afterwards crossed the Potomac to Cloud's Mills, Virginia, 
where they were consolidated with the Tenth New York 
Cavalry, and the new organization became known as the 
First Provisional New York Cavalry. Many oflicers were 
mustered out as supernumeraries, and among the number 
were Charles A. Taylor, captain of Company E, Major 
Taylor, Harry A. Genet, E. A. Talman, George F. Raul- 
ston, Albert Thomas, John Hutchinson, Francis L. Brown, 
A. Tucker, A. J. Hefl"ron, M. McGraw, C. L. Pratt, Geo. 
Curtis, Van R. Kelley, Eugene Smith, and William W. 
Cook. The latter soon after entered the regular army, as 
General Custer's adjutant, and was killed with him in the 
fatal contest with the Sioux. The regiment was mustered 
out July 19, 1865, at Syracuse. The Twenty-fourth saw 
severe service, as evidenced by the following roll of honor : 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Guineas' Station, North Anna, 
Tolopotomy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
Cemetery Hill, Weldon Railroad, Reams' Station, Peeble's 
Farm, Vaughan Road, Bellefield. 



Ill 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

OSWEGO IN THE REBELLION. 

Thf Twenty-first New York IndcpeDdeut Battery — The One Hun- 
dred nnd Ninety-third Regiment — The Fiftieth Engineer Uegi- 
mciit, etc. 

The Twenty-first New York Independent Battery, Vol- 
unteer State Artillery, was nii.sed in Oswego County in 
Augu.'^t, 1862, and wiis mustered into the service of the 
United States September 2, 1S(J2, with full rallies. , 

Being attached to the expedition under Central Banks, j 
who succeeded General Butler in the command of the De- 
partment of the Gulf, the battery left New York about tlie 
middle of December, on two sailing-ships, took in cargoes 
of liorscs at Fortress Monroe, and arrived in New Orleans 
early in January, 1S63. 

The commissioned officers who went out with the battery 
were James Barnes, captain ; Henry H. Cozzens, first lieu- 
tenant ; and George I'otts, second lieutenant. At New 
Orleans the battery was armed with four three-inch steel 
rifled guns, and was stationed until the beginning of May 
at New Orleans and Bonnet Carre. 

During the siege of Port Hudson it was attached to the 
division of the gallant Major-Goiieral Thomas W. Siierman, 
of Mexican-war fame, and was actively engaged during the 
siege, which continued until July 8. 

When the first attack was made, on May 21, the bat- 
tery was sent during the previous night to the extreme left 
of our line, to ojten fire on the rebel works at daylight. It 
was placed in an open plain, just at the edge of the timber, 
in full view of and about eight hundred yards from the 
rebel earthworks. Its opening fire was instantly answered 
from ten guns, scattered along behind the works, and al- 
tliough their fire was continued until nine a.m., and they 
liad the range perfectly, not a man in the battery was hurt. 
Many shells exploded with wonderful accuracj', one burst- 
ing under one of the guns, cutting the gun-carriage in 
five places and severing the lock-chain. The gunners had 
just stepped aside after loading the piece, and not a man 
was wounded. The same good fortune continued during 
the entire siege. No member was hurt, except Corporal 
James Norman, who got a bullet in the hip. 

During the attack on the 14th of June the battery was 
sheltered by a breastwork. 

After the surrender of Port Hudson, the battery was 
stationed at that post for nearly a year, during which time 
but little active service was seen, except in an occasional 
expedition to Baton Rouge or other points in c(ini|F:iny with 
a cavalry force. On Aj)ril 7, 18G4, one gun, under Lieu- 
tenant Pott-s, w;is sent to Baton Rouge with two or throe 
cavalry companies, where the force was attacked by a large 
body of rebels. The cavalry escaped, but the gun was cap- 
tured, with seven men of the battery, viz.. Corporals James 
Campbell and Charles Barnard, and Privates .Monzo Dun- 
ham, Charles Dexter, Daniel Roberts, Jr., John Walker, 
and Jloscs Potter. These men had a taste of the horrors 
of Andersonville. On February 28, Privates Daniel 
McSweeney and John S. Cozzens were captured by guerril- 
las, while outside the fortifications, and were taken to An- 
dersonville, where young Cozzens died. Moses i'otier, one i 



of the prisoners captured with the gun, dicMi at his home, 
in Hastings, Oswego County, soon after his release from 
the pri.son, '■ of scorbutus and starvation, contracted while a 
prisoner of war in the Confederate prisons of Georgia," as 
stated in the surgeon's certificate. 

When the unfoitunate Red River expedition of General 
Banks was org-anized, the captain of the battery made re- 
peated applications to have it ordered to accompany the 
army, but without success. After the signal failure of that 
disastrous enterpri.se, a large Uiinm was organized at Mor- 
gauza Bend, below the mouth of Red river, and the battery 
was ordered there, where it remained until the end of the 
year. 

. Here it exchanged two of its steel guns for four twelve- 
pound Napoleon guns, and the entire outfit of Battery G, 
Fifth United States Artillery. During this time it was 
sent several times, with other troops, into the rebel terri- 
tory near the Atchafalaya river, where several smart skir- 
mishes were had with General Dick Taylor's troops. 

Lieutenant Cozzens having died in New York, February 
18, 18t)4, Lieutenant Potts was made senior first lieuten- 
ant. Lieutenant Francis G. Barnes was transferred from 
the Eightieth United States Colored Infantry and made 
junior first lieutenant, and Orderly Sergeant Barber Ken- 
yon and Sergeant Aaron F. Colnou were promoted to 
senior and junior second lieutenants. 

Near the close of 18G4 the battery was ordered to New 
Orleans, to refit for active field service. The Thirteenth 
and Sixteenth army corjis, under Geiic'rals Gordon Granger 
and Baldy Smith, were about to undertake the reduction 
of the city of Mobile. During the investment of the forts 
defending that city, which commenced JIarch 27 and 
lasted nine days, the battery was in a very exposed position 
in front of the " Spanish Fort," and lost two men, viz., 
John Wilson, a driver, killed March 27 by a solid shot, 
and John Daly, a ciinnonier, March 29, by a rifle bullet. 
These were the only men killed in action belonging to tlie 
battery in its three-yeiirs' service. 

After the surrender of Mobile, the battery was stationed 
in that city, and had the honor to be selected to fire a 
nationid salute in its public sijuare, at noon of July 4, 1805. 
Soon afterwards it was ordered to Galveston, Texas; thence, 
after a few weeks, to New Orleans, and thence by sea to 
New York. 

It was mustered out of service at Syracuse, New York, 
September 8, 18G5, three years and six days after its 
muster-in. 

Of the two hundred and twelve men who went out with 
it, or who joined it from home while in Louisiana, one 
liundred and forty-nine officers and privates were mustered 
out at the close of its term, four deserted, two were trans- 
ferred to the Invalid corps, nine were transferred to the 
Twenty-sixth New York Battery; Lieutenant Cozzens died 
in New York, Private John S. Cozzens in -Uidersonville ; 
Moses Potter at home, in con.se()uencc of the hard.ships he 
suffered in the same place; and twenty-three died of disease 
in camp or in the hospitals, viz. : 

t^uartcrinaster-Sergeant James .Muiiger, Artificer Jay 
Jewitt, Bugler Aaron Van Antwerp, and Privates Orvin 
Buiidy. Luther 0. Dodge, John Dwyer, Wallace Holden, 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



115 



Henry Shrader, Timothy Beebe, Horace Benedict, William 
H. Hucsted, Adam Sixbeny, Jacob Smith, Elmer P. 
Burt, William H. Mitchell, Alviu S. Miller, INIatthew 
Thompson, George H. Millard, Daniel Mayno, George W. 
Betsinger, Peter Dunham, Michael Daidy, and Henry 
Hopkins. John Wilson and John Daily were killed in 
action ; and twenty-two were discharged for disability on 
surgeon's certificate. 

That the battery was not engaged in more active service 
was not its fault, as both officers and men were ready and 
anxious always to be actively employed, and never failed to 
apply for a chance if any movement was contemplated. 
Few organizations, of equal numbers and length of service, 
sufiered so little from disease and death, which speaks well 
for the thoroughness of its sanitary discipline. It always 
had the reputation of being one of the best-disciplined 
bodies in the Department of the Gulf, while it is believed 
that none could show a smaller proportional record of pun- 
ishments inflicted. 

Its commanding officer always felt a just pride in the 
faithful, orderly, manly, and soldierly qualities of the men 
whom he had the honor to command. 

THK ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-THIRD REGIMENT 

was organized at Auburn, New York, to serve one, two, 
and three years. The companies of which it was composed 
were raised in the counties of Cayuga, Oswego, Onondaga, 
Oneida, Jefferson. St. Lawrence, and Franklin. It was 
mustered into the United States service from April 6 to 
July 6, 1865, and mustered out of service January 18, 
18G(), in accordance with orders fi'om the War Department. 
Two companies were enlisted from this county, under Cap- 
tains A. H. Preston and William L. Yeckley. The regi- 
mental officers were as follows : Colonel, John B. Van Pet- 
ten ; Lieutenant-Colonel, John C. Gilmore ; Major, Alfred 
IMorton ; Adjutant, T. B. Wassou ; Quartermaster, Charles 
B. Bailey; Surgeon, D. H. Armstrong; Assistant Sur- 
geons, A. H. Tankis, Lorenzo Phiuuey ; Chaplain, W. 
Demjister Chase. 

THE FIFTIETH ENGINEER REGIMENT 

contained a number of men from this county. This regi- 
ment rendered the government valuable service in laying 
pontoons and building bridges. The regiment was com- 
manded by Colonel Charles B. Stewart, and was mustered 
into the service of the United States at Elmira, New York, 
September 18, 1861. On the expiration of its term of 
service, the original members, except veterans, were mus- 
tered out, and the regiment, composed of veterans and re- 
cruits, retained in service until June 13, 1865, when it was 
nmstered out of the service. 

The following regiments also had a few men from Oswego 
county in their ranks, viz.: Fifty-ninth, Ninety-third, 
Ninety-fourth, One Hundred and Forty-ninth, One Hun- 
dred and Eighty-sixth, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth, 
Second Artillery, Third Artillery, Fourth Artillery, Foiir- 
tcenth Artillery, Sixteenth Artillery, Seventh Cavalry, 
Twentieth Cavalry, and ninety-eight enlisted in the regular 
army. 



Before closing the history of the part taken by Oswego 
County in the war for the Union, it is proper to say a few 
words, regarding the county as a whole, in addition to 
our sketches of the separate regiments and batteries. 
Hardly another county in the State sent to the field as 
many men in proportion to its population as Oswego. 

By a general order of July 7, 1862, a war-committee 
was appointed by the governor to take charge of the raising 
of troops in this senatorial district, and that committee 
continued in service throughout the contest. Hon. Elias 
Root was the president and Henry S. Davis, Esq., was secre- 
tary. As men entered the army from time to time, they 
were credited to the counties in which they enlisted, — • 
Mr. Davis taking especial pains, and often following the 
detachments to other localities, to see that they were so 
credited. 

When volunteering began to drag, extraordinary efforts 
were made to see tliat an ample number of men were en- 
listed. When the time came for a settlement between the 
State and Oswego County, under chapter 29 of the laws 
of 1815, it was found that the State was indebted to the 
county for soldiers furnished in excess of the quota of the 
latter to the enormous amount of Jive hundred and fifly- 
two thousand seven hundred dollars, and this sum was 
actually received from the State authorities by Mr. Conklin, 
the county treasurer, who went to Albany several times for 
the purpose, accompanied by Mr. Davis, as .secretary of the 
war-committee. 

At the rates establislied by law, this showed an excess 
furnished by Oswego County equivalent to. eighteen hun- 
dred and forty-two men for one year each. But the law 
only applied to those who volunteered subsequent to the 
call made in July, 1864. Taking the whole war into con- 
sideration, Oswego County sent to the field an excess over 
her proportion, according to population; equivalent to about 
five thousand men, serving one year each. 

This remarkable fact needs no comment from the his- 
torian. 

Our military history is closed. We have faithfully 
traced the history of the various regiments, and it has been 
our honest endeavor to place before the people of Oswego 
County a truthful record of her gallant sons who risked 
their lives in the defense of their country. We have 
sought to deal justly with all, and give deserving credit to 
each and every regiment. While the history is a record of 
many of the severest battles of the war, it is not in any 
particular overdrawn; it is a "plain, unvarnished tale." 
It has been impossible to sketch many individual acts of 
heroism, but these were not wanting. We might speak of 
the lamented John D. O'Brien, and the gallant Major 
Barney, and follow the list down through a long line of 
brave men, who distinguished themselves on many a hard- 
fought field, but it would be without the scope of this work. 

Oswego County may justly point with pride to the record 
of her soldiery, as no section of our country acted a more 
prominent or honorable part in the great tragedy. 



IIG 



UISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

SINCE THE WAR. 

The Volunteers at M'ork — Plenty of Jtiisinoss — New Railroads — The 
Oswego and Home Rond^The Midland Rond — The .Syracuse 
Northern — The Lake Ontario .Shore — Transfer of tlie Syracuse 
and Oswego Road — The Panic of 1S73 — Hard Times — liankrupicy 
and Foreclosure — Subterranean Matters — Lorraine Sliales — t^ray 
Sandstone — Medina Sandstone — The Clinton Group — A last Look 
at the whole County — The Qreat Transformation. 

When the great war had closed in the spring of 1865, 
the thous;inds of O.swego County voluntcci^s were speedily 
absorbed into the coiniuunity from which they had sprung 
to arms at the call of their country. Most of them went 
to work, and there was plenty of work for them to do. 
The immense amounts of depreciated money which the 
government had been obliged to put in circulation during 
the war had .stiiuuluted all kinds of business into an intense 
activity, which lasted for several years after the close of the 
conflict. 

The transportation business was perhaps the most active 
of all, and the jrreat line of transportatiDii which runs 
through Oswego County was crowded to its fullest capacity. 
Men tell of seeing in those halcyon days the harbor of Oswego 
city 80 crowdeil with vessels that a person could walk from 
one shore to the other on their decks. The Oswego canal 
and the Oswego and Syracuse railroad were equally thronged 
with business. Naturally, it seemed as if new railroads 
Were sure to prove roads to wealth for their owners and for 
the community, 

The articles of the Oswego and Rome railroad company 
liad been filed in Ajiril, 1863. It wa.s built fmm Richland 
station, in the town of Riciiland, through tlie village of 
Pulaski and the towns of Mexico, New Haven, and Scriba, 
to Oswego city, being completed to the latter place in the 
autumn of 1805. Immediately after the organization of 
the company, even before the building of the road, it was 
leased in perpetuity to the Rome, Watertown and Ogdens- 
burgh company. The latter company sub.se(iuently bought 
a majority of the shares, and by operation of law their 
directors are also the directors of the Oswego and Rome 
company. 

A much more important scheme was that of building a 
railroad from 0.swego to Jersey City, opposite New York, 
a distance of about two hundred and forty miles. The 
articles to organize the company were filed January 11, 
18GG. The road was intended to be a part of a great 
through route from the west to New York, and the people 
along the line wore very enthusiastic regarding it. Five 
million two hundred and fifty-six thousand dollars in town- 
bonds were secured, and only seven hundred and seventy- 
three thousand from ])ersonal siil)scriptioiis. 

In Oswego County the road was built through the towns 
of Constantia, West Monroe, Hastings, Schroeppel, Volney, 
and Scriba. It was opened to Central Square, in the town 
of Hastings, in October, lSGlt,and to Oswego the following 
month. It was com|)let«d to New Ytyk in 1872. 

The Midland was followed by the Syracuse Northern rail- 
road, running from .Syracuse northward, crossing (lie Oneida 
river into Oswego County, at Fort Brewerton, passing thence 



through the towns of Hastings, Parish, Mexico, and Rich- 
land, and connecting with the Rome, Watertown and 
Ogdensburgh road at Lacona, in the town of Sandy Creek. 
It was finished in the fall of 1S71, by the Rome, Watertown 
and Ogdensburgh company. 

The Lake Ontario Shore railroad wa-s the latest enter- 
prise of this kind in the county. The articles were filed 
in the office of the Secretary of State, JIarch 17, 1868, 
thus completing the organization of the company. The 
road was from Oswego through the towns of Oswego and 
Hannibal in this county, and thence westward along the 
lake-shore to Lswiston on the Niagara. In the ine^an time 
the Syracuse and Oswego railroad had been leased to the 
Delaware and Lackawanna railroad company on the 1st of 
March, 1860, and was thenceforth extensively used by them 
in the transportation of coal, in addition to its ordinary 
business. 

In the autumn of 1873 came the great financial crisis, 
which produced its natural depres.sing effect upon ()swego 
County as well as upon the rest of the country. Men no 
longer walked across Oswego harbor on the decks of vessels, 
and were no longer anxious to build railroads through every 
hatnlet in the county. The Midland road went into bank- 
ruptcy, atid is now in the hands of a receiver. The mort- 
gage-bonds of the Lake Ontario Shore company were fore- 
clo.scd, and in the autumn of 1874 the road w:is sold. It 
was bid off by parties who organized, according to law, a 
new company, called the" Lake Ontario railroad company." 
In February, 1875, this company was coiisolidatvd with the 
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburgh company, under the 
name of the latter. The Syracuse Northern was sold on 
foreclosure, reorganized in the same manner as the Lake 
Shore, and then consolidated with the Roma, Watertown 
and Ogdensburgh company in 1875. 

These new roads are now doing fairly well, but have as 
yet hardly realized the expectations of their projectors. 
But, as Oswego County felt the depressing influence of 
commercial disiister with the rest of the nation, so with the 
rest of the nation it is beginning to recover from the blow, 
and hopeful men look forward with reason to the time when 
all her great commercial avenues shall again be crowded 
with travel and freight, and her illimitable water-power be 
utilized by uncounted mills and manufactures. Certainly 
much may fairly be hoped for in a county which has grown 
from a few score of struggling pioneers at the beginning of 
the century to the numbers i<hown in O.-iwego County in 
1875, — seventy-eight thousand six hundred and fillecn. 

Little more remains to be said regarditig the general 
history of the county. Before closing it, however, we will 
take cognizance of the legal inaxiiu that the jurisdiction of 
any district extends downward to tlie centre of the earth, 
and will give a little attention to the subterranean structure 
of the country under consideration. 

It would, of course, be impracticable to furnish anything 
like a treatise on geology in a work of this description. 
Suffice it to s;iy that beneath the surface soil the rocks of 
the earth are arrang(>d in strata or layers, usually somewhat 
inclined upward, which come to the surface one above the 
other, or, in different language, each of which crops out 
from under the other. Throughout the State of New Voik 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



117 



these strata incline upward to tlie north, consequently the 
lowest stratum which comes to the surface in each county 
crops out in its northern portion. 

In Oswego County the lowest stratum is the " Lorraine 
shales" or upper portion of the Utica slate, which last is 
the uppermost stratum of what is called by geologists the 
" lower Silurian" system. The Lorraine shales crop out in 
the extreme north part of the county, near the lake. Next 
above this, and therefore coming out south of it, is the gray 
sandstone, belonging to the middle Silurian system, which 
extends from the northeast corner of the county to a point 
near its centre, and thence runs westward along the lake; 
the line between it and the next stratum south crossing the 
Oswego river about a mile from its mouth. This gray 
sandstone is very compact, and firmly resists the action of 
the elements. It has been quarried for grindstones in the 
town of Orwell, near Salmon river. 

Next to this comes the Medina or red sandstone, also a 
part of the middle Silurian system. Its northern boundary 
is the same as the southern limit of the gray sandstone, and 
runs northeast from the centre of the county to its north- 
eastern corner. It extends southward, occupying more than 
a third of the area of the county. It shows itself freely 
on the banks of the streams, and is largely quarried for 
building purposes. 

The southernmost and uppermost of the Oswego County 
strata is what is known by geologists as the Clinton group 
(likewise belonging to the middle Silurian system), which 
occupies the entire border next to Oneida lake and river. 
It consists of parallel layers of shale and of red and gray 
sandstone. Iron ore is found in it, but in small quantities. 
Peat and marl are abundant. 

Over all these rocky strata large amounts of soil, inter- 
mingled with loose rocks, have accumulated, the whole 
forming what geologists term " drift." The underlying 
rocks are rarely seen by the ordinary observer except on the 
banks of streams. 

After this brief inspection of the foundation-walls of 
Oswego County, we will give one more glance at its outward 
appearance, — an appearance most encouraging to the lover of 
progress and civilization. 

The Indian trails over which Champlain and Le Moine, 
Garangula and De la Barre, Sir William Johnson and Philip 
Schuyler, passed to and fro on their various missions of war, 
religion, and traflBc, are now changed into the tracks over 
which the iron horse screams and thunders in his seemingly 
savage wrath. The forests have become groves, orchards, 
and fields. The wigwams have expanded into country farm- 
houses and city mansions. The place of the stump, hollowed 
on top into a mortar in which to pound corn, is taken by a 
score of mills capable of turning out over two million barrels 
of flour per year. 

What is far more important, churches are now seen by 
the score, and school-houses by the hundred, in the territory 
which loss than a century ago was devoted to barbaric ig- 
norance and pagan sacrifices. The wolf or the bear which 
strays into our county from the depths of the Adirondack 
forests is very liable to be trapped by a minister or shot by 
a school-master, — a fact which is perhaps no consolation to 
the animal in question. In short, in loss than a hundred 



years Oswego County has been transformed from the home 
of barbarism to that of the highest civilization ; a change 
which it has shared with the greater portion of our country, 
but which is none the less the cause of perennial wonder to 
those who meditate upon it. 

Having now given a resume of the general course of 
events from 1615 to 1877, we will subjoin sketches of 
various organizations, buildings, etc., which pertain to the 
county at large, but which could not well be incorporated 
into the continuous narrative. 



CHAPTER XXX L 

THE PRESS OP OS'WEGO COUNTY. 

The American Farmer — The Oswego Gazette — The Oswego Palla- 
dium — The Oswego Palladium and Republican Chronicle — The 
Palladium Again : How it Looked of Old : Its Subsequent Changes ; 
The Palladium Printing Company; The Palladium of To-Day — ■ 
The Oswego Kepublican — The Oswego Gazette and Advertiser — 
Br. Burdell — Major Cochran — The Oswego Democratic Gazette — 
The National Republican — The Oswego Free Press — The Oswego 
Democrat — The Oswego Observer — Equal Rights — The Oswego 
Patriot — The Commercial Herald — The O.swego County Whig — 
The Oswego Daily Advertiser — The Oswego Commercial Times — 
The Oswego Times and Journal — The Oswego Times; Various 
Changes; The Advertiser and Times ; The Advertiser ; The Times 
again ; The Oswego Publishing Company ; The Times of To-Day 
— The Oswego Commercial Advertiser — The Oswego Press — The 
People's Journal — The Daily News — The Northern New Yorker — 
The Pulaski Banner — The Pulaski Advocate — The Advocate and 
Aurora— The Port Ontario Aurora — The Pulaski Courier — The 
Richland Courier — The Northern Democrat — The Pulaski Demo- 
crat — The Fulton Chronicle — Ben Franklin — The Weekly Dis- 
patch—The Fulton Sun— The Fulton Mirror— The Fulton Patriot 
—The Fulton Patriot and Gazette— The Phoenix Gazette— The 
Oswego County Gazette — The Fulton Times — The Phoeni.K Demo- 
crat — The American Banner and Oswego County Times — The 
American Banner and Literary Gem — The Phoenix Reporter — The 
Phcenix Register — The Oswego County Democrat — The Messenger 
— The Mexico Independent — The Deaf Mutes' Journal — The Han- 
nibal Reveille — The Hannibal News — The Sandy Creek News — 
The Lakeside News — The Lakeside Press— The Parish Mirror — 
The Central Square News. 

The press is so widely recognized as one of the most 
important agencies of modern civilization that in so full a 
work as this it naturally requires a special chapter devoted 
to its history. 

" French's Gazetteer" asserts that the first newspaper in 
the county was the American Farmer, published at Os- 
wego before 1807. We have, however, been able to learn 
nothing of such a sheet from the oldest inhabitants, and, 
as there was no post-office at Oswego until 1806, and it 
was then a mere hamlet of between one and two hundred 
inhabitants, it is extremely doubtful if there was a news- 
paper published there at that time. 

The first paper of which anything is definitely known was 
the Os«;c5rci(?((2;e^/c,asiHall weekly, started at Oswego in 1817, 
by S. A. Abbey & Bro., and by them transferred to Augus- 
tus Buckingham. It w;is discontinued in 1819, but the 
material was purchased by John H. Lord and Dorcphus 
Abbey, who began in that year to publish what is now by 



118 



IllSTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YUllK. 



far the oldest paper in the county, the Weekly Otwego 
I'allmUum. 

This was at the period when the old Republican party, 
already more commonly culled Democratic, had overcome 
all opposition, and was beginning to sjilit into factions by 
its own weight. The Palladium affiliated with the " Buck- 
tail," or Aiiti-Clintonian faction. Mr. Lord afterwards be- 
aime the sole proprietor, and continued the publication 
until 1830, supporting the administration of Monroe and 
Jackson, and opposing that of John Quincy Adams. 

Mr. John Carpenter then became a part owner with Mr. 
Lord, and, after a few months, became sole proprietor. 
When Mr. Carpenter first entered the office the name of 
li' publican Cliruaicle was subjoined to the former tiilc, 
and for about a year and a half the paper carried the some- 
what Ujp-heavy appellation of Tlie Osweyo I'lilludiiim and 
Ri:publican Chronicle. The latter title was then dropped, 
and the journal in (piestion has ever since been known only 
as The Oswego Palladium. 

By this time parties had been organized ; the supporters 
of Jack.^ion falling heirs to the old name of Doniocrat.s, 
while the opposition was composed of "anti-Masons" and 
" National Kepublicans," but was soon after consolidated 
under the name of " Whigs." The Palladium from the 
fii-sl allied itself with the Democratic party, and has ever 
since remained its stanch supporter, except for a brief 
period in and after 1848. 

Mr. Carpenter, who .still resides on a farm near Oswego, 
has a file of the PallaiUum, while under his management, 
which he has pcrmitt^'d us to examine. It was a good- 
sized sheet of si.v columns, with the dark look noticeable 
in all old papers, and still observable in English, and, to 
some extent, in Canadian journals, — a look indicative of 
much ink, many " block-letters, ' and closely-printed adver- 
tisements. 

In 1845, 3Ir. Carpenter sold out to Mr. Bcman Brock- 
way, with whom Mr. C. S. Sumner was associated for about 
a year. In 1848 the Palladium supported Van Buren and 
Adams, and upheld the " Free Democratic," or, as it was 
commonly called, " Free Soil" party, until it was re-absorbed 
in the Democracy. 

In 1S5U, Mr. Brockway started the Daily Palladium, 
which has been issued in connection with the weekly ever 
since. The next year Mr. Brockway transferred a .share 
in the paper to Lloyd Mills, and for a short time it was 
issued by Brockway & Mills. Mr. Brockway soon disposed 
of his interest to Jo.sej)h C. Hatch, and the firm became 
Mills & Hatch. In 1851}, Dudley Farling became the jiro- 
prietor, selling out to T. P. Ottoway in 1854. 

The liistnamed gentleman retained the control nine years, 
publishing a stiff Democratic pajier during the rapid growth 
of the Kepubliciin party, and the early years of the war. 
In 18G3 he sold out toS. H. Parker. Mr. Parker remained 
as editor and i)roprietor until 18GG. From that time until 
187>/ the Palladium was published by C. Morrison & Co., 
and edited by John A. Barry. In the last-named year a 
stock company was formed, culled the " Palladium Printing 
CiiMi]iaiiy," by which the journal in quc-tion has ever since 
been published, Mr. Barry remaining the editor. G. A. 
Dayton has been president of the company since the for- 



mation ; G. P. Briggs was secretary and treasurer during 
1870 ; Dudley Farling during 1871 and 1872, and Simcxin 
Holroyd since that time. 
I The Daily Palladium is now a handsome twenty-four- 
column sheet, a member of the New York State Associated 
Press, issued about four o'clock each afternoon, under the 
editorial management of John A. Barry, editor-in-chief; 
B. E. Wells, local editor ; and Siiucon llolroj'd, business 
manager. The Weekly PalUulium is a large paper of thirty- 
two columns, under the same proprietary and editorial 
control. 

In March, 1825, Mr. William W. Abbey established 
another weekly newspaper at Oswego, called The Oswego 
liepidjlican, to champion the newly-inaugurated adminLs- 
tration of John Quincy Adams against the op|K>sition of 
the Palladium. In 1827 it was sold to Samuel O.sgood, 
who changed its name U) The Oswego Gazette and Adix'i- 
tiser. The next year it was transferred to William C. Shopc, 
who dropped its first name. In 1828 or 1829 the Adm-r- 
tiser Wiis purchased by Dr. Burdell, whose mysterious 
murder, twenty-six years later, at the residence of Mrs. 
Cunningham, in New York city, caused such intense and 
wide-spread excitement. Dr. Burdell changed the name 
of the Advertiser to The Freeman's Herald, and issui.Ml 
it about a year, when he, too, gave up the unprofitable 
effort. About the same time, and probably on the same 
material. Major James Cochrane, a son-in-law of General 
Philip Schuyler, started the Oswego Democratic Gazette 
as a National Republican opponent of Juckson's adminis- 
tration, it being publi.slied for him by Burdell, but it lasted 
only a short time. In 1832 it wiis resuscitated by Mr. 
John Quincy Adams as The National Republican, and 
advocated the principles of the party whose name it bore 
for another year, when it finally ceased to exist. 

Meanwhile the feeling against Ma.sonry had reached its 
climax, and in 1830, Richard Oliphant established The 
Oswego Free Press, and jiubli.-^hcd it for years as an anti- 
Masonic organ. In 1834, anti-Masonr}- having ceased to 
exist as a separate political organization, the Free Press wsui 
transferred to George G. Foster, who gave it the name of 
I'lte Oswego Democrat. But the Palladium was too 
firmly fixed in the hearts of the Democracy to be dislodged 
even by a journal bearing their/avorite name, and the next 
year the Drmorrat gave up the ghost. 

Equally unfortunate was The Oswego Observer, a weekly 
begun by Bailey & Hawks in February, 1835, and dis- 
continued in the latter part of 183G. 

A jtaper called Eiiual Rights was issued at Oswego for u 
short time about 1837. It was printed by Richurd Oli- 
phant for unknown publi.shors. 

The excitement cau.sed in Oswego County and vicinity by 
the celebrated " Patriot War" was so great that a newspajjcr, 
culled The Oswego Patriot, in sj-mpathy with the insur- 
gents, was published from the J'alladium office during the 
autumn and winter of 1838 and 1839. It was, so far as 
we know, the only recognized organ of the revolt, though 
the American frontier press very generally sym])athizcd 
with it. When the Canadian patriots were all dispersed, 
transported, or hung, the Oswego Patriot Wiis also sus- 
pended. Brief as was its existence, it had two editors °, 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



119 



the first being Mr. John Bonner, and the other a young 
lawyer, since quite well known to fame aa General John 
Cochrane, of New York city. 

In 1837, too, The Commercial Herald, devoted espe- 
cially to the commerce of the lake and canal, was established 
at Oswego by Hull & Henry, and issued weekly until 1843. 
In 1838, 'when the Whig party was rapidly growing in 
popular favor. The Oswego Comxiij Whig was founded at 
Oswego by Richard Olijjhant, who published it until 1844, 
and then sold it to Daniel Aycr. The next year Mr. Ayer 
issued from the same office the Oswego Daily Advertiser, 
the first daily jiaper in the county. In 1847, C. D. 
Brigham became proprietor. He changed the name of the 
weekly to The Oswego Commercial Times, and of the daily 
to The Ostcego Daily Commercial Times, but without 
relinquishing the Whig principles of his predecessors. 

Mr. Brigham sold out in 1848 to James N. Brown, who 
continued the publication under the names last mentioned 
until 1854, when the paper was transferred to Winchester 
& Ferguson. These gentlemen also published the Weeh-ly 
and Daily Journal, and united it with the Times, publish- 
ing the weekly issue as The Weekly Times and Journal, 
and the daily as The Ostcego Times and Journal. 

On the organization of the Republican party, in 1855, 
the paper adopted its principles, of which it has ever since 
been a faithful supporter. In 1857 the "Journal" part of 
its name was dropped, and the weekly and daily issues 
became respectively The Oswego Times and The Oswego 
Daily Times. From Winchester and Ferguson the Times 
went to N. M. Roe and W. B. Buckhout, and from them 
to Jonathan Tarbell, who edited and publi.shed it in 1859 
and 1860. In the beginning of the war Mr. Tarbell sold 
out to James N. Brown, and entered the army, becoming 
afterwards a brigadier-general of volunteers and a judge of 
the supreme court of Mississippi. Mr. Brown, having for 
the second time taken the helm, retained it until 1865. 

The Times was then sold to T. S. Brigham and J. A. 
Place, proprietors of the Oswego Commercial Advertiser, 
the consolidated paper being issued for a year as The Adver- 
tiser and Times. The name " Times" was then dropped, 
the weekly edition becoming The Oswego Weekly Adver- 
tiser, and the daily The Oswego Commercial Advertiser. 
In 1873 the Ostcego Press was united with the Advertiser ; 
the proprietorship of the consolidated journal was vested 
in a stock company, called the " Oswego Publishing Com- 
pany." The names JWss and Advertiser wore both dropped 
and the old one of Times was adopted, under which title 
the paper has since been published. 

About two years since, the weekly Times was enlarged 
to an eight-page paper of forty-eight columns, in which 
form it is still published. Tlie daily is a four-page sheet 
of twenty-eight columns. The president of the company 
is Benjamin Doolittle ; the secretary and treasurer, John 
A. Place ; the business manager, Frederick Thompson. 
The editorial staff consists of John A. Place, editor-in- 
chief; Frederick A. Dixon, local editor ; and Henry C. 
Stillman, commercial editor. 

The Ostcego Commercial Advertiser, daily and weekly, 
was established in February, 1864, by T. S. Biigliani and 
J. A. Place, Mr. Place being the editor. The Times was 



consolidated with it early in 1865, as before stated, and the 
Advertiser continued under the same management and title 
until its transformation into the present Times, as just 
nan-ated. 

The Ostcego Press, daily and weekly, was founded by a 
stock company in 1870, and maintained a separate existence 
until 1873, when it was consolidated with the Advertiser 
to form the Times. 

The People's Journal, weekly, was established at Oswego 
in March, 1849, by O'Leary & Dean. The next year it 
was sold to L. A. Winchester. In 1851 it passed into the 
hands of Sumner & Poucher, who started the Ostcego Daily 
Hetcs in connection with it. The next year L. A. Win- 
chester again bought it, and changed the name of the daily 
to the Ostcego Daily Journal. Two years later, 1854, the 
J'eople's Jotirnal and the Daily Jotirnal were united with 
the daily and weekly Times. The .Northern Neic Yorker 
was founded at Oswego in 1873, by J. H. Oliphant. It 
was issued only fourteen months, being discontinued in 
1874. 

The first paper in the county outside of Oswego was The 
Pulaski Banner, begun in 1830, and publi.shed at Pulaski 
by Nathan Randall until 1832, by A. A. Matthewson & G. 
G. Foster until 1833, and by James Geddes until 1834, 
when it suspended. 

In 1836 the old material of the Banner was purchased 
by Daniel Ayer, who issued a weekly paper called The Pu- 
laski Advocate until 1838. It was then sold to Mr. Dick- 
inson, the owner of the y^ti)'/ Ontario Atirora, who removed 
the latter paper from Port Ontario to Pulaski, and consoli- 
dated it with the Advocate, under the name of The Advo- 
cate and Aurora. Daniel Ayer again became the owner 
in 1840. He discarded the second name, and published 
the Advocate until 1842, when it was discontinued. 

The Port Ontario Aurora was published at the intended- 
to-be great city of Port Ontario, from 1837 into 1838, first 
by ]Mr. Van Cleve and then by Mr. Dickinson, the latter of 
whom removed it to Pulaski, and merged it in the Advocate, 
as just stated. 

In 1843 The Pula.iki Courier was started in that village, 
on the material of the defunct Advocate, by W. Winans. 
In 1847 it was purchased by A. A. Matthewson, who 
changed its name to Ihe Richland Courier. After pub- 
lishing it until 1850, he sold out to Joseph C. Hatch, who 
thought it necessary to make another change of name. 
The appellation chosen this time was The Kortliern Demo- 
crat. In 1854 it passed into the hands of S. C. Miller, 
who gave it the title it still boars, — The Pulaski Democrat. 
L. R. Muzzy, the present editor and proprietor, took control 
of the Democrat in 1869, and has ever since conducted it. 
Notwithstanding its name, it is independent in politics. It 
is a thirty-two-column sheet, of good appearance, and has 
a large circulation in the eastern part of the county. 

The second paper in the county outside of Oswego was 
the Ftdton Chronicle, first published as a weekly in No- 
vember, 1837, by Thomas Johnson. In 1840 it was sold 
to Isaac S. Clark and Kdwin Thompson, who gave it the 
peculiar name of Ben Franklin. Unfortunately, however, 
for that style of nomenclature, the Ben Franklin, died the 
very next yciw. 



120 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The Weekly Dkpatch was jmlilisliej in Fulton about a 
year, beginning in 1840, by E. C. Hatten. 

The FitUon Sun was begun in 1841 by N. B. Northrop. 
Tlie next year it was united with the Mirror. 

The I'ultun Mirror Wius e.stabli.shed in August, 1842, by 
Daniel Ayer. luimediatcly afterwards it was united with 
the Snti, and the con.S()lidat«,>d paper was published weekly 
as Tlie Fulton Sun uml Mirror until 1S44. It was then 
Bold to Spencer Munroe, and soon after discontinued. 

The Fulton Patriot was started in 1846 by 51. C. 
Ilougb. He transferred it to John A. Place in 1848, and 
he to T. S. Brighaiu, in 1834. In 1858 the Patriot was 
purchiised by Hon. R. K. Sandford, who bought out the 
Osicego County Gazette the same year, and published the 
consolidated paper as The Fulton Patriot and Gazette. 
This is still the name borne at the head of its columns, 
though it is commonly called The Fulton Patriot. In 
ISGl Mr. Sandford dispo.sed of his paper to Rodnej' L. 
Adams, who sold out in 18G5 to Bennett Bros., who have 
been the editors and proprietors up to the time of the death 
of the lamented Mr. Charles T. Bennett, just previous to 
the issuing of this history. Having been enlarged tliree 
times in twelve years, the Patriot is now a thirty-two- 
column weekly, and a sturdy supporter of Republican 
principles. 

The Phoenix Gazette, weekly, was started at Phoenix in 
1851, by Jerome Duke. He sold out to George E. Wil- 
liams, who in 1853 removed it to Fulton, and changed its 
name to The Oswego County Gazelle. Under that title it 
was published five yeare, when it was merged in the Pa- 
triot, as before stated. 

The Fulton Times was established in June, 18C8, by 
George E. and J. M. Williams. It is one of the few 
papers in the county which has not changed its name since 
it.s foundation. It is now a neat independent weekly, 
twenty-two by thirty-two inches ; George E. Williams 
being editor and proprietor, and W. E. Williams local 
editor. 

The Pha-nix Democrat was esUiblishcd at that village 
in 1852, by an association of citizens, who sold it in 1854 
to James II. Field. In 1855 the name was changed to 
7'hc J'huenix Banner, and again, the same year, changed 
to T/ie American Banner and Oswego County Times. 
This extensive apjiellation proved, as might have been ex- 
pected, too heavy to carry, and ere the elo.se of the year the 
paper expired. 

The next year it was revived by Mary Francos Tucker, 
as The American Banner and Literary Gem. It carried 
this patriotic, martial, refined, and brilliant designation for 
eight mouths, when it was sold to Levi Murrill, who re- 
duced its name to The American Banner. The Banner 
was finally furled in 1857. 

Tw(i months afterwards the material was used by Joshua 
M. Williams fur the publication of the Pha-nix Reporter. 
That paper soon passed into the hands of A. P. Hart, who 
published it until 1800. He then .sold it to M. 51. Carter, 
who enlarged the paper to its present size, twenty-four 
cohimns, and conducted it until 1870. In 1805 he changed 
tlie name to The Phaiii.e liiyisler. In 1H70 the Jieijisler 
was sold to J. M. Williams, who has conducted it till the ' 



present time. It is independent in polities, and devoted to 
the welfare of the community which h;is so long sup[>orted 
it. 

The first paper at 5Iexico was the Osirego Counly Demo- 
crat, ejitablished in 1337 or 1838, by Thomas Messenger. 
After a short time he changed the name to corrcsjiond with 
his own, denominating his paper The Messenger. But the 
times were unpropitious, and in 183'J the Messenger ceased 
from its journeys. 

The Mexico Independent was established at that village 
March 19, 18GI, by Humphries & Scarritt, and has re- 
mained ever since (over sixteen years) under the same 
name, at the same place, and in the hands of the same 
firm, or one of its members; a remarkable example of sta- 
bility in the changeable world of Oswego County journalism. 
It is a twenty-eight-column weekly, and, as its name implie.s, 
is independent in all respects. Henry Humphries is the 
sole editor and proprietor. 

One of the most interesting productions of journalistic 
enterprise in the county, or even in the State, is The Deaf 
Males' Journal, brought to Mexico in October, 1872. For 
three years it was published in connection with the Inde- 
pendent, several columns of that paper being occupied by 
the editor of the Journal. In October, 1875, it was pub- 
lished separatel)', as The Mexico Independent and Ditif 
Mutes' Journal, and in January, 1876, it reduced its title 
to The Deaf Mules' Journal, which it still retains. It is 
the recognized organ of the deaf and dumb in the State of 
New York, and is the only paper published for their espe- 
cial use in the State, except a small one established a short 
time ago in New York city, to teach them to print. The 
Deaf Mutes' Journal has a circulation of about six liun- 
dred. The legislature has recognized it as the organ of the 
class referred to, and has granted it an allowance of six 
bundled and fifty dollars, on condition of its being sup- 
plied to a certain number of the deaf mutes free of charge. 
Henry C. Rider is the proprietor and the resident editor ; 
F. L. Seliney, of R<mie, is assistant editor, and Henry 
Winter Lyle, of Philadelphia, the fii-st ordained deaf-mute 
minister in the country, is the foreign editor. 

The ])ublication of the Ilaunihal Reveille was begun on 
the fii'st day of October, 1800, by Dr. G. V. Emens. It 
w:us then a monthly, only fifteen by twenty inches in size, 
and was furnished to subscribers at the modest price of 
fifty cents per year. In August, 1870, its size wiis in- 
creased to twenty-two by thirty-two inches. On the Ist 
of January, 1872, the Reveille wiis nuide a semi-monthly, 
aiul a year later it was issued as a weekly, the subscription 
price being changed to one dollar per year. On the 3d of 
July, 1873, it was purchiised by Albert N. Bradt, who has 
continued its publication up to the present time. 

The Reveille has always received a generous support 
from the people of Hannibal and the surrounding towns, as 
is evidenced by its steady progress. ! 

The newspa]ier-taking capacity of Hannibal was not con- 
sidered to be exliau.sted by the Reveille, nut] on the 2(lth of 
December, 1876, Messrs. Charles II. Parsons and Clarence , 
B. Brower e-stablished the Ilaunihal Xeus, a weekly jour- 
nal, twenty four by lliirty-six iLicbes. On the 1st of A]iiil, 
Mr. Parsons' interest was transferred to N. B. Brower, and 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



121 



the finn-iiame of tlio jiublishers became N. B. & C. B. 
Bi'ower, who are still the editors and proprietoi's. It has 
attained a circulation of near five hundred, whicli must cer- 
tainly be considered a success in a small country village, 
which already supported a similar enterprise. 

Passing from the western to the oa.stern extremity of the 
county, we find the S(in</i/ Creek News springing into ex- 
istence in the growing village of Sandy Creek, in the month 
of April, 1871. Its foundere were Goodenough & Soule. 
The firm soon became H. Soule & Son, who edited and 
published the paper until April 1 of the present year. It 
was then purchased by Munger & Washburn, who took 
possession on the 1st of May, 1877, and have since been 
the editors and publishers. The News is an independent 
weekly, of tweuty-eight columns, and the rapid growth of 
the village in which it is published indicates a prosperous 
future for the journal in question. 

In 1873, Mr. A. F. Goodenough began the publication 
of the LrihslJe A^eivs at the village of Cleveland, in the 
town of Constantia. In 1874 he was succeeded by Mr. 
Charles R. King, who changed the name of the journal to 
The LitkesiJe Press. It is still published by Mr. King 
under that title, being a vigorous, independent weekly, of 
twenty-eight columns, which indicates by its name its 
position on the shore of the beautiful Oneida lake. 

On the 14th of May, 1874, the first number of another 
Oswego County newspaper appeared ; in fact, it would seem 
as if the " hard times" had had the effect of stimulating, 
instead of depressing, journalistic enterprise in this locality. 
The new candidate for public favor was called Tlie Parish 
Mirror, and was astablished at the village of ParLshville, 
town of Parish, by Mr. John W. Northrop, who is still its 
editor and proprietor. The Mirror is a lively young 
weekly, of twenty-eight columns, and, like most of the 
other village papers of Oswego County, is independent in 
politics and religion. 

The very latest journalistic adventure in our county is 
the Central Sijnare News, which was established at the 
plea.sant little village of Central Square, in the town of 
Hastings, in January, 1877. Willis G. Bohannan was the 
founder, and is the editor and proprietor, with John AV. 
Hallock as associate editor. The N^eics contains twenty- 
four columns, and, in its own language, is " an independent, 
miscellaneous family journal." 

Our review of the press of Oswego County has neces- 
sarily been very brief, presenting only an outline history of 
each journal, but we have taken considerable pains to make 
it accurate as far as it goes, and we trust it will be found 
convenient and reliable for the purpose of reference. The 
most noticeable point to be ob.served in it is the large num- 
ber of village journals which have sprung up, mostly since 
the war. Of these journals there are no less than eleven. 
It is doubtful if another county in the State of the same 
population has so many, especially one in whicli the jour- 
nalistic field is largely occupied by two widely-circulated 
city dailies. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

COUNTY BUILDIBrGS. 

The old Court-Houses- — Enlargement of that at Pulaski — Building of 
a new one at Oswego — The Clerk's Office and the Jail — The old 
Poor-Houso — The new Insane Asylum — The new Poor-IIousc — Its 
Inmates — Interior of the Asylum — The Soldier's Fate. 

As has been stated, the first court-houses at Oswego and 
Pulaski were erected about 1822. Tlie one at the latter 
place, being of brick, remained in a very good stale of pres- 
ervation, but the frame one at O.swego became, in the course 
of thirty-five years, quite unfit for the purposes for which 
it WiLS intended. 

In 1858 the board of supervisors appropriated thirty 
thousand dolkxrs to build a new court-house at Oswego, and 
five thousand to extend and repair the one at Pulaski. 
Both works were carried out in the years 1859 and 18G0. 
The five thoasand dollars were duly expended at Puhuski, 
the court-house there being extended several feet both in 
width and length, becoming a very hand.some and commo- 
dious edifice, fronting on the public square and standing 
but a few rods from the banks of Salmon river. 

The cost of the Oswego court-house was twenty-nine 
thousand three hundred and ninety dollars. The building 
erected is, like its wooden predecessor, situattjd on the pub- 
lic square, on the east side of the river. It is built of Onon- 
daga limestone, and is quite irregular in form, being com- 
posed of a main building fifty feet by sixty-six, and two 
stories high, with a two-story projection on the main or 
north front fifteen feet by twenty-five, and a one-story pro- 
jection on each side, each eighteen feet by twenty-five. 

The county clerk's office is a small one story brick build- 
ing, also on the cast side of the public square, and nearly 
in front of the court-house. 

There was no jail at Oswego until 1853, the city lock-up 
being used for occa.sional prisoners, and more permanent 
ones being sent to Pulaski. In that year a substantial 
stone building was erected for that purpoise on East Second 
street, near the lake. It is forty-five feet by seventy-five, 
and two stories high, besides a high basement. 

The Oswego County poor-house was established in 1828. 
In December of that year Mr. John Parsons, tiie first 
superintendent, took charge of it. It was then kept in a 
small frame farm-house, on or near the site of the present 
institution, in the town of Mexico. Some of the inmates 
were also accommodated in a log house near by. The next 
year a two-story addition was made to the farm-house, and 
this constituted the poor-house for over forty years. There 
were at first about seventy or eighty inmates, but afterwards 
the numbers increased to one hundred and twenty-five, in- 
cluding children and insane, all crowded in those narrow 
quarters. 

The inconvenience became so manifest that in 1859 and 
18G0 the county ci'ccted a commodious and substantial in- 
sane asylum of brick, two stories high, with bxsement, the 
main building being sixty-eight feet by thirty-two, and the 
projection in the rear being forty-two feet by thirty-two. 
The cost was four thou.sand one hundred and fifty dollars. 
This building, with its inmates, was then placed under the 
charge of a separate keeper, independent of the keeper of 



IL': 



IlISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



tlie (jour-liou^e, tliuugh tlicy act together in rcgurU tu buuie 
minur uiuttcrH. 

The old frame poor-liouse was retained until 1870, when 
it was replaced by a fine liriek ('.stabliishiucnt at a wist of 
Bixteen thousand live hundred dollars. The preBcnt build- 
ing is eighty feet b)' thirty-five, with a wing forty-two feet 
by forty, all two stories high, with basement. It now eon- 
tains fiUy-five inmates, — twenly-.seven females and twinly- 
two males. Connected with it is a farm of sixty acres, on 
which are kept ten cows, two horses, and a few hogs. This 
is worked by the paupers ; hay, potatoes, and grain being 
rai.sed by them. The female inmates do the work of the 
house. 

The whole number of paupers received during the year 
ending October 31, 1S76 (when the last report was made) 
was oue hundred and eighty-six. Eighty-three were dis- 
charged during the same time, and twelve died. The aver- 
age expense per week of .supporting them was one dollar and 
fifty cents. The poor-house contains none but adults and 
a few very small children, all children between three and 
sixteen being sent to the C)swogo orphan asylum. Neither 
has it any inmates from O.-swego city, the )iaupers of that 
locality being cared for at the Oswego city almshouse. 

The insane asyliiiu stands but a few yards from the poor- 
house, and il i.s intended to extend the former building so 
as to occupy the intervening space. Three acres of the 
poor-larm are cultivated as a garden by the male inhabitants 
of the asylum, while the donie.--tic work is done by the fe- 
males, except washing, baking, and ironing, which are done 
at the poor-house. Twenty-four unfortunate women and 
thirteen men are cared for in the asylum. Under the 
guidance of the gentlemanly keeper the writer passed, a few 
months since, through all portions of the home of these 
stepchildren of Nature. Everything was in the neatest 
c<indition and the best of order, but the pall of affliction was 
over il all. The lack-lustre eyes and downca.st looks of 
some, and the unnatural vivacity of others, told but too well 
the tale of their misfortune. Each human being there was 
a living tragedy, but the story of one was ]ieculiarly im- 
pressive. 

Among the men was one wlio was a soldier in the Union 
army during the rebellion. In the midst of a battle in 
which he was engaged a shell exploded close beside him, 
drawing no blood, but throwing him stunned to the ground 
by the concussion, and atfccting his brain so that he arose a 
maniac. Unheeding the bullets which were flying around, 
he rushed at full speed into the rebel ranks. They seized 
liim, but after the battle, perct'iving his wretched condition, 
they allowed him to return. lie was discharged with a 
pension of fifty dollars per month, which now supports him 
in the insane asylum of Oswego County. Twelve years 
have passed, but no daylight comes to the darkened mind 
of the Union soldier, and hope points to no other prospect 
thuji that ijf a life-long confinement amid his wretched 
compeers. 



CHAPTER XXX 1 1 I. 

THE STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

Origin of the Si'lmol — First A|>proiiriati(»n — Otiji-ct-Tcacbipg — Prog- 
r*'8« — An Incri-tti^i>d Appruiiritiliun — Purcliaw.* of Buildings — 
Di>6cri|itioo of Jltiililin^ft — Ttie Prai'tiee Scliool — Coinplt-lv Adi'p- 
tion hy Ihe Siiili" — Tin* Cuuri'e of Sludv Knljir;;^rd — The ft^wi-go 
System — iDHlitutioni* Officered from Oswegi> — Foinln of llie Oswego 
SyHtein — The Objective Method of Ini«truetioD — Nnlural ^»bject^ — 
Nuiutern, Colorf. etc. — Mental mot Mornl 8eience — IVstabttzi — 
Niimlier of Seholar;* — Tlie Hegnlatioii!- — The Course of Study — 
The Loeal Hoard and the Faculty. 

This institution originated in the Oswego city training- 
school, liiundcd in 18Gl,of which mention will U' made in 
the history of the city schools. It was not until 1803 
that it had any connection with the State. The legislature 
of that 3'ear, on the recommendation of that ardent friend of 
education, Hon. Victor M. Rice, of Hurt"alo. then suiierin- 
tcndeut of public instruction, and influenced by the great 
success which had attended the training-school, under the 
management of Miss >I. E. M. Jones and Mr. Edward A. 
kSheldoii, appropriated three thousand dollars a year towards 
its support, for the next two years, on condition that there 
should be fifty pupils in attendence, and that each s^-natorial 
district in the .State should have the privilege of sending 
two pupils free of charge. The school remained, however, 
uniier the entire control of the Oswego board of education, 
occujiying the buililing now used by one of the city schools, 
on East Fourth street, between Jlohawk and Utica. 

During the years 1863 and 18154 the number of scholars 
rapidly increased, much exceeding the minimum jirescribcd 
by the legislature. Mr. Sheldon continued as principal, 
assisted by five teachers, including '-critics " The sy.stem 
coiumonlv called ''object-teaching," but which Mr. Sheldon 
more accurately defines as " the objective method of instruc- 
tion," which had been previously inaugurated, and of which 
more will bo said farther on. was kept up and developed ; 
many scholars came from distant counties, and the fame of 
the school began to spread even In vuuil tin' liniii> of the 
State. 

This succes,s induced the legislature toincrca.'-Lil.sa|ipriipri- 
alioii, by an act jiassed April 4, ISliS, to six thousand dollais 
annually, on condition that each assembly district in the 
State should be entitled to send one pupil free of charge, 
and also that the city of Oswego should provide suitable 
buildings and grounds for the accommodation of the school. 
The institution thus provided for was also placed under the 
general direction of the superintendent of public instruc- 
tion, under whom the Oswego board of education was to 
exercise immediate control. 

These terms were accepted by the city, and in the sum- 
mer of 18(i5 the board of education purchased the " United 
States Hotel property," situated on the north side of Seneca 
street, between Sixth and Seventh streets, at a cost of eleven 
thou.sind five hundred dollars. They then enlarged and 
fitted uj) the buildings at an additional expense of about 
fourteen thousand five hundred dollars, makit)g the total 
cost, exclusive of furniture, twenty-six thousand dollai-s. 
As thus eidarged the Normal School building consists of a 
central structure of gray Onondaga limestone, fifty-one feet 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



123 



front by fifty-four deep, three stories high ; of a frame wing 
on the cast side two and a half stories hi<;li, twoiity-five 
feet front by fifty-four deep, but jutdiiir back of the central 
building ; and of the frame portion on the west side, which, 
though called a wing, is the largest part of the whole struc- 
ture, lieing sixty-five feet front, ninety-nine feet deep, and 
two stories high. 

Only a few rooms on the first floor were designed for 
recitations by the normal pupils ; the greater part of the 
space was devoted to the " practice-school," and to small 
rooms in which the normal pupils hear recitations by the 
practice-school children." This practice-school was an im- 
portant part of the original training-school, and is still of 
the normal school. The children in the district in which 
the normal school is situated meet in the same building 
with it. They are taught entirel}' by the normal pupils, 
but under the supervision and criticism of instructors ap- 
pointed by the city board of education, and belonging to 
the regular corjjs of city teachers. 

The institution began work in its new building in Feb- 
ruary, 18GG. On the 7th of April a general normal school 
act was pa.ssed, providing for six new normal schools in 
various parts of the State, to be governed by local boards 
appointed by the State superintendent, removable at will by 
liini, and consisting of such number of persons as he may 
direct. 

By an act passed March 27, 1SG7, the building, grounds, 
and appurtenances of the Oswego school were accepted by 
the State, and it was fully admitted to the privileges and 
subjected to the rules of the State normal schools, as speei- 
.fied in the act of the previous j'ear. Tiie State superin- 
tendent appointed a local board of thirteen, and this ended 
the connection of the Oswego normal school with the pub- 
lic school system of the city, except what neces.sarily arises 
from the existence of the practice-school. Mr. Sheldon was 
continued as princi]ial, with sufficient competent assistants, 
most of whom had previously served under him. 

Up to this time the work of the school had been confined 
entirely to teaching and practicing the best methods of in- 
struction, depending on examinations to test the knowledge 
of the ordinary studies possessed by candidates for admission. 
As scholars increased in number, however, it was found that 
many of them, while they might pass an examination in 
the elementary branches, were yet so defective in regard to 
various necessary studies, and so devoid of practical thorough- 
ness, that it was considered absolutely necessary to provide 
for their more complete instruction. This was also made 
necessary by the fact that there was a constatit demand for 
teachers possessing both advanced education and normal 
training, to take charge of union schools, high .schools, and 
academies. 

Two courses were accordingly arranged in 1866, one for 
the training of common-school teachers, occnjiying a year 
and a half, and one especially de.<igne<l f >r teachers of higher 
.schools, embracing two years. Those who had already suf- 
ficient scholarship to enter at once on the strictly professional 
work could graduate in the elementary course in a year, 
and in the higher course in one term. 

The school was highly successful, and its fame extended 
throughout not only-thc State, but the nation. The plan 



of thorough professional training of teachers employed 
there became known in educational circles throughout the 
country as the " Oswego .school system." Urgent calls 
came from the west for Oswego teachers to labor in ordi- 
nary and high schools, and more especially in training- 
.schools similar to the present institution. Other graduates, 
though less numerous, found employment in the e:Lstern 
and middle States. 

Among the institutions officered in whole or in part from 
Oswego during the sixteen years since the city training- 
school was founded, have been the training-schools of 
Lewiston, Maine; of Boston and Worcester, Massachu- 
.setts ; of New York city; of Cincinnati, Ohio; of Indian- 
apolis, Indiana ; and of Davenport, Iowa. Also the State 
normal schools at Trenton, New Jersey ; at Terrs Haute 
and Indianapolis, Indiana ; at Mankato, Winona, and St. 
Cloud, Minnesota; at Iowa City, Iowa; at Kirksville and 
Warrensburg, Missouri ; at Peru, Nebraska ; at Leaven- 
worth, Kansas ; and at San Francisco and San Jose, Cali- 
fornia. 

The six now normal schools in New York, provided for 
by the law of 1866, went into operation at various times 
between 1867 and 1871. Like their sister-schools in other 
States, these drew largely on Oswego for teachers. Nearly 
the whole faculty of the Fredonia normal school was taken 
from that of Oswego.; its principal, Mr. John W. Arm- 
strong, having been a teacher there. 

Almost all the schools named derived not only their 
teachers, but their teaching, from Oswego, which is unques- 
tionably the parent of the present system of normal instruc- 
tion throughout the country. Even the Albaiiy normal 
school, a much older institution, and very ably conducted, 
confines itself almost entirely to ordinary instruction, giving 
its pupils only two weeks of practice in a model school. 

The salient points of the " Oswego system" are : First, 
the long practice of every pupil under competent super- 
vision in actual teaching, not of high-toned young ladies 
and gentlemen, but of real, uneasy, whispering, pinching 
little boys and girls, e.ssentially the same as those with » 
whom all teachers must deal in the actual work of their 
profession. Second, the maintenance of a model school, 
composed of the best scholars and teachers, as a practical 
example of what a first-class school should be. Third, the 
use of the " objective method of instruction" in all depart- 
ments of the school and in all branches of study. 

An elaborate description of the objective method would 
be beyond the scope of this work, but we can hardly fur- 
nish a full history of the Oswego normal school without 
giving some idea of the system of which that school is the 
leading American exemplar. It certainly does not mean, 
as some may imagine, the mere holding up of objects be- 
fore a child and saying to it, " This is a stick of wood," or 
" This is a piece of calico ;" but something like that is at llie 
foiiiidatioii of all objective teaching. 

The grand object of the system is to give the child 
" ideas first, expression afterwards." If, however, he has 
already seen the object under consideration, so that he has 
what is called a "concept" of it in his mind, a picture of it 
on his brain, it need not be exposed in the school-room. If 
the children have never .seen it, it should be produced bo- 



124 



HISTOUY OF OSWKGO COILVTY, NEW YORK. 



fore them if conveniently attainable; if not, they should be 
tim^^lit to form an idoa of it from souicthitig resonihlintr it 
which they have seen, — ekinf; out tliis idea with a.s much 
of reality as circumstances will permit. 

pjvery child has seen a tree. It is not necessary that 
one .should Ik; brought into the .school -room, or oven j.'row 
in the yard, in order to give him au idea of it. But if the 
lesson relates to oaks and maples, then the wood, the leiives, 
and the bark of oaks and maples should Ix; brought bcfiire 
the class to emphasize the dislinction between them. There 
may be no nmuntains near, but the children have seen high 
hills, and from these the idea of the mountain is built up. 
If neither the desired object itself nor any other object suf- 
ficiently resembling it is to be found, then, but not other- 
wise, a picture is produced as its next best representative. 

Wlii-n a clear idea of the object has been produced in 
the child's mind, then, and not till then, he is presented 
with the word which represents that object. He spells it, 
he reads it, he pronounces it. The same course is pursued 
in reg-.ird to actions. They are first actually pj-esejito/, and 
then rcprcscHlcil by words. 

Ascending higher, in dealing with numbers, the pupil 
gains his first idea of thcin from actual counting of visible 
objects. All the processes of addition, subtraction, multi- 
plication, and division are verified by counting. If the 
subject of distance is under consideration, the students are 
]>rovided with lines, with which they actually measure 
inches, feet, rods, perhaps miles. (We have never heard, 
however, of the young ladies of the Oswego normal school 
carrying object-les-sons to that extent.) If colors are the 
theme of study, paints are brought into the school, the stu- 
dents are taught to mix them, and learn to name at sight 
uU their minutest gradations. Sounds, too, are first " |)re- 
sented" and then "represented," — a process which in a 
large school must be more entertaining than convenient, 
and is probably somewhat modified in j)ractieo. 

In grammar, too, the jiupils arc first taught to observe by 
actual sight the position of articles under or over others, 
before dealing with the j)repositioiis which represent tho.^e 
ideas. The idea involved in the-ierb, the noun, the adjec- 
tive, or the adverb is similarly realized before being sub- 
jected to grammatical analysis. 

Nor is the objective method confined to the material 
World. The same realism above described is carried into 
the domain of mental and moral philosophy. The emotions, 
the foiniatioii of ideas, the will-jiowcr, are first described by 
the students from their own internal consciousness, and then 
made the subject of discussion. Thus, 

" liOvc, Ho|ie, ami Any, fair Pluttyure'tf Hliiiling train ; 
llatr, Vv&r, Ucinornu, tho family of I*ain," 

are sidyeeted as far as practicable (ah, yes, as far as practi- 
cable!) to the tests of actual experience before any theories 
regarding them may be considered. 

Tliotigh Lord Bacon and other philosopluMS have made 
suggestions jxiinting towards the objective mode of teaching, 
it was first given thorough practical exprassion in the latter 
]>art of the last century, by the celebrated Swi.ss teacher, John 
Henry I'estalozzi. It is a jilea.sant coiiicidenee that a son 
of Pcstalozzi's first assistant, Herman Kriisi, a son bearing 
the same name, has for over twelve years been a teacher in 



the Oswego normal school, the first American institution 
which to any considerable extent has adopted Pcstalozzi's 
methods of instruction. 

During that time it has stcsidily increased in nuinlK'rs as 
well as infiuenee. During the spring term of 1877 there 
were three hundred and sixtifii students belonging to the 
normal school jiroj>cr, besides the jiublie school children of 
the practice and model schools, which number over three 
hundred. The whole nundjer of graduates from the begin- 
ning of the training-school in 1801 up to .fiine '.W, 1877, 
was Seven hundred and seventy-seven, an average of over 
forty-eight per year, which is more than twice as m.iiiy as 
have graduated yearly from any other norn)al school in the 
State. Less than one-tenth of these have been males. The 
proportion of male students is, however, steadily increasing. 
At first there were almost none. During the past year 
there have l>een eighty graduates, of which just one-eighth 
have been young gentlemen. 

Ninety-one per cent, of those who graduated previous to 
the last year arc known to have taught school, — a larger pro- 
portion of tciichers than the graduates of any other normal 
school in this State has furnished, with one exception. The 
number of counties represented in the school since its 
organization have been fifVy-six ; those thus rei>reseiited 
during the past year have been forty-five. 

I$y'tbe jircsent law each sehool-commissioner district in 
the State is entitled to send two pupils to this schcHjl ; the 
cities being each allowed a number projiortionate to its 
population. They are appointed by the superintendent of 
public instruction, on the recommendation of the school 
commissioners and of the superintendents of cities. They 
must pass, according to the regulations, " a fair examination 
in reading, spelling, geography, arithmetic (as far as the 
roots), and must be able to analyze and parse simple sen- 
tehees." Pupils must be at least sixteen years of age, and 
must possess good health, good moral character, and average 
abilities. Tuition and the u.sc of text-books are free, but 
students are held responsible for injury to or loss of books. 

The range of study has been gradually increased until it 
now includes three courses, — the elementary Engli.sh, the 
advanced English, and the classical. The first occupies two 
years. The first year is devoted to the ordinary elementary 
English studies, but taught in the objective manner before 
described. The second year is given uj) entirely to studies 
bearing on modes of instruction and to practice in the 
training-school. 

To be admitted to the advanced English course, students 
niu.st pass n thorough examination in all the studies of the 
first year in the elementary English course. The first year 
of the advanced eoui-se embraces algebra, geometry, chemis- 
try, and other im])ortant studies. The second is nearly the 
same as the corresponding year of the elementary course, 
with instruction in moral i)hilosopby and physical geog- 
raphy. 

The classical course covers three years; besides which, in 
order to obtain admission, the pupil must pass a satisfac- 
tory examination in the studies of the first '•elementary" 
year. The first '• classical'" year is nearly the same as the 
first "advanced," with the addition of Latin. The second 
"classical" is occupied principally by Latin, natural |ilii- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



125 



losophy, physical geography, and Greek or modern lan- 
guages. The final year gives practice in training-school 
and methods of teaching, without oinittiiig Latin, Greek, 
and geology. 

Students possessing the requisite age and (jualifications, 
and who can pass the prescribed examination, may be ad- 
mitted to the class of any year in any course, but no one 
can graduate from a course without having passed through 
its last or professional year. A pupil who satisfactorily 
completes either one of the courses receives a diploma, 
which serves as a license to teach in all the public schools 
of the State, and makes a license from a commissioner un- 
necessary. There has never been an "academical" depart- 
ment in this school, — that is to say, a department in which 
no portion of the time is devoted to strictly professional 
instruction, — and the late order of the State superintendent 
discontinuing those departments does not affect the Oswego 
school. 

The school-year consists of two terms of twenty weeks 
each. Scholars may enter school in either September or 
February, graduate in either February or June. Tiiere is 
a fair-sized library of text and miscellaneous books, and an 
ample complement of chemical and philosophical apparatus. 
A large boarding-bouse is provided at a short distance from 
the school, which is under the supervision of the teachers, 
and at which the non-resident lady pupils are expected to 
board, except in special cases. 

We close our sketch of this important institution with 
the officials of the present year. 

The local board is composed of Gilbert Mollison, presi- 
dent; John K. Post, secretary; Daniel G. Fort, treasurer; 
Samuel B. Johnson, Benjamin Doolittle, Theodore Irwin, 
Alanson S. Page, John M. Barron, Delos De Wolf, Thomas 
S. Mott, Abner C. Mattoon, Thompson Kingsford. 

Besides Edward A. Sheldon, A.M., Ph.D., who has 
been the principal from the begiuuing, and who may be 
considered the founder of the school, so far as any one 
man can be credited with that honor, the faculty consists 
of Henry A. Straight, A.M. ; Isaac B. Poucher, A.M. ; 
Herman Kriisi, AM. ; JIary V. Lee, I\I.D ; 3Iatilda S. 
Cooper, F. Elizabeth Sheldon, Emma D. Straight, Ordelia 
A. Lester, Mary E. IMoore, llosc Whitney, Martha A. 
Keeler, Sarah J. Walter, and S. Ida Williams. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

THE COMMON SCHOOLS. 

School Commissioners' Districts— Tabic of Schools, Teachers, Cliil- 
dren, anil AttenJiince — Wages — Libraries — Present Comlition. 

For the management of its common schools Oswego 
County is divided into three school-commissioners' districts, 
besides the city, which has its se]>arate board of education 
and superintendent. A sketch of the city schools is given 
in the city history, and some mention is made in each of 
the towns of the earliest schools taught within it. In this 
chapter we present a brief abstract oi' the ])re.<ent condition 
of the schools of Oswejjo County, outside of the city, for 
which We are indebted to tlie courtesy of the commissioners, 



Messrs. Robert Simpson, Jr., of the first district. Fowler 
H. Berry, of the second, and J. W. Lidd, of the third. 

r- t n- t ■ f NiimltiTiif Nnmli'Tof riiil<Ir.-n bf- .\verage Daily 
iirst uislrict. scluwls. Teaoliers. twecli :. ami 21. Altenilaiice. 

Granby 20 22 1,11112 622 

Hannibal l.'i IS 'Jil.O 43S. 

New Haven 12 12 018 22S 

OsKCi^u 15 IG I,0:!6 355 

Scriba 17 17 • 1,II'J2 ■!:« 

Volney 17 2'J 1,955 Tfili 

Second District. 

Ambov 7 7 SSO 16.1 

Conslanlia U 10 1,119 .385 

Hastings 1(1 19 l,"2l 495 

Parish ]:i 1.^ 719 321' 

Palermo i:! 13 (ill) 214 

Scbroeppel 10 22 1,110 551 

West Monroe... 8 8 524 19S 

Third District. 

Albii>n 14 15 81S 314 

Bovlston S S 371 Ml 

Mexico 19 21 1,(175 442 

Orwell 11 11 487 180 

RfJHeUl in U 520 189 

Uichlanrl 22 26 1,31.1 518 

Sandy Creek.... 14 20 932 396 

Williamstown... 9 10 755 257 

Total 280 330 19,067 7,001 

There arc several union and graded schools in the county, 
of which mention is made in their respective towns. About 
three-fourths of the whole number of persons between five 
and twenty-one actually attend school at some period of the 
year, though the average daily attendance while school is 
taught is only forty per cent, of the whole number. Wages, 
though varying greatly, are reported to average about five 
dollars per week in summer, and eight in winter. School 
libraries, unfortunately, are generally in a dilapidated con- 
dition, and the larger part of the districts use the library 
money to help pay the teachers. In other respects the 
schools are reported to be flourishing, both numbers and 
zeal being manifestly on the increase. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

BEDIGION AND TEMPERANCE. 

Formation of the Oswego Connty liiblc Society — Carious Facts — 
Names of the Presidents — Present Officers — Object of the Society — 
Payments to the American Bible Society — Dejiository and Branches 
— Organization of the County Lodge of Good Templars — First 
Officers — The Succession of Presidents — The Present Officers. 

The Oswego County Bible Society was formed in 
January, 1826. The American Bible Society had then 
been in existence ten years, but its work had been compar- 
atively small, and an interest in its benevolent operations 
was then only just beginning to be awakened. The records 
of the Oswego County society prior to the 15th of Sep- 
tember, 1840, are lost, but the following extract from a 
circular i.ssucd just after its organization, in 1826, shows 
the necessity for its formation : 

" As a preliminary step to the formation of this society, 
a partial investigation of the county was effected to a.scor- 
tain the deficiency of Bibles; the surprising result of which 
was that one-fourth of the families in this county do not 
possess an entire copy of the Holy Scrijjturcs, a large porti(jii 



126 



lilSTUia" OK (tSUKilo ((JU-NXr, .NKW lOliK. 



of whom have no part of the Bible in their houses. In 
one of the school distriets in this town, containinj; cixty 
families, twenty-nine were destitute. In anotlier town of 
thi.-i county lhirly-.>-ix families out of one hundred and six 
were found destitute. From all the return.x wliieh liave 
been received, it appears that eiglit hundred and ninety-four 
families have l)ecii inve.stiLr.itwl, and of them two hundred 
and firty-one are jmt down jis jiartially or entirely destitute 
of the Word of Life." 

The society was recofrnizod as an auxiliary of the Amer- 
ican Bible Society in Jlarch, 1821); but wliere the first 
meetings were held, or who were the first officers, cannot 
be ascertained. Rev. Oliver Ayer was elected |iresident in 
1827, and it is not certain but he was its first one. The 
next year Ilcv. Jason I^athrop was chosen to the same 
position. Kev. Ralph Robin.son was elected president in 
1829, and was successively re-elected for the next three 
yeai-8. The succession of presidents since that time has 
been as folK.ws : 18:53-35, Rev. Robert W. Condit ; 183(J- 
39, Rev. Robert W. Condit ; 1840-43, Rev. Ralph Robin- 
inson; 1844, Rev. Gardner Baker; 1845, Mr. Lutlier 
Pardee; 184G, lion. George F. Falley; 1847-48, Judjje 
Klias Brewster; 1849, Ur. Newell Wright; 185(1, Hamilton 
Murray, Esij. ; 1851-52, Hon. William F.Allen; 1853, 
Hon. Ransom H. Tyler; 1854, Hon. James Piatt; 1850, 
Hon. L. B. Crocker; 1857, Dr. M. Lindley Lee; 1858, 
AV. I. Preston; 1850, Prof. J. P. Criffin; ISGO, Mr. 
Ralph Robinson ; 18G1-G2, Hon. William F. Allen ; 18G3- 
G7, Hon. Ransom H. Tyler; 18C8-72, Gilbert Mollison, 
Es<|.; 1873, Hon. Cyrus Whitney; 1874, Hon. T. W. 
Skinner; 1875, Col. W. D. Smith ; 187G,Joliu B.Edwards, 
E.sf). ; 1877. J. G. Benedict. 

The present officers of the society are J. G. Benedict, 
president; Charles T. Benedict, L. R. Muzzy, and W. H. 
Kcnyon, vice-presidents ; Frank S. Thrall, recording secre- 
tary ; L. E. Goulding, corresponding secretary ; J. H. Coe, 
treasurer and depositary ; Gilbert Mollison, S. W. Brewster, 
Manni.ster Worts, 0. M. Bond, 0. J. Harmon, Thomas 
!Matliews, executive committee ; F. B. Lathrop, George 
Goodier, auditing committee. 

The object of tiie society, as declared by it-s constitution, 
is to promote the circulation of the Holy Scrijitures, " with- 
out note or comment." As to membership, it is provided 
that all persons contributing to its funds annually shall be 
members; that those contributing one dollar or more shall 
receive, if called for within twelve months, a common 
Bible; and that those contributing ten dollars at one time, 
or five dollars for two consecutive years, shall become mem- 
bers for life, and entitled annually to fifty cents' worth of 
Bibles or Testaments. 

All funds not needed for circulating the Scriptures 
within the county are j)aid over annually to the parent 
sojicty, to be used in distributing Bibles wherever needed. 
The receipts for the year ending June, 187G, were seven 
hundred and fifty-one dollars and ninety-three cents, of 
which seven hundred and forty-seven dollars and seventy- 
four cents were jiaid to the American Bible Society. The 
Oswego society has a dc|iository at O.swego, and branches 
at Sandy Creek, Hannibal, Fulton, Mexico, Sand Bank, 
and Wiliiamstowu. 



The total value of the bocks at these points in June, 
1876, was eleven hundnd and ninety-i-ix dollars ur.d 
sev» nty-eight cents. 

The Oswego County Lodge of the Independent Order 
of Good Tcniflars was organized on the 20tli day of De- 
cember, 1870. with the folluwing officers: County Chief 
Temjilar, S. C. Weeks; County Vice-Templar, Helen M. 
Coe ; County Secretary, W. J. Dougall ; County AsKistant 
Secretary, Mrs. W. J. Dougall; County Financial Secre- 
tary, Julia A. Ames; County Trea'^urer, L. P. Storms; 
County Marshal, C. R. Groesbeck ; County De]iUly Mar- 
thai, Mrs. Lizzie Ridding; County Chaplain, Rev. J. II. 
Allsever; County 1. G., Mrs. May Chafuian; County (>. 
G., E. N. Mentcr; R. H. S., Mi^ L. F. WadUigh; L. 
H. S., Miss E. Redding. 

The county lodge is composed of delegates elected from 
each of the subordinate lodges in the county. It has held 
meetings quarterly from organization to the jirescnt time; 
meeting with the various subordinate lodges, and doing all 
in its ]iower to ]iromote the cause of temperance and good 
morals. There are now ten subordinate lodges in tlu! 
county, with about five hundred members. The successive 
County Chief Templars have been as follows: S. C. Weeks, 
1871-72 ; Albert Potter, 1873-74 ; S. C. Weeks, 1875-77. 

The following are the ( fficers for the year 1877 : C. C. T., 
S. C. Weeks; C. V. T., Mrs. 0. D. Austin; C. Sec., 

C. W. Cogswell ; Assistant Secretary, A. Beardsley ; C. T., 
John Cooper; C. Chaplain, B. Gleason ; C. M, C. Wright; 

D. M., Mrs. R. J. Dimon ; R. H. S., Mrs. Hannah Smith; 
L. H. S , Mi-s. J. Cooper. 



CHAPTER XXXVL 

MEDICAL SOCIETIES. 

Oswego County MiMlieal .'Society : First Mcniljcrs and Otficcrfl ; 
Progress; Jtcguliilion.*, Meeting**, cic. : Code of Blhies; IVesent 
Officers: Li»t of Presidents: List of Members — llomaHtpulhic 
Medical Society : First Officers and Members: I«i»t of IVc-^itlents ; 
Present Officers and Member.-* — Eclectic Medic.Tl Society: Its 
Orgnni/nlion : First Officers ; Keorguuizatiou ; The Eclectic Creed ; 
Present Officers. 

"The Mkhicm, Society of the County of Os- 
WEtlo." — The :ibove is the official title of the association in 
question, though it is more commonly designated as The 
Oswego County Medical Society. It was org;inized in 
June, 1821, and, so far as known, the following were the 
only members present : Anson Fay, of A'olney ; S. F. Kin- 
ney, of New Haven ; Allen Andrews, of Pubiski ; 

Gridley, of ; Sardius Brewster, of Jlexico ; Benjamin 

Coe, of Oswego ; and L. Cowan, of Volney. As, how- 
ever, the records have been twice burned in ten years, it is 
po.>isible that some niiines have been omitted. 

For the same rea.''on the names of the first officers can- 
not be given, though from the scant nuuibcr of members 
they doubtless all held official rank. Even the names of 
the presidents for 1821 and 1822 cannot be found in the 
society's manual. The president in 1823 was Allen An- 
drews, of Pulaski. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



127 



From 1821 to the present year tlie iiuiuber of members 
has steadily irrowii until, instead of seven, there arc now 
fifty-eight on the soeiety's register. Two of these are ladies, 
female members being admitted on equal terms with males. 

Four members joined in 1822, seven in 182.S, four in 
1824, two in 1825, four in 1826, and four in 1827. In 
1828 there seems to have been a regular " revival" in the 
way of joining the society, no less than seventeen having 
enrolled their names in that year, while in 1829 there were 
only four. No subsef(uent year has equaled 1828 in that 
res])ect. The total number of physicians who have been 
members of th« society since its organization is over a hun- 
dred and sixty ; but of these a large majority have died or 
left the county. 

The officers of the s;)cicty are a president, a vice-presi- 
dent, a recording secretary, a corresponding secretary, a 
treasurer, a librarian, and five csnsors, who are chosen 
annually by ballot. The society also elects annually five 
delegates to the American medical association, and five to 
the Central New York medical association. The annual 
meeting is lield on tlie second Tuesday in Juno, at which 
officers are elected ; besides which, there is a semi-annual 
meeting on the second Tuesday in December of each year. 
Special meetings may also be called by the president, or, in 
his absence, by the vice-pre.sident. Meetings are held at 
various localities throughout the county. 

At these meetings discussions are held regarding inter- 
esting questions in medicine and surgery, new members 
elected, charges examined, etc. A member can only be 
convicted of misconduct by a vote of two-thirds of the 
members present, at a special meeting called to investigate 
the charges ; after which he may be reprimanded, sus- 
pended, or expelled, by a majority vote. 

It is the duty of the censors to examine every candidate 
for a license to practice medicine or surgery, who shall have 
comjilied with the requisitions of the laws of the State (on 
payment of five dollars for the society), and, if he be found 
qualified, to give him a certificate to that effiict, addressed 
to the president, who thereupon confers a diploma upon him. 

Any physician or surgeon, practicing in Oswego County, 
may become a member, on payment of one dollar to the 
treasurer, if a majority of the censors shall certify that he 
is entitled to practice, and if, on being balloted for at an 
annual meeting, he shall receive the votes of a majority of 
the members present. 

The code of ethics of the American medical association, 
and that of the State medical society of New York, are 
made binding on the members of the Oswego County medi- 
cal association by its by-laws, and the intentional violation 
of those prece[)ts is considered good cause for discipline. 
Misconduct is not only theoretically, but actually, punished, 
and six or eight members have been expelled for violations 
of dutj-. 

The following is a list of the officers and delegates chosen 
at the last annual meeting, held at Oswego June 12, 1877, 
to serve during the ensuing year: President, R. N. Cooley, 
of Hannibal ; Vice-President, J. W. Eddy, of Oswego; 
Recording Secretary, J. K. Stockwell, of Oswego; Corre- 
sponding Secretary, George 1'. Jobn.«on, of Mexico ; Treas- 
urer, G. C. Bacon, of Fulton ; Librarian, A. S. Low, of 



Pulaski; Censors, D. Pardee, George W. Nelson, I. L. 
Jones, A. A. D.'sauliners, arid D. Acker; Delegates to the 
American ^Medical Association, J. K. Stockwell, C. M. Lee, 
T. J. Green, P. S. Low, and William H. Rice; Delegates 
to the Central Now Y'ork Association, H. W. Caldwell, N. 
W. Bat^s, H. E. Balcom, H. D. C. Phelps, and B. Do Wilt. 
The following members of the Oswego County medical 
society have been duly elected by the Medical Society of 
the State of New York as permanent members of that 
honorable body : Benjamin E. Bowen, of Mexico ; A. Van 
Dyck, of Oswego; G-: A. Dayton, of Mexico; Charles G. 
Bacon, of Fulton ; Au.stin White, of Parish ; James B. 
Murdoch, of Oswego ; Frank S. Low, of Pulaski ; William. 
H. Rice, of Phujnix; and'C. C. P. Clark, of Oswego. 

The following is a list of the presidents from 1823 to 
1877, so far as known : Allen Andrews, 1823 ; Anson Fay, 
1827; S. F. Kinney, 1830; E. S. Barrows, 1831; P. H. 
Hard, 1832; H. F. Noyes, 1835; B. E. Bowen, 183C; 
S. Brewster, 1837 ; R. Howard, 1838; A. Gardiner, 183!) ; 
S. Hart, 1841 ; J. M. Watson, 1842 ; A. K. Bockwith, 
1843; H. Murdoch, 1811; S. Brewster, 1845; P. H. 
Hard, 1S4G ; S. Pardee, 1847 ; A. Van Dyck, 1848 ; C. G. 
Bacon, 1849; B. E. Bowen, 1851); A. White, 1851; A. 
Williams, 1852; A. B. Coe, 1853; T. J. Green, 1854; 
J. P. Rosa, 1855; G. A. Diiyton, 1856; M. R. Holbrook, 
1857; John Hart, 1858; S. G. Place, 1859; Franklin 
Everts, 1860; A. S. Coe, 1861 ; D. Pardee, 1862 ; C. C. P. 
Clark, 1863; J. B. Murdoch, 1864, 1865; M. Bradbury, 
186G ; F. S. Low, 1867 ; C. M. Lee, 1868 ; G. A. Dayton, 
1869 ; William H. Rice, 1870 ; L. L. Stevens, 1871 ; Car- 
rington Macfarlanc, 1872; J. L. Buckley, 1873; D. T. 
Whyborn, 1874; A. S. Coe, 1875; D. D. Drake, 1876; 
R. N. Cooley, 1877. 

The following is a chronological list of the members from 
the organization of the society to the present time, with the 
date of admission, and residence, when known : 

1821. — Anson Fay, Volney ; S. F. Kinney, New Haven; 

Allen Andrews, Pulaski ; Gridley, Sardius Brewster, 

Mexico; B.'njamin Coe, Oiwego ; L. Cowan, Volney. 

1822.— S. Dunlop, Samuel Torbutt, Williamstown ; H. 
G. Torbutt, Williamstown ; Samuel Freeman, Williamstown. 
1823.— D. W. Cole, Oswego; H. Smith, Constantia; 
Darius Clark, Scriba ; J. A. Paine, Lyman Huntley, Ran- 
som Howard, Volney ; Al. Frederick Smith, Mexico. 
1824.— P. H. Hard, Oswego; Samuel Hart, Oswego ; 

Silas Meaeham, Pulaski ; W. Steward, New Haven. 
1825. — Busbncll B. Carey, H. Dewey, Scriba. 
1826. — A. S. Bradley, Fulton; D. Robinson, Mexico; 

A. Howland, Oswego; John U. Watson, Pulaski. 

1827. — Elisha jMoore, Jloxico ; D. G. Ayre, Sandy Creek ; 

H. F. Noyes, Pulaski ; Justin Morgan, Richland. 

1828. — H. Perkins, A. L. Cooper, Owen, Isaac 

Whitteniore, Pulaski ; J. Douglas, Scriba; L. Root, Lucius 

Van Schaik, Oswego; H. P. Van Valkenburg, Volney; 

J. H. Richmond, Parish ; Arden Allen, Hannibal ; Egbert 

S. Barrows, Oswego ; Samuel K. Lee, J. Hewctt, Oswego ; 

J. K. Thurber, Oswego ; John G. Ayre, Sandy Creek ; 

Hough, N. Tift. 

1829. — Wm. (!. Adkins, Oswego; Timothy Goodwin, 

11. B. Root, Mexico. 



128 



IIISTOUV OF OSWEGO COUxXTY, NEW YORK. 



is:;(l.— E. P:ilmcr, Mexico; A. F. Kent, Hannibal; 
David L. Hardy, (iniiiby; N. F. Rru.e, Oswego; N. W. 
Luthrop. 

18:J1.— M. L. Lcc. Fuitdn ; J. Stotlu, .Mexico ; A. Steele, 
Volney; T. S. Gilbert, Orwell; IK.Ison Morton, Orwell; 

Abiatlia (Jardincr, 3Iexico; Webster, Hastings; E. 

G. Mv^-att. A. White, Parish. 

1832. — 1*. Sprajiue, Hannibal; J. P. Rosa, Albion. 

18:53. — A. Go<Klwin, Mexico; Caleb Burw. Sandy Crwk ; 
A. K. Retkwilh, Palermo; S. 0. Thouipson, Sandy Creek. 

l,S:i4. — L. Wellinjrton, Willianistown ; M. Ostrander, 
Mexico; Clia.s. W. .Mitchell, O.swejjo. 

1835.— Wni. M. Baker, Scriba ; Daniel P. Stryker, Han- 
nibal ; Win. Jamas Goiilding, Oswego ; 0. W. Randall, 
Schroeppel ; A. K. Noble. Palermo; Benjamin E. Bowcn, 
Mexico; Stephen Pardee, Fulton. 

183(i. — Wm. S. Randall, Benj. A. Rosseau, Scriba. 

1837. — Jo.«eph II. Bai:,!;, Oswego ; Lueien M. Haynes. 

1838.— I^wisM. Yale, Scriba; Richard M. Clark, Han- 
nibal; J. H. Skinner, Hannibal. 

1839.— T. Secor, Volney; H. Murdoch, Richland; E. 
A. Potter, Oswego ; James A. Thomp.son, Sandy Creek ; 
Alex. M. Charles, Elcab M. Joslin, New Haven ; Uri Lee, 
Anilxiy. 

1 8-1 1 . — A . W. Robinson, New Haven ; Joseph R. Brown, 
Schroepjiel. 

1842.— I). Conger, Phoenix; A. Whalcy, Mexico ; S. G. 
Place, Southwest Oswego ; H. A. Skinner, C. G. Bacon, 
Fulton; Lyman Osborne, Hannibal; M. Tuttle, Hannibal. 

1843.— Wm. J. Acker, Hannibal ; Alfred Rice, Han- 
nibal ; Gilson A. Dayton, Mexico. 

1844.— James V. Kendall, Pula.sk i ; A. Van Dyck, 
Oswego; Justin B. Colwcll, Oswego. 

1845. — Joseph H. Allen, Oswego ; J. Marble, Hastings ; 
A. B. Coc, Oswego. 

1840. — A. Read, Oswego; A. C. Livingston, Fulton; 
Wm. C. Coy, Schroeppel. 

1847. — S. Inniaii, Willianistown. 

1848.— N. Williams, Ph<enix ; A. B. Howe, Orwell; 
S. Averj', Phienix. 

1849.— A. M. Dunton, Oswego; George W. Snyder, 
Scriba ; C. Porter, Fulton. 

1850. — Daniel Neugent, Wm. II. Rice, Pha-nix. 

1851.— M. Bradbury, Mexico ; M. R. llulbrook, Fulton. 

1852. — AVm. M. Skinner, Orwell ; Robt. Scott, Oswego ; 
R. C. Baldwin, Volney ; T. J. Green, Parish. 

1853. — John Hart, Oswego. 

1855.— A. S. Coe, Oswego; N. B. Rice, Fulton; J. C. 
Rhodes, Oswego; C. Ford, ParLsh ; A. 1". Williams, 
Phuenix. 

1856. — Lucius Stevens, Constantia; Franklin Evarts, 
Oswego; S. W. Austin. Oswego; J. B. Murdoch, Oswego; 
D. B. Van Slyke, Central Si|Uare. 

1857. — D. Pardee, Fulton ; S. D. Andrews, Oswego 
Falls ; C. S. Waters, Fulton. 

1858.— C. C. P. Clark, Oswego; F. S. Low, Pulaski; 
Wm. II. Rulisim, Parish. 

ISCl.— Geo. W. Earle, IIa.stings; S. P. Johnson, New 
Haven ; C. Mudge, Fulton ; F. A. Sherman, Sand Banks. 
1862. — E. A. Huntington, Mexico. 



1863.— Charle.* M. Lee, Fulton. 

1864. — Ira L. Jones, Minetto. 

1865.— Chas. J. Bacon, FulU)n ; Byron De Witt, Os- 
wego ; George Seymour, Pulaski ; L. O. Huntington, 
Palermo; D. D. Becker, Parish. 

1866. — Geo. G. Whittaker, New Haven ; Isaac Mondl, 
Fulton ; D. T. WhyUrn, Cleveland ; J. Lyman Bulkley, 
Sandy Creek ; Joseph Gardiner, Williamstown ; C. Mac- 
farlane, Oswego ; D. D. Drake, Central Sijuare ; N. W. 
Bates, Central Square. 

1867.— L. C. Mitchell, Sand Banks; Ed. M. Curtis, 
Oswego; S. P. Kingston, Oswego; Joseph Pero, West 
Amboy. 

1868. — George P. Johnson, Mexico. 

1869. — \. B. Bowen, Mexico; S. J. Crockett, Oswego ; 
Dillon Acker, Hannibal. 

1870. — A. A. Desauliners, Oswego; D. .\. Lawton, 
Pulaski. 

1871— J. K. Stockwell, Oswego ; F. C. Durant, Oswego. 

1872.— R. N. Cooley, Hannibal Centre. 

1873.— George W. Nelson, Orwell. 

1874.— Mary K. Ilutchins, Oswego; J. W. Eddy, Os- 
wego ; A. S. Low, Pulaski ; A. S. Rockwell, New Haven ; 
E. F. Kelley, Albion ; J. A. Griffen, Constantia ; J. J. 
Taylor, Pari.sh ; A. L. Thompson, Sandy Creek; H. D. C. 
Phelps, Palermo. 

1875.— J. N. Mease, 0.swego; A. P. Ilamill, PlKcnix ; 
Cyrus Haven, Hannibal. 

1870.- H. K. Haleom, Oswego; R. M. O'Hielley. United 
States Army ; J. B. Tmld, Parish ; II. II. i'hilbrick, Sandy 
Creek ; H. W. Caldwell, Pulaski ; George E. Carpenter, 
Sand Bank. 

1877. — George H. Whitcomb, Phoenix ; K. A. Mattoon, 
Oswego; Chas. E. Heaton, Mexico; J. W. Huntington, 
Mexico; Ella M. Whittaker, New Haven. 

The Ho.MffiOPATiuc .MKntcvL Soi'Iety of Oswecio 
County. — This society was organized on the 22d of Janu- 
ary, 1 862. The officers who were elected at that time were 
E. A. Potter, prasidont; A. F. Rockwell, vice-presfdcnt ; F. 
W. Potter, T. D. Stowc, and W. L. Woodbury, cen.sors. 

The members of the society at that time were E. A. 
Potter, W. L. Woodbury, A. F. Rockwell, F. W. Potter, 
Augustus Pool, T. Dwight Stowe, and Wm. W. Ilundell. 

The succe.s.sion of |iresident.s has been as follows; E. A. 
I'ottcr in 1861-63; Augustus Pool in 1864-66; E. A. 
Potter in 1867; G. D. McManus in 1868; T. I). Stowe 
in 18i;9-71; L. B. Waldo in 1872; W. W. Rundell in 
1873; Wm. L. Woodbury in 1874; E. A. Pool in 1875 ; 
W. L. Woodbury in 1876; IIarri<'t Rumli'll in 1877. 

The present oflieers of the society arc Harriet Rundell, 
president; Cathrcen Townsend, vice-president; G. !•. 
McManus, s<'(Telary and trciusurer ; Drs. Pool, Woodbury, 
Roilwav, and .McManu.s, censors. 

The present members of the society arc Dr. W. L. 
Woodbury, Fulton; Dr. A. Pool, Oswego; Dr. G. D. 
McManus, Oswego; Dr. Cathrcen Townsend, Oswego; 
Dr. llirri.;t Rundell, Mexico; Dr. C. W. Rodway, Dr. N. 
H. Haviland, Fulton; Dr. G. Smith, Phicnix. 

Eclectic Medical Society of the County of 
OsWEUO. — The legislature having passed an act incoipo- 



1 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



129 



rating the Eclectic medical society of the State of New 
York, and auxiliary local medical associations, conferring 
on them all the powers and privileges of other medical 
societies, and subjecting them to the same responsibilities, 
in the summer of 1865 Dr. A. C. Taylor, then recently 
returned from service as an assistant-surgeon in the army, 
circulated a call for a meeting to organize an Oswego County 
Eclectic medical society, and personally urged the members 
of that school of practice to take such action. The eclectic 
physicians generally entered into the movement, and on the 
20th of September, 1865, an organization was effected at 
the office of Dr. C. D. Snell, in the village of Mexico. 

The first officers were as follows: President, Jesse Wat^ 
son, of Fulton ; Vice-President, C. D. Snell, of Mexico ; 
Recording Secretary, J. N. Betts, of Pulaski ; Correspond- 
ing Secretary, A. C. Taylor, of New Haven ; Treasurer, J. 
Wiltse; Censors, C. T. .Greenleaf, of Brewerton, John 
W^iltse, of Hannibal, and S. Douglas, of Sandy Creek. 

The first delegates to the State society were H. L. Baker, 
of West Aniboy, C. D. Snell, of Mexico, and J. B. Chap- 
man, of South Richmond. 

The legislature having passed another act, in May, 1874, 
designed to elevate the standard of practice in medicine and 
surgery, this society effected a re-organization in the follow- 
ing June for the purpose of more fully carrying out the 
provisions of the new law. The society now numbers sev- 
enteen mcmber.s. Its annual meetings are held on the first 
Tuesday in June, its semi-annual on the first Tuesday in 
December. 

This society, like all other eclectic medical associations, 
claims to be based on the American ideas of freedom, lib- 
erty, and equality, rejecting the doctrine that there must be 
what its members call an " established church in medicine." 
All physicians are eligible to membership, if found qualified 
to practice medicine or surgery by the board of censors. 
Its members are at liberty to extend professional courtesies 
to or meet in consultation with any reputable physician, 
whatever his school of practice. They are bound to no 
set rules, but are free to use any remedies which in their 
judgment will benefit their patients, and to discard all drugs 
which they may consider injurious. 

The transactions of this society are publi.shed yearly, with 
those of the Eclectic medical society of the State of New 
York. 

The following officers were chosen at the election held 
June 5, 1877, and are now in office: President, A. C. 
Taylor, of Scriba ; Vice-President, H. W. Leonard, of 
Camden, Oneida county; Secretary, D. E. Lake, of Ful- 
ton ; Treasurer, J. Watson, of Fulton ; Censors, E. J. 
Marsh, of Southwest Oswego, S. W. Miller, of Fulton, J. 
N. Manwarren, of Mexico. 



CHAPTER XXXVI L 

AGRICULTTJKAL SOCIETIES. 

Oswego County Agricultural Society ; Organization and First Fair; 
Permanent Location; Grounds and Buildings; Cost of Iniprovo- 
ments, etc. ; List of Presidents ; Present Officers ; Regulations — 
The Sandy Creek Society: Organization and Territory; First 
Officers; Grounds, etc. ; Present Officers; Its Success. 

Oswego County Agricultural Society. — This use- 
ful association was organized on the first day of February, 
1840, with U. P. White, Esq., as president. The first fair 
was held at Oswego, commencing on the 7th day of Octo- 
ber of the same year. Its success was such as to induce its 
repetition, and for fifteen years fairs were held at various 
points in the county, changing the location each year. 

The inconvenience of this migratory existence, however, 
was more strongly felt every year, as the association became 
more prosperous, and in 1855 a re-organization was effected 
with a view to a permanent location, and the society was 
duly incorporated under the laws of the State. Fourteen 
acres of ground were purchased near the village of Mexico, 
and fitted up for the desired purpose. It was determined 
that the fair should occupy three days, beginning on the 
17th day of September in each year, except when that day 
should come on Sunday. At the time and place then 
selected the fairs have ever since been held. Grounds 
have been added and buildings have been erected, from 
time to time, as increasing prosperity demanded. 

The society now owns twenty-seven and one-fourth acres 
of land, on which are the following buildings: Floral hall, 
a frame structure in the form of a Gi^eek cross, each section 
being a hundred and five feet long by thirty-four feet wide; 
Agricultural and Mechanical hall, eighty-four feet long by 
thirty-four wide ; a commodious eating-saloon, besides offices 
for the secretary and treasurer and for other business pur- 
poses, stalls and pens for stock, and other fixtures. A fine 
race-track serves to test the speed of t)swego County's fast 
horses, and an excellent spring of water conduces to the 
comfort of the visitors. 

The total cost of the improvements has been between 
seven and eight thousand dollars, besides which the society 
has a handsome sum in its treasury. The total expendi- 
ture — since the permanent re-organization of the society — - 
for premiums, expenses, improvements, etc., has been about 
thirty thousand dollars. 

The following is a list of the presidents, from 1840, in 
the order of their service: U. P. White, Alvin Bronson, 
Orville Robinson, William Ingalls, Seth Severence, K. E. 
Sandford, Benjamin E. Bowen, Bradley Higgins, Andrew 
Z. IMcCarty, Jervis W. Dewey, Hamilton INIurray, John W. 
Judson, Hamilton Murray (two years), John N. Holmes 
(two years), Harvey Palmer, Leonard Ames, Avery W. 
Severence, Oren R. Earl, Thomas H. Austin, Alvin Law- 
rence, Hiram Walker (two years), Luther H. Coiiklin. 
Hiram W. Loomis, Charles S. Cheovcr, Benjamin G. Rob- 
bins, Morgan L. Slarshall (1868 to 1872 inclusive), John 
Davis (1873), Albert F. Smith (1874-75), Henry J. 
Daggett (1876). 

The following are the present officers of the society; A. 
C. Mattoou, of Oswego, president ; L. M. Tyler, of Pulaski, 



130 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



vico-prosidont ; L. H. Conklin, of Mexico, treasurer; H. 
L. IJiirtoii, of Mexito, secretary; lloinayiie C. Robertson, 
Washiugton T. Henderson, William H. Lansing, Seymour 
C. Davis, Elihu Trowbridge, and R. E. Sill, directors. 

Any resident of the omnty who pays one dollar to the 
treasurer becomes a stockholder and member for tlie current 
year, and a payment of ten dollars constitutes a person a 
life-member and stockholder. A generous premium-list, 
amounting to over two thousand dollars ( of which near a 
hundred dollars arc set apart for exhibitors under fifteen 
years of age), stimulates the zeal of exhibitors, and a large 
attendance at each annual meeting rewards the liberality of 
the managers. 

OswEoo Falls Aoriccltijr.\l Society. — The old 
O.swego County agrieultunil society having been perma- 
nently located in .^Iexico iu 1S55, a large number of citi- 
zens in the western part of the county were very much 
dissatisfied with the manner in whidi that proceeding was 
accomplished. The next year they accordingly organized 
an a.ssociation of their own, to which they gave the old 
name of the Oswego County Agricultural Society, claiming 
that the jirior organization of the jMexieo society Wius fraud- 
ulent and void. We have no list of the first officers, but 
the first fair was held at New Haven in September, 1850. 

In 1858, Hon. Joel Turrill was president, and John A. 
Place was secretary, and the fair was held at Oswego Falls. 
The first full list of officers we find on the society's books 
is that of those elected in 1858 for the ensuing year, and 
was as follows: President, Joel Turrill; Vice-Presidents, 
John W. Pratt and Orson Titus ; Treiisurer, Samuel G. 
Merriam ; Recording Secretary, J. U. Smith ; Correspond- 
ing Secretary, R. K. Sanford ; Executive Committee, 
Charles E. Case, M. S. Kimball, John Reeves; Finance 
Committee, John E. Dutton, A. G. Fish, E. Harrison. 

Persons residing in the towns of Lysander, Onondaga 
county, and Ira and Sterling, Cayuga county, were invited 
to join the society. Thenceforth the fairs were held at 
Oswego Falls. Legal stejis were taken to assert the right 
of this association to the name of Oswego County Agricul- 
tural Society, and the consequent emoluments, but it hav- 
ing been finidly coneluded that the association wliich met 
at Mexico had the first claim to that name, the one now 
under consideration took the name of Oswego County In- 
dependent Agricultural Society. 

It continued to jirosper, and its fairs were attended by 
large numbers of people from the towns of this and other 
counties. In 18(52 or 18<;3, finding its name inconve- 
niently long, it adopted that of Oswego Falls Agricultural 
Society, which it has ever since borne. On the 2ltth of 
April, 18(i8, an act of incorporation was passed by the 
legislature, of which the two first and most important sec- 
tions were as fnllnws: 

"Section 1. The association heretofore known as the 
Oswego Falls Agricultund Society is hereby incorporated 
as an agricultural society, under the corporate name of 
' The Oswego Falls Agricultural Society,' and shall consist 
of such citizens of the towns of Constantia, West Monroe, 
Hiislings, Palermo, New Haven, Scriba, Oswego cily ; 
towns of Oswego, Hannibal, Granby, Schroeppel, and Vol- 
uey, in the county of Oswego ; the towus of Clay and Ly- 



sander, in the county of Onondaga; and the towns of Ini, 
Sterling, Cato, Conf|uest, and Victory, in the county of 
Cayuga, as have heretofore paid at one time, or shall here- 
after pay to the s;iid corporation, the sum of ten dollars. 
The j)ayuient of said sum by .said citizens shall constitute 
them life-members and stockholders of said corp«iration , 
and the owners of any and all profR-rty. whether real or 
jiersonal, of 8;iid society. The life-members or stockholders 
aforesaid shall be the only persons i|ualified to vote at the 
annual election of said society, or eligible to hold any office 
in said corporation; and the object of said corporation shall 
be to improve the condition of agriculture, horticulture, and 
the mechanical and hoii.schold arts. 

" Section 2. The officers of the society shall consist of 
a president, two vice jiresidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, 
who shall be elected annually, and hold their offices for one 
year, and until others shall be elected in their stead ; and 
six trustees, who shall be elected for three years each, as 
often as vacancies occur in .said office of trustee, and shall 
respectively hold their offices until others are appointed in 
their stead." 

The provisions restricting the voting to those who paid 
ten dollars each was doubtless intended to prevent any 
" snap judgments" being taken, by manufacturing voters 
otF-haml, and has admirably succeeded The I'airs are 
required by law to be held at or near Oswego Falls. 
The corporation is capable of holding real estate, for the 
purposes mentioned in the act, to the amount of fifteen 
thousand dollars, and personal estate to the amount of five 
thousand dollars. 

Being permitted to recruit from eighteen prosperous 
towns and the city of Oswego, the .society in question has 
attained great suce&ss, though receiving no aid from the 
State. About twenty-five acres of land have been purchased 
and fitted up as a fair-ground, on the pleasant shore of 
Lake Neahtawanta, near the Oswego Falls depot of the 
Syracuse and Oswego railroad. The main building, a very 
commodious and elegjint structure, was erected in 1873, at 
a cost of about seven thou.sand dollars. It is two stories 
high, and in the form of a cross; the length of the sections 
being respectively one hundred and one hundred and 
twenty feet. A broad gallery runs entirely around the in- 
side of the second story, approached by three ample stair- 
ways ; the whole being liglited by a large cupola and nu- 
merous windows. 

The receipts from fairs arc from four thousand to six 
thou.sand dollars annually, about half of which is distributed 
in premiums, and the rest u.sed for neces.sary expenditures. 
The following is a list of the presidents, except in the two 
first years, as to which the records are defective: Joel 
Turrill, 1858-6(» ; Messrs. Orson Titus, C. G. Case, and 
F. I). Wasienen servi'd for brief jieriods in 18('i0, after the 
death of Mr. Turrill; A. G. Fish, 1SG1-(J2 ; tiardner 
Wood, 18G3-64; Robert Oliver, 18G5; John H. Mann, 
180(5; Robert Oliver, 1867-08; John H. Mann, 1809-71 ; 
O. Henderson, 1871-70; H. H. Merriam, 1877. 

The following are the present officers : President, H H. 
Merriam, Oswego Falls; Vice-Presidents, R. Doolillle, 
Oswego; W. Johnson, Fulton ; Secretary, Amos Youmans, 
Fulton ; Treasurer, Charles R. Nichols, Fulton ; Trustees 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



131 



and Executive Comraittco, T. R. Wright, Granby; A. 
(Ji'egg, Peniielville; R. Walpole, Jr., Oswegu ; T. G. 
Somers, Oswego Falls; Isaac R. Osborn, Ira; J. P. 
Streeter, Fulton ; Marshal, Ambrose Gregg ; Chief of 
Police, John AV. Pratt. 

The Sandy Creek, Richland, Orwell, and Botls- 
TON Agricultural Society. — Notwithstanding its top- 
heavy name, this is a very energetic institution. It was 
organized in the year 1858, its constitution admitting to 
its privileges the inhabitants of the four towns named in its 
title, and also of that part of Ellisburgh, Jefferson county, 
lying south of the road which runs from the line of Lor- 
raine to the town-bridge at Ellis village, and thence down 
the creek to the lake. The payment of one dollar by resi- 
dents within these limits constitutes a person a member for 
the current year. 

The following were the first officers of the society : Presi- 
dent, Oren R. Earl ; Vice-President, Horace Scripture ; 
Secretary, E. H. Sargent ; Assistant Secretary, W. W. 
Alton ; Treasurer, Pitt M. Newton ; General Superintend- 
ent, Minot A. Pruyn. 

During its twenty years of existence the society has met 
with continued and most gratifying success. The grounds 
on which fairs are held in September of each year are situ- 
ated at the village of Sandy Creek, and after successive 
additions now comprise twenty-five acres, with the neces- 
sary buildings for the purposes of the society. The follow- 
ing is a list of the officers for the present year, 1877 : 
President, Elhanan C. Seeley ; Vice-President, Newton B. 
Mann ; Secretary, Gilbert N. Harding ; Treasurer, Albert 
E. Sherman ; General Superintendent, Edmund H. Sar- 
gent ; Directors, Simon Pruyn, Alexander Potter, Thomas 
Lamb, O.S. Potter, George S. Buell, William G. Hitchcock. 

As an evidence of the success nieutioucd, it need only be 
said that notwithstanding the " hard times," the receipts of 
the fair last year, 1876, were larger than on any previous 
occasion. The managers have disbursed the amounts thus 
received with liberality and discretion, and a large pre- 
mium-list is yearly oH'ered, covering all the products of the 
liirui, from matched horses to matcliless babies. 



CHAPTER XXXVIIL 

THE NATIONAL GUAHD. 

The Twcniy-f.iurtli Brigii.le— Brigade Stuff Officers of Ihc Forty- 
eighth Regiment — Company Officers — Cavalry Troop — The Ar- 
senal — Location and Dimensions — The Arms — Trophies of Sltill. 

The following organizations constitute tlie Twenty- 
fourth brigade, National Guard, State of New York, with 
lioailquarters at Oswego : Forty-eighth Regiment, Oswego ; 
Fifty -first Regiment, Syracuse; Separate Trooj) cavalry. Os- 
wego ; battery of artillery, Syracuse. 

Number of officers and men in the Twenty-fourth bri- 
gade, one thousand and seventy. Brigadier-General, Tim- 
othy Sullivan ; Lieutenant-Colonel E. A. Cooke, Assistant 
Adjutant-General; Major E. A. Van Home, Inspector; 
Major Curriiigtou Mactiulane. Surgeon ; Major G. N. Burt, 



Judge Advocate ; Major H. N. White, Engineer ; Captain 
J. T. Mott, Quartermaster; Captain G. T. Lyon, Commis- 
sary; Captain G. AV. (ioble, Ordnance Officer; Captain E. 
G. Baxter, A. D. C. ; Lieutenant James D. Macfarlane, 
A. D. C. 

Forty-eighth Regiment, field and staff: Colonel, George 
Hugunin ; Lieutenant-Colonel, C. V. Houghton ; Major, J. 

E. Fisher; Adjutant, H. C. Thoni]ison ; Quartermaster, 
Chester Penfield ; Commissary, D. H. Judson ; Surgeon, S. 

F. V. Whited ; Assistant Surgeon, D. F. Acker ; Inspector 
of Rifle Practice, Alverson Curtiss. 

Company officers : A, Captain, H. H. Herron ; First 

Lieutenant, J. S. Barton ; Second Lieutenant, T. W. Goodsell. 

B (Hannibal), Captain L. P. Storms; First Lieutenant, 

G. V. Emens ; Second Lieutenant, Joseph Albring. 

C, First Lieutenant, John Miller ; Second Lieutenant, 
Jacob Snyder. 

D, Captain, Laurence Johnson ; First Lieutenant, John 
Shepard ; Second Lieutenant, John J. White. 

E, Captain, Frank D. Waugh ; First Lieutenant, Charles 
R. Parkinson. 

F, Second Lieutenant, Frank J. Baltes. 

G, Captain, John Ratigan. 

H, Lieutenant, Walter Stebbins. 

I (Mexico), Captain, E. L. Huntington ; First Lieuten- 
ant, H. M. Ames; Second Lieutenant, F. B. Gregory. 

K, Captain, Thomas Quirk ; Second Lieutenant, Charles 
S. Peckham. Number of officers and men, five hundred 
and thirteen. 

Separate Troop cavalry. Twenty-fourth brigade: Captain, 
William S. Turner ; First Lieutenant, Charles S. Newell ; 
Second Lieutenant, Henry Sivers ; Second Lieutenant, A. 
A. Wellington. Number of officers and men, sixty-two. 

The Arsenal. — This home of the Forty-eighth Regi- 
ment, which is also the present headquarters of the Twenty- I 
fourth brigade, is a very fine, substantial brick building, 
with a Mansard roof and tower, situated on East First 
street, between Oneida and Mohawk, in the city of Oswego, 
and facing the Oswego river, a few rods away. It is a » 
hundred and seventy feet long by a hundred feet deep. 
The greater part of the building is occupied by a drill-room, 
seventy feet by a hundred and seventy, and extending to the 
roof In front of this the lower story is occupied by separate 
rooms for each of several companies; the second story by 
other company rooms, and by regimental and brigade head- 
rjuarters; the third story by the separate troop of cavalry. 

The arms and uniforms of the men are kept in their re- 
spective company rooms. Remington breech-loading rifles 
with bayonets are the weapons of the infantry ; sabres and 
Remington carbines those of the cavalry. Numerous prizes 
are displayed in various rooms, attesting the prowess of 
Oswego County men in rifle-shooting within the past few 
years. Two of these were first prizes presented by the 
State for victories won by the Forty-eighth Regiment over 
all the other regiments of the Sixth division in 1875 and 
187G. Two others wore the third prize, won at Creedmoor 
in a State contest in 1875, and the second prize similarly 
obtained in 187i>. There are also trophies snatched from 
Canadian rivals, and one obtained by the cavalrymen in a 
contest at Syracuse. 



132 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



CHATTER XXXIX 

OSWEGO COUNTY CIVIL LIST. 

Stato Ofliccrs from Oswpgo Cuunty — Court of Appeals anil Supreme 
Court — Members of Congress — Presiijential Eleeiors — First Judges 
of tbo Common Tleas — County Judges — Special County Judges — 
Associate Judges of the Common Picas — Justices of Sessions — 
Surrogates — Special Surrogates — District Attorneys — SheritTs — 
County Clcrka — County Treasurers — State Senators — Members of 
Assembly — SuperiDtendents and Commissioners of Schools. 

State officers from Oswego County are as follows : Ilonry 
Fitzliujili, of O.swogo city, was elefteii canal coiiiinissioiier 
in November, 1851, for three years, and re-elected in 1854, 
serving until December 31, 1857. 

Andrew II. Calhoun, of Oswego city, was appointiid 
canal appraiser by the jrovernor and senate, July 1, 1850, 
and served until April 5, 1855. 

William F. Allen, then of Now York, but previously and 
8ubsei|ucntly of Oswego, was elected .State fomptrollcr in 
November, 18G7, and held office from January 1, 1808, till 
June, 1870, when be was elected judge of the court of 
appeals. 

John Cochrane, formerly a resident of Oswego, served as 
attorney-general in 1864 and 18G5. 

Court of Appeals iiiul Supreme Court. — Previous to tlie 
constitution of 1847, there had been no supreme court or 
circuit judgi'S from Oswego County. Under that constitu- 
tion Oswego County was united with Jefferson, Lewis, Her- 
kimer, Oneida, and Onondaga, to fiirui the fif'th judicial 
district, and elected four justices of the supreme court, — one 
to be chosen every two years, and those first elected to draw 
for terms. 

In June, 1847, William F. Allen, of Oswego city, was 
elected, and drew an eight-years' term. In 1855 he was 
re-elected, and served till December 31, 18U3. 

Henry A. Foster, of Oneida county (ex-congressman and 
ex-Unitcd States senator), was elected in his place, and soon 
afterwards removed to Oswego, where he lived throughout 
bis term of office, which expired December 31, 1871, and 
where he still resides. 

By the judiciary amendment to the constitution, adopted 
in lS(i!», a new court of ajipeals of seven members was pro- 
videil for, the judges to hold fourteen years. 

William F. Allen, of Oswego, was elected one of the first 
judges of the new court in May, 1870, and still holds that 
office. 

Members of Congress. — By an act of the legislature passed 
in Aj)ril, 1822, Oswego County was made a i)art of the 
twentieth congressional district, which also embraced Jef- 
ferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, and elected two 
members of Congress. Previous to this the sections east 
and west of the (Jswego river had been joined in ri'pre.sen- 
tation rc^lJCctivcly with Oneida and Onondaga counties, and 
no member had been a resident of the present territory of 
Oswego County. At the election in 1824, Egbert Ten 
Eyck, of Jeflerson county, received one of the certificates, 
but on contest his .seat was awarded, in December, 1825, to 
General Daniel Mugunin, of Oswego, who held till March, 
1827. He was succeeded by Rudol|)h Huntier, of Oswego, 
in the Congress of 1827-20. 

George Fisher, of Oswego, received a certificate for next 



term (1829-31 ), but bis .seat, on contest, w.ts awarded in 
December, 1829, to Sila.s Wright, Jr., of St. Lawrence, who, 
however, declined to accept it. and another St. Lawrence 
county man wil-j elected the next spring. There was no 
one from Oswego County in the Congress of 1831-33. 

By law^of June 29, 1832, Oneida and Oswego counties 
formed thcseventi-cnth congre.s.sional district, with two mem- 
bers. Those from Oswego County were as follows : 

Joel Turrill, of Oswego, 1833-35. Re-elected for 1835- 
37. 

Abraham P. Grant, of Oswego, 1837-39. 

David P. Brewster, of Oswego, 1839-41. Re-elected for 
1841-43. 

By a law passed in September, 1842, Madison and Os- 
wego counties formed the twentj'-tbird congressional district, 
with one member. Those counties have composed one dis- 
trict ever since ; but in 1851 its number was changed to the 
twenty-.secoiid, and in 1871 it was changed back to the 
twenty-third. The repre.senUitives have been as follows: 

Orville Robinson, of Mexico, 1843—45; William J. 
Hough, of ^ladisiin county, 1815-47 ; William Duer. of C)s- 
wego, 1847-49 ; re-elected for 1849-51 ; Lcander Babcock, 
of Oswego, 1851-53; Gerrit Smith, of Madison county, 
1853-54; resigned November, 1854; Henry C. Goodwin, 
of Oswego, electol in place of Smith, 1854—55; Andrew Z. 
McCarty, of Pulaski, 1855-57 ; Henry C. Goodwin, of 
Oswego, 1857-59; M. Lindley Lee, of Fulton, 1859-61 ; 
William E. Lansing, of Madison county, 1861-63; De Witt 
C. Littlejohn, of Oswego, 1863-65; Sidney T. Holmes, of 
Madison county, 1865-67 ; John C, Cbnrehill. of Oswego, 
1867-69; re-elected for 1869-71 ; William K. Lansing, of 
Madison county, 1871-73; re-elected for 1873-75; Wil- 
liam H. Baker, of Constantia, 1875-77; re-elected for 
1877-79. 

J'resiilentiiil Elictnrs from Oswego County, with ihite 
of elections. — Tlieophilus S. Morgan, of Oswego, 1832; 
Peter Pratt, of Mexico, 1840 ; Henry Potts, of Williams- 
town, 1844; Delos De Wolf, of Oswe-o, 1852; Daniel H. 
Marsh, of Oswego, 1856; Thoimis Kingsford, of Oswego, 
1864 ; Delos De Wolf, of Oswego (elector at large), 1868 ; 
John E. Lyon, of Oswego, 1872 ; Bartholomew Lynch, of 
Oswego, 1876. 

First Judges of the Courts of Common Picas, with date 
of iippoiutmenl. — Barnet ^looney, of Granby, March 21, 
1816; John Grant, Jr., of Oswego, June 1, 1820; Joel 
Turrill, of Oswego, April 2, 1828 ; David P. Brewster, of 
Oswego, A])ril 15, 1833 ; Samuel B. Ludlow, of Oswego, 
May 11, 1841. 

Counli/ Judges elected for four years, with time of enter- 
iug on office. — Orla H. Whitney, Mexico, June, 1847; 
Ran.som H. Tyler, Fulton, January 1, 1852; Sylvester C. 
Huntington, Pulaski, January 1, 1856; John C. Churchill, 
Oswego, January 1, 1860 ; Ransom H. Tyler, Fulton, Jan- 
uary 1, 1864; Cyrus Whitney, Mexico, January 1, 1868; 
elected for six years; Cyrus Whitney, Oswego, January, 
1872. 

Special County Judges, elected for three years, with time 
of entering on office. — Benjamin F. Rhodes, Pulaski, Jan- 
uary 1, 1855 ; Dennis D. .McComi, Scliroeppel. January 1, 
1858 ; De Witt C. Peck, Mexico, January 1, 1861 ; James 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



133 



W. Feiiton, Pulaski, January 1, 1864; re-elected 18G7 ; 
Andrew Z. McCarty, Pulaski, January 1, 1870; John 
Preston, Pulaski, January 1, 1873 ; Henry A. Brainard, 
Schroeppel, January 1, 1876. 

Associate Jiulges of the Common Pleas, with years of 
sei-vlce. — Peter D. Huguiiin, Oswego, 1816-26, inclusive; 
Edruund Hawks, Oswego town, 1816-18 ; Daniel Hawks, 
Jr., Hannibal, 1816-17 ; Smith Dunlap, Sandy Creek, 
1816-19 ; Henry Williams, Williamstown, 1816-17, 1821- 
22,1824-26; David Easton, New Haven, 1816-17 ; Orris 
Hart, New Haven, 1817-20; William Hale, Richland, 
1817-19 ; David S. Bates, Constantia, 1820-21 ; James 
Bill, Oswego, 1820-21 ; John Seeber, Richland, 1820-21 ; 
Samuel Faruham, Hannibal, 1820-21 ; John S. Davis, 
Richland, 1821-22; Oliver Burdick, Volney, 1821-22; 
Chester Hayden, Richland, 1822-23; Jo.scph Easton, Yol- 
ncy, 1822-30, inclusive ; Hastings Curtiss, Hastings, 1823- 
25, 1828-29; Simeon Meacham, Richland, 1828-31; 
Avery Skinner, Mexico, 1828-31, 1835-38 ; John Rey- 
nolds, Orwell, 1829-34, inclusive; Lovewell Johnson, Pa- 
lermo, 1832-36 ; Samuel Freeman, Williamstown, 1832- 
42, inclusive ; Hiram Hubbell, Pulaski, 1835-39; Enoch 
Hibbard, Volney, 1837-46, inclusive; Elias Brewster, 
Mexico, 1839-43; Samuel B. Ludlow, Oswego, 1840-45, 
inclusive; Thomas S. Meacham, Sandy Creek, 1841-45, 
inclusive; Huntington Fitch, Hastings, 1843—47; Julian 
Carter, Constantia, 1844-47 ; Orla H. Whitney, Mexico, 
1846-47; John JI. Watson, Pulaski, 1846-47. 

Justices of Sessions, tcith the years of service of each 
Justice. — John M. Casey, Oswego, 1848; L. Thayer, 
Parish, 1848-50, 1861-63; Norman Rowe, New Haven, 
1849, 1856; Robert Simpson, Scriba, 1850, 1863; John 
Wart, Boykston, 1851, 1852; John B. Higgins, Mexico, 
1851; Mason Salisbury, Sandy Creek, 1852, 1855; Ed- 
ward S. Reed, Albion, 1853 ; Samuel A. Comstock, 
Albion, 1853; Ezra Green, Palermo, 1854, 1856; John 
Vandeuburgh, Constantia, 1854 ; Edson Wilder, Sandy 
Creek, 1855; Lewis F. Devendorf, Hastings, 1857; 
Marcus Patterson, West Monroe, 1857 ; Benjamin N. Hin- 
man, Hannibal, 1858, 1860-62; Nelson J. Williams, 
Boylston, 1858; Caleb L. Carr, Williamstown, 1859-60; 
Hiram M. Stevens, Sandy Creek, 1859 ; Alvin Richardson, 
Mexico, 1864; Fowler H. Berry, Amboy, 1864; Alvin 
Osborn, Oswego, 1865 ; Mars Nearing, Hastings, 1865 ; 
Henry M. Barrett, Hannibal, 1866 ; John Shepard, Albion, 
1866; William Congdon, Scriba, 1867, 1873; Marcus 
Patterson, West Monroe, 1867 ; Levi Brackett, Hannibal, 
1868 ; Jesse W. Cross, Orwell, 1868 ; R. George Bassett, 
Volney, 1869-70; Andrew S. Coey, Redfield, 1869-70, 
1875; James G. Caldwell, West Monroe, 1871; Joseph 
W. Phillips, West Jlonroe, 1871 ; Abraham David, Parish, 
1872 ; Edmund Potter, Parish, 1872, 1874, 1877 ; Noel 
A. Gardner, Amboy, 1873 ; William R. Potts, Williams- 
town, 1874; F. W. Squires, North Volney, 1875; Henry 
L.Cole, Mexico, 1876; Cornelius Edick, Parish, 1876: 
Isaac R. Parkliurst, Scriba, 1877. 

Surroffati:s appointed, with date of appointment. — Elias 
Brewster, of Jlcxico, Marcli 21, 1816 ; Abraham P. Vos- 
burgh, of Fulton, February 17, 1817 ; Orris Hart, of New 
Haven, April 8, 1819; Chester Ilayden, of Oswego, 1820; 



James A, Davis, of Pulaski, March 28, 1823 ; Josepli 
Helme, of Pulaski, March 27, 1826 ; Orville Robinson, of 
Mexico, March 5, 1830; Joseph Torrey, of Mexico, Feb- 
ruary 9, 1834 ; Joel Turrill, of O.swego, February 8, 1843 ; 
Orris Hart, of Oswego, November 3, 1845; William P. 
Curtis, of Fulton, October 1, 1846; county judge per- 
formed duties of surrogate from 1847 to 1852. 

Surrogates, elected for four years, toith date of entering 
on office. — James Brown, of Oswego, January 1, 1852; 
Amos G. Hull, of Fulton, January 1, 1856, re-elected; 
Timothy W. Skinner, of Mexico, January 1, 1864 ; Henry 
L. Howe, of Sandy Creek, January 1, 1868; Timothy W. 
Skinner, of Mexico, January 1, 1872, elected for six years. 

Special Surrogates, elected for three years, with date of 
entry on office. — William Sanders, of Cleveland, January 1, 
1855 ; Joshua B. Randall, of Hastings, January 1, 1858, 
re-elected; William W. Scribner, of Oswego, January 1, 
1864; Francis David, of Schroeppel, January 1, 1867, re- 
elected; William H. Kenyon, of Schroeppel, January 1, 
1873; W. B. Smith, of Pulaski, January 1, 1876. 

District Attorneys appointed, with date of appointment. 
—James F. Wright, Oswego, April 17, 1820; Samuel B. 
Beach, Oswego, February 19, 1821 ; David P. Brewster, 
Oswego, 1829 ; Abraham P. Grant, Oswego, 1836 ; Orville 
Robinson, Mexico, 1841 ; Leander Babcock, Oswego, 1843 ; 
William Duer, Oswego, 1845. 

Elected for terms if three years, tcith date of entrance 
on office. — Ransom H. Tyler, Fulton, June, 1847; John 
B, Higgins, Oswego, January 1, 1851 ; Archibald N. Lud- 
dington, Fulton, January 1, 1854 ; John C. Churchill, Os- 
wego, January 1, 1857; George G, French, Mexico, Jan- 
uary 1, 1860; William H. Baker, Constantia, January 1, 
1863 , Sylvanus C. Huntington, Pulaski, elanuary 1, 1866 ; 
William H. Baker, Con.stantia, appointed (in place of Hun- 
tington, resigned) in the spring of 1866, elected for full 
term in the fall of 1866; Newton W. Nutting, Oswego, 
January 1, 1870; John J. Lamoree, Oswego, January 1, 
1873, relected. 

Sheri(fs appointed, with date of appointment. — John S. 
Davis, Pulaski, March 21, 1816; Peter Pratt, Mexico, 
February 4, 1820; Orris Hart, New Haven, February 13, 
1821. 

Elected by the people for three years, with date of enter- 
ing on the office. — Orris Hart, Oswego, January 1, 1823; 
Asa Dudley, Oswego town, January 1,1826; Hastings 
Curtiss, Hastings, January 1, 1829; William Hale, Pu- 
la.ski, January 1, 1832; Jonathan Case, Fulton, January 
1, 1835 ; Jabez H. Gilbert, Orwell, January 1, 1838 ; Nor- 
man Rowe, New Haven, January 1, 1841; Marinas W. 
Jlatthews, Pulaski, January 1, 1844; Horatio J. Carey, 
Oswego (appointed in place of Matthews, deceased}, Decem- 
ber 5, 1844; Alvin Lawrence, Mexico, January 1, 1846; 
Norman Rowe, New Haven, January 1, 1849; George W. 
Stillwell, Orwell, January ] , 1852 ; llufns Hawkins, Oswego, 
January 1, 1855 ; Charles A. Perkins, Constantia, Jan- 
ary 1, 1858; Sidney 51. Tucker, Pulaski, January 1, 1861 ; 
Robert D. Gillespie, Richland, January 1, 1864; Sidney 
M. Tucker, Oswego, January 1, 1867; James Doyle, Os- 
wego, January 1, 1870; Henry II. Lyman, Pulaski, Jan- 
uary 1, 1873; Frank S. Low, Pulaski, January 1, 1876. 



134 



HISTORY OF OSWFIGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



C'lunly Olerlcs appoinleit, with dale of appnlittmrnt. — 
James Adanis, Oswego town, March 1, ISlC ; Joseph Davis, 
Oswego, March 19, 1818; Smith Duiihip, Sandy Creek, 
February 19, 1S21. 

Eleclvd by the people for ternu of three t/eart, with date 
of entering on the office. — Hiram Hubhell, Puhiski, Janu- 
ary 1, 182:t; T. S. Mor-an, Oswego, January 1, 182G ; 
Thomas C. Baker, Pulaski, January 1, 1829 ; Erie Poor, 
Oswego, January 1, 1852 ; Marinus W. Matthews, Pulaski, 
January 1, 1835; Daniel H. Marsh, Oswego, Januarj' 1, 
1838; Andrew Z. MeCarty, Pulaski, January 1, 1841 ; 
John Carpenter, Oswego, January 1, 1S44; Jabez H. Gil- 
bert, Pulaski, January 1, 1847 ; Philander Rathbun, Oswego, 
January 1, 1850; Edwin JI. Hill, Pulaski, January 1, 
1853 ; Henry 8. Conde, Hastings, January 1, l.S5(i ; Sauiuel 
R. Taylor, Oswego, January 1, 1859; Edward N. Ratli- 
bun, Oswego, January 1, 1862; Bernice L. Doane, Pulaski, 
January 1, 18ti5; Manister Worts, Oswego, January 1, 
18(J8; John J. Stephens, Oswego town, January 1, 1S71 ; 
Brainard Nelson, Oswego, January 1, 1874 ; Daniel E. 
Taylor, Granby, January 1, 1877. 

County Treasurers, oppointed by the Council of Ap- 
pointment. — Peter Pratt, of Mexico, 1816 ; Elias Brewster, 
of Mexico, 1820. 

Appointed by the Hoard of Supervisors under the Consti- 
tution of 1821. — Avery Skinner, of Mexico, 1827 ; Robert 
A. Stitt, 1839; Starr Clark, 1840; Robert A. Stitt, 1841; 
Hiram Walker, 1846. 

By the con.stitution of 1846, county treasurers were 
to be elected by tlie people for terms of three years. Those 
of O.swcgo County, with (he respective dates of their enter- 
ing on the office, have been Samuel H. Stone, of Mexico, 
January 1, 1849, re-elected; Henry C. ]\>ck, of Mexico, 
January 1, 1855 ; Luther H. Cotiklin, of Mexico, January 
1, 1858, re-elected each succeeding term; is now serving 
his seventh term. 

<SVa/e /Senators. — There were no senators from Oswego 
until after the constitution of 1821. By that instnunent 
tlie State Wiis divided into eight senatorial districts. The 
fifth district included 0.swego, with which were joined Jef- 
ferson, Lewis, Oneida, and Madi.son, also Herkimer until 
1836, when it was transferred to the fourth district, and 
Otsego annexed to the fifth. Each district elected four 
senators for four years, one each year ; but on the first elec- 
tion they necessarily drew for terms. 

In 1822, Alvin Bronson, of Oswego, was elected, and 
drew a two-years' term, serving in 1823-24. No senator 
from Oswego County thereafter until 1830. Alvin Bron- 
son, of Oswego,' 1830-33. No senator tliereafter till 1838. 
Avery Skinner, of Mexico, 1838-41. No senator till 1845. 
Enoch B. Talcott, of Oswego, 1845-47, when his term was 
cut .short by the new constitution. 

By the constitution of 1846 the State is divided into 
thirty-two districts, from each of which a senator is elected. 
Under its provisions Madison and Oswego counties formed 
the twentieth senatorial district, which was represented as 
follows : Thomas II. Bond, of Oswego city, 1848-49 ; Asa- 
hel Stone, of Madi-son county, 1850; resigned, and Moses 
P. Hatch, of Oswego city, elected in his place, .serving in 
1851 ; James Piatt, of Oswego city, 1852-53; Simon C. 



Hitchcock, of .^Iadi.son county, 1854-55 ; M. Lindley Lee, 
of Fulton, 1856-57. 

By the apportionment act of 1857 Oswego County alone 
became the twentieth si'natorial district. The following 
were the senators therefrom: Cheney Ame>i, of Oswego, 
1858-59; Andrew S. Warner, of Pulaski, 1860-61; 
Richard K. Sanford, of Fulton, 1862-63; Cheney Ames, 
of Oswego, 1864-65; John J. Wolcott, of Yolney, 1866- 
67. 

By the act of 1866 Oswego and Madison counties were 
again uniti-d as the twenty-first senatorial district, and so 
remain. The following gentlemen have represented that 
district in the senate: Abner C. Mat toon, of Oswego, 1868— 
69; William H. Brand, of Madison county, 1870-71; 
William Foster, of Constantia, 1S72-73; Charles Kellogg, 
of Madison county, 1874-75; Benjamin Doolitllc, of Os- 
wego, 1876-77. 

Members of Assembly elected fir one year, with years of 
service. — Barnet M-ooney, of Granby (then Hannibal i, 
1810 (elected from Onondaga county), 1812, 1814; The- 
ophilus S. Morgan, of Oswego, 1820 ('di.strict of Oneida 
and Oswego); William Root ( ? i. 1821 (district of Oneida 
and Oswego); Peter Pratt, of Mexico, 1822 (district of 
Oneida and Oswego) ; Theophilus S. Morgan, of Oswego, 
1823 (Oswego county alone); Hastings Curtis, of Has- 
tings, 1824; Chester Haj'den, of Oswego, 1825 ; Henry 
Williams, of Williamstown, 1826; Orris Hart, of New 
Haven, 1827-28 ; George F. Falley, of Fulton, 1S29; Hi- 
ram Ilubbell, of Richland, 1830 ; Joel Turrill. of Oswego, 
1831 ; Avery Skinner, of Mexico, 1832-33 ; Orville Robin- 
son, of Mexico, 1834 ; Jesse Crowell, of Albion, 1835-36. 

By act passed in 1836, Oswego County was allowed two 
members of assemljly, both elected for whole county. Or- 
ville Robinson, of Mexico, aud Caleb Carr, of Williamstown, 
represented the county in 1837 ; Arvin Rice, of lliuiiiibai, 
and John M. Richardson, of Mexico, 1838 ; Samuel Haw- 
ley, of Oswego, and Edward B. Judson, of Constantia, 
1839; William Duer, of Oswego, and Peter Devendorf, of 
Hastings, 1840-41 ; Peter Devendorf, of Hastings, and 
Robert C. Kenyon, of Fulton, 1842; William F. Allen, of 
O.swego, and Alban Strong, of Orwell, 1843-14; Thomas 
Skelton, of Ilaiuiibal, and L. Thayer, of Parish, 1845; 
Thomas Skelton, of Hannibal, and Reuben Drake, of Red- 
field, 1846; Orrin R. Earl, of Sandy Creek, and M. Lind- 
ley Lee, of Fulton, 1847. 

Henceforth the county was divided into two a.s.stmibly 
districts. The first comprised Granby, Hannibal, O.swego 
citj' and town. New Haven, Schroeppel, Scriba, and \'olney. 
The second embraced Albion, Amboy, Boylston, Mexico, 
New Haven, Orwell, Palermo, Parish, Rcdfield, Richland, 
Sandy Creek, West Monroe, and Williamstown. The 
names of members will be given in the order of their dis- 
tricts : JI. Lindley Lee, of Fulton, and Andrew Z. McCarty, 
of Pulaski, 1848; Henry Fitzhugh, of Oswego, and Ed- 
ward W. Fox, of Richland, 1849; William Lewis, Jr., of 
Oswego, and Luke D. Smith, of Mexico, 1850; Moses P. 
Hatch, of Oswego (resigned, and Wm. P. Curtis took his 
place), and Benjamin F. Lewis, of Redfield, 1851 ; Edwin 
C. Hart, of Oswego, and James T. Gibson, of Albion, 
1852; De Will ('. Liltlejohn, of Oswego, and Charles A. 



HISTORY OF OSWEUO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



135 



Perkins, of Constantia, 1853 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of 
Oswego, and Azariali Wart, of Boylston, 1854 ; De Witt C. 
Littlejohn, of Oswego, and Jacob M. Scldcn, of Williams- 
town (contested by Andrew S. Warner, of Pulaski, to whom 
scat was awarded), 1855; Orvillc Robinson, of Oswego 
(chosen speaker on the forty-seventh ballot), and Andrew 
S. Warner, of Pulaski, 1856 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of 
Oswego, and Leonard Ames, of Mexico, 1857. 

By an act passed in 1857, 0.swego County was allotted 
three members of assembly, and the supervisors appor- 
tioned the districts as follows : First, Oswego city and 
town, Hannibal and Scriba ; second, Constantia, Granby, 
Hastings, Palermo, Schroeppel, Volney, West Monroe ; 
third, Albion, Amboy, Boylston, Mexico, New Haven, 
Orwell, Parish, Redfield, Richland, Sandy Creek. 

William Baldwin, of Oswego, John J. Wolcott, of Ful- 
ton, and Chauncey S. Sage, of Williamstown, represented 
the three districts, respectively, in 1858. 

De Witt C. Littlejohn, of Oswego (elected speaker), 
James J. Colt, of Hastings, and Beman Brockway, of Pu- 
laski, 1859 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of Oswego (re-elected 
speaker), William H. Carter, of Hastings, and Robert S. 
Kelsey, of New Haven, 18G() ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of 
Oswego (re-elected speaker), Richard K. Sanfbrd, of Ful- 
ton, and Mason Salisbury, of Sandy Creek, 1861 ; Elias 
Hoot, of Oswego, Willard John.son, of Fulton, and Benja- 
min E. Bowen, of Mexico, 1862 ; Abner C. Mattoon, of 
Oswego, Hiram W. Looniis, of Palermo, and Harvey 
Palmer, of Parish, 18G3 and 1864 ; Elias Root, of Oswego, 
Richard K. Sanford, of Fulton, and Avery W. Severauce, 
of New Haven, 1865 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of Oswego, 
William H. Rice, of Hastings, and John Parker, of Orwell, 
1866 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of Oswego, William H. Rice, 
of Hastings, and Charles McKinney, of Redfield, 1867; 
John A. Place, of Oswego, James D. Lasher, of Fulton, 
and Alvin R. Richardson, of Mexico, 1868; Benjamin 
Doolittle, of Oswego, James D. Lasher, of Fulton, and 
Nathan B. Smith, of Pulaski, 1869; De Witt C. Little- 
john, of Oswego, Abraham Howe, of Fulton, and John 
Parker, of Orwell, 1870 ; De Witt C. Littlejohn, of Os- 
wego, Abraham Howe, of Fulton, and Chauncey S. Sage, 
of Williamstown, 1871 ; Daniel G. Fort, of Oswego, Thos. 
W. Green, of Coughdenoy, and Chauncey S. Sage, of Wil- 
liamstown, 1872 ; Daniel G. Fort, of Oswego, Willard 
Johnson, of Fulton, and Justin L. Bulkley, of Sandy 
Creek, 1873 ; George B. Sloan, of Oswego, Willard John- 
son, of Fulton, and Justin L. Bulkley, of Sandy Creek, 
1874 ; Alanson S. Page, of Oswego, Willard Johnson, of 
Fulton, and Henry J. Daggett, of New Haven, 1875 ; 
(icorge B. Sloan, of Oswego, Thos. W. Green, of Hastings, 
and John Preston, of Pulaski, 1876 ; George B. Sloan, of 
Oswego (elected speaker), George M. Case, of Fulton, and 
De Witt C. Peck, of Mexico, 1877. 

K>uj>eioiteii(lenls and Coiiiniissioiicrs of Schools. — By a 
law passed in the spring of 1843, each board of supervisors 
was authorized to appoint one or two county supei-intond- 
ents of schools. Dr. Otis W. Randall, of Granby, was 
appointed for tlie western district of Oswego, and D. P- 
Tallmage, of Pulaski, for the eastern. In 1845 the districts 
were consolidated, and Randall was re-appointcd. Resigned, 



Baker, of Orwell, appointed. Law repealed in 



and — 
1847. 

By a law passed in the .spring of 1856 the office of com- 
missioner of common schools was created. The first incum- 
bents were to be appointed by the supervisors, and to hold 
till December 31, 1857, when commissioners were to be 
elected by the people for terms of three years. That part 
of Oswego County outside the city was divided into two 
districts, the first comprising Oswego town, Hannibal, 
Granby, Scriba, Volney, Schroeppel, Palermo, New Haven, 
and Hastings ; the second comprising the rest of the 
county. 

Rev. Theodore M. Bishop, of Fulton, was appointed the 
first commissioner of the first district. He resigned the 
last of 1856, and John A. Place, of Fulton, was appointed, 
holding during 1857. Hiram W. Loomis, of Palermo, was 
elected in the fall of 1857, entering on the office January 
1, 1858. 

James W. Fenton, of Pulaski, was appointed the first 
commissioner of the second district. George F. Woodbury, 
of Orwell, was elected in the autumn of 1857, entering on 
the office January 1, 1858. 

In the autumn of 1858 the supervisors re-organized the 
county into three districts : Oswego town, Hannibal, Gran- 
by, Scriba, Volney, and New Haven, comprising the first 
di.strict ; Schroeppel, Palermo. Ha.stings, West Monroe, 
Constantia, Amboy, and Parish, the second ; and the rest 
of the county the third. This threw Mr. Loomis into the 
second district, of which he continued to act as commis- 
sioner, Mr. Woodbury remaining in charge of the third. 
John A. Place was appointed commissioner of the first dis- 
trict, holding under the appointment till January 1, 1860. 
In the fall of 1859 he was elected to serve out the remain- 
der of the term, which was held to expire with the others, 
December 31, 1860, and was then re-elected. Since then 
the districts have remained the same, and the commissioners 
have succeeded each other with more regularity than before. 
They have been as follows, with times of entering on office : 

First District. — John A. Place, of Fulton, January 1, 
1861. James W. Parkhurst, of Scriba, January 1, liS64. 
After .serving a short time, Mr. Parkhurst resigned, and 
went into the army. Lemuel P. Storms, of Fulton, elected, 
and served remainder of term. David D. Metcalf, of Han- 
nibal, January 1, 1867; re-elected. Isaac W. Marsh, of 
Granby, January 1, 1873. Robert Simpson, Jr., of Han- 
nibal, January 1, 1876. 

Second District. — Elias A. Fish, of Schroeppel, January 
1, 1861. Resigned, after serving about a year, and went 
into the army. Willis G. Chaffee, of Palermo, served re- 
mainder of term. Newton W. Nutting, of Parish, Janu- 
ary 1, 1864. Amos J. Richardson, of Palermo, January 
1, 1867. Byron G. Clapp, of Schroeppel, January 1, 1870. 
William B. Howard, of Schroeppel, January 1, 1873. 
Fowler H. Berry, of Amboy, January 1, 1876. 

Third District. — George F. Woodbury, re-elected, enter- 
ing on .second term, Januai-y 1, 1861. William S. Goodell, 
of Mexico, January 1, 1864. Orville A. Fobes, of Pulaski, 
January 1, 1867. George F. Woodbury, of Orwell, Janu- 
ary 1, 1870. John W. Ladd, of Mexico, January 1, 1873. 
Re-elected. 



OSWEGO CITY. 



The early history of the military post at Oswego was so 
closoly iiitorwovon with that of tlu- northern fninticr that 
it has been given at lull length in the general history of the 
county. The history of modern Oswego begins with the 
surrender of Fort Ontario by the IJrili.'^h, wbich oct-urred 
on the 14th day of July, ITl'tJ. John Love and Ziba 
Phillips were cither here when the British left or came im- 
mediately afterwards. Liltli' is known of tbcni, exoojit that 
they were engaged in the Indian trade. I'biilips left in a 
short time, but an individual named John Love was here 
six years later. He was evidently an obseurc person, how- 
ever, as no mention is made of bini by the early .«ettlers, 
except in a single instance. 

In this year (1V96) that part of the present city east of 
Oswego river was in the town of Mexieo, Herkimer county, 
while the portion west of the river was in the town of Lysan- 
der, Onondaga county. The main parts of the city on both 
sides of the river were in the State reservation, intended to 
be a mile square, which had been provided fi)r by law while 
the place was still in the hands of the Briti.sh. The outer 
portion on the west side was in the survey-township of Han- 
nibal, of the Military tract (the political town of Hannibal 
was not yet in existencej, while the similar portion on the 
ciist side was in the two survey-townships of Fredericks- 
burg and Oswego, of Scriba's patent. The distinction be- 
tween survey-townships and political towns must be con- 
stantly kept in mind by any one who wishes to have a clear 
idea of the changes of those early days. 

That same sciison Neil McMullin, a merchant, of Kings- 
ton, New York, determined to take up his abode at Oswego, 
where he had previously been on business. Anxious to 
provide for his family comfortably, he had the frame of a 
small house constructed at Kingston,/and brought it through, 
with bis family, over the long, tedious route by way of the 
Mohawk river. Wood creek, Oneida lake, and Oswego river, 
.so often tnivei-sed by English soldiers and ])utch fur-tradei-s. 
On their arrival the house was erected on the west side, 
near the river-bank, in the centre of the ground afterwards 
occupied by Seneca street. This was the fiisl framed house 
in the |(lace, and McMullin's was the first family here, after 
the military occupation ceased, of which there is any 
account, though Phillips or Love may pos.sibly have bad 
one. Mr. JIcMullin opened a trade with the Indians, 
which was the only mercantile business possible here at 
that time. 

That same season came Cu|)taiti Kdward O'Connor, an 
Irishman of good education and pleasing mannei-s, who had 
fought for free<loni during the Ilevolution, and had fol 
lowed the leadership of M'iilett in the de.sj)eratc attempt to 
snr|)rise Oswego in the winlc>r of 17S3 (described in the 
13G 



general hi.story). He and his family occupied a log house 
at first, but, being fearful of the terrible winters which pre- 
vailed here, removed them to the little settlement at Salt 
Point, now Synicu-se, to remain during the cold weather. 
His d.iughter, afterwards Mrs. Alvin Bronson, Wiis born 
there in the early j)art of 1797. It is probable the captain 
taught school at Salt Point that winter, as he certaiidy did 
in subsoquent years. If Mr. McMullin's family reniaiiii'd 
at Oswego, which is not certain, they must have been sub- 
stantially alone. 

At the session of the legislature in 1797 an act was 
pits-sed directing the surveyor-general U) lay out a hundred 
acres on the west side of the Oswego river at its mouth, so 
as to iijrm a public S()uare or market-place at the most 
convenient point. Lots for public buildings were to be 
reserved on the square. House lots to be sixty-six feet 
front by two hundred feet deep. The principal streets 
were to be a hundred feet wide, and cros.s-street.s sixty, and 
a map of the survey was to be deposited in the .surveyor- 
general's office. The lots were directed to be sold at auction, 
but the governor was authorized to reserve for public pur- 
poses any that he .saw fit. It was further enacted that the 
town so laid out should be " called forever thereafter by the 
name of Oswego." 

The locality was spoken of in the law .as being in the 
town of Lysander and county of Oiiondag.i. That part of 
the present city on the east side of the river, it will be re- 
membered by the reader of the general hi.story, was then 
in the town of .Mexico and county of Herkimer. 

The new village w:us laid out, in accordance with the 
law, during the suuuuer of 1797, under the direction of 
Surveyor-General Simeon De Witt, by Boujamin Wright, 
the surveyor of Scriba's patent. The plat ran from the river 
west nearly to the line of Military lot No. 6, now known as 
the Van Buret) tract, and from the lake southward to the 
neighborhood of Oneida street. The streets running north and 
south were named — as now — "First," "Second," "Third," 
" Fourth," etc., but those running east and west received 
entirely different appellations from those they now be;ir. 
Surveyor-General De Witt was as chtssical in regard to 
Oswego's streets as he or the land-commissioners had been 
respecting the townships of the Military tract, and the 
constellations of the heavens were utilized an freely as the 
heroes of Greece and Home had been. Only nine street;! 
were named at the time in question, but the number of 
appellations txiken fVom the celestial .sphere was afterwards 
increased to fifteen. To promote the clearness of subse- 
quent history we will give the whole number here. 

The iiorlheriimost street laid out in 1797 was Aquila, a 
very short one, which w;is nearly an eastward extension of 




mi^TWwmB^^'^vm 



i 

4 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK, 



137 



Bronson street, running through to the river, but is now 
closed up. As extended to the e;Lst side it is now culled 
Mercer street. On the east side, al.so, still north of" A(|uihi, 
were afterwards laid Auriga street, now De Witt, and Orion 
street, now Mercer. South of Aquila street the ancient 
and modern names are as follows: Lyra street, now Van 
Buren ; Aries street, now Schuyler ; Taurus street, now 
Seneca ; Gemini street, now Cayuga ; Cancer street, now 
Bridge; Leo street, now Oneida; Virgo street, now Mo- 
hawk ; Libra street, now Utica ; Scorpio street, now Albany ; 
Sagittarius street, now Erie ; Capricornus street, now Ni- 
agara ; Aquarius street, now Ohio. Certainly it was not 
Simeon De Witt's fault that Oswego did not become a celes- 
tial city. 

The two blocks now occupied by the public square were re- 
served, in 1797, for that purpose, together with the next one 
to the east. The three blocks north of these, — Nos. 8, 9, and 
10, — bounded by Third and Sixth streets, and by Taurus 
and Aries (now Seneca and Schuyler streets), were reserved 
for public buildings, while the ground between Third and 
Sixth streets, northward from Aries (Schuyler) to the lake, 
— being blocks one to six inclusive, — was set apart for a 
cemetery. 

The street-lines of the embryo city were marked by 
blazed trees, for — except where MciMullin and Connor had 
made little clearings to set their houses — the grouud on the 
west side as far up as Ohio street was covered with woods. 
It was mostly second growth, however, as the original 
forest had all been cleared off (except a few scattering trees) 
during the early period before 1756, when large garrisons 
were stationed on the west side of the river. There was 
a similar clearing on the east side, but more recent, it 
having been made after the establishment of Fort Ontario, 
in 1755. On that side, too, a large tract in the vicinity of 
tlie fort had been entirely cleared, and had been used as 
garden and grass-ground from the advent of " Duncan of 
Lundie " in 1760. There were numerous oaks, maples, etc., 
on both sides, but the principal growth was of chest- 
nuts. 

If any new settlers came to Oswego in 1797, their 
names have escaped record. There were five or six more 
families came between that year and 1802, but the precise 
time of tlieir respective arrivals is unknown. It is pre- 
sumed, however, that two or three of them came in 1797 
or the spring of 1798, for long ago the oldest inhabitants 
used to assert that in 1798 Miss Artemisia Waterhouse, of 
rult<m (afterwards Mrs. Ichabod Brockett, of Salina), 
taught the first school in Oswego. It is needless to say 
that it was in a private house, and it could liardly have 
numbered over a dozen children. It is not pretended that 
there were but five families in the " district," and probably 
one of these was that of Asa Rice, who had settled three 
miles west of O.swego in 1797. 

In 1798 Oneida county was formed from Herkimer, and 
the east part of Oswego became a portion of the former 
county. 

The next year the collection district of Oswego was 

formed by Congress, embracing all the shores and waters 

of the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario, from the forty-fifth 

parallel to the Genesee river, and the president was autlioi'- 

10 



ized to establish a custom-house and appoint a collector. 
For several years, however, it wa.s not sup])oso(l that the 
duties would repay the expense of collecting them, and the 
whole frontier was li^ft nMguard(!il. Ab.solute " free-trade" 
prevailed. A few furs, however, and a little grain for the 
use of the pioneers, was all that was imported from Canada. 
There was plenty of lumber on this side then. 

The principal business of the little port was caused by 
the passage of emigrants, military stores, salt, and IndiaTi 
goods to the west, and the bringing back of furs from the 
same locality. Westward-bound stores were brought from 
Rome through the Oneida lake and Oswego river ; and 
often they were sent west in open sail-boats. 

Peter Sharpe and William Vaughan came at a very early 
date, probably about 1798 or 1799. Sharpe kept a small 
tavern for the accommodation of travelers and boatmen, 
and stored goods detained on their passage. Sharpe and 
Vaughan soon became the owners of a little schooner of 
about fifty tons' burden ; from the indefinite accounts 
handed down wo should infer that it was not built here, 
but purchiised from the Canadians. This was used in the 
modest commerce before mentioned. 

In the spring of 1800, Archibald Fairfield, who had been 
a resident of Scriba's city of Vera Cruz, at the mouth of 
Salmon creek, discouraged by the loss of the oidy Vera 
Cruz vessel the year before, and by the general depressing 
appearance in that ambitious locality, moved to Oawego 
with his family, built him a house, and wont to keeping 
tavern. In those days almost every man kept tavern who 
had two rooms in liis house, and some landlords got along 
with one. 

At Fairfield's tavern, in the summer of 1800, stopped 
Daniel Burt, of Orange county. New York, the grandfather 
of B. B. Burt and E. P. Burt, of this city, having made a 
canoe voyage from Kingston, Canada, where he had been 
on business. Pleased with the ap]icarauce of Oswego, he 
determined to make his abode in the vicinity, and on his 
way home purchased of one of the Van Rensselaer family, 
at Albany, military lot No. 7, now forming the upper part 
of the city of Oswego, on the west side. 

There was another arrival, in 1800, of the utmost im- 
portjince, — " a bald-head(;d stranger from No-Man's-Lind." 
This was Rankin P. McMullin, the first white child born 
in modern Oswego. He, too, liked the country, and con- 
cluded to stay. 

Whatever education was received by the few children of 
that period came from Ca])tain Connor, who sometimes 
taught school here and sometimes at Salt Point. The lat- 
ter place contained the nearest post-office, and was the me- 
tropolis to which the inhabitants of Oswego (which was 
the jumping-off place of central New York) made their way 
to catch the first glimpses of a doubtful civilization. There 
w<us no road l)iAwecu the two ])lacos pa.ssable by a wagon or 
even by a sled, — in fact, there was no road to Oswego at 
all. In summer every one traveled by boats ; in winter 
there was no couimunicalion between the infant city and 
the outer world, .save when some adventurous O.swi'gonian 
made his way on snow-shoes to Salt Point, learned the news 
from Europe, Asia, and America, obtained the letters 'ad- 
dressed to his neighbors, loaded himself with a demijohn of 



138 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



wliisky, it' tli;it urticlo had bocoiiio Miiiit in (>-«■( lih. ;iiii1 
reluriicil tlio saiiiu way lie went. 

But ill .^uiiiiiicr biisiiiL'.sii was evcD ihcii (|iiitc livi-ly. 
Archibald Kairfiold i<oon proc^iircd twn whnoniTs of about 
u hundred toii.s each, prcsunialilv hy jiurchu.»j«.^ in Canada, 
biin;_'iii>; the (►swi'iro fleet u|i tn the iiiimlx;r of tlirec. 
With thcs<: lie cii-raged in furwarding }^M>d8 and stores to 
tlie Niagara, whence they were Uiken up the lakes. Cap- 
tain Ha>nnissi'n and Captain Ford, bnth masters of vessels 
on the lake, came about this time but tlic exact year is 
unknown. 

In May, 18(12, we come to the tir.«t delinile iiilbrmation 
repirding the ])ro;.'res.s of O.swe-io since itis tbundation. Al- 
thou,>:h informed by McMullin that he would starve there, 
Daniel Hurt had not triven uji tln> idea of sottlinj: at Os- 
wego. His SOILS, Calvin Uradiier Hurt and Jotrl Hurt, went 
to Ovid, Seneca county, in the fall of 1801, and the next 
year, in company with a young lawyer named Haird, they 
made their way down Cayuga lake and Seneca and O.swego 
rivers in a skiff to Oswego, and took up their f|uarters at 
Peter Sharpe's tavern. At that time, as stated by 5Ir, 
Bradner Hurt in his reminiscences, published long after- 
wards, there Were but six familiis living in Oswego, — tlio.se 
of I'eter Sharpe, Archibald Fairfield, John Ijovc, Edward 
O'Connor, Augustus Ford, and Captain Rasmu.ssen. Wil- 
liam Vaughan was still unmarried, and McMullin's family 
was perhajis temporarily absent. There were also a few 
unmarried lake-sailors and river-boatmen who made their 
heaili|uarters here. There were no stores, but ut least two 
taverns. 

Y'oung lawyer Hainl thought there was not nuuh of an 
opening here for legal talent, and left. Joel Hurt also wont 
back to Orange county for the sea.son. After a short ab- 
sence Hradncr Hurt returned in September, and began the 
erection of the first saw-mill in Oswego. It was on the site 
of the " old red mill," and nearly on that of the present 
Exchange mills. When the timbci's were ready young 
Hurt sent out to Rice's and up to O.swego Falls to invite 
help, and all responded with great willingness. But when 
every man within reachable distance was mustered, there 
were but twelve, and it was only by the mo.st strenuous ex- 
ertions and the use of tackles that they were able to get 
the timbers into jilaco. After the mill was finished Mr. 
Hurt again returned to Orange county. 

Tliat same year Matthew McNair, a native of Paisley, 
Scotland, made his waj' to Oswego and began a residence 
there which terminated only with his death in extreme old 
age. He has stated that but two of the few residences he 
found here in 1802 were frames. Besides these there was 
a warehou.se built here that same .season by Heijajah Hying- 
ton, of Salt Point. 

Early in the spring of 1803 young Bradner Burt made 
his way to Rome, and thence on foot to Oswego, stopping 
in Mexico to dance all night in a house where the young 
men had to bow low to escape the joists which suiiporled 
the chamber floor. When he arrived at Fort Ontario he 
found the whole garrison out under arms. It consisted of 
a .sergeant and two men. Proceeding to the river-bank, he 
culled for a boat to take him across. One was immediately 
sent, and while it was cro.'^sing the whole population of the 



eiiy. iiH'n, women, and children, turned out and came down 
to the West bank of the river to welcome him. If he had 
been the long-lo.st brother of every one of them, with straw- 
berry-marks all over him, he could not have Wen more 
warmly greeted. Eager hands were stretched out to him 
from every side the moment he touched the shore, and 
happiness beamed on every countenance. 

And why this excess of joy over the return of a com- 
jiarative stranger, not related to any of the citizt^ns? Sim- 
ply beciiise he was the first arrival of the seas<iu. For four 
months, mure or less, Oswego had been snow-bound and 
iee-tied. its people shut out frmn the sight of all faces but 
their own, which were but few in number (even including 
the gallant garrison of Fort Ontario ), and the first aiTival of 
a man, ]iroving as it did that spring had really op«-ned, was 
a subject of more excitement than was the first arrival of 
a steamer in the palmiest days of steamboating. 

Meanwhile his father, Daniel Burt, through his ae(|uaint- 
ance with the Orange county governor, (ieorge Clinton, had 
obtained a lease from the State of a hundred acres of land, 
extending from the river eastward, so as to include all the 
cleared ground around the fort. The Icilsc was for ten 
years, at ten dol'ars per year. He moved to Oswego in the 
summer of 1S03 with his sons Joel, George W., and 
Daniel. Jr. Ilis son William soon after moved to Scriba. 
Daniel Burt, Sr., leaving his own land unimproved for the 
present, built a log house on his leased ground directly 
opposite Taurus street, and in the centre of what is now 
East Seneca street. This was the first building, not con- 
nected with the i'ort, on the east side of the rivi'r. Having 
received a charter from the legislature, Mr. Hurt estab- 
lished the first regular ferry in Oswego, on the present line 
of Seneca strc('t. 

By this time it had been discovered at Washington that 
a port called Oswego, on Lake Ontario, was doing cmii- 
siderable business, and the president determined to estab- 
lish a custom-house there, as authorized by act of Congress. 
It was doubtless on the recommendation of (Jovernor Clin- 
ton that Joel Burt was selected as the collector of the new 
port. His commission was dated August 1, 18(13. He 
was certainly the fii'st United Stjites civil ofliccr at Oswego, 
and so far iis we can learn he was the first civil oflTicer of 
any kind. There is neither record nor tradition of even a 
constable previous to that time. 

Perhaps it was supjiosed that the new collector would he 
sufficient to guard the entrance to Oswego ; at all events 
the sergeant, with his army of two men, Wiis withdrawn 
this year, and Fort ( hitario, so long the object of intense 
solicitude to rival nations, was left to fall into ignoble 
decay. 

Mr. McNair, who.se arrival the year before has been 
nientiiined, imrcliased the old .schooner "Jane," of Shar|ie & 
Vaughan. and went into the forwarding business. Fairfield 
still continued his transactions in that line. Numerous 
boats came down the river. Burt's saw-mill gave proini.se 
of frame houses instead of log, and Oswego began to look 
up. Still there was not a house north of Cancer (now 
Bridge) street. 

In 1804 the progress was sufficient so that it was de- 
termined to have a land coinniuiiieation with the outer 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



139 



world. C. B. Burt was chosen path-master, and under his 
direction a road was cut through as far as the falls. 

This good example was quickly followed. That same 
season a man named King came from the settlement in 
Cato, in the present county of Cayuga, and on the part of 
himself and three Tieighbors offered to open a road from that 
settlement to Oswego for forty dollars, being ten dollars fur 
each man engaged. The "solid men" of Oswego de- 
termined to have the road. Forty dollars in cash was a 
big sum here in those primitive times, but after much 
financiering the required sum was subscribed by responsible 
parties, and King began the work. It was no slight task, 
the ten dollars per man was well earned ; but in time the 
road was completed, and when the midsummer sun was 
shining most brightly King and his companions, seated on 
au ox-sled, rode triumphantly into Oswego, amid the cheers 
and congratulations of the people. It was very cheap road- 
making, but it should be remembered that " opening a road" 
ill those days meant merely cutting out the underbrush, 
logs, and small ti-ees from a space perhaps a rod wide, 
making a track barely passable for an ox-sled or cart. 

Captain O'Connor taught school in 1802, the first in the 
place according to Mr. Burt, who had no knowledge of the 
little educational effort of Miss Waterhouse. It was taught 
in a log house, built as a workshop by Captain Ford, and 
situated near the bank of the river, between Gemini and 
Cancer (Cayuga and Bridge) streets. 

It was in this year al.so that a man named Wilson, a con- 
tractor for the carrying of government stores to the west, 
built a schooner of ninety tons, called the " Fair Ameri- 
can," and Mr. McNair built one, called the '' Linda," of 
fifty tons. The latter gentleman then or soon after also 
bought some Canadian vessels, showing that the commerce 
of Oswego was rapidly rising into prominence. 

In the spring of 1805 there came to Oswego a family 
long and creditably known in its early history, and, from 
the number, vigor, and intelligence of its members, ex- 
ercising a strong influence over the destinies of the infant 
city. The head of this family was Daniel Hugunin, Sr., a 
man of French extraction, but brought up among the 
Dutch of the 3Iohawk valley. With him came his adult 
sons, Peter D., Daniel, Jr., and Abram D. ; the younger 
sons, Robert, Hiram, and Leonard ; and the daughters, 
Lucretia, Eliza, Catharine (afterwards I\Irs. John S. Davis 
and mother of Heury L. Davis), and Mary (afterwards 
Mrs. John Grant, Jr.j. The last named was then a girl of 
nine, and is now the earliest surviving resident of Oswego. 
Of all her youthful companions not one is left who as early 
as she looked upon the pleasant woodlands, the scattered 
cabins, the brawling river which constituted the Oswego of 
seventy years ago, and of which, even now, she speaks with 
enthusiastic praise. 

We fix the date of the Hugunins' arrival from the state- 
ment of Mrs. Grant, though C. B. Burt has stated it a year 
earlier. At all events, the first year of their coming, whether 
1804 or 1805, Mr. Burt helped Daniel Hugunin, Jr., to 
build a small frame store, the first in the place. It was on 
First, street, between Cayuga and Seneca, and still " sur- 
vives," so to say, as the fruit-store of Thomas Hart, being 
now the oldest buildin^r in 0.<wego. 



In 1805, too, but shortly after the Hugunins, came 
Edwin M. Tyler, another of the .sea-faring men of whom 
early Oswego was .so largely composed. With him was his 
son, Joel F. Tyler, a child of three, since long known as 
Captain Tyler of the lake service, and now, at the age of 
seventy-five, the second earliest resident of Oswego. Cap- 
tain Theophilus Baldwin came about the same time. 

It was in 1805 or 1806 that the first school-house in 
Oswego was erected. Mr. Bradner Burt was the builder, 
and, according to his recollection, it was in the former 
year ; but the weight of evidence is in favor of the latter. 
It owed its existence to private enterprise, for the school 
system of the State was not then organized so as to provide 
for the erection of school-houses at the expense of the pub- 
lie. Joel Burt, Matthew McNair, William Vaughan, and 
others contributed liberally, and the resulting structure was 
extremely creditable to the educational enterprise of the 
pioneers of Oswego. 

It was a one-story frame, no less than thirty-five feet 
square, with a cupola on the top intended for a bell, whic-h, 
however, it never received. In fact, it would perhaps be 
more correct to speak of it as a school meeting-house, for 
it was intended from the first for the use of traveling 
preachers, and was provided with a pulpit for that purpose. 
This, doubtless, accounts for the comparatively large scale 
on which it was built. 

The first school in the new school-house was taught by a 
Dr. Caldwell, who had lately arrived, and who practiced 
medicine and taught school conjointly for several years. 
He was Oswego's only physician for several yeare. Those 
who did not ajipreciate his medical services used to send 
for Dr. Squires in Hannibal. 

In the early part of 1806 both sections of the present 
city became jiarts of new towns. On the 28th of February 
the town of Hannibal, Onondaga county, was formed from 
Lysander, comprising the present towns of Granby, Hanni- 
bal, and Oswego, and the west part of Oswego city. It 
will be observed that while the survey-township of Hanni- 
bal came only to the line of the State reservation on the 
west and south, the political town included the reservation 
also within its limits. 

On the 21st of March the town of Fredericksburg was 
formed from Mexico, including the pre.=ent towns of Scriba, 
Volney, Schroeppel, and Palermo. This change of juris- 
diction on the east side of the river, however, did not affect 
many people in the present city, for Daniel Burt was then 
on that side. 

On the 21st of April following. Congress seems not to 
have learned of the change of names, for on that day it 
established a post-route from Onondaga Hollow to the vil- 
lage of Oswego, " in Lysander." Yet no post-office was 
established at Oswego till the next fall, when Joel Burt, 
already collector of the port, was appointed postmaster, his 
commission being dated the 7th of October. The practice 
of appointing the same man to several federal offices appeals 
to have been quite common in those days. In Bufi'alo, at 
the same period, one pereon was collector, postmaster, and 
supeiintendent of Indian afTaii's, by appointment from Wash- 
ington, besides being a judge under State authority. 

It was about this time that Onudiaga, the Oitomluga 



140 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



cliieftiiin, laniid tlie iiia'il wci kly f'rmii ( )iRiiid:i^'a UnUow 
to Oswfgi), with Hucli exi-iiiiilary jmiictualily, us iiainitcd in 
chapter xii. of the general history of the county. Ca|ituiD 
Elizur Brace is said to have been the first contractor for 
carryin;.' the mail between the i)laees first lueiitioned, — fios- 
sibly Onudiaga was liired by the citizens before any regular 
contractor was employed by the govcrnuient. 

Thiinias II. Wcnlworth, father of the well-known resident 
of that name, passing through the village on his way to 
Canada in 180G, and forming a high opinion of its com- 
mercial facilities, obtained the " refu.sal" of water-lots 5 
and (i, and of the other pr(i]ierty btiongiiig to Archibald 
Fairfield. Tlie original contract, which in curious language 
gave Wentworth the privilege of going to Canada and re- 
turning to Utica, is now in the hands of his son, and is 
certainly one of the oldest business contracts extant relating 
to Oswego, if not the very oldest. Milton Harmon was a 
new settler of this year. 

The oldest native of Oswego now resident in it was born 
in Seplcml>er, 1806. She then received the name of Nuncy 
Hugunin, being the youngest daughter of Daniel Huguiiin, 
Sr., but is now better known as Mrs. (joodell. 

Early in 1807, Mr. Wentworth returned, in accordance 
with his previous arrangement, and bought out Fairfield, 
the latter soon after moving to Saekett's Harbor. He was 
one of the first citizens of the place while he lived here, 
and an incident related by Captain Tyler would tend to 
show that the first citizens regaled themselves with food 
which would hardly be acceptable to those of similar posi- 
tion now. Just before Fairfield left., little Joel went with 
his mother, who was paying an afternoon visit to Mrs. F. 
Scarcely were they seated when the child's curious eyes 
discovered something hanging from a joist, which to his eye 
appeared to be a baby denuded of its skin. 

" Oh ! oh !" exclaimed the terror-.strieken boy, " what 
you going to do with that baby?" pointing to the object 
which had caused his excitement. 

" Why," replied Mi-s. Fairchild, laughing, " we are going 
to eat it, of course." 

"Oh, ma! take nie home! take me home!" pleaded the 
frightened child, who felt that if they had got to eating 
babies at that house they might soon have an jijipetite for 
four-year-old boys. His mother pacified him, but through- 
out his stay be ea.st many a wary glance at the object which 
had arou.sed his jiity and his fears. 

He afterwards learned that it w.ia a porcupine, dressed 
and prepared for eating. At present a good many would 
about as soon think of eating a baby as a hedge-hog. 

Mr. Wenlworlh succeeded to Fairfield's fonvarding busi- 
ness. Though bred to mercantile pursuits, he was an 
artist of much ability, and in after-years was in great 
request as a portrait-]iaiiiter in the ejislern cities. He was 
also the producer of many more elaborate works, some of 
which are still in the possession of his son. He was the 
first devotee of the fine arts who nuide his home in Oswego, 
and should the lovers of those arts ever dedicate a gallery 
in their honor, his portrait would be entitled to especial 
prominence. 

The reminiscences of early settlers that have been pub- 
lished make no mention of any religious services iu Oswego 



until ISOT, but in all probability there were such services 
held there before that time. 

Next to Dr. Caldwell, the first physician who settled 
within the present limits of Oswego was Dr. Deodatus 
Clarke. His ]K)int of location, liowever, was then nearly 
two miles from the village, being on a farm adjoining the 
present eastern boundary of the city, or rather in the forest, 
where he made a farm. Among his numerous children 
was Edwin W. Clarke, then six years of age, afterwards an 
able member of the O.swego bar, and still surviving in an 
honored old age. From his father's new liousc to the house 
of Daniel Burt, Sr., at the corner of West Seiieea and First 
streets, all was a dense forest, tliough partly of second 
growth. After erecting a log house. Dr. Clarke was unable 
to procure shingles for the roof. He paid two dollars per 
thousand fur drawing boards for that |)urpose from the 
river-side. 'J'be transportation was accomplished on an 
oX'Sled in midsummer, about a hundred and fifty feet being 
drawn at a time. 

There were then about fourteen families on the west side 
of the river, the hou.ses being partly log and partly frame. 
A log causeway facilitated travel along the road in front of 
the site of the st^ircli-faetory, and a rude ferry, on the line 
of Taurus ( Seneca) street, served a similar purjiose for those 
who wished to cross the stream. Near this time the ferry 
was transferred from Mr. Burt to Mr. Tyler, who liought 
the house originally erected by McMuliin, but which had 
pa.s.sed into the hands of Captain Ra.smussen. 

Rude indeed would now si'cm the little frontier village, 
with its six or eight log houses and a similar nund)er of 
frame ones ; with its one diminutive store, its two or three 
taverns and barn-like warehouses; but to thosi' who were 
children then it appears almost another Eden. Mrs. Grant, 
especially, grows as enthusiastic over the charms of Oswego 
seventy years ago as her name-sake, the celebratwl authore.s.M, 
was over the spring-time delights of the same locality half 
a century earlier. 

" Ah !" exclaims the old lady, her memory reviving as 
she dwells on the beloved theme, her imagination kindling, 
and her language taking on the glow of youth, " those 
were happy days! How beautiful everything was! How 
beautiful ! The trees were si> green ! the air was .so fresh! 
the lake was so sparkling I wild-flowers bhiomcd at every 
step. All kinds of berries and nuts abounded. The old 
fort-ground was covered with strawberries. Cranberries 
were thick along the river-shore. Beech-nuts, hickory-nuts, 
and especially chestnuts, could be gathered by the bushel. 
Wild ])lums were equally abundant. Game was plentiful 
beyond conee])tion ; any man with a rifle could obtain it, 
and the Indians brought it iu to sell for next to nothing. 
A saddle of venison could be bought for twenty-five cents. 
And the salmon ! what great shoals of them went up the 
river I Thousands at a time I their fins breaking above the 
surface of the water, and flashing like floating silver in the 
suidight ! There was no need of doctors then ; everybody 
was healthy. There used to be two or three years at a 
time without a funeral. There were no lawyers then, and 
no need of them ; everybody was honest. Ah ! what 
happy times! what a beautiful, beautiful country!" 

Once in three or lour inonibs an itinerant preacher would 




RESIDENCE OF THOMAS KINGSFORD 
West First Street, between Utica and Mohawk Streets, Oswego, New York. 




RESIDENCE OF THOMSON KINGSFORD 
Corner of West Third and Oneida Streets, Oswego, New York. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



141 



come along, and then notice would be given out of a meet- 
ing on Sunday at the school-house. As the hour for ser- 
vice approached a horn would be blown at the school-house 
door to notify the villagers, and when the appointed time 
was re iched, the same primitive sounds again rang out upon 
the morning air. The pioneers set great store by the bap- 
tism of the young ; all being anxious that their children 
should receive the benefit of that rite, though they were 
not all of them ver}' particular regarding the language used 
towards. the holy man who administered it. On one occa- 
sion an itinerant had preached on a week-day evening, and 
was about to move on, when he was requested to stay over 
Sunday and baptize some children. He was directed to one 
person who was aspecially an.xious to have the rite per- 
formed. The preacher found tiie individual at work near 
the river, and was at once accosted by him : 

" Well, parson, are you going to stay over Sunday and 
bajitizo our children ?" 

" Well," replied the minister, " I hardly know. I should 
be glad to do so, but it will break in on my arrangements 
very seriously." 

" Well now, parson, you must stay !" exclaimed the en- 
thusiastic parent. " I have got two children that want bap- 
tizing bad; Mr. has another, Mr. has three 

more, and I know we can pick up two or three others, and, 
take it all together, you can make a d good job of it." 

It is not recorded whether the reverend gentleman took 
the job or not. 

The event of 1808, at Oswego, was the building of the 
brig " Oneida" by Henry Eckford, under the superintend- 
ence of Lieutenant Woolsey, of which mention was made 
in the general history. Henry Eagle, a native of Prussia, 
and long a well-known resident of Oswego, first came to 
that place in the year last named, and helped to build the 
" Oneida." 

The next spring the new brig was launched. When ready 
for sea, it was taken out of the harbor and its armament 
was put on board. When this had been done, it w:ls found 
that the " Oneida" could not return over the bar. It was 
never inside the harbor again. The firm of McNair & Co. 
built a fine schooner of eighty tons this year. Building 
began to increase on land, too, as well as on the water. 
Messrs. Forman & Brackett erected a small grist-mill and 
saw-mill. 
I The grist-mill was the first in Oswego, and the saw-mill 

was second only to that of Bradner Burt, built in 1802. 

By this time immigration was increasing with coni?ider- 
I able rapidity ; many coming whose names have escaped 
[l research. Theophilus S. Morgan, long a very prominent 
resident of Oswego, was one of the new settlers. 

The next year (1810) there was a still larger immigra- 
tion, including several men of some note in the early annals 
of the frontier village. Of these the most prominent was 
Mr. Alvin Bronson, a young man only twenty-seven years 
old, although he had been in the mercantile business nine 
years, who settled at Oswego as the representative of the 
firm of Townsend, Bronson & Co., and began the construc- 
tion of a schooner with the men and tools he had brought 
with him from his former home in Connecticut. 

Besides the vessel, which, under the name of the " Charles 



and Ann," and subsequently of the " Governor Tompkins," 
has been mentioned at some length in the general history, 
Mr. Bronson soon erected a warehouse on the corner of 
West First and Cayuga streets, for the use of the firm, 
which was engaged largely in the forwarding business. 
They also kept a supply of general merchandise in one end 
of their warehouse. This wxs a custom with all the for- 
warders here, as it was considered that the business would 
not warrant separate mercantile establishments. 

Another new-comer of this period of some notoriety was 
" Colonel" Eli Parsons. He gained his military title as 
the second in command in the celebrated " Shay's rebellion," 
which broke out in Massachusetts in 1786. Parsons had 
served gallantly as a captain in the Massachasetts line in 
the Revolution, and excused his subsequent misconduct on 
the ground of the hardships to which he and his comrades 
were subjected when the depreciated paper-money in which 
they had been paid was found to be worthless to buy pro- 
visions or pay debts, or even to pay the taxes levied by the 
State government. As one of the leaders, he was excepted 
from the first amnesty granted to the main body of the 
insurgents after their defeat, and was obliged to escape to 
Canada, in which he only succeeded with great difliculty. 

After the final amnesty he returned and settled in Oswego, 
where he kept a tavern, and where he received a pension 
for his services in the Revolution. According to the recol- 
lections of the old settlers he was a jovial old fellow, well 
liked by his neighbors, fond of making quaint remarLs, and 
much more at home in keeping a tavern than in leading a 
rebellion. 

" How do all you people make a living here?" queried 
a stranger, who could not see that there was much business 
going on. 

" Well, sir," replied the old colonel, " in summer we 
live by skinning strangers; in winter by skinning each 
other." 

On another occasion, when provision was scarce, the 
colonel was seen trudging up to his house with a remark- 
ably fine string of fish. 

" Bless me !" exclaimed a bystander, " what large fish ! 
How did you catch them, colonel ? What sort of bait did 
you use?" 

" The best of bait, — necessity," was the sententious reply 
of the veteran. 

Dr. Benjamin Coc, who settled here in 1810, was the 
next physician after Caldwell, and the first who had much 
practice. Dr. Walter Colton, who came shortly after, was 
a man of marked ability, and prominent not only in pro- 
fessional, but in social and political life. 

Edmund Hawks, who afterwards became a.ssociate judge 
of the common pleas, came in 1810, and established a 
tannery near the corner of West First and Cancer (Bridge) 
streets, the first institution of that kind in the village. His 
house was about where the Jefferson block now stands. 

The brothers Eli and Moses Stevens about the same 
time set up in business, the first as a shoemaker and the 
second as a hatter. The afterwards-celebrated author, 
James Fenimorc Cooper, was then a rollicking young mid- 
shipman on board the " Oneida," making frequent visits 
to Oswego, and being a hail-fellow with all its younger 



H2 



HISTORY OF OSWE(iO COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



jxipiiliilion. He is credited uiih the production of the 
fiilldwiii^ dihtich, dL'scrijitive of the occupulioiis of the two 
Stevens brothers : 

Cptiii MtJKps and Eli 

All llio |)eojilL> iiinv rely 
Fnr ii|)oe» Biiil for liatt thai will stnnd llic wiirsi wiallicr; 

WliHt with bitots and wirb felt 

TlifV nil! uee up tlio [it'll, 
And to two-lrpgrd i-aK-i'S ?cll Ibc quadruped's leather. 

Oil tlic 5th of April, 1811, the name of Frederieksburf^ 
was chaii>;ed to Voliiey, and on the saiuc day the town of 
Scriba was tukuii off. Thus the territory of llie present 
city was diviilcd between Seriba, in Oneida county, and 
liiinnibal, in Onondaga county. 

It is iiard to realize, in these days of compact organizti- 
tion and swift police, that fiHy odd years ago the two parts 
of Oswego were separated by a jurisdictional line which 
was almost ini}>a.ssable. Young Joel Tyler, though only 
iiiiio years old, was now intrusted with the management of 
the ferry, while iiis father was out on the lake in command 
of the schooner " Eagle." When a pedestrian wanted to 
cross, the youngster could ]]Ut him over in a skiff, but when 
a horseman or a wagon came, the hired man was called from 
his work to manage the unwieldy scow. One day Joel 
heard from the Seriba side a halloo announcing that a foot- 
man wanted to cross the stream. The skiff being taken 
over, the passenger, who seemed to be in a great hurry, 
stepped in, and Joel turned liis prow westward. When 
he was about a third of the way across, a horseman came 
galloping up to the eastern shore, and shouted to the boy 
to return. 

" No, no ; go on," said the passenger. 

" Come back ! come back, I say !" yelled the man on 
shore. 

" Go ahead, go ahead," growled the fellow in the boat. 

" Come back, you young rascal, or I'll shoot you !" cried 
the pursuer, takitig a pistol from his holster. 

" I'ull for your life, you little devil, or I'll drown you !" 
exelainu'd the runaway, rolling up his .sleeves and preparing 
for instant action. 

Terrified beyond measure at these contradictory threats, 
the boy yet tliought that the nearest danger was the greatest, 
and bent to his oars with all his might. The sheriff, for 
sueh the pursuer wius, did not fire, the fugitive gained the 
Onondaga shore, plunged into the forest, and was out of 
reach long before the officer could get new papers to give 
him jurisdicli4>n in that county. 

William Dolloway, who came in 1811, was the first man 
who hail a store of much conse(|uenee, .separate from the 
furwarding business. It was near the corner of West First 
and Taurus (Bridge) streets, and the owner's residence, 
ju.st above the last street, was the farthest south of any 
house in the village. The nearest house above that point 
was one built by Mr. Wentworth for the use of the boat- 
men whom he employed, and which stood on lands still 
owned by the State, as was the case with all the land above 
Mohawk street. Long afterwards .Mr. Wentworth bought 
from the Slate the tract of land which he had improved, 
and his son now lives there. That son, by the way, who 
w;us Iporii in 181(1, is, so far as we can discover, the oldest 



male, and next to Mrs. Goodcll is the oldest person, iKirn in 
Oswego and now residing there. 

Just above Went Worth's house was the farmland resi- 
dence of Daniel Burt, Sr., to which he had removed allcr 
he gave up the ferry, and which was situated on military 
lot No. 7. The AVentwurth house was fitted up in ISll, 
and rented to Judge Nathan Sage, known a.s Captain Sage 
to the early settlers of Rcdticld, who came from that place 
to Oswego and was ap)Hiintrd collector of the port. His 
commission was dated June \-, 1811. 

Oswego being shut up by itself, with little communication 
with the rest of the world, many of the men, in default of 
other recreation, devoted a good deal of time to |)laying 
practical jokes on each other. Judge Sage was a some- 
what stately old gentleman, of fine ap|)carance and do- 
liberate movements, and the young fellows about town 
thought he would be a good subject for some of their 
pranks. Every morning lie was in the habit of setting 
forth from his residence, neatly dres.'sed, with a cane in his 
hand, and walking down to the foot of First street, where 
his office was situated. 

One morning, shortly after his appointment as collector, 
the judge was marehing with his usual deliberation down 
the road towards the village, but he had not gone far from 
his house when lie saw a young man of his acquaintance 
ajijiarently working by the roadsiile with an axe. 
■' Good-morning, judge," sitid the a.xeman. 
" Good-morning, sir," politely responded the official. 
" Fine morning." 
" Very fine," said the judge. 
" But looks some like rain." 

" Yes, it does a little," and Mr. Sage started forward. 
Af\er he had gone a few yards the man called out, — 

" By the way, judge, " — the latter halted and turned 
around, — ''can you tell nie where young Stevens, the hatter, 
boards'?" 

" Well, no, I can't; he hasn't been here a great while, 
you know. I have had no e.xpecial business with him. I 
presume you can easily a-scertain, however." 

" I presume so," said the man, and the judge resumed 
his walk. Some forty rods farther down he met Dr. Coc, 
with a rifle on his shoulder and equipped for a hunting ex- 
cursion. 

" Good-morning, judge." 

" Good-morning, doctor. After the deer, eh '?" 
'' Well, yes; I thought I would try them a few hours," 
rejilied the young ^Eseulapius. 

'■ It's a fine day for sport," said the worthy collector, " if 
it doesn't rain. I wish you every success." 

"Thank you, judge ;" and the two men moved in opposite 
directions. 

" Ah, excuse me," exclaimed the doctor, after they were 
two or three rods apart, " there is a ijuestion I wanted to 
ask you, which I had almost forgotten. Can you tell mo 
where young Stevens, the hatter, boards '!" 

" Well, now, that's curious," said the judge, Inilting. 
" Mr. R., up here, a.sked me the .same i|uestion. What's 
the matter. Has Stevens been doing anything out dl' tin' 
way ?" 

'■ Oh, no, not at all," replied the doctor; " I happened lo 




HON. ALVIN BRONSON. 



The fortunes of this gentleman were for forty years so 
closely connected with those of Oswego County and city, 
and he is so often mentioned in other parts of this work, 
that all which is needful in this sketch is to give some per- 
sonal details, and advert to some circumstances not set forth 
in tlie general history. 

Alvin Bronson was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, May 
19, 1783. After spending his boyhood on a farm, and his 
youth as a clerk, he became a merchant at the age of 
eighteen, and has been engaged in some department of the 
mercantile business ever since ; that is to say, during a 
period of seventy-six years ! After nine years of successful 
merchandising, during which he built two vessels and made 
several voyages by sea, Mr. Bronson came to Oswego in 
1810, and engaged in the lake trade as one of the firm of 
Bronson, Townsend & Co. Of his connection with the 
early commerce of Oswego, and of the part he took in the 
war of 1812, sufiicient has been said in the general history 
of the county and city. 

In October. 1815, Mr. Bronson married Mary, the 
youngest daughter of Captain Edward O'Connor, also promi- 
nent in the early history of Oswego. By that lady, now 
decea.sed, he had one son and two daughters. After carry- 
ing on a large part of the commerce of the lakes for seven 
years after the war, the firm of Bronson, Townsend & Co. 
was dissolved in 1822. That year Mr. Bronson was elected 
to the State senate, and drew a term of two years. We 



have mentioned in the general history the exertions he 
made in behalf of the Oswego canal, and his connection 
with the celebrated " seventeen," of whom, and of the senate 
of that day, he is now the sole survivor ; the late Heman J. 
Redfield, who died a few weeks since, having been the last 
preceding one. Mr. Bronson was also conspicuous as an 
advocate of free-trade views, which were then very un- 
popular. 

In 1829 he was again elected to the senate, where he 
served four years as chairman of one of the most important 
committees, — that of finance. Many able reports written 
by him attest his ability, though he was never a seeker after 
popularity, and was frefiuently in a small minority. About 
1830, Mr. Bronson went into partnership with the late 
Lemuel B. Crocker, in the forwarding business, and the 
firm of Bronson & Crocker continued for twenty-five years, 
weathering all the storms which at times swept over the 
commercial world. Mr. Bronson was the first president of 
the Oswego board of trade, in 1848. Since then he has 
confined himself mostly to his private business, though ho 
has occasionally found time to write an able article in aid of 
the commercial interests of the city of his clioice. The 
firm of Alvin Bronson &, Co. still exists, though Mr. Bron- 
son has gradually given up the management of its business 
to others, as well he may, considering that over ninety-four 
years have passed over the head of this honored patriarch 
of Oswego. 




SVLVESTEll DOOLITTLK 



was born at Whitestown, now Whitesboro', Oneida county, 
State of New York, on the 11th of January, 1800. His 
parents were from Connecticut. He learned the business 
of ship-carpeiitor at Sodus Point, Wayne county, New 
York. In 1822 he removed to Roche.sler, and tliere built 
the first boat that went through the canal to Albany. Fniin 
there he removed to Utica, and was engaged in building 
]iac'kets for the Erie canal before the railroads were con- 
structed. Here he built and took to New York the first 
lake-boat ever made, and laid the foundation of the through 
freight trade by canal-boats to that city. After the railroads 
were built and the packet business destroyed, through the in- 
flucDcc of Abram Varick, Mr. Doolittle removed to Oswego, 
New York, in the fall of ISIiG. Here he built three or four 
vessels and imjiroved the carrying capacity of the lake craft. 
Having learned of the mw invention of Mr. Ericsson, in 
ada])ting the screw to the jinipulsion of vessels, and because 
side-wheel steamers could not go through the Welland 
canal, Mr. D. constructed, by the consent of Mr. Ericsson, 
the first screw propeller ever used for transportation of 
freight and passengers, thus establishing the feasibility 



of the screw as a motive power in marine architecture. He 
also built one of the first large mills in Oswego, introducing 
many improvements in handling grain and making flour, 
assisting by these improvements the reputation of the Os- 
wego mills and character of the flour manufactured at that 
place. 

Having given up ship-building, he engaged in the busi- 
ness of forwarding from New York to the west, and in 
milling. About this time he built the block known as the 
Doolittle block, and Doolittle hall, the chief place for exhi- 
bitions ill the city. While engaged in deepening the chan- 
nel of the river a mineral sjiriiig was discovered boiling up 
through the rock on the then dry bottom of the river. He 
traced the stream inshore on his property, and after a large 
expense, with much labor, he secured what is now known as 
the Deep Rock spring. Over this he built the Doolittle 
House, one of the largest and handsomest hotels in western 
New York. 

In the year 1829 Mr. Doolittle married Miss Catherine 
Gould, of Utica, daughter of Samuel Gould, Esq. There 
was no issue from this marriage. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



143 



think that I didn't know where he boarded, and I didn't 
know but you did." 

" Well, no, I don't," said tlio old j;ontlenian. " He hasn't 
been here but a little while, you know, and I have had no 
particular bu.siiie!5s with him. I presume, however, you 
will have no diffieulty in ascertaining his place of abode." 

" Oil, certainly not ; excuse my troubling you. Good- 
uiorning, judge." 

" No trouble at all; good-raorning;" and the two men 
went on their separate ways, the judge wondering as he 
walked at the sudden interest manifested in " young Stevens, 
tlie hatter." Sixty rods farther along he saw another 
young man, just turning off from the road towards the river, 
with a fish-pole in his hand. 

" Good-morning, judge. ' 

" Good-morning," responded Sage ; " the fish are bound 
to suffer now, I suppose." 

" Well, yes, I think it is a pretty good day for fishing; 
and if it should rain a little it would do no hurt. By the 
by, judge," hastily continued the speaker, stepping back a 
few paces out of the underbrush, " do you happen to know 
the boarding-place of young Stevens, the hatter?" 

A light suddenly broke on the mind of the puzzled 
official. 

" You infernal rascal !" he roared, shaking his cane at the 
offender, " if I liad you here I would teach you to play 
your jokes on a man of my age and position. This is all 
that ra.seal Goes work. I know him ; I'd like to break this 
cane over his head." And the judge strode rapidly towards 
the village, muttering anathemas on all the impertinent 
young scamp,< in Oswego, and especially on Dr. Coe, whom 
he rightly concluded to be the chief engineer of this elabo- 
rate jest. 

He was just entering the village when a steady-going old 
ship-captain came out of his house, who was in a quandary 
as to the pi'oper action to be taken regarding some goods 
which he was about to ship. 

" trood-morning, judge," he exclaimed at sight of the col- 
lector, " glad to see you ; I wanted to ask you a question. 
Can you tell me " 

" Oh, you're another of the scoundrels, are you ?" shrieked 
the judge, his anger now at white heat, hurling his cane at 
the astoni.shed son of Neptune, and then rushing towards 
him with clenched fists, while the latter hastily beat a 
retreat within his domicile. " I'll teach you to impose on 
me in this way. I'll break your rascally head for you, if I 
have to wait half a day for you to come out." 

It was only through the intervention of his wife that the 
seaman finally made it manifest that /lis question was a 
legitimate one, and iiad nothing to do with the whereabouts 
of ''young Stevens, the hatter." 

For many weeks the conspirators, and especially Dr Coe, 
wisely kept out of reach of the judge's cane, but at length 
his wrath was placated, being only occasionally renewed 
when some saucy boy would in(|uire, in his hearing, of a 
comrade, if the latter could tell where " young Stevens, the 
hatter, took his meals." 

Time passed on, and even the boys ceased to bother the 
judge. The war of 1812, with its years of excitement and 
terror, blotted from most men's minds the niemorv of less 



important events. Some time after its close the people of 
Oswego, still debarred from the more exciting kinds of 
amusement, determined on a grand concert, to be held one 
winter afternoon and evening at the school-house, to which 
the people from all the country round should be invited. A 
good leader was provided, and all the best singers of the 
vicinity were duly drilled in the good old tunes of those 
early daj'S. 

No one entered more heartily into the project than Dr. 
Coe, then a rising physician, with an interesting family. 
Tlio.se of the country people who had acquaintances in the 
village generally received invitations to pa.s.s the night with 
some friendly family. Deacon Mann, however, who had lately 
settled on the river, several miles up, was almost entirely un- 
acquainted in Oswego. Two or three days before the con- 
cert he received a polite note from Dr. Coe, whom he had 
never met, saying that he, the doctor, was aware that the 
deacon was a stranger in Oswego, and might be embariussed 
in finding accommodations on the night of the concert. He 
was, however, continued the note, well known to the writer 
by reputation, and the latter, therefore, took the liberty of 
inviting Mr. and Mrs. Mann and family to make their 
home at his house the day and evening of the concert ; com- 
ing to dinner and staying overnight. 

The worthy deacon was well pleased with this courte-sy, 
and on the appointed day hitched his oxen to his sled, took 
his family on board, drove down to Oswego, and stopped at 
Dr. Coe's house. Making himself known to the doctor, he 
said, — ■ 

" I received your letter, doctor, and am very glad to avail 
myself of it, and very much obliged to you for your kind- 
ness." 

" My letter ?" queried the surprised physician. 

" AVliy, yes," replied the deacon ; " the letter you sent 
inviting us to stay with you to-day and to-night and attend 
the concert." The doctor saw at once that a fraud had 
been perpetrated, but was polite enough to conceal the fact. 

" Oh, yes, certainly," he said, " you refer to that letter ; 
I was thinking of something else. Come right in and make 
yourselves at home." This invitation was duly honored ; 
the deacon and his family attended the concert, and the 
next morning left for home, highly pleased with the doctor's 
hospitality. 

Then the latter began figuring to find out who had " put 
up the job'' on him. As there was only a weekly mail, 
and there had been none up the river for several days, he 
knew that the letter had been sent by hand, and before the 
deacon left his host ascertained who delivered the mis,sive 
to him. Immediately after the departure of his guests, 
the doctor sought out the person named, who was a well- 
known resident of Oswego, and began his investigations. 

" Did you deliver a letter to Deacon Maun, up the river, 
two or three days ago ?" 

" A letter to Deacon Mann ?' queried the individual ad- 
dressed, a.ssuming a thoughtful exprassion ; " let me see; I 
havi! been so busy about this concert that I hardly recollect , 
but it seems to me I did give the deacon a letter, — ^yes, I 
am .sure I did." 

" Who gave it to you ?" 

The man scratched his head and tbou^dil and hum' d 



Ill 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YOllK. 



and lia'tl a long time, but finally roiide up liis mind that 
Mr. B. was tlie pcrwin wlio had given him the cjiistle in 
(juestiun. Dr. ("(le hied lo Mr. li., and repeated his inter- 
rogatory. The latter had alst> great diffieulty in recolleetiiig 
tlie cireumstanee, but iinally brought it to mind, and wa.s 
sure that Cajitain C. had given him the letter. Captain 
C, after the due aninniit of head-scratehiiig and hard think- 
ing, remembered that Sjuire I>. had handed him the mis.-ive, 
giving at the same time a jilausible reason for not delivering 
it himself. Thus the doctor was sent to some half-dozen of 
the principal residents of the village, and last of all to 
Judge Sage. 

" Now," said Coe to hini.sclf, '• I shall know the facts in 
this business ; the judge is a straightforward old fellow, and 
will tell what he knows without any fuss."' Arriving at 
Sage's office, he put his (piestion without any preliminaries. 

'• A letter to Deacon Mann '!" ijueried the old gentleman, 
Ecratehing his head and rolling his eyes ; " why, yes, it seems 
to me I gave such a letter to Mr. G. about Wednesday or 
Thursday, — yes, I am quite sure I did." 

"Well, where did you get it?' snapped the doctor, by 
this tiuic thoroughly out of patience. 

" H'm ; now, really, Doctor Coe, I don't know where I did 
get that letli'r; but, now I think of it, there is a (piestion I 
would like to ask you : can you tell me where young Stevens, 
the hatter, boards'/" 

The doctor had a sudden illumination from "the light of 
other days;" he ]ierceivcd that the persons of slow recollec- 
tion, whom he had been hnnliiig up and (|ue.stioning during 
the better ]iart of a winter day, had all had their cue, and he 
returned with rapid footsteps to the seclusion of his own 
domicile. 

To return to Oswego before the war. At this time 
Water street was a mere lane, which did not go south of 
(iemini (Cayuga) street. It was kept open without legal 
authority, by general consent, and after twenty years' use 
attained the dignity of a public highway, being finally 
opened through as far as Oneida street. There was a bluff 
near the river below Cancer ( Bridge) street as well as 
above it, and back of the bluff was a hollow. Near where 
the Normal-school boarding-house now is there was frecpiently 
(|uite a little pond of water, which the boys used for sliding 
and skating. 

( )ne of (lie )nost soridwfnl events of early days in Oswego 
happened in 1811. Captain Samuel B. Morrow had a log 
house near " Baldwin's bay," a long way out of the village, 
but within the line of the ])resent corpuration. While the 
ea]itain was out oti the hike, in command of his vessel, his 
house caught fire and three young children perished in the 
flames. This sad episode of peaceful lite was not surpassed 
in tragic interest by aught that occurred duringthe war of two 
years and a half, which was declared on the 18th of June, 
1812. The main events of that war relating to Oswego 
County have been narrated in the general county history, 
and all that remain for mention in this sketch arc a few 
local incidents of comparatively slight importance. 

Several citizens of Oswego took a prominent part in the 
conflict, besides those who from time to time served in the 
militia. Maniel llugunin, Jr., was a lieutenant in the regular 
army, taking part in the battles on the Niagara frontier. 



Rolx^rt Hugunin was a pilot through the war, on one of 
Commodore Chaunccy's vessels. Dr. Walter (,'olton was a 
surgeon in the army. Peter D. Hugunin was a paynuister. 

The fear of Indian invaders handed down from Ilevohi- 
tionary times lay heavy on all the inhabitants of the north- 
ern frontier. Mrs. Grant, then Mary Hugunin, relates 
that more than once she and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Peter 
D. Hugunin, who had a pair of twins, sprang up in the 
night on an alarm being raised ; each seized one of the twins 
and fled, but returned when the alarm was found to be a 
false one, as was genenilly the cas*r. Mary, then a young 
woman, kept house for her father arid younger brothers in 
Oswego during a part of the war, while the rest of the 
family were sent away. 

Eli Parsons, Jr., a son of the old colonel, owned and 
navigated a small oj)en boat on the river. On one occasion, 
when no better means could Ijc found, he undertook to carry 
a boat-load of cannon-balls from Oswego toSackett's Harbor. 
But rough weather assailed him on the way, the boat with 
its heavy freight went to the bottom, and the remains of 
the unliirtunate man were washed ashore near the mouth 
of Little Salmon creek. 

In the spring of 1813 there rode on horseback into 
OswciTf) a midshipman in the I'nilcd States navy, bearing 
dispatches from Sackett's Harbor, which were forwarded to 
Commodore Chaunecy, then at the head of the lake. The 
bearer, a native of Baltimore, had already reached the age 
of thirty -five years. He had thrice looked upon the .stately 
form of Washington, had seen him the last lime he 
reviewed a body of troops, had witnessed the lading of the 
corner-stone ol' the national capitol, had pa.sscd through 
various financial vicissitudes in early life, had served under 
Commodore Bodgers and the lamented I^iiwri-nce, had con- 
versed with the gallant Decatur, and having twenty years 
later become a citizen of Oswego, still survives, a resident 
here, though in December of this year, 1877, he will reach 
the age of a hundred years, rounding out a century which 
began only eighteen months after the birth of the K(']>nblie. 

5Iost citizens of Oswego will be aware that we refer to 
the venerable John M. Jacobs. His business here in 1813 
was not important, yet it seemed ]iroper to notiei' the ap- 
pearance at this .stage of one who maintains his hold upon 
life with so tenacious a grasj), and the sight of whom carries 
the mind of the most unimaginative man back to the earliest 
days of our national e.\ist<'nce.' 

Among the reminiscences furnished to the Oswego J'al- 
fadiiim during the centenary year by a .son of Dr. Walter 
Colton, now resident in (Jliio, was one which we insert in 
almost the language of the writer. Many accidents hap- 
pened in early times when vessels were piLs-sing into or out of 
the harbor. Lieutenant (afterwards CommoJore) Francis 
II. Gregory, of the navy, fre(|Uently scouted along the lake- 
shore during the war in a light-draught cutter called the 
" Black-Snake." When entering the harbor on one occa- 
sion a man fell overboard, was swept out by the current, 
and drowned. 

The body was soon after discovered on the east bar, 
when the gallant young ofticer dived to the bottom and 
brought it up. His boat, however, had drifted away, 
through the mismanagement of the crew, but the li.utenaiit 



I 



HISTOKY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOEK. 



145 



clung to the body, ami finally, by desperate exertions and 
witli gi-eat peril, succeeded in carrying it ashore. There 
was a military liospital on the beach near by, and some of 
the invalids were outside. They were, or thought they 
were, too feeble to help the lieutenant, who came very near 
drowning. The moment he got ashore he laid down the 
corpse he had rescued and went to throwing stones at the 
soldiers with all his might, cursing them roundly for sitting 
idle while he was likely to drown. They soon made their 
way within the shelter of the hospital. The most remarka- 
ble circumstance connected with the affair was that one of 
the sick soldiers in the hospital discovered the drowned 
man to be his brother, who had left home twenty years 
before and had never been heard from since. 

A few hours after Lieutenant Gregory had .shown such 
courage and humanity, the same passionate officer was en- 
gaged in flogging a sailor, for some breach of discipline, in 
the loft of Burt's warehouse. Several idle boys of the 
village, among whom was young Colton, crowded in to see 
the " fun." At this Gregory exploded again, and with a 
storm of curses rushed upon the intruders "cat" in hand. 
The boys tumbled head-over-hcels down an outside stair- 
way, while the future commodore shook his " cat" at them 
in fury, and then returned to finisli up the flogging, — a 
kind of punLshmeiit common enough at that time, but long 
since abolished by law. 

When the British attacked Oswego, in 1814, all the 
families left that could do so. Old Mr. Sheldon, knowing 
that Captain E. M. Tyler was out on the lake, came down 
with an ox-slcd and took the family out to his own resi- 
dence. As soon as they arrived he sent his own son and 
Joel Tyler back to bring some young cattle which were 
gi'azing on.the open grounds around the fort. Just as the 
boys had got the steers and heifeis started for home the 
first gun was fired from the fleet, and the ball came scream- 
ing and plunging close beside them. The cattle stuck up their 
tails and galloped off towards home, and the bo3's followed 
at almost equal speed. 

Even the tenors and troubles of war, however, did not 
prevent the making of an important movement towards the 
development of Oswego in 1814. A surveyor, named John 
llandail, was sent on by the surveyor-general to renieasure 
the State reservation on the east side of the river, and to 
lay off a hundred acres in streets and village lots. 

He was ordered simply to follow the law designating the 
bounds of the reserve, which directed that the southern 
boundary should begin a mile from the mouth of the river, 
and run thence a mile at right angles with the course of 
the stream. Randall, however, managed to make the dis- 
tances and angles materially different from tho.se established 
by Wright, encroaching scriou.sly on the adjoining farm 
lauds previously purchased. Anxiety was caused to the pur- 
cha.sers, and delegations were several times sent to Albany 
to obtain a restoration of the old line. Owing to a friendly 
feeling towards the aged surveyor-general, who.se proteg6 
Randall was, no direct action was taken by the other State 
authorities, but by general consent Wright's line was al- 
lowed to pass as the correct one, and everybody conformed 
to it in making purcha.ses and sales. 

In laying off streets on the east side Mr. Randall pur- 



sued the same system that had been adopted on the west 
side. The .streets parallel with the river were named East 
First, East Second, East Third, etc., while Aries, Gemini, 
Taurus, and the other celestial avenues were extended 
across the stream to the east side of the new tract. 

Early the next year peace was declared, and the people 
at once began to occupy the lately-opened territory. Dr. 
Coe, T. S. Morgan, and William Dolloway built houses on 
the east side below Cayuga street. Others purchased lots 
and began clearing away the trees in preparation for the 
erection of buildings. By general consent the locality was 
called East Oswego, though it was legally only a portion of 
the town of Scriba. 

Here, as everywhere on the frontier, there was a heavy 
immigration immediately after the war, and Oswego rapidly 
emerged from its chrysalis condition, — so rapidly, in fact, 
that it will be impracticable henceforth to give the names 
of individual settlers to the extent we have hitherto done. 

In addition to the rapid improvement on the east side, 
after the war, buildings began to show themselves on the west 
side, at various points above Cancer (Bridge) street, which 
had previously been the southern boundary of civilization. 
One of the Hugunins, in 1815 or 181G, built a house, 
then considered something palatial, on Mohawk street, near 
the bank of the river, being tlie farthest south of any in 
the village. Immediately after the war, too. Judge Sage 
moved down from the Wentworth place and built him a 
residence on the site of the Doolittle House. 

Increasing prosperity made Oswego all the more anxious 
to become the county-seat of the new county which was 
proposed to be formed out of Oneida and Onondaga. The 
great difficulty was that the village was very near the west 
end of the large tract which it was designed to include in 
the new county boundaries, and which, from the location 
of counties already formed, could not well be materially 
changed. There was no doubt but that a large majority of 
the people of the proposed county were opposed to locating 
the county-seat so far on one side. Y^et the village had 
the advantage of being the only one of any consequence 
within the proposed limits, and had naturally more capital 
and brains to work with than any of its rivals. 

At that period it was custoiuary for the legislature, when 
it created a new county, to appoint three commissioners 
from other counties to select a county-seat. It was 
altogether probable that if an act forming Oswego County 
should be passed during the ensuing winter, the commis- 
sioners would select a more central location than Oswego 
village. Under these circumstances, Oswego and Pula.«ki 
— which was also an a.spirant for the honors and emolu- 
ments pertaining to a capital city — joined forces. Dr. 
Walter Colton drew up a bill containing a provision for 
two county-seats, and visited Albany to urge its pa.ssage. 
The principal inhabitants at both ends of the proposed 
county su])ported him, and the bill became a law on the 
IGth day of March, 1816. It provided for commissioners 
to locate the two county-scats, but no one could doubt that 
Oswego was the proper place at this end of the county, and 
the selection was soon made. 

The tonnage of the vessels belonging to the port at that 
time was five hundred and four tons. The new county- 



1-16 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



seat had not yet arrived at the dijrnily of a stage line. 
The uiuil was still brought from OiioiiJaga Hollow on 
liorseback. A little later a n)ail-route was i'.>ital)!ished 
from Utica to Oswego, the mail being also carried on horse- 
back, and running ouce a week. The post-office could not 
have been a very profitable institution, which wiis probably 
the reason that William DoUoway, who wa.s ajipointed post- 
uiaster in January, 1815, gave up hb position a year later. 
Judge Sage was appointed postnia.stcr, and, as he w:us 
already collector, he could probably get a living out of the 
two offices. 

The astablishmcnt of a county i-eat at t).-iwogo was fol- 
lowed by llie advent of sever.il lawyers. • One of the very 
earliest, if not the earliest, of these was John Grant, Jr., 
a young college graduate, who had been serving as a pay- 
master in the army during llie war and until a year after; 
he was already a counsellor of the supreme court, wlicn, 
in the spring of 1810, he located at tlie promising village, 
where he resided till his death. Theodore IVpple was the 
only other supreme court counsellor who made his home 
there that first .summer ; but at lea.st two students came 
who were anxious for the honors of admission to the bar. 

When the first court of common jilcas for Oswego 
County was held at the old school-hou.se, on the first day 
of October, 1816, by Judge Peter D. Hugunin (in the 
absence of First Judge Mooiiey), assisted by Judge Ed- 
mund Hawks and " As-.sistant Ju.stice' Daniel Hawks, Jr., 
the people began to think that their village was really 
amounting to .something. The i^uprcme court counsellors 
before mentioned, as well as several outsiders, were ad- 
mitted to practice on presentation of the credentials thoy 
had already, and the students, George Fi.sher and Henry 
White, were, after due examination, admitted as attorneys 
of the common pleas. It may be remarked, for tlie benefit 
of those accustomed only to tlie usages of the present day, 
thai the privilege of practicing in the hist-iuuned tribunal 
only required three years' study, while the august honors 
of the supreme court then demanded seven years of prepara- 
tion from their recipient. 

But, although Oswego had attained to the dignity of a 
court, there was no litigation to be disposed of, no criminals 
to be tried, and Judge Hugunin was obliged to adjourn sine 
die. There was another young student, James F. Wright, 
who located in Oswego about this time, but was not admitted 
till the next term of the common pleas, held at Pulaski the 
following February. Samuel 13. Reach was another lawyer 
who came ncarlv as soon as tho.se who have been mentioned. 

Another important event of 1816 was the organization 
of the first church in the village. This was the First Pres- 
byterian church, which was organized at the ever-useful 
school-hou.se on the 21st day of November by Rev. Mr. 
Abeel, with seventeen members. Considering that it was 
ju.st twenty years since the settlement of Oswego began, 
and that it ha<l attained a pojiulation of five or six hundred 
before a single religious association was formed, it must, we 
think, be admitted that the place could not have suflTered 
severely from '' early piety." 

The next spring witnessed the appearance in Os ego 
harbor of the " Ontario," which was not oidy the pioneer 
steamboat of the lake who.se name it bore, but was the very 



first vessel of that kind ever seen on a lake anywhere in 
the world. The event has bc>on mentioned at some length 
in the general history. The chapter devoted to the jiress 
also contains a notice of another imjiortant event of this 
year (1817), — the establishment of the first newspaper in 
the village by S. A. Abbey & Brother, under the name of 
the Osweffo Giize/le. 

By this time the population on the east side had in- 
creased St) it was thought that a school could be supp<jrtcd 
there. Not a school-hou.se though; that was an institu- 
tion only to be obtaitied for East Oswego in the far future. 
Tlie first teacher of the few children of that locality was 
Miss I'hilonieia Robinson. She held forth in a hired loom 
near the river, and for eleven years tlie school was changed 
from one rented building to another, occupying five or six 
diflereiit ones in the time mentioned. 

On the 2iith of April, 1818, the town of Oswego, which 
included all of the village west of the river, was formed 
from Hannibal by an act of the legislature. The two parts 
of the present city were now in the towns of Oswego and 
Scriba, the inhabitants being frciiuently designated as Os- 
wegoites and Seribaites. There was a bitter feud between the 
boys on the two sides of the river, breaking out in fre<|ucnt 
fights, and woe to the unlucky juvenile who found himself 
alone on the wrong side of the stream. 

Then, as previously, a large part of the trade of Oswego 
consisted of salt, brought down from Salina and shipped 
westward. It is noted that in that year (1818) thirty-six 
thousand bushels were brought from Salina, of which 
twenty-six thou.sand were shipped westward. 

In 1819 the Oswego Gazette, having pas-sed through the 
hands of Augustus Buckingham, was discontinued for a 
short time, when John H. Lord and Dorephus Abbe)', 
with the material of the Guzelle, began the publication of 
that veteran of the press, the Osicrgo J'a/lailinm. 

In 1821) the first grist-mill that was intended for manu- 
facturing fliiur on a large scale was built, by Alvin Bronson 
and T. S. Morgan. 

It contained five run of .stone, and was considered a 
grand institution. It did a sneccs-sful business; but for ten 
ycai's no material advance was made in the work of mill- 
ing. One of the proprietors. Colonel Morgan, was the 
fii-st member of the assembly from Oswego village, serving 
during this same year. 

All this time Oswego was making very slow progress. 
The ICrie canal was in ]>rocess of construction, peo]ile had 
got a notion that trade was sure to flow along its channel, and 
new settlers nearly all sought their fortunes in the citiej* and 
villages growing up on its banks. The numerous stage- 
coaches, too, which ran along the present line of the Cen- 
tral niilroad, carried the greater jtart of the passenger- 
travel which had formerly jia.ssed through Oswego. Heavy 
freight, however, still followed the old route. 

Though the increase in numbers was small, however, 
there was a material ini|irovement in the ajipearance of the 
village. Nearly all the old log houses had diisappeared, 
though a few still remained as relics of the pioneer days. 
Neat frames had taken their places, and occasionally a brick 
building might be seen, though this was very seldom. 

Ill ISl'1 a rmhl-house w;is built by the rnited Stales 



LEONARD AMES, 

Among the tnily representa- 
tive men of Oswego County, few, 
if any, have been more inti- 
mjitely associated with the ma- 
terial development of thxt part 
of the State than Leonard Ames, 
the well-kuowu hanker and iron 
manufacturer. Mr. Amea not 
only witnesaed the transition of 
a small village into the largest 
and most proaperoua city in the 
county, — of a thin settlement 
into a busy and populous com- 
munity, of asemi-wildern ess into 
a fertile and highly -productive 
region,— but in his own person 
hft" typified so admirably the 
agencies which wrought many 
of ttioae changes, tiiat uo history 
of Oswego Conn ty would be com- 
plete witboutBomeBketch of his 
life, labors, aud character. 

ftir. Ames is of New England 
■origin, his parents having re- 
moved from Litchfield, Connec- 
tii-Ut, to Mexico township, this 
county, in 18U4. The subject of 
this narrative was born in the 
town of Mexico, February 8, 
1818. He was the seventh child 
of a family of thirteen. His 
early life, like that of moat of 
our successful business men, 
was one of close application, 
self-reliance, and self-denial. 
H.i worked on the farm until 
he reached his twenty-fourth 
year, when he married, and 
8UUU thereafter embarked in the 
pork and beef packing business 
on the Wabash river, iu th» State 
of Indiana. At this time that 
State was quite new, and the 
pri'sent improvements in navi- 
gation and transportation were 
■cnrcely dreamed of. But one 
hriitge had been constructed in 
the State, und thrice Mr. Ames 
returned easton horseback from 
Delphi, Indiana, there being no 
public conveyance of any kind 
part of the distance. Subse- 
quently, Mr. Ames returned tu 
this county, and, in connection 
with James S. Chandler, entered 
into the private banking buai- 
oesa at Mexico, and afterwards 
one of the originators of the 
firm of Ames, Howlett & Co., at 
Oswego. In 1864 he was the 
prime mover in the organization 
of the Second National Bank of 
thiit city, of which he has been 
president from that time to the 
piesent. He alio became a mem- 
ber of the firm operatinj^ the 





^^t^o^^yC^ ^ 



^7 



^<^y 



*' Amos Iron Works/' which 
were named in honor of hia eo- 
terprise and energy in their 
eatablishment. These works em- 
ploy an aggregate of one hun- 
dred and sixty handa, and aver- 
age the manufacture of one 
locomotive daily. In this, aa in 
all other of his business under- 
takings, he has been eminently 
successful. Honesty and a firm 
deaire to succeed huve been the 
essential media of bis Buccess. 
He has evinced an excellent 
judgment iu all hia ti-ansactions, 
and sterling honesty has l>ecQ 
the basis of his operations. 
This is high testimony, but it is 
only the reflex of the prominent 
traits of Mr. Ames' character; 
and what to the 8trang» reader 
may seem peculiarly the lan- 
guage of eulogy, will be readily 
recognized by all who know him 
aa a mere plain, uncolored state- 
ment of the salient points of hia 
character, and featurea of hia 
commercial career. 

Mr. Ames haa figured quite 
conspicuously in local, State, 
and national politics. He was 
elected supervisor of the town 
of Mexico in 1855, a member of 
the Assembly in 1857, and waaa 
delegate to the Chicago Conven- 
tion which nominated Abraham 
Lincoln (of glorious memory) 
to the presidency. He was the 
appointee under President Lin- 
coln for the United States asses- 
sorabip for the twenty-second 
Congressional district, which 
position he occupied four years, 
being removed by Andy John- 
son for political reaaona. He was 
an uncompromising abolition- 
ist; having in him the inherent 
love of freedom and a natural 
hatred of oppression, ho used hia 
time and means in the care and 
safe transport of fugitive slaves, 
and that, too, at a time when 
public sentiment was largely 
pro-slavery. 

Mr. Ames never enjoyed the 
advantages of education, but 
being naturally intelligent, and 
endowed with a targe amount of 
common sense, industry, perse- 
verance, and ambition, he has 
succeeded In building a reputa- 
tion as wide-sproad as it is envi- 
able. Indeed, it may he truly 
said of him, that his entire career 
is one worthy the emulation of 
the young, and a fitting example 
for all sorts and conditions of 
business men to follow. 




Residlnce or LEONARD AMES,Ho }J2,coif4i'^ &oneida sts.,Oswcbo,N.Y 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



147 



government on the north side of the fort. It was first 
lighted up the following spring. This was an important 
" institution" in those days, and was followed by two others 
the same year (1822). A frame court-house was built on 
the park on the east side of the river, the original court- 
house block on the west side having been sold by permis- 
sion of the legislature, and the proceeds applied to the 
building of the structure just mentioned. When finished 
it was used as a meeting-house. In fact, so eager were the 
people to employ it for that purpose that they occupied it 
before the jiaint was dry on the .seats, and many a Sunday 
suit was badly injured in consei(uence. 

The first bridge, too, was erected iu this year at the same 
point as the present lower bridge. It was bragged about 
in contemporary jiublications as a tremendous structure, 
seven hundred feet long and costing two thousand dollars ! 
In truth, its erection was no slight task for that era. Wooden 
boxes (caissons) were sunk in the river and filled with 
stone, and on the.se the bridge was placed. Edwin W. 
Clark, then just twenty-one, was the first nuin across the 
new structure. 

Nearly the first use that was made of the bridge was for 
a battle. The Oswegoite and Seribaite boys, mindful of the 
warlike traditions of the locality, mustered all their forces 
on this convenient though narrow field the first night after 
its completion, and proceeded to test their superiority by a 
resort to the last arbitrament of kings and of boys. Long 
the victory hung doubtful in the balance, while the com- 
batants rivaled the deeds of De Montcalm and Blercer, of 
Bradstreet and De Yilliers, of Mulcaster and Mitchell, of 
Pontiac and Warragiyaghey, while many an eye was 
closed in temporary darkness, while many a nasal organ 
dripped plenteous gore upon the virgin planks of the new 
bridge, and while the wild Oswego murmured a subdued 
accompaniment to many a dismal shriek. But " Providence 
favors the strongest battalions," and at length the superior 
numbers of the Oswego army compelled the slow retreat of 
the gallant Scribaites. They fell back in good order and 
were not pursued. 

The contractor for the bridge, whose name was Church, 
did not entirely finish his work till the beginning of winter. 
Being desir(]us of transporting his chains and tools to the 
northern part of Jefl'erson countj', he put them on board the 
schooner " Morning Star," commanded by young Captain 
Tyler, who, at the age of twenty, then made his first trip 
as commander of a vessel. The voyage is noticeable for 
the late time in the season at which it occurred. Captain 
T. left Oswego on the 13tli of December, proceeded to 
Ogden.sburgh (leaving the tools as he went on the ice, which 
had already formed along the shore of the St. Lawrence), 
cut his own way through the ice near that place, and got 
back to O.swego on the 2lid. It has been a long time since 
a vessel has traversed the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario 
in the latter part of December. 

Among the other vessels which Captain Tyler mentions 
as then running on the lake were the " Ilenriettii," " Vi- 
enna," "Gold-Hunter," "Betsey," "Traveler," "Julia," 
"Hunter," "Niagara," "Oswego," "New Haven," and 
" Linda." A large business was done in bringing staves 
from the head of the lake and takin<r them down the St. 



Lawrence. Some lumber was also carried, but hardly a 
single bushel of grain had yet found its way from the west 
to the shore of Lake Ontario. There was a little of one 
kind of trade which has since disappeared. To save 
making the portage from the Hud.son to Lake Champlain, 
goods were fre((uently brought from New York by means 
of the Inland Navigation company's canal, through Oneida 
lake to Oswego, and thence shijjpcd down the St. Lawrence. 

Lot No. G of the Military tract, now forming the western 
portion of the city, had been a subject of legal warfare in 
the courts ever since its being granted by the land-commis- 
sioners. JLirtin Van Buren was the counsel for one of the 
claimants, and Moses J. Cantine, his brother-in-law, was the 
attorney. In 1822 the contest was at length decided in 
fiivor of Mr. Van Buren's client. The tract was not even 
then very valuable, and the expenses of litigation had been 
such as to more than equal what the land was worth. 
The title was accordingly transferred, through Mr. Cantine, 
to Mr. Van Buren in payment for his services. The land 
in question has ever since been known as the Van Buren 
tract, and a portion of it is still owned by the heirs of the 
ex-president. It is now probably worth more than a thou- 
sand times what the counselor would have charged for his 
services in 1822. 

As has been mentioned in the general history, Blr. Bron- 
son was chosen to the State senate iu the autumn of the 
year just mentioned, and continued there the up-hill work 
of getting an appropriation for a canal from Syracuse, in 
which he and others had been for several years engaged. 

The next year, 1823, the Oswego Canal company was 
chartered, — not for constructing a commercial canal, how- 
ever, but a manufacturing one, on the east side of the river. 
The State soon after built a wing-dam to thnjw the water 
of the river into the canal, under an arrangement that the 
latter was to be u.scd as a part of the State canal. It was 
so used for a brief period, but the scheme was found im- 
practicable, and a separate canal had to be built for boats. 

In the year 1 823, also, 0.swego received the benefit of its 
first steamboat line, consisting of the primitive "Ontario," 
the new steamer "Martha Ogden," and a small one called 
the " Sophia." As in the milling so in the steamboat line, 
very little improvement was seen thenceforth until 1830. 

It was not until 1825, nine years after Oswego had be- 
come a county-seat, that it could boast of a church edifice. 
In that year the First Presbyterian society erected a frame 
in the centre of the public s(juare, on the west side. 

The first member of Congress from Oswego, General 
Daniel Hugunin, Jr., was elected in 1824, awarded his 
seat after a contest, and held it until March, 1827. He 
devoted himself especially to securing an appropriation for 
a pier to protect Oswego harbor. He succeeded in obtain- 
ing one, and in the spring of 1827 the important work was 
commenced by the contractors, McNair & Hatch. 

Meanwhile Jlr. Bronsou in the senate and Colonel Mor- 
gan in the assembly liad been the j)rincipal agents in urging 
through a law for the construction of the Oswego canal, 
which had been begun in 1826. It was completed in 1828, 
and then at last the long-neglected village began to feel the 
first waves of the tide of business which it had been expect- 
ing for nearly thirty years. 



148 



niSTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Even at that late date there was hardly a thousand pop- 
ulation in the villa;^cs on both sides of tlie river, aud there 
liad never been even a viihige'orgaiiizatiun. But a law was 
passed providing for one at the session of the legislature 
in 1828, and on the 13th of May of that year the first elec- 
tion of officers was held. Hon. Alvin Bronson was chosen 
the first president of the village, with Thomas Willett as 
treasurer and John Howe as collector. The board of trus- 
tees comjirisod .seven of the most eminent men in the vil- 
lage, — Daniel lluguniu, Jr., the ex-Congressmau ; George 
Fisher, who had received a certificate as member, and had 
hold the scat for a .short time; David P. Brewster, .subse- 
quently a member for two terms; Colonel T. S. Morgan, 
the ex-assemblyman ; Nathaniel Vilas, Jr. ; Joseph Turner; 
and Orlii Steele. 

In those still primitive times the inhabitants of the vil- 
lage settled the amount of their local taxes by a viva voce 
vote, as is now done at town-meetings. While the whole 
village voted the amount to be raised for general purposes, 
each of the two "sides'' decreed how much should be de- 
voted to the special uses of that side. Accordingly, at the 
first election the whole population voted to rai.se two hun- 
dred dollars for the common use of the village. Then the 
west-sidcrs collected together and voted that three hundred 
dollars should be levied for local improvements in their dis- 
trict, and the ea.stern voters followed suit by devoting the 
modest sum of one hundred dollars to the same purposes 
on their side of the river. It is fair to presume, and the 
presumjitiun is corroborated by the evidence, that these 
sums corresponded with rea.soiiable closeness to the popula- 
tion of the two .sections, and that the west side, in 1828, 
contained three-fourths of the itiliabitants of the villa're. 
The record of the first election was signed by Daniel Hu- 
gunin, Jr., Joseph Turner, and John Howe, justices of the 
peace. 

At the meeting of the board Edwin W. Clarke was ap- 
pointed the first village clerk, and John Howe village sur- 
veyor. In accordance with a vote of the west -side people, 
the board Ica.sed the north third of the market-ground for 
nine hundred and ninety-nine years. They were also 
authorized to lease in the same manner the north third of 
the easterly block of the public .s(|uare. The price of a 
grocery-license was fixed at ten dollars. 

Henry Eagle, Francis Hood, Thomas Ambler, and Wm. 
I. Kniffen were appointed fire-wardens, and divers (juaint 
regulations were made to insure the siilidual of conflagra- 
tions. The fire-wardens were provided with badges of 
office, consisting of staffs seven feet long, painted red, with 
the words " fire-warden" upon each of them. The fire- 
wardens were directed to attend every fire with their 
badges of office, and attend to the roriiiiiig of linos and 
other necessary nicasures. Trustees jircsent at a fire were 
also directed to wear white bands around their hats. If 
any contumacious individual should refuse to obey the 
orders of either fire-warden or a trustee, it was ordered that 
he should be fined two d(>llars. As there were eleven war- 
dens and trustees, there was considerable danger of contra- 
dictory orders, but no umpire was provided for in such a 
case. Each citizen was reipiired to have a fire-bucket for 
every two fire]ilaccs or stoves in his hou.se, to be kept hang- i 



ing at the front of his building, with his name painted upon 
them, and in case of fire every man w;is rci|uired to take his 
buckets thither, under penalty of two dollars fine. Lest, 
however, these regulations should not produce the desired 
effect, a fire company was raised, consisting at first of thirty, 
and afterwards of fifty, niembers. 

This year, 1828, the east side had advanced sufficiently 
80 that a few of its most enterprising inhabitants thought it 
possible that a school-house might be erected. A school- 
meeting was called at the store of Milton Harmon. At the 
appointed time only three persons were present, — Harmon 
him.soir, James Sloan, and Joseph Turner. Thoy repre- 
sented the sovereigtity of the people, and they proceeded to 
enact that a school-house was absolutely necessiiry, aud 
should be erected at a cost not exceeding one hundred dol- 
lars. The next morning the conservatives of the east side 
were shocked to learn that they had been saddled with a 
tax of one hundred dollars for an article of such doubtful 
utility as a school-house. They threatened to prevent the 
resolution from being carried out, to have it rescinded, etc., 
but finally consented to the jiroposed movement, strictly on 
condition that the cost of furniture should be included iu 
the hundred dollars appropriated for the school-house. 

Another church edifice (Eiiiscopal) w:us also begun on 
the southeast corner of the west-side public S(|uare in 1828. 
There began to be some queries about the propriety of 
using the sf|Uare for such purposes, and the next year the 
council resolved that only four churches should be built on 
the gronnd in cpiestion. These were to be situated at the 
four corners, at each of which a piece of land ninety-eight 
feet front by one hundred aud twenty feet back should be 
set apart for church uses. 

These corners refer to the square as now laid out, for in 
1829 the board leased the remainder of the eastern block, 
and by that or some other means ae(|uired a hundred dol- 
lars with which to improve the remainder of the g<|uare. 
It was intended that the Presbyterian church should be 
moved from the centre to one of the corners, but it was 
never done. 

At this time the salmon were still running thick in the 
streams, for the first dams were not so high as to prevent 
their pas.sage, and at long intervals a deer made his way 
from the outlying forest on to Oak hill, gazed for an in- 
stant at the little village below, and then darted back to his 
leafy retreats. In the night, at salmon time, "jack-lights," 
composed of blazing pine knots held in the prows of skiffs, 
went flashing up and down the river, giving a picturesque 
touch to the usual humdrum of village life. But the board 
of trustees did not appreciate the picturcsipie, and either for 
fear of fire, or because the blazing knots disturbed the 
sleepy citizens, the villiige fathers brought down the cx- 
tingni.shing hand of jH)Wor upon the jack-lights. They 
enacted that none should be used below Loo (Oneida) 
street, and that above that point none should be brought 
within three rods of a dwelling. 

The beach on the river and lake north of Aries (Schuy- 
ler) street was set apart as a public fishing-ground, but was 
free only for the hook and spear; no one could draw seine 
or ni't there without jiermission from the board of trustees, 
wiio ]iut the privilege up at auction. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



149 



Even before the completion of the AVclland canal, its 
anticipated benefits were so great that a new hotel, erected 
in 1829, on Gemini (Cajuga) street, between First and 
Second, was called the Welland House. For a long time 
this was the grand hotel of the village, where all distin- 
guished strangers .stopped, where all conventions were held, 
and where everybody met everybody else. 

In 1830 the Welland canal was opened, and the .same 
year saw an upward movement of the long-dormant milling 
business. Two mills with six run of stone each were built: 
one by Henry Fitzhugh and one by Gerrit Smith and Rich- 
ard L. De Zeng. Messrs. Smith and Fitzhugh, who were 
brotliers-in-law, both became largely interested in Oswego 
property ; the latter remaining till liis death one of the 
leading citizens of the place, and Mr. Smith, though not a 
resident, always manifesting a deep interest in its welfare. 

By the census of the last-named year the population of 
the village was about two thousand two hundred ; having 
more than doubled within two years. The increase was the 
most rapid on tlie east side, which had now risen to about 
a third of the total population. 

These were the times of hot warfare regarding Masonry. 
Masonry itself had suspended operations in this county, 
but anti-Masonry had also reached its climax, and was de- 
clining in power. At the spring election for the town of 
Oswego, the Democratic jiarty, which was still sometimes 
called by its old Jeffersonian name of " Republican," had 
a majority of about sixty over the anti-Masons. Matthew 
McNair was elected supervisor, and among the five assessors 
were ex-congressman Rudolph Runner and ex senator 
Alvin Bronson. One of the three inspectors of schools 
was William F. Allen, a young lawyer of twenty-two, who 
had oidy the year before been admitted to the bar. Mat- 
thew JIcNair, Samuel Carter, and Edward Bronson were 
the " commissioners of gospel lots," — officers having charge 
of the land set apart for religious purposes in each township 
of the Military tract. 

On the 1st of August, 1830, the little schooner " Erie" 
came down the lake to Oswego. A great crowd greeted its 
arrival with the most exuberant manifestations of joy, and 
its officers and passengers were entertained at a grand ban- 
quet at the Welland Hou.se, where the wildest predictions 
were made regarding the results to flow from the coming of 
that little schooner. The rea.son of all this excitement was 
that the " Erie" was the first-comer from the lake whose 
name it bore, — the first vessel to pass through the Welland 
canal. 

One of the severest of the early fires in Oswego occurred 
on the 1st of October, 1830. All the buildings on the 
west side of West First street, from Gemini (Cayuga) 
street to Taurus (Seneca) street, and thence along Taurus 
to the corner of Second street, were reduced to ashes. That 
locality was then in the heart of the business portion of the 
village, and the list of losers included the names of F. T 
Carrington, D. P. Brewster, E. & T. Wentworth, R. L. De 
Zeng, Bronson & Deming, L. B. Crocker, George Fisher, 
J. I. Fort, A. Richardson, Di'. W. G. Adkins, and others 
of the " heavy men" of that era. But the place was then 
in the full tide of growth, and the scars of fire were (juickly 
obliterated. 



The first church built on the east .side was the First 
Baptist, the society of that name having received permis- 
sion in March, 1831, to erect an edifice on the northwest 
corner of the east square. The desire for higher education 
than could be afforded by the district schools also began to 
manifest itself, and in 1831 a nundjcr of the leading citi- 
zens associated themselves to found an academy. The 
foundation of the building was laid that year on part of the 
block originally intendtd for the east portion of the public 
square and leased by the city, but hardly was the new 
structure erected when jealousies arose on account of its 
proximity to the district school, wliich was still the only one 
in the place. So the trustees sold the new building and 
purcha.sed another on Taurus (Seneca) street, between 
Third and Fourth. This was used for school purposes for 
nearly twenty years. 

Another proceeding which indicated the awakening of 
the literary spirit was the opening of a reading-room by 
Mr. John Carpenter, the proprietor of the PaUadium, 
where the principal periodicals of the country were kept on 
file, and were submitted to the perusal of readers at a sub- 
scription price of four dollars a year. 

The lo,ss of the new schooner " Henry Clay," belonging 
to Mr. Fitzhugh, causing as it did the death of Captain 
Duncan Campbell and a number of seamen, ca.st a temporary 
gloom over the rising village, quickly dissipated by the 
constantly broadening glow of material pro.sperity. 

Early in 1832, rumors of the hitherto unknown destroyer, 
chulei'a, began to alarm the people. In time the mysterious 
miasma, wafted from the Atlantic coast, approached the 
frontier village. Meetings of the citizens to devise pro- 
tective measures against the deadly invader were held, and 
in a short time the trustees appointed a board of health, 
consisting of Joel Turrill, Rudolph Bunner, T. S. Morgan, 
H. N. Walton, John Grant, Jr., G. H. MeWhorter, Elisha 
Moon, Joseph Grant, and Ambrose Morgan. Dr. W. O. 
Adkins was appointed health officer. 

One event of the cholera period is worthy of especial 
notice. Money was deemed necessary to drain unhealthy 
localities and to take other iirccautions, and the trustees 
had no power to pledge the village for that purpose. They 
therefore resolved to raise, and did raise, a thousand dollars 
by their personal notes, tru.sting to the legislature to au- 
thorize the necessary tax. The cholera came and many fell 
before it, but one can learn little on the subject by consulting 
contemporary records. People were very shy of saying 
much, for fear of increasing the panic. As for the new.s- 
papers of 1832, one couldn't learn from them that theie 
had been any cholera within a thousand miles. 

At this period the remains of old Fort Oswego were still 
to be seen at the foot of the hill on the west side. Tra- 
dition asserted that when the fort was taken by the French 
(or, as the people generally misunderstood it, when it was 
taken by the English from the French) a large amount of 
specie was hidden in the old well within the inclosure, and 
still remained in concealment. Numerous searches had 
been made, water-witches and " sorcerers" had been em- 
ployed, but the seekers had not been able to find even ll c 
well, much less the money. But in the latter ])art of li"32 
a man named Scripture, from Sandy Creek, while rummaging 



ir.o 



IITSTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



round witliin tlie old wall, and near where tlie liberty-pole 
then stood, found the long-abandoned well. If he found 
any specie he (-aid iiolhinj; to any one ahout it, and the next 
morning he left the village, his di.seovery heing marked only 
hy the presence of numerous cartridge-boxes, bullets, etc., 
thrown out by the finder. The well was about sixteen feet 
deep and four feet aero.ss, and was well walled up. It was 
a focus of curiosity for a few days, but people were too 
busy then to devote much time to investigating the relics 
of the past. 

Each succeeding month saw an increase of population 
and of wealth. The then immcn.sc sum of a thou.sand 
dollars was raised by general tax, and after the cholera had 
pas.sed by idl sorts of improveuients were the order of the 
day. 

The remainder of the eastern lliird of the public .square 
and of the market ground, on the west side, were dispo.sed of, 
and the avails ajijilied to improving the western section of 
the village. The lot on the northeast corner of the market 
ground was sold for eleven hundred and fifty <lollars, subject 
to a yearly rent of ninety dollars to the village. Mr. \'an 
Buren laid out a portion of .Military lot No. li into streets 
and lots, and these streets were soon opened by the author- 
ities as far as the village bounds extended. 

Abraham Varick, a wealthy cai>italist, had the Varick 
cjinal constructed, for hydraulic purposes, under the man- 
agement of li. L. I)e Zeng, on the west bank of the river. 
The wall between it and the river wjis built ten feet thick 
at bottom, about four feet thick at the top, sixteen feet high, 
and three thousand feet long; the canal being sixty-two 
feet wide and seven feet deep, with a fall of nineteeu feet 
deep, and costing, when completed two yeai-s later, seventy- 
five thou.sand dollars. 

I'olities also were hot. There w;js a Bronson and a 
Turrill section of the Democratic party, under the leadership 
of Hon. Alvin Bronson and Hon. Joel Turrill, and between 
that party and its o]>ponents, now rajiidly taking the name 
of Whig, the fight was as lively as coirld well be desired. 
General Peter Sken Smith, a brother of Gerrit Smith, and 
a lawyer, residing on the east side of the river, was a leader 
of the o]>position ; the l\illti<l!iim was the organ of the 
Democrats, the Free Press and afterwards the Democrat 
were the champions hf the Whigs, and the wordy wars, 
fre(|uently eidivened with libel suits, were even more tierce 
than at the present day. 

There was but a single school district on the west side of 
the river up to 18i54. In that year a new one was formed, 
bounded by Gemini (Cayuga), Third, and Scorpio (Albany) 
streets and the river, being district No. 12 of the town of 
Oswego. In fact, people hardly had time to attend to 
such little things as schools. By ISIif) everybody was get- 
ting rich at forty knots an hour. The Oswego bank turned 
out mouey in unlimited quantities, and the i)est year the 
Commercial bank w:ls eiplally liberal. The lovers of inflation 
had everything their own way. A fire which burned up 
Fitzhugh's grist-mill, Bronsou & Morgan's grist-mill, and 
fifteen or twenty other large buildings, was hardly noticed. 
There was plenty of money to build more. 

Some reserved lots on the river and outward harbor, be- 
longing to the State, were sold at auction. Competitors 



came from New York, Albany, and other places, anxious 
to make their fortunes out of Oswego land. One large 
lot of about thrw acres sohl for a hundred and eight 
thousand dollars. Twelve small ones brought about forty- 
eight thousand. No one doubted that all the property then 
bought would he .sold fur much larger amounts. It was 
as.«erled that the State had then received three hundred 
thousand dollars for property in Oswego, and had still a 
large amount led. 

The collections at the custom-house felt the astonishing 
impetus of business. For the third quarter of 1835 they 
were over twenty-one thousand dollars, and it was announced 
that the collections for the second and third (|uarters of that 
year were thirty limes as much as they had been for the 
correspotiding quarters in 1834. A gentleman came from 
the east and bought the old "Oswego House," occupying 
sciniewhat less ground than the present " Fitzhugh," for a 
hundred thousand dollars. He paid ten thousand dollars 
down, and that was the end of it. 

The year 1830 opened with still more glowing prospects. 
In Marih there were thirty-five vessels building at once, 
averaging a hundred tons eiich. Property continued to rise. 
A block between Sixth and Seventh streets, which had been 
Jiurehased the summer before for two thousand doUiirs, was 
now sold for sixteen thousand ! 

There were at this time on the two hydraulic canals six 
grist-mills, two cotton-factories, three machine-factories, a 
stone-polishing mill, a tobacco-factory, three extensive tm- 
neries, four saw-mills, a cedar-cutting mill, a large foundry, 
and extensive iron-works. 

Besides these, there were in the village a Presbyterian, 
an Episcopal, a Methodist, a Bapti-st, a Congregational, and 
a Catholic church ; an academy, two banks, seven taverns, 
twenty-one general stores, two weekly newspapers, and about 
six hundred dwellings, containing in the neighborhood of 
five thou.sand inhabitants. Any one who should then have 
denied that Oswego would soon be one of the fii"st cities on 
the continent would have been considered a lunatic and a 
traitor. 

But in the latter part of 183G the trouble began. In- 
flation had been carried to its utmost po.ssible extent, and 
when the reaction set in, the vast volume of the practically 
irredeemable paper-money shriveled up before the hot breath 
of the j)anie, involving the whole country in financial dis- 
aster which has never since been approached. 

The Oswego people could not at first believe that their 
high hopes were so completfly blasted, and for a while en- 
deavored to breast the tide. But all through 1837 prices 
continued to sink, and money, of late so plentiful, became 
scarce beyond conception. Both banks broke. Millions 
of im:iginary wealth disappeared. Neaily every busine.<8 
man became bankrupt. The firm of Bronson & Crocker 
struggled through almost aliflie. Building ceased, and tor 
years Oswego lay commercially supine under the weight of 
the terrible " hard times." 

On the 1st of March, 1837, a new and complete code of 
village laws was enacted by the trustees, all previous ordi- 
nances having been repealed. Kegarding the usual provisions 
regulating the market, forbidding the running at large of 
animals, elc, little need be .said, here, but there were two 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



151 



sections regarding the streets which are of much inter- 
est. 

The people had boooine thoroughly weary of the cele.stial 
street-names selected by old Simeon De Witt. The use of 
these had now been extended as far south as the south line 
of the old State reservation, near the present Ohio street. 
To the mind of the ordinary, common-sense citizens, there 
was something outlandish in such names as Aries, Taurus, 
Cancer, Scorpio, Capricornus, and Sagittarius ; and if he 
knew enough of Latin to translate those appellations into 
Ram street, Bull street, Crab street, etc., it did nut materi- 
ally help the matter. 

So in 1837 the trustees, responding to the general wish, 
changed the name of all the old streets in the village run- 
ning east and west. Auriga street was transformed into 
He Witt, Aquila to Mitchell, Lyra to Van Buren, Aries to 
Schuyler, Taurus to Seneca, Gemini to Cayuga, Cancer to 
Bridge, Leo to Oneida, Virgo to Mohawk, Libra to Utica, 
Scorpio to Albany, Sagittarius to Erie, Capricornus to Nia- 
gara, and Aquarius to Oliio street. A street running north 
and south, which had previously borne the name of Van 
Buren, was changed to Eiglith street. 

It was also prcjvided that the curb-stones of the side- 
walks on all streets from and including Second to the river 
(and on Bridge street as far as Fourth), on the east side, 
should bo placed nineteen feet from the street-line. In 
West First, West Second, north of Mohawk, and in West 
Seneca, cast of Second, the curb-stones were to be twenty 
feet from the street-lines ; while in all other streets a hun- 
dred feet wide they were to be twenty-six feet from the 
line. 

This, of course, left a wide space between the sidewalk 
and street-line. It was further enacted that on the business 
streets before mentioned, where the curb was nineteen or 
twenty feet from the line, the owner might build a platform 
seven feet wide into the street on which to display goods. 
On the streets where the curb was twenty-six feet out 
(except from Second street to the river), the inhabitants 
were allowed to inclose seventeen feet of space with an 
ornamental fence, to be removed on thirty days' notice from 
the board of trustees. 

This practically reduced the streets from a hundred to 
sixty-six feet wide. The result has been to make Oswego 
one of the shadiest and handsomest cities in the country. 
The owners of adjoining lots had no permission to build on 
the seventeen feet, but they universally availed themselves 
of the permission to inclose it. Consequently, throughout 
almost all Oswego, the houses are invariably at least seven- 
teen feet from the sidewalk ; the intervening space being 
usually occupied by a handsome shaded yard, — a sight 
hardly to be seen in any other city of its size in the world. 

In the latter part of 1837 the financial depression was 
variegated if not relieved by the excitement regarding the ' 
celebrated " Patriot War." Oswego, on account of its 
being the general gateway of communication with Canada, 
was perhaps more infected with " patriot" sympathy than 
any other town on the frontier. All through 1838 con- 
tinued excitement prevailed, and men and means were sent 
to the insurgents by the " Hunter" lodges formed along 
the border. We have described some of the leading events 



of this period in the general history of the county, in- 
cluding the operations of the steamer " United States," and 
the publication of the Oswego Patriot ; but there was one 
affair of a local nature, near the close of the disturbances, 
which we will mention here. 

On the 12th of January, 1839, two brass field-pieces, 
which had been stolen from some State arsenal by the 
patriots, were found concealed about a machine-shop just at 
the east end of the bridge. On the 14th they were seized 
by George H. McWIiorter, United States marshal, and 
placed in charge of a guard of regular soldiers. The next 
day he prepared to remove them to a more secure place. A 
crowd began to assemble, who desired to prevent their 
being put out of reach of the " patriots." The marshal 
sent for a company of United States troops, which was 
quartered in the United States hotel property, where the 
normal school now is. The company came down upon the 
bridge, where they were immediately surrounded by an im- 
mense crowd, so closely packed that the soldiers could 
hardly have brought a musket to bear had they tried. 

The marshal was unwilling to proceed to extremities. 
Finally John Biiuner, an ardent " sympathizer," remem- 
bered that Colonel Runnill, of the New York State militia, 
who was also the keeper of the jail, had orders to take pos.ses- 
sion of all arms bearing the State mark, as the two field-pieces 
did. The colonel was hunted up, and demanded the guns 
in the name of the State. As the claim was rea.sonable on 
the face of it, the marshal decided to give them up to him, 
though he was known to be in sympathy with the " pa- 
triots." For this reason the crowd assented to the arrange- 
ment. The cannon were dragged out, and under the 
nominal charge of Colonel Runnill were paraded through 
the ])rincipal streets, preceded by drum and fife, and sur- 
rounded by the exultant sympathizers, who numbered 
nearly all the people of the. village. The cannon were 
finally deposited in the jail-yard, on the site of the present 
city hall, under the charge of the worthy colonel. 

A short time afterwards a number of sympathizers took 
possession of them without difficulty, dragged them by a 
roundabout road to the locality now called Minetto, and 
concealed them under the floor of a barn, ready for 
the next invasion of Canada. The United States troops, 
which had been reinforced from Sackett's Harbor, got on 
the track of the lost guns, and marched to the neighborhcod 
where they were concealed, but could not find them. 
None of the people would betray what they considered the 
cause of freedom. Colonel Runnill was afterwards court- 
martialed for allowing the cannon to be taken from his 
possession ; but the militia officers who tried him were 
probably as friendly to the " patriots" as himself, and he 
was speedily aci|uittcd. 

Among the results of the military excitement of the day 
was the organization, in 1839, of the " Oswego Guards," the 
first uniformed militia company in the village of which we 
can find any account. Its first officers wore Captain S. S. 
Hulbert, Lieutenant J. W. Ran.som, and Ensign G. S. 
Titus. 

Notwithstanding the hard times the trustees continued 
to order the paving and improving of streets, and fifteen 
hundred dollars were raised for general purposes in 1838. 



152 



niSTORY or OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



But for several years thereafter it was very quiet in Os- 
wego. About 1842 or 1843 the village began slowly to re- 
cover from the previous dopression. In the latter year the 
Eugle and the ^Va.■^llington mills, each with five run of 
stone, were erected, being the fir.*t since the panic. The 
next year the Empire mill was built, new residences began 
to rise, and commerce showed signs of improvement. 

The Ma^ns had been under the ban of jmblic opinion in 
all this section ever since the Morgan affair, but in 184J a 
new secret order made its appearance in Oswego. The first 
lodge of Odd-Fellows, " 0.swegatchie," was org-anized here 
in May of that year. 

Business and improvements continued to increase during 
184G, but 1847 was the most remarkable year which had 
yet been known. No less than si.\ large mills wore built in 
that single year,— the Atlas, Premium, Pearl, Seneca, Lake 
Ontario, and Expres.s, — having in all forty-two run of .stone, 
and being capable of making four tliou.saiid two hundred 
barrels of flour per day. New business blocks, churches, 
and residences arose on all sides, and people began to talk 
railroad and city. Oswego lodge of Masons was organized, 
the first in the place since the outl)reak of anti-Masonry. 

The next year both city and rail|><i»4-talk became accom- 
plished facts. Application wiuiduly-Iiuide to the legis- 
lature, and on the 24tli of MarcTian act wa.s pas.sed by that 
body organizing the city of Oswego. It was divided into 
four wards, each represented in the council by two alder- 
men, who exercised the legislative power of the new body 
politic, while the executive authority was confided to a 
mayor. 

The first city election resulted in the choice of James 
Piatt as mayor, and of Hunter Crane, Gilbert Mollison, 
Stephen H. Lathrop, Robert Oliver, George S. Alvord, 
John Brigeol, Samuel S. Taylor, and William S. Malcolm. 
The council appointed J. M. Ca.sey as the first city clerk. 

The railroad from Syracuse wiis completed in October, 
and this gave a new impetus to the business of the 3-outhful 
city. 

The same year another institution was established, which 
has been almost as imj)ortant to Oswego as tlie railroad or 
the city government. This was the storch-factory erected 
on the Varick canal by an Auburn joint-stock company, and 
placed under the management of T. Kingsford & Son. A 
full account of this important establishment will be found 
elsewhere. Two more mills were built in 1848, — the 
Crescent and the Huron. 

In 1849 a wooden bridge was built across the river on 
Utica street, at a cost of seven thousand dollai-s. Toll was 
still exacted on the old one on Bridge street, but the new 
one built by the city was free. 

By 1850 the population had risen to twelve thousand 
two hundred and five. Ships loaded with grain came down 
from all the upper lakes by the score. That newly-iuvented 
Yankee notion, the elevator, <|uickly tratisferred it to the 
canal-boat or the mill, and it was si)ccdily sent forward to 
New York or transferrt-d into flour. The old aciidcniy had 
gone down, and there were only district schools in the new 
city. To supply the defect in higher education tlie Oswego 
winiiiary was opened in the " United States Imtel" buildin" 
in May, 1850, and fur a while met with gratifying success. 



In 1852 the city had advanced far enough, so it was 
thought, to be lit by gas, and the Oswego gaslight factory 
was incorporated. On the 11th of February the same 
year, the Oswego orphan asylum wxs organized. 

One of the first, :is it was one of the most important, 
events of 1853, was the orgjinization of the schools of the 
city in a compact system, controlled by a board of educa- 
tion, in place of the ten or twelve disunited districts previ- 
ously- existing. 

But by far the most startling and impressive event of the 
year 1 853, and probably of that whole decade, was the great 
fire of July 5. All the mills and elevators on the ejist side 
of the river were destroyed, and most of the buildings in 
the .second ward. But ere the jishes were cipid the enter- 
prising citizens began to rebuild. Six mills were rebuilt, 
with increased capacity, during that and the succeeding 
year, and no less than eight elevators. These, added to 
those which had escaped the fire, made a total of seventeen 
mills and ten elevators in operation at the end of 1854. 

Other improvements were made at the same period. 
The old wooden toll-bridge, erected in 1822, w;is replaced, 
in 1855, by an iron one, built by the city at a cost of 
forty-two thousand dollars. 

That generous iihilantliropist, Gerrit Smith, who had 
long had an interest in Oswego, in 1853 gave twenty-five 
thou.saud dollars to establish a city library, then coniiuitting 
its management to a board of trustees appointed by himself 
A large two-story brick for the use of the library, on the 
corner of West Second and Oneida streets, was built in 
1853 and 1854. A more full account of this important 
institution is given separately farther on. 

In 1854 the celebrated reciprocity treaty was negotiated 
between the United States and Great Britain, by which 
most of the natural products of the United States and 
British America were admitted into each of those countries 
respectively duty free. Oswego, the great entrepot of the 
Canadian trade, w;is greatly benefited by this treaty, and 
ail the steamers, pro]iellcrs, schooners, mills, elevators, and 
canal-boats were crowded to their utmost capacity by the 
grain and other products of Canada superadded to those of 
the west. 

During the five years from 1850 to 1855 the population 
increased from twelve thousand to near sixteen thousand, 
a growth more raj)id than that of any other city in the 
State. Sixty-nine Oswego vessels, including steamers, pro- 
pellers, and schooners, with an aggregate tonnage of twenty- 
one thousand two hundred and seven tons, rode in and out 
of her busy harbor, besides the numerous ones belonging to 
other port.s. 

From that time till the beginning of the Rebellion, 
Oswego continued its onward course. Even the panic of 
1857, which seriously aflected the trade of the country at 
large, but slightly checked that of Oswego. In ISGO the 
population was sixteen thou.sjmd eight hundred and sixteen. 
The stirring events of the next four years, the march of 
gallant battalions to the seat of war, the story of their hard- 
ships and their valor, the return of their thinned but vic- 
torious ranks, have all been recounted in the general history 
of tlie county. While a host of giillaiit volunteers left the 
little city built on the chissic ground of the old French and 




Rfs. of Edwin W^ Clarke,cor. [. Seventh &.Moha\'jk Sts.OsweooJ r 




fff 5 F JOSEPH HOVER , COff or Thikd &. Allen Sts.. Oswlgo . N Y. 



t 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



153 



the Revolutionary wars,.the thousands who remained pushed 
on the more prosaic but equally necessary business of every- 
day life with scarcely diminished vi;j;or. 

A new iron brid.;i;e was built, in place of the wooden one 
on Utica street, in 18G7, and other improvements were not 
neglected. 

But with the abrogation of the reciprocity treaty in 18G6 
came a decided check to the prosperity of the city. The 
population in 1870 was but twenty thousand nine hundred 
and ten. 

The financial crisis of 1873, though far less disastrous 
than that of 1836, yet had a seriously depre.ssing effect 
upon Oswego, as well as upon the rest of the country. 
Fiom that depression the Frontier City is now slowly but 
steadily arising. Notwithstanding the " hard times," the 
population increased to twenty-two thousand four hundred 
and fifty-five in 1875. Commerce lifts her drooping head, 
and once more essays, though not yet with her old-time 
vigor, to make the shores of the Oswego the home of 
industry, enterprise, and wealth. 

Yet those who look upon the turbulent river, rushing 
with rapid pace towards the lake, and afl"ording a water- 
power unsurpassed upon the continent, cannot doubt that 
comuierce alone will never accomplish the " manifest des- 
tiny" of Oswego. Even the milling business, important as 
it is, cannot occupy a tenth of the power which runs to 
waste at Oswego and in its vicinity. With more than the 
capacities of Lowell and Lawrence combined, with greater 
facilities than those towns for the gathering of materials 
and the distribution of products, there is no good reason 
why Oswego should not outdo both Lowell and Lawrence 
in the number and magnitude of its establishmsnts, save 
that they already have those establishments and Oswego 
has not. But the star of industrial as well as of political 
empire is taking its way westward. New Lowells and Law- 
rences must arise in various parts of the continent, where 
natural advantages and intelligent enterprise point out the 
location, and nowhere do the natural advantages offer stronger 
inducements to enterprise than on the shores of the rushing 
Oswego. 

We have passed very rapidly over the later history of 
Oswego, for the reason that we give separate sketches of all 
its important institutions, its schools, churches, societies, 
banks, mills, elevators, etc., and to those sketches we now 
call the attention of the reader 

THE CITY HALL. 

The elegant and substantial building known as the city 
hall was erected in 1809-70. It is of Onondaga lime- 
stone, three stories high, with a Mansard roof, the whole 
surmounted by a tower in which is placed the city clock. 
Its dimensions are sixty-one by one hundred and sis feet, 
and its cost about one hundred thousand dollars. The 
lower story is used as the city jail and the ofiices of the 
police department ; the second story contains the offices of 
the municipal authorities, and the upper story the offices 
of the board of education and the council chamber. On a 
tablet in the interior of the building we find inscribed the 
subjoined : 
11 



"CITY HALL. 

"CORMER-STONF. LAID JIJXB 21, 1S70 . 

"Hon. Alanson Paj^e, Mayor. 

"AlJcrman Atorgan M. Wliceler, Alilonnan Charles Doolittlo, 
Alilcrmati George Golilc, Alilcnnan .lohn Edianii, .\lilurman .loliii 
Uatigan, Alderman .Janies U. Munioi^k, Alderiiiaii M^iiliam Uhiclt- 
wo<i(l, Aaron Calnon, Building Committee. 

" H. N. White, Architect. 

" Henry W. Seeber, Julius A. .Sceber, Master Builders. 

"John Ratigaii, Anthony Culkins, Michael Culliins, Master 
Masons. 

** James Kandall, Thomas Ncsdcll, Stone Cutters." 

The building is conveniently located, being in the public 
square, opposite the post-office. It is an imposing structure, 
and constitutes one of the finest architectural monuments 
in the city. 

THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BUILDING. 

This substantial structure was erected in 1857, and first 
occupied in 1858. It is of limestone and iron, and is as 
near fire-proof as possible.' Its dimensions are fifty-eight 
by eighty-six feet, and its location Oneida street, between 
Fii-st and Second streets. It is a three-story building, with 
a basement. The first floor is occupied by the post-office 
department, the second by the custom-house officials, and 
the third is used as the United States court-room. 

THE POST-OFFICE 

was established in 1806, and the first postmaster was Joel 
Burt, appointed October 7, 1806. His succcs.sors, with 
the dates of their respective appointments, are as follows : 

William Dolloway, June 2, 1815 ; Nathan Sage, Janu- 
ary 17, 1816; John Grant, Jr., June 22, 1825; Samuel 
Hawley, January 10, 1831 ; John H. Lord, September 24, 
183U; James Cochian, September 27, 1811; David P. 
Brewster, July 2, 1845 ; Robert H. Martin, January 19, 
1849 ; Cheney Ames, May 17, 1849 ; Samuel H. Beards- 
ley, May 4, 1853 ; Alfred B. Getty, July 6, 1858 ; Henry 
Fitzhugh, March 27, 1861 ; Aaron J. Cowles, July 7, 
1865 ; Samuel R. Taylor, October 26, 1866 ; David W. 
Erwin, March 2, 1867; George Hugunin, April 15,1869; 
John A. Place, May 10, 1873; Cheney Ames, June 9, 
1877. 

The business of the office for the fiscal year ending 
June 30, 1877, is represented by the subjoined statistics: 

Received— Letters, 728,000; postal cards, 160,000; 
newspapers, 300,000 ; miscellaneous, 75,000. 

Forwarded— Letters, 750,000; postal cards, 200,000; 
newspapers, 130,000; miscellaneous, 117,000. 

Number of I'cgistcred letters received, 1 605 ; forwarded, 
804 ; transit, 2040. 

Total receipts for sale of stamps, stamped envelopes, 
postal cards, and box rent, $18,353. 

Number of money-orders issued — Domestic, 2578 ; for- 
eign, 55; amounting to $33,968. 

Number of money-orders paid — Domestic, 2625 ; foreign, 
125 ; amounting to $49,458. 

THE CUSTOM-HOUSE, 

as before stated, is located in the second story of the gov- 
ernment building. Oswego was made a port of entry in 



154 



UISTOKV OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOIiK. 



1803, and Jih-I Burt was appdiiited the firyt cullci-Ior on 
tlif 1st (if Aiijiust of" the siiUL- VL'itr. His successors, from 
tile i'X]ihiiliiin of liis service uiilil tlie present, liave been 
as follons: Nathan Su<;e, apiMiinlcd June 12, 1811 ; Joiin 
finiiit, Jr., June 1, ISUG; George H. MeWhorter, May 1, 
1S:{4; Thomas II. Bond, Au},Ti8t 2, 1841; George H. 
MeWhorter, May 24, 1843; Jacob Richard:!on, June 5, 
1849; Enoch B. Talcott, May 23, 1853; Orviile Robin- 
son, April 1, 1858; John B. Higgin.s. April 1, 18G0; 
Charli-s A. IVikiiis, C)ctober 1. ISUl ; Andrew Van Dyck, 
S.i.teml.cr 1, 18t)4; Charles C. V. Clark. April 1, ISlJit; 
Elias Boot, May 1, 1871 ; Daniel G. Fort, June 30, 1877. 

LiaUT-IIOUSES. 

The first light-bouse was built in 1837, and rebuilt in 
18G9. The pre.sent structure i.s built of gray lime.ston6. 
The tower is sixty-six feet high, and is octagonal in shape. 
It is situated five hundred feet from the pier-head. The 
light is of the third order of lens appanitus, fixed, and is 
visible fifteen miles. On the pier-head, five hundred feet 
nyrth of the above, is an octagonal iron tower, the focal 
plane of which is thirt3'-three feet above water, and con- 
tains a beaeon-light which is visible eleven miles. It is so 
constructed as to be removed to the outer breakwater when 
the latter shall be completed. 

THE SCHOOLS OF OSWEGO.* 

As has been stated in the previous sketch of the city, 
the first school in Oswego was taught in a log house near 
the corner of West First and Seneca streets, about 1798, 
by Miss Artemisia Waterhouse, from Oswego Falls (now 
Fulton). The school was subsequently taught by Captain 
Edward O'Connor, and, as early as 1807, by Dr. Joseph 
Caldwell, a physician by profession, who, not finding patients 
enough to give him a comfortable support, turned school- 
master. We have also narrated how, in 1806, a school-house 
■was built by Mr. Bradner Burt, with the proceeds of a sub- 
scription, on what was then known as the Court-IIouse 
block, on the corner of West Third and Seneca streets. 
The block was afterwards sold, and the proceeds applied 
to the erection of a court-house on the cast side of the 
river, and the building was removed to the opposite block 
on the corner of Second and Seneca streets, then the corner 
of the public sf|uare. It here .served the trijilo purpo.se of 
school-house, nicctiiig-hou.se, and court-house. It was occu- 
pied for school purpftses until another building was erected 
on Fourth street next north of what is known as the Acad- 
emy building. It was destroj'cd by fire in 1805. 

About this time, or soon after, the subject of the erec- 
tion of an academy building was agitated, and in 1831 
the foundation of the building just referred to was laid. 
The ground on which it stands was at first leased, it being 
a part of a reserve for a public .s(|uare. 

Fears being entertained that two schools of a somewhat 
different character, brought into such close proximity, 
might interfere somewhat with each other, the trustees 
decided to sell the new building and purch.ise a house on 



• For Ibis sketch wc are entirely indebted to the reports or the 
buaril of ecjuualion, and tbe courtesy tA tboir sccrcUiry, Mr. Virgil 
C Uouglntii). 



Fourth strtvt, between Seneca and Van Bnren streets. 
This building was converted into a school-house, and occu- 
pied for that purpo.-^e until 1^51, when it was sold, and the 
academy building, which had long lieen occupied for :t 
boarding-house, was purchased and fitted up for school 
purposes. 

Up to 1834, this was the only district school within 
the limits of the village of Wret (.)swego. In this year a 
district was formed, which wc find described as follows : 
" Commencing at the Oswego river on Gemini (now 
Cayuga) street, in the village of West Oswego, running 
westerly along Gemini street to Third street, thence south- 
erly along Third to Scorpio ( Albany I street, thence easterly 
along Scorpio street to the Oswego river, thence north on 
said river, at low water mark, to the place of beginning." 

This was district No. 12. The first met'ting for organ- 
ization was held at the Welland House, on the 18th day of 
January, 1S^4; Gideon 11. Woodrufl'', Henry White, and 
Edmund Hawks were elected trustws. The first school in 
the district was taught in an old building on the corner of 
Second and Bridge streets, originally erected for a tavern. 
A new brick school-house was built on West Third street, 
near Mohawk, in 1S3G. This house has since been twice 
enlarged, once by the trustees in 1850, and afterwards by 
the board of education. 

In the same year, 1830, the di.strict called No. 14 was 
created, including all the territory west of Fourth and 
north of Cayugas streets, within the village limits. A lot 
was purchased and a house erected before the clo.^e of the 
year. The fir.st trustees were Jacob N. Bonstcele, Leonard 
Smith, and Peter Halligsin. In 1848 the title of this dis- 
trict was changed to No. 6, by order of the city su|>erin- 
tcndent. In the year 1852 the old school-house and lot 
were sold, and another lot purchased on the corner of West 
Eighth and Schuyler streets, on which the house at present 
occupied by primary school No. 1 was erected in the same 
year. The entire expen.sc of house, lot, and appnrtenance>. 
was nineteen hundred and sixty-seven dollars and thirty- 
six cents. 

In about the year 1841 or 1842 a stone school-house 
was built on West Bridge street, between Sixth and 
Seventh, for the district designated as No. 13, which 
included all the territory west of Third strcet, between 
Albany and Cayuga, within the village corporation. For 
some time previous, the school of this district had been 
taught in a hired room west of the present site of the 
Methodist church. The new school-house was small, con- 
sistin<: of but a single room. 

In 1843 another district, styled No. 17, was taken off 
from the east end of this district, including all the territory 
lying between Albany and Cayuga streets, and Third and 
Sixth streets. A house consisting of a single room was 
built on Fourth street, near Bridge, for the u.sc of thi.s 
district. In ISati this building was enlarged to its present 
size by the board of educiition. 

In the fall of 1848 another colony was formeil from tlie 
parent stock, and from the southwesterly part of No. 13 
was created a district embracing all the territory lying 
between Albany and Oneida streets, and west of Sixth 
street. This new district was created by an order of John 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



155 



B. Park, town superinteodent, issued October 3, 1848, and 
was designated district No. 21. In December of the same 
year the title was changed by Mr. A. II. Dunham, the suc- 
cessor of Mr. Park, to No. 10, by whicli it was designated 
at the time of the orgutiization of the board of education. 
In the winter and spring of 1819 a new house was erected 
on West Mohawk, near Tentli street. Tliis also was a 
single room, and is still known by the name of " White 
School-House," being occupied by primary school No. 3. 
All south of Albany street constituted district No. 9. 
About the ye;ir 1841 a new district wa.s created from 
this extensive one, embracing all between Albany street 
and the old village line ; and a stone school-house, with a 
single room, was erected in 1842. This was enlarged in 
1850 to its present capacity. The cost of enlarging was 
fourteen hundred dollars. It stands on or near the corner 
of West Fourth and Erie streets, and is occupied by pri- 
mary school No. 5. The district was known as No. 18 
until the year 1848, when its title was changed to No. 9. 
It has since been changed to No. 7. This house was 
burned in the winter of ISlil. The walls, however, were 
left standing, and it was rebuilt by the Northwestern insu- 
rance company the same year. 

The first public school on the east side of the river was 
taught by Miss Philomela Robinson, in a hired room near 
the river, in the Second ward, about 1817. The location 
of the school was frequently changed ; the second one was 
near the cove; the third near where the Columbia mill 
now stands ; the fourth on the west side of First street, at 
the foot of Cayuga ; the fifth in Mr. Elias Park's house, 
on the corner of Second and Seneca streets. Among the 
early teachers of the school who succeeded Miss Robinson 
were Mr. Morton, Miss Daggert, Mr. Dwyer, Miss Ora 
Coate, Miss Lydia Miner, Richard Parsons, and Eliza 
Wells. 

Some time in the fall of 1828, a school-meeting was 
called at the store of Milton Harmon. At this meeting 
were present James Sloan, Milton Harmon, and Jo.seph 
Turner. Being progressive and liberal-minded men, they 
voted that it was " ahsulutely necessary to have a schoul- 
hoiise," and resolved that one be erected at once, at a cost 
not e.xceeding one hundred dollars ! On the morrow a great 
breeze was raised about their ears by some of their more 
wealthy but parsimonious neighbors, who neglected to guard 
their pecuniary interests by being present at the meeting. 
They were severely rebuked for presuming to levy so heavy 
a tax on the district. They were warned that they would 
surely ruin the town by such oppressive taxes. 

We have already told in the sketch of the city how the 
three persons present voted that a school should be built for 
a hundred dollars, how their neighbors afterwards oppo.sed it, 
and how the latter finally yielded on condition that the 
greatest economy possible should be used. The contract 
was accordingly made with Mr. Luther Palmer to erect the 
house and put in all the furniture complete for one hundred 
dollars. It was a slab or plank house, about twenty-five by 
thirty feet, battened on the inside, adorned with neither 
])aint nor mortar. The seats were of the same materials as 
the rest of the structure, with a board fastened around 
against the wall to serve as a writiuir-desk. This hou.sc 



stood until about the year 1840, when it gave way to a very 
respectable one-story stone structure, with a hall, two school- 
rooms, and a ba.senient. The building was consumed by the 
gi'eat fire of 1853, and the following year the present two- 
story brick building, with a hall and ten school-rooms, in- 
cluding two in the basement, a-sidc from furnace-rooms and 
closets, arose from its ashes, under the auspices of the board 
of education. This hou.se accommodates about five hun- 
dred pupils, and itj filled to its utmost capacity. 

In the year 1851 a wooden school-house was built on the 
corner of East Ninth and Seneca streets, designed for the 
younger children of this part of the district. This build- 
ing is now occupied by primary school No. 8. It appears 
to have been erected by Jas. H. Dow, for the sum of four 
hundred and sixty-five dollars. The cost of the lot was one 
hundred and eighty dollars. 

About the ye;ir 1832, we are informed that Mrs. Wells 
taught a public school in a room rented of Mr. Harra, on 
East Third street, near Oneida. As near as we can ascer- 
tain, this was the first public school taught in that part of 
the town. For the next two j'cars the school was taught by 
R. P. Crossman. The territory south of Bridge street had 
been set off as a new district about 1830 or 1831. 

For nine or ten years this school was taught in hired 
rooms, and in the old court-house for some time. It was 
not until 1841 that a new building was erected. This was 
a very respectable frame house, with two school-rooms, and 
was located on the site of the present elegant brick structure 
on East Fourth street, between Mohawk and Utica streets. 

In the same year this district was divided by the county 
superintendent, in answer to a petition of the trustees, and 
all that portion of the village east of Sixth street and south 
of Bridge street constituted district No. 19. For some- 
thing more than a year the school of this district was taught 
in a rented hou.se belonging to James Cochran, on Oneida, 
below Tenth street. In 1842 a new house was erected, 
consisting of a single room, located on Tenth street, near 
Oneida. This house has since been twice enlarged by the 
board of education. 

The old frame house on Fourth street was removed in 
1857, and a three-story brick building was erected under 
the direction of the board of education. This was destroyed 
by fire in December, 18G0, and the following year the 
present building, modeled after nearly the same plan as the 
other, but somewhat enlarged, was erected. 

For several years a room was also rented of Jlr. James 
Baker, on West First street, near the tannery, for the 
accommodation of the smaller children in this part of the 
town. 

Desiring to dispose of this building, Mr. Baker kindly 
offered to erect a small house for the accommodation of the 
school, and rent it until such time as the board could pur- 
chase the same. 

The propo.sition was gladly accepted, and the house which 
now stands on E;tst Filth street, near Erie, was built, and 
rented until June 2, 1859, when it w;is bought by the 
board. It has since been enlarged to double its original 
capacity. Aside from the districts already enumerated, 
there were two joint school districts, — one up the river, on 
the west side, in the neighborhood of Mr. Sobieski Burt, 



156 



TIT^TOTIY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, xNEW YORK. 



and ihe other in tlie west ]part of llic town, iu tlic nci^libor- 
hoiid of Mr. Lewi.s A. Cole. As to the time of the furuiu- 
tion of these districts, we have been unable to gain any 
reliable data. By the act under which the schools were 
rcorfranized thc-^e districts were dissolved. 

This brinixs ddwn the history of the public schools to the 
time of their reorganization under a board of education. 
Before cnterinj: upon a consideration of this period of their 
history, it is proper that wc should notice a movement, in 
itself of comparatively little moment, but which, at the 
same time, had an important bearing on the organization of 
the jiroscnt free-school system. 

In the fall of 1848, a benevolent association was formed 
for the purjiosc of providing for the education of the poorer 
cla.sses : such as from inability to pay the re(|uisite rate-bill, 
to purchase school-books, or clothe their children properly, 
were practically shut out from the advantages of a common- 
school education. This was called the Orphan and Free 
School association. The movement enlisted the sympa- 
thies and co-operation of many of the best citizens. The 
ladies, throuiili the aid of sewing-societies, prepared cloth- 
ing for the children. All the dwellings of the poor were 
visited, and those rcfjuiring assistance selected. A room was 
rented (the b.isement of what was called the old " Taber- 
nacle," on West Second street), books were provided, and the 
school was opened in the fall of the year above named. The 
prime mover of this enterprise was the present principal of 
the normal school, E. A. Sheldon, who acted as secretary of 
the society, solicited and collected the funds, visited the 
families of the poor, distributed the clothing, and taught 
the school. 

The school opened with one hundred and twenty children, 
most of whom had rarely, if ever, seen the inside of a school- 
room before. It was continued for eighteen months, when 
it was proposed by some of those most actively interested 
in the school, to initiate a movement to make all the public 
schools of the city free, and thus, in a great measure, 
obviate the necessity of this free-school association. 

After one or two meetings of the directors for consulta- 
tion in regard to the matter, it was resolved to call a meet- 
ing of citizens, to take into consideration the propriety of 
organizing a .system of free graded schools. This wa.s held 
in the fall of 1850, and a committee was appointed to pre- 
pare, and submit at a subseq\ient meeting, a plan for the 
reorganization of the schools. The ]ihin presented w;is very 
similar in its main features to the present organization ; but 
meeting with warm opposition, the project was for the time 
being abandoned. 

Another effort was made the succeeding winter, but with 
no better success. In the year 1853, through the hearty 
co-operation of the representatives at Albany, Hon. James 
I'latt and Hon. I). C Littlejohn, a local school act was se- 
cured, the one under which the schools are now working ; 
and the first board was organized May 11, 1853, consisting 
of the following gentlemen: 

First ward, Lcander Babcock, D. S. Goldcy ; Second 
ward, Wni. F. Mason, John C. Churchill ; Third ward, Ab- 
ncr C. Mattoon, Wni. II. Goit ; Fourth ward, A. B. Coe, 
O. J. Harmiin. A. B. Coe was elected :is the first president 
of the board, and E. A. Sheldon as secretary. 



At the time of the reorganization of the schools, there 
were, as stated in the first annual report of the board, 
" twelve school districts, including one joint district, the 
school-house of which was located within the city. Each 
district was a separate and distinct organization, and all the 
children who attended school at all were obliged to attend 
the school in their own district, or be subjected to an oner- 
ous tuition." 

At that time there were in the employ of the board 
twenty-one teachers, with an average attendance of thirty- 
eight pn]iils each. The compensation paid was from one 
bundled anil fifty to two hundred and twenty dollars, and 
in one instance two hundred and forty dollars per annum 
for ladies, and fn)m three hundred to four hundred dollars, 
and in one instance six hundred dollars for gentlemen. 
There were also seventeen private schools, with an average 
attendance of six hundred and thirty pupils. 

The following September the city was entirely redis- 
tricted and the schools completely graded. The city was 
first divided into eleven primary districts, then into five 
junior districts, bounded without reference to the primaries, 
then into three senior districts, the whole comprising one 
high-school district. As the scholars finish the course pre- 
scribed in each of the lower schools, they may progress up- 
ward into the higher. 

The old academy building, the academy having long been 
discontinued, was purcha.se<l by the board and fitted up for 
a high school. That institution was kept there until 18(57, 
when it was tcm]Hirarily removed to the normal school 
building. In February, 1868, the academy or high scho<d 
building was destroyed by fire. During the succeeding 
summer the board built a substantial brick struc^ture for the 
use of the high school, on the same site, on Third street, 
between Cayuga and Seneca. It is eighty-eight bj' seventy- 
nine feet, will accommodate six hundred pupils, and cost 
twenty-two thousand two hundred and twenty-five dol- 
lars. 

During tlie summer of 1870 the board of education 
purchased two lots, one in the Second ward, on the corner 
of Tenth and Mitchell streets, for the sum of fifteen hun- 
dreil dollars, and the other in the Seventh ward, on Talman, 
between Third and Fifth streets, for the sum of nine hun- 
dred and ten dollars. The board also enlarged the site of 
school No. 7, on West Fourth, between Albany and Erie 
streets, by the jiurch:ise of the atljoining lot on the north, 
thirty-three by a hundred feet, flir the sum of seven hun- 
dred dollars. The site of school-house No. 2, in the Fourth 
ward, was enlarged by the purchase, on the Glli of Novem- 
ber, 1875, of fifteen by a hundred feet on the north, for 
four hundred and fifty dollars. 

In the summer of 1871 the board erected, on the lot" in 
the Seventh ward, purchased the year before, a school-house 
of suitable size and construction to accommodate three hun- 
dred pupils, at a cost of ten thousand eight hundred 
dollara. 

On the night of October 1, 1875, the brick school-house 
in the Fourth ward was destroyed by fire. On the 27tli of 
the same month theccmlract for rebuilding it was executed, 
and it was cumpletcd ready lor use by the 1st of Ajiril, 
187G, costing the sum of eight thousand three hundred 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



157 



dollars. This is the fourth school house that has occupied 
the same site. 

Having now sketched the changes of districts and build- 
ing.s up to the present time, it only remains to give the 
personnd of the administrative and educational stafi'. The 
following is the board of education for 1877 : 

First ward, Joseph Tremain, Robert Gordon ; Second 
ward, M. J. Wallace, Patrick M. Reynolds; Third ward, 
J. N. Collins, Frederick Earl ; Fourth ward, Amos Waldt, 
J. M. Barrow ; Fifth ward, Daniel O'Connell, John Flynn ; 
Sixth ward, J. L. McWhorter, Chas. W. Murdoch ; Seventh 
ward, Michael Dundon, Lawrence llobinsou ; Eighth ward, 
John C. Bradt, Thomas Dewine. 

The president is Daniel O'Connell, the secretary Virgil 
C. Douglass. The secretary is tx-nfficio superintendent of 
all the schools of the city. Mr. Dougla.ss was appointed as 
assistant to Mr. Sheldon in 1866. He was appointed sec- 
retary October 5, 1869. He and Mr. Sheldon have been 
the only secretaries since the board was organized. The 
following are the names and salaries of the present teachers : 

Hiijh .S'c/too/.— Principal, Charles W. Richards, $1200; 
Preceptre.s,s, Tillie C' Staats, |595 ; Assistants, Eva S. Ed- 
wards, $.522.50 ; Julia B. Dougla.ss, half time, $250. 

Senior School No. 1. — Principal, Martha W. Stowell, 
$680; Assistants, Hattie M. Sperry, $475; Emily A. 
Comer, $427.50 ; Emily D. Coon, $427.50 ; Libbie M. 
Stearns, $427.50; Mrs. Carrie E. Tubbs, $475; Jane 
Gorman, $400 ; E. Jennie King, $400. 

Si'niur School Axi. 2. — Principal, Charles H. Treadwell, 
$1125; Assistants, Minnie A. Ross, $475; Julia A. Wil- 
son, $475 ; Inez E. Wallace, $427.50 ; Kate A. Mattison, 
$400 ; Teresa E. Burns, $400. 

Junior School No. 1. — Principal, Rose Whitney, 
$522.50 ; Assistant, Sarah J. Walter, $403.75. 

Junior School No. 2. • — Principal, Lizzie Salmon, 
$522.50; Assistants, Lillie C. Marsh, $400; Mary A. 
Leonard, $403.75; Carrie L. Paddock, $400; Sarah E. 
Terry, $403.75 ; Addie V. Watkin, $400 ; Georgia A. 
Timerson, $403.75 ; Cora A. Brown, $400. 

Junior School No. 3. — Principal, Eliza H. Weed, 
$522.50 ; A.ssistants, Lizzie Kingsford, $403.75 ; Maggie 
A. Draper, $400. 

Junior School No. 4. — Principal, M. Augusta Barrow, 
$522.50. 

Junior School No. 5. — Principal, Helen M. Tubbs, 
$322.50; Assistants, J. A. Donnolley, $400; Celia L. 
Ormsby, $400 ; Mary E. Leffin, $400. 

Junior School No. 6. ^Principal, Anna E. Hamilton, 
$522.50; Assistants, Mary Cusick, $103.75; Mary J. 
Murphy. $400 ; Emma E. Baker, $400. 

Primiiri/ School No. 1. — Principal, Eliza J. Nichols, 
$498.75 ; Assistant, Mary E. Bryan, $403.75. 

Primary School No. 2. — Principal, Martha A, Keeler, 
$498.75; Assistant, S. Ida Williams, $100. 

Primiiri/ School No. 3. — Principal, Maggie Jackson, 
$198.75; Assistant, Harriet E. Stevens, $400. 

Primary School No. 4. — Principal, Mrs. C. C. Wells, 
$198.75; A.ssistaiits, Ada II. Inman, $403.75; Maggie 
A. Lyons, $400. 

Primary School No. 5. — Principal, Jcannctte T. Morri- 



son, $498.75 ; Assistants, Mary Hanon, $403.75 ; Emma 
S. Hunt, $100; Mary P. Aylcsworth, $400. 

Primary School No. 6. — Princij)al, Maggie A. Kcnific, 
$498.75; Assistants, May E. Gray, $400; M. Jennie 
Murray, $400. 

Primary School No. 7. — Principal, Nelly A. Riggs, 
$498.75; Assistant, Ella H. Maxwell, $403.75.. 

Primary School No. 8. — Principal, Ellen M. Bruce, 
$498.75 ; Assistant, Lizzie H. Dinmore, $400. 

Primary School No. 9. — Principal, Minnie E. Doran, 
$498.75 ; Assistant, Minnie E. Burgoyne, $400. 

Primary School No. 10. — Principal, Maggie C. Stiiats, 
$498.75 ; Assistant, Mrs. II. Amelia Lyons, $403.75. 

Primary School No. 11. — Principal, Rose B. William.s, 
$498.75 ; Assistant, Ella A. Demp.sey, $400. 

Primary School No. 12. — Principal, B. Manning, 
$498.75. 

Unclassijied School. — Principal, John M. Moore, $850; 
Assistant, Mrs. G. M. Gardenier, $475. 

3Iusic Teacher. — James N. Baker, $G80. 

OSWEGO Cixr LIBRARY. 

For some years it had been in the mind of Gerrit Smith, 

in consequence of the large property he owned in Oswego, 

and the great benefits he had derived therefrom, to make a 

special benefiiction for the permanent advantage of the city. 

In pursuance of this purpose he addressed the following 

letter to eight of his friends, prominent citizens of the 

place : 

"Peterbdho', July 17, 1853. 

" Alvin Bronson, J.\mes Platt, Geo. H. McWiroit- 
TER, Henry Fitzhugh, Edwin W. Clark, John 
B. Edwards, James Brown, De Witt C. Little- 

JOIIN. 

" Gt'ntlemen : As some of you are aware, I have for years 
entertained the idea of founding a public library in the city 
of Oswego. The time has now arrived for me to act upon 
that idea. 

" I appropriate to this object the sum of twenty-five ^ 
thousand dollars ($25,000), and I wish you to he at the 
pains of expending it. You can draw for it as follows : 1st 
March, 1854, for $5000; 1st June, 1854, for $5000; 1st 
August, 1854, for $3000 ; 1st October, 1834, for $5000 ; 
1st December, 1854, for $5000. 

" It strikes me that it might be well for you to pur- 
chase a lot and erect upon it a building which would serve 
for other purposes as well as for the library. The lot and 
the building might cost, say fifteen to twenty thousand. 
The balance of the twenty-five thousand you could then 
expend in books, and the rents of that portion of the 
library not devoted to the library would furnish means for 
adding books from year to year. But all this I leave to 
your better judgment. 

" As I have always had more to do with pro])erty on the 
east than on the west side of the river, and as that part of 
the city h;us suffered exceedingly from the lato fire, and, 
moreover, as much less has boon done for the inhabitants 
of that part of the city than for the inhabitants of the 
other side, T enjoin that the library be on the east side of 
the river. My only other injunction i,s that the privileges 



158 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUMY, NEW YORK. 



and beriefilB of the libnin' shiill \>e always as acceptable to 
the unc as to the other, aud that iiu person — on account of 
their race, or c«in)ple.xiun, or condition — shall be shut out 
from the privileges and bcuefits, or in any de;rrcc curtailed 
of them. 

" As to the character of the library, I have tmly to .«;iy 
that my warm wish is that no lK)ok unfriendly to truth and 
purity may ever find a place in the library. 

" I leave it with you to take such legal steps as are neces- 
Siiry for the maintenance of my own rights aud the rights 
of the public in respect to the library. 
" With great regsiixl, 

" Your friend, 

"Geurit Smith." 

Tlie gentlemen referred to accepted the trust and organ- 
ized the library. 

April 15, 1854, the institution was incorporated by the 
legislature by the name and style of the " Trustees of the 
Oswego City Library." Mr. Smith declined to have the 
library called by his own name, hoping that the citizens 
would take an interest in the mutter and aid it with their 
contributions. Later, Mr. Smith gjive about five thousand 
dollars more to the library, making the whole sum donated 
by him nearly thirty thousand dollars. 

The board of trustees, in 1853, purchiised the lot, corner 
of Oneida and Second strei't.-*, East Oswego, and erected 
thereon the edifice which has been occupied by it ever 
since. The board also appointed George C. McWhorter 
catalogian, and he, in [lursuanee of such authority, compiled 
the liliniry and jmrLha.s<:d the books. In the early ye^ii-s of 
the library one of the original trustees, Mr. Brown, died, 
and his |ilai-e was filled by the election of Mr. JIurray. Sub- 
setpiently Mr. .AleWliorter died, and was succeeded by his 
son, George C. McWhorter. Afterwards Mr. Murray and 
Mr. Piatt died, and Mr. Fitzlingh removed from town. 
Their jilaces were filled by Mr. MDllison, .^Ir. Irwin, and 
Mr. Kingsford. Four of the original tru.'^tees, Messrs. 
Broiison, Clark, Edwards, and Littlejohn, survive. Mr. 
liivnson was chosen first president of the btiard, and held 
the position eighteen years, when, in conse(|uence of his 
great age, he decliued a re-election, and was succeeded by 
Mr. McWhorter. 

The present board of trustees are as follows, viz.: Presi- 
dent, George C. -AlcWhiirter ; Trustees, Alvin Bronson, 
Edwin W. Clark, John H. Edwards, George C. McWhor- 
ter, Dewilt C. Liitlejtihn, Gilbert Mollison, Thendoic Irwin, 
Thomson Kingsford ; Secretary, Edwin W. Clark ; Treas- 
urer, John B. Edwards ; Librarian, Benjamin Stocks. 

The library now contains about si.\ thousand vohunes, 
exclusive of thos<- received from the Unittd Stales and the 
Slate of New York, whieii are not entered in the printed 
catalogue. 

The library is departmented, and every department of 
literature and learning is represented as far as may be. The 
tone of the library is high, the aim having been to bring 
the taste of the community up to the standard of a good 
library, rather than — by the admission of useless, e]dieni- 
cral, and often unhealthy cunent literature — to lower the 
library to the level of those who prefer passing amusement 
to mental iuiproveiueut. 



There aie a few rare and curious books in the collection, 
and some rare and valuable, especially on the subject of 
American history and biography. The reference depart- 
ment is ample and excellent. 

The citizens of Oswego may be congratulated on having 
So valuable a library, and nothing jirobably will so much 
conduce to perpetuate the meuiory of Gerrit Smith as the 
library which he wisely and generously founded. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

A description of the primitive methods in use for extin- 
guishing fires forty or fifty years ago luis been given in the 
general sketch of the village and city of Oswego a short dis- 
tance back. 

On the l:ith day of April, 1S55, the 0.-wego fire depart- 
ment was incorporated, aud the following-named persons 
designated as fire wardens: John Dynan, Matthew Soulon, 
Ilieliaid Tobin, Lawrence Johnson, John C. llugunin, Johu 
Comes, James Ilyan, James Malone, Yolney K. Burr, Syl- 
vester G. Abbott, Nathan Bobbins, aud William Stewart. 

This orgimization remained in operation until IMTli. 

Under act of May 2(1, 1S7(!, Bradley B. Burt, Thomas 
Dobbic, Edward Miiehell.and David 31. (jorsline were fire 
commissi<iners, with power to " organize fire companies, and 
appoint a sufficient number of able-bodied men, and re- 
putable inhabitants of the city of Oswego, firemen." At 
the first meeting of the board B. B. Burt was cho.sen chair- 
man, and n. M. Ilanuon clerk pro tim. J. C. Cooley, Jr., 
was appointed clerk, who officiated three months, and was 
succeeded by George Noyes Burl, the present clerk. 

The first appointees were as follows, viz. : George W. 
War.<o]), chief engineer; P. M. Cunningham, J. Mitchell, 
a.'^istant engineers. 

Steamer Ko. 1. — William H. Young, foreman ; A. Sal- 
ladin, Jr., assistant foreman; Charles B. Chase, engineer; 
M. L. Kowlson, stoker; J. T. Cuiniinghaui, W. J. Garni- 
han. Flank M. Fairtile, Henry Sands, C. H. Bryan, Z. II. 
Smith, J. AV. Koach, Frank Cusick, firemen. 

Sleamei- Ko. 2. — John Dillon, foreman ; Michael Gor- 
man, assistant foreman; Timidhy Cotter, engineer; Johu 
Brennan, stoker; John Clark, Norman Belger, Henry Net- 
tles, John Nacey, William Daley, Samuel Garrahau, Eugene 
O'Neil, firemen. 

Sltiiunr No. 3. — Kiehard C. Cnllivin, foreman ; F. J. 
O'Brien, a.'^sistant foreman; I'. C. Hammond, Frank Gad- 
wood, Peter Bartholomew, James Pidgeon, Johu Turner, 
Louis Dulaek, W. II. Kiefer, John Kelly, firemen. 

Hook and LiiilJvr Xo. I. — William M. Williams, fore- 
man ; C. It. Carrier, assistant foreman; Michael Dempsey, 
Dennis Bednmnd, Michael Looney, John Galvin, Juhn 
Phillips, Orrin O. Williams, John Fitzsimiuons, firemen. 

TIIK \V.\TER-WORKS. 

The movement for supplying Oswego with water from 
the river was inaugurated in May, ISOS, and in November 
following the works were completed and in ojieralion. The 
water is taken from the river at a distance of about two 
miles .South of the city, and forced into two large reservoirs 
of fifteen million gallons' capacity, one located on the east 
aud the other on the west .••ide of the river. There are 





Mrs.Orville F^obinson. 



'RVfLLE noBINSOH 







/?fS»o£NC£ ofOrwilll Robi nson, Oswe&o , N . Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



159 



twenty-five miles of pipe in operation, and one hundred 
and seventy-tive fire-hydrants. Tiie water is supplied to 
the city through a fiher, and the daily consumption is one 
million gallons. 

Hon. Wm. J. McAlpine was chief engineer of tlic works ; 
John McNair, resident and constructing engineer ; and 
James McDonald builder. 

The stockholders were as follows, viz. : Thomas Kings- 
ford, Thompson Kingsford, Penfiold, Lyon & Co., Irwin & 
Sloan, D. G. Fort, and Delos De Wolf. Delos De Wolf, 
president ; D. G. Fort, secretary ; and David Manuering, 
treasurer. Capital, two hundred and twenty thuusaud 
dollars. 

This enterprise has proved to be a success, and not too 
much praise can be bestowed upon its public-spirited pro- 
genitors for their efforts in furnishing Oswego with an 
abundant supply of pure water. 

OSWEGO ORPHAN ASYI-UM. 

This institution was incorporated February 11, 1852, 
and the certificate of incorporation was executed by tlie 
following-named persons: Gilbert MollLson, W. Lewis, S. 
H. Reynolds, Simeon Bates, Geo. Fisher, J. I. Fort, R. F. 
Child, J. Brown, J. C. Hugunin, 11. Perkins, Luther 
Wright, Daniel H. Marsh, A. F. Grant, H. Littlefield, S. 
H. Lathrop, Jas. Bickford, M. P, Hatch, L. B. Crocker, 
Delos De Wolf, Hein'y Eagle, Sardis Allen, William Brown, 
and Pertius F. Parsons. 

The first board of trustees was constituted as follows, viz. : 
Males : Hamilton Murray, Luther Wright, James Bickford, 
Moses P. Hatch, Simeon Bates, Samuel B. Ludlow, John 
B. Edwards, Gilbert MoUison, Patrick H. Hard, Robert F. 
Childs. Females: Margaret MeWhorter, Elizabeth M. 
Grant, Catharine C. Marsh, Lois Ann Allen, Elizabeth P. 
Fi.sher, Ann C. Crocker, Elizabeth Bond, Emily D. Har- 
mon, Emily Allen, and Mrs. Allen Mead. 

The certificate of incorporation was executed before Hon. 
O. J. Harmon, then recorder of the city, and received the 
approbation of Hon. W. F. Allen, then a justice of the 
supreme court, now associate judge of the court of appeals 
of this State. 

The firet meeting of the corporation was held at the re- 
corder's office in the city hall, February 27, 1852, and 
was followed by a series of meetings with short intervals, 
at which the organization was gathered up and coiujiucted 
into working order. 

A small building was rented on the cast side of West 
Sixth street, and was continuously occujiied till the removal 
to the new edifice four years later. 

On the 1st of June, 1852, Mi.ss Tabbs volunteered to 
become the regular teacher, and IMiss Mary T. Condit to 
supurintond the Sand.iy-sohool, and so thu skeleton organ- 
ization began to put on its comely proportions. 

So strong was the faith of the managers in the ultimate 
success of the enterpri.so that they ventured to purchase a 
lot of two acres for two thousand dollars, and proceeded at 
once to the erection of the fine and substantial building 
that now looks down from its eminence upon the city of 
Oswego. 

On the 15th of April, 185G, under the care of Mr. 



Richard Perkins as builder, and Z. D. Stevens as architect, 
the building was to be completed, and on the 1st of May 
it was ready for the reception of the children, and soon the 
managers found the number of children had increased from 
seven to seventy-four. 

At the close of this year they found the asylum in debt 
four thousand five hundred and fifiy-ouo dollars and ninety- 
six cents, and the building yet unfurnished. The people 
at once manifested a dei^p interest in the matter, and the 
building was rapidly furnished by individual eontribution.s. 
The school-room was furnished by the children of the public 
schools, and nobly did they perform the task. 

The asylum is now in a prosperous condition, and reflects 
great credit upon its humane progenitors and those through 
whose efforts it has been sustained and fostered. 

Of the twenty original cor[)orators, six are dead, — iNIr. 
Murray, Dr. Hard, Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Fisher, Mrs. Bond, 
and Mrs. Crocker. 

Of those whose signatures appear to the papers of incor- 
poration, George Fisher, Jacob I. Fort, J. C. Hugunin, 
Henry Eagle, P. Parsons, and James Brown are dead. 

The present ofiicers, trustees, and directresses, are as fol- 
lows ; Hon. O. J. Harmon, president ; Gilbert Mollison, 
secretary ; 0. H. Hastings, treasurer. Trustees, T. Kings- 
ford, J. K. Post, Luther Wright, Jas. Bickford, G. B. 
Sloan, J. B. Edwards, A. C. Mattoon, 0. H. Hastings, S. 
Bates, and M. Worts. Directresses, Mrs. Wright, Wheeler, 
Isaacs, Mollison, Pardee, Lathrop, Page, Root, and Klock. 

HOME FOR TtlE HOMELESS. 

The movement which culminated in the founding of this 
humane institution was started by a number of the ladies of 
Oswego, in the month of February, 1872. In the follow- 
ing May a building was rented for the use of the home, 
and was occupied until the present building was erected. 

The institution was incorporated May 3, 1875, and the 
following persons were named in the charter: Ozro M. Bond, 
Theo. Irwin. Thomson Kingsford, George B. Sloan, Simeoa^ 
Bates, Delos De Wolf, Samuel B. Johnson, Isaac G. Jen- 
kins, Benjamin Hagaman, Benjamin Doolittle, Alanson S. 
Page, George Goodier, Mannister Worts. 

The following-named persons comprised the fii-st board of 
directors: Mrs. Cheney Ames, 3Irs. James Brown, Mrs. L. 
A. Card, Mrs. J. C. Churchill, Mrs. Grossman,* Mrs. D. 
De Wolf, Mrs. B. Doolittle, Mrs. A. H. Failing, Mrs. G. 
Goodier, Mrs. Wm. Goit, Mrs. E. C. Hart, Mrs. T. Irwin, 
Mrs. S. B. Johnson, Mrs. M. Kingsford, Mrs. T. Kings- 
ford, Mrs. D. C. Littlcjohn,t Mrs. John E. Lyon, l^Irs. T. 
S. Mott, Mrs. J. J. Mack, Mrs. R. Oliver, Mrs. J. K. Post, 
Mrs. W. A. Poucher, iMrs. W. A. lluudcll, Mrs. S. Ran- 
dall, Mrs. M. B. Underwood, iMrs. M. C. Worts, Mrs. 

Young. 

President, Mrs. T. Irwin ; A'ice-Presidents, Mrs. C. Ames, 
Mrs. J. C. Churchill, Mrs. D. De WoU; .Mrs. Wm. Goit, 
Mrs. Goodier, Mrs. T. Kingsford, Mrs. J. K. Post, Mrs. 
M. C. Worts. Mrs. M. B. Underwood, treasurer; Mra. 



■* RcaigiK'fl. Mrs. Siiiftllcy elccteil to till Vjicancy. 
f Dccuiised. Mrs. Isa:ics I'Iccted tu till vaciiiicy. 



^C,0 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



J. E. Lyon, correspondiii;; secretary: '\Ii< W \. T.ni.lur, 
recordiii}; secretary. 

Tlie ]ircs<Mit liuildinfr was eroi-tcd in l.-'TO at a cost of 
twenly tliousaiid dollars, and Wiis under llie supervision of 
the followin<; building conimittcc: Theodore Irwin, Deles 
Pe Wolf, Thomson Kiiii.'sford. Simeon Rates, and Georjie 
GuodiLT. It is a neat and substantial brick structure, located 
on the corner of East First and Utica street.s. The home 
is now in u prosperous condition, and much credit is due to 
those jjublic-spirited ladies through whose indefatigable 
efforts it was founded. 

Tlic board of directors for 1877 are as follows: Mrs. 
Irwin, Mrs. Failing, Mrs. Lyon, Mrs. Oliver, Jlrs. Whet- 
niore, Mrs. M. E. Kingsford, Mrs. T. Kingsford, Mrs. 
Wilber, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. B. Doolittle, Mrs. M. Worts, 
Mrs. Card, Mrs. McChesney, Mrs. Mary Underwood, Mrs. 
Rhoder, Mrs. Randall, Mrs. Hart, Mrs. De Wolf, Mrs. 
Isaacs, Mrs. Goodier, Mre. Woodruff, Mrs. Couch, !Miss 
Newkirk, Mrs. Perhani, Mrs. Sloan, Mrs. Hull. 

HISTORY OF OSWEGO CHURCHES. 

Arrtiiigril according In ihe time of their orgmiizdtion. 

TIIK FIKST I'UESIIYTF.RIAN CHI;RCH. 

The First Presbyterian church was organized Novem- 
ber 21, 18ir>, with seventeen members, viz., Sylvanus 
Rishop, Abraham C'lark, Rachel Bishop, Jcanctte Clark, 
Mary Ilugunin, Christine Conner, Hannah Smith, Lois 
Brace, Catlieiinc Sliafcly, Mary Cooley, Sarah Bucl, Martlia 
Minor, Catherine Kubois, Nancy Clarke, Lucretia Wulradt, 
Hannah Hall, and Mary. Coates. Sylvanus Bishop and 
Abraham Clark were chosen ruling ciders. 

This was the linst religious organization in the city. The 
society was incor|ioratcd in 18'J4. The church worshiped 
from 181 G till 182.') in the school-house on the southwest 
corner of West Second and Seneca streets, which served 
for sihoolhouse, church, and court-himse for several years. 
The first church building erected in Oswego was built by 
this society in 1825, nearly in the centre of the public 
square, on the west side of the river. It was fiflj'-four by 
eighty"feet, and cost about si.\ lliousand dollars. Twenty 
feet were added to its length in 1841. On the night of 
October 24. 1841, it was destroyed by fire. This was the 
work of an incendiary, for whose ap)>rehensi<)n and convic- 
tion the tru.stees of the village in vain offered a reward of 
seven hundred and fifty dollars. 

The society now worship in a sub.stantial stone church 
on the corner of West Fourth and Bridge streets. It cost 
ten thousand five hundred dollars; the eliapcl connected 
with it three thousand five hundred dollai-s. A parsonage 
is being erected between the chapel and West Fifth street. 

For eight years missionaries and neighboring ministers 
sujiplicd the preaching. In 1825 the Rev. James Abell 
was ordained and installed as the first pastor. He resigned 
in \'S'M1. Tlie Rev. Robert Condit was installed as jia.stor 
in 1831, and remained in that position for forty years. The 
Rev. James A. Wordeii was installed as colleague to Dr. 
Condit in 18(i(), and resigned a few months after Dr. Con- 
dit's death, which occurred I'diiiuiiy 12, 1871. The Rev. 
D.ivid 'I'ullv is the present pastoi-, who succeeded Jlr. 



Worden June 10, 1872. Tlie first superintendent of the 
Sabbath-school was Edwin W. Clarke. The present uieui- 
bership of the Sunday-.^chool is three hundrcil and forty, 
and the number of volumes in the library is twelve liundrcd. 
During this year (1877) a beautiful white marble tablet 
in memory of the Rev. Dr. Ccndit has been placed in the 
church by his friends, bearing the following inscription : 
" In memory of Rev. Robert W. Condit, D.D., for forty 
years the beloved pastor of this church, who entered into 
rest February 12, 1871, aged seventy-five years. ' He 
being dead yet speakcth.' — Hebrews xi. 4."' 

ciiKisT CHuncH (episcopal). 

Tliis pari.sh was organized on the 26th day of February, 
1822, in a school-bouse on the wast side of the 0.swego 
river, in what was then the little village of Oswego. 

The liev. Amos I'ardee, a mi.-isionary of the church, 
presided at the meeting, which resulted in the choice of the 
following persons as wardens and vestrymen : James Bill 
and William Dolloway, wardens; John Moore, Jr., Theo- 
]ihilus S. Morgan, Tliaddeus Clark, Tlionias Collins, Elcazer 
Perry, Nathaniel Farnham, Robert Cooley, M, P. Hatch, 
vestrynjcn. 

Occasional ser\'iccs were held in the school-house in which 
the church was organized, in connection with services at 
other missionary stations in the neighborhood. At the 
expiration of thi' Brst year Mr. Pardee was transferred to 
another field of labor. He was not succeeded by any 
regular missionary until 1826. Occasional services were, 
however, maintained during the interval by lay reading. 
Mr. Bill, tlie senior warden, was ap]iointed a lay readier by 
Bishop Hobart. In November, 1821!, Rev. John McCarty 
was appointed missionary for this county and parts of On- 
ondaga. He reports that for three years the services of the 
church had been entirely suspended. There were, in 1826, 
eleven communicants of the church, whose names are as fol- 
lows : James Cochran and Catharine V. R. his wife, Robert 
Cooley and Electa his wife, .Mi-s. Elizabeth Banner, Mrs. 
JleHugh, Mrs. Mary Ingrain, Mrs. Charlotte M. Eagle, 
Mr. Robert Dwyer and his wife, and Mrs. White. 

The corner-stone of a new stone church, called Christ 
church, of Oswego, was laid by Rev. Mr. McCarty on' the 
'.lib day of May, 1828, with ai)propriate religious .services; 
the Rev. Dr. Rudd, of Auburn, being ]irescut and a,ssi.st- 
ing. It continued to be a missionary p;u'isli until the year 
1885. 

The debt of three tboii.sind dollars contracted for the 
building of the cliureh was ]iaid by the aid of a gift fnnn 
Trinity church, in the city of New York, of one thousand 
dollars. From tliis date the church has been self-support- 
ing. The church building was consecrated to its holy jiur- 
]ioses on the 2.5th day of January, 1821), having been 
finished within the short space of nine months from the 
laying of the corner-stone. It,s dimensions were .si'veiity 
by fiHy-two feet. Its capacity was about four hundred 
persons. The number of commuuieants at that time was 
ninety-one. The number of conimnnicants in the ]iarish 
when .Mr. McCarly left it, in 184."), was the .same as it had 
been ten years before. Rev. John S. Davenport became 
the rector of the parish in .\ugust, 184."), u|ion the rcsig- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



IGl 



nation of Rov. Jolin McCarfy. During the year 1850 the 
parish of the Evangelists was formed from this parish, and 
during the next two years the erection of a stone church 
edifice was begun upon the east side, which was opened for 
services in December, 1852. 

Upon the resignation of Mr. Davenport in 1852, the 
Rev. Anthony Scliuyler was called to the rectorship. It 
was decided in 1853 to erect a new church. In August, 
1854, the ground was broken, and the foundation of the 
new edifice was laid. The corner-stone was laid with ap- 
propriate ceremonies upon the 12th day of October, 1854, 
by the Rev. W. B. A.shley, rector of St. Paul's church, 
Syracuse. The church was opened for divine services upon 
the 1st day of January, 1857. The number of communi- 
cants at that time was one hundred and thirty-two. The 
cost of the church building was thirteen thousand dollars. 
In 1857 the old church building, which had for several 
years been used for a school-house, was sold for two thou- 
sand dollars to the Methodist society. In 1858 a wooden 
chapel was built by the society for a school and lecture- 
room. This building was built by funds which were raised 
by contribution. 

The old church building, after having been used for three 
years by the Methodists, was, upon the disorganization of 
that society, re-transferred to the Christ church. It was left 
unoccupied, and fell con.sidcrably out of repair, and was 
finally destroyed by fire upon the 7th day of January, 1862. 
The church received the benefit of its insurance to the 
amount of fifteen hundred dollars ; a like sum was raised 
by subscription, and the amount was applied to pay off the 
debt of the church. The debt of the church was thereby 
reduced to about seven thousand dollars. The Rev. An- 
thony Schuyler resigned the rectorship of the parish in 
Ocober, 1862. In March, 1863, the Rev. Amos B. Bush, 
D.D., entered upon the duties of rector. In 1865 an effort 
was made to relieve the parish from its mortgage debt by 
voluntary contribution, and upon the 29th day of April the 
sum of six thou.sand dollars was raised for that purpose. 
In April, 1865, the Rev. Amos B. Beach was instituted by 
Bishop Cox into the rectorship of the parish. 

TUE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

As early as 1812 occa.9ional Methodist services were held 
in private hou.ses in Oswego. In 1816 a class of three 
members was organized with Jlrs. Catherine Hawley as 
leader, and Oswego was included in Sandy Creek circuit, 
Oneida distinct, with George Gary, Luther Bishop, and 
Enoch Barnes as preachers, and Charles Giles as presiding 
elder. Services were for the most part held at Mrs. Ilaw- 
ley's house, occasionally in private rooms in other parts of 
the village, until a room or hall near what is now the corner 
of Third and Schuyler streets was fitted up and u,sed in 
common by several denominations. James Hazen with 
Amos Perry, C. Lambert with T. Dixon, .succeeded the first 
preachers. In 1819 Oswego circuit was formed, with Na- 
thaniel Reeder as preacher, followed by C. Lambert, J. P. 
Aylesworth, Orin Foot, Truman Dixon, Alexander Irvine, 
J. B. Roach, George W. Densmore, and W. W. Nindc, in 
the order named. 

In 1827, under the pastorate of J. I?. Roach, the first 



Methodist Episcopal church of Oswego was legally incor- 
porated, with Webster S. Steele, David C. Knapp, Asahel 
Hawley, Robert Dwyer, and William Matchett as trustees. 
In 1829 Oswego was made a station, and John Sayer ap- 
pointed preacher. During this year the society built a 
chapel on the corner of what is now West Fifth and Cayuga 
streets, on ground now included in the West Oswego park. 
Then S. Bibbins, E. Wheeler, N. Salisbury, A. D. Peck, 
W. W. Ninde, B. Phillijis, John Soveys, C. L. Dunning, 
I. L. Hunt, Charles Giles, J. Alley, and II. E. Chapin 
served this church as pastors in the order named. There 
was but one society and but one place of worship until 
1848, when the society was divided by common consent 
according to location (the Oswego river being the dividing 
line), and the East Methodist Episcopal church was organ- 
ized and incorporated, and G. G. Hapgood was appointed 
to the charge of the First church. In 1849 the 
chapel, which was owned in common by the two societies, 
was burned, and during the year following, under the pas- 
torate of Almon Chapin, the Fir.st Blethodist Episcopal 
society erected their present house of worship on the corner 
of West Fourth and Oneida streets; since which C. L. 
Dunning, L. D. White, N. Salisbury, 0. M. Legate, R. 
Reynolds, M. D. Gillette, C. L. Dunning, N. G. Axtell, 
Wesley Mason, J. B. Foote, James Erwin, J. Fletcher 
Clymer, E. C. Curtis, Frank J. Jewell, E. Horr, Jr., and 
W. F. Hemingway have served as pastors. 

In 1866, during the pastorate of James Erwin, Wesley 
chapel, on the corner of Fifth and Tolman streets, was 
built, and has since been occupied by the First ]\Iethodist 
Episcopal church as a mission chapel, maintaining a Sab- 
bath-school, regular social worship, and occasional preaching 
services. 

The church is at present served by Rev. W. F. Mark- 
ham as pastor. The board of trustees are James Bickford, 
Mannister Worts, Chester Penfield, George Goble, Hiram 
Kloek, Argalus J. Hopkins, Charles W^. Farnham, William 
G. Call, and James McCarthy. The present membership 
of the church is two hundred and fifty. Her Sabbath- 
schools have about four hundred scholars, and are superin- 
tended by Mannister AVorts. 

To no one person does this church and Methodism in 
Oswego owe more than to Blrs. Catharine Hawley, who by 
her energy and zeal procured the organization of a society, 
and watched over it with a mother's care and devotion, 
until called to the church triumphant in the summer of 
1872. Her name is fragrant with precious memories. 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This church was organized March 13, 1828, with eleven 
members. These were Amos G. Currey, Elijah S. Stock- 
well, William Burt, Mrs. William Burt, Walter Read, Mrs. 
Walter Read, Mrs. William L. Beebe, George Cyrenius, 
Mrs. George Cyrenius, Samuel B. Morrow, Jliss Lydia 
i\Iorrow. 

Rev. John C. Harrison was called soon thereafter, and 
became the first pastor. Sleetiugs were statedly held in 
the public school-house on the west side of the river, and 
here, on the 17th day of June, the formal organization of 
the .society was perfected by the election of the following 



162 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NF^V YORK. 



board of trustees, under tlie corporate name of " The First 
Ba|iti$l Society of the Village of Oswego": George W. 
Burt, William L. Beebe, Nathaniel Vilas, Jr., Oziel Davis, 
Joseph Turner, Ilorutio N. Gooileil. 

Near the close of the year 1828 the place of meeting was 
transferred to the court-house in East Oswego. In May, 
lS."il, the president of the village board of trustees was 
authorized by the board, in pursuance of a general plan 
previously adopted, to execute to the trustees of the First 
Baptist church a lease, for the term of nine hundred and 
ninety-nine j-ears, of the west half of block 102, being the 
j>ublic si|uare in East Oswego, a.s a site (or a house of 
worship. The church iiuniediatcly commenced the work. 
The li(iiise was located on the southwest corner of the 
block fronting the .square, was forty-four by .si.\ty feet, and 
built of wood. The frame was erected and inclosed during 
the season of 1831, and early in the following summer the 
house was completed and dedic;itcd. The entire cost was 
something over five thousand dollars. 

To the new house the church at once removed, and have 
continued to worship there until the present time. In 
1846 the house was repaired and improved at a cost of 
about eleven hundred dollars, and in 18C5-C6 it was raised, 
a commodious ba.sement finished, and the entire house 
greatly improved, the cost being about four thousand 
dollars. 

In the year 1853 the West Baptist church was organ- 
ized, and drew away a considerable number of the members. 
The present niembersliii> of the Fii-st Baptist church uum- 
bers two hundred and seventy-five. 

'J'Ik! following list comprises all the pastors who have 
served the church since its organization. The dates oppo- 
site each are believed to be mainly correct, though, on ac- 
count of the loss and imperfection of records, this is not, in 
some cases, absolutely certain : 

John C. Harrison, 1828-30; Jason Lolhrop, 1830-33; 
John Waternum, 1834-35; E. Savage, 1835-37; William 
Ilulchinson, 1837—12; Isaac I^awton, 1842—14; Isaac 
Butterficld, 1846-53; W. W. Moore, 1853-55; David 
.MiFarland, 1855-5'J; M. R. Forey, 1860-62; L. M. S. 
Ilayncs, 1863-68; Lester Williams, Jr., 186'J-72 ; Har- 
vey K. Traver, 1873-77. 

During the absence of the pastor, in the j'car 1865, the 
pulpit was supplied for six months by Rev. M. B. Com- 
fort. At this date the church is withnut a settled pastor, 
but has been supplied since April, 1877, by George B. 
Stevens, of the senior class of the University of Rochester. 

The Sunday-schiiol was organized under the superiii- 
teiidcncy of Rev. J. C. Harrison in 1828. For more than 
twenty years the school has been under the care of its 
present superintendent. Deacon John C. Bradt, The num- 
ber of |iupils enrolled during the year 1877 is one hundred 
and sixty-six. 

ST. VAin/s CATHOLIC CHURCH. 

The first steps towards the organization of the Catholic 
congregation of St. Paul's church of Oswego were taken 
about the year 1830. The late Mr. I\'tcr Lappin, and 
some sixteen others, the only Catholic residents at the time 
ill the place, finding that means enough could be raised i 



among themselves to defray the traveling expenses of a 
clergyman, wrote to the Rev. Mr. Donahoe, who at the 
time had charge of Auburn, Rome, and other villages of 
central New York, and invited him to visit Oswego. In ac- 
cordance with their request, he began visiting Oswego every 
three months to hold divine services. The first service 
was held in a private house on the west side of the river. 

Shortly after this, a lot on the corner of E;ist Mohawk 
and Filth streets (the one upon which St. Paul's church now 
stands) was purcha.sed from the late Hon. Gerrit Smith ; 
and upon it was erected a small frame building, twenty 
by twenty-four feet in size, and one story high, to serve as 
a church. 

This for a numlior of years was sufficiently large to 
accommodate the Catholics of Oswego. In time, however, 
more room was required ; and an addition was made to the 
building. Even thus enlarged, it became too small for the 
increasing Catholic population, and the congregation, though 
still comparatively few io number and poor in means, resolved 
to erect a more commodious and befitting edifice. 

The corner-sttine of a substantial stone building, fifty- 
five by one hundred feet, was laid about the year 1840, and 
during the pastoral charge of the Rev. Mr. Rogers the 
walls were erected and the roof put on. In 1844, during 
the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Kenncy, the building was 
completed. It served the congregation until 1871. 

Between the years 1850 and 1868, under the supervision 
of the Rev. Mr. Kelly, the large and commodious three-story 
brick school-house, adjoining the church, was erected. In 
1871 the old church was pulled down, and the present one 
erected in its stead. This edifice, incUniing the vestry in 
the rear, is two hundred feet in length and seventy-six in 
width, and will seat two thousand five hundred people. 

From the congregation of St. Paul's have branclied off 
the four other flourishing Catholic congregations of the city. 
Y^etSt. Paul's, numbering some two thousand communicants, 
and sustaining a first-class parochial school, attended by 
between six and seven hundred children, is in a very jiros- 
perous condition. The girls are taught by the Sisters of 
St, Ann ; the boys are under the charge of the pastor and 
five lay teachers. 

The fii-st pastor of St. Paul's was the Rev. Mr. C)'l>oiiahoe. 
He was succeeded by the Rev. Jlr. Rogers, he by the Rev. 
Mr. Kenney, and later, in 1850, by the Rev. Michael Kelly. 
Mr. Kelly was the pastor, cxeej)t during an intermission of 
a few months, until October, 1861), when the jire.-^inl incuiu- 
bent. Rev. Michael Barry, was appointed. 

TIIK AFRICAN .METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

was organized in 1847, under the jurisdiction of the New 
York annual conferi^ncc, at which time the Rt. Rev. Wui, 
P. t^uinn was |>residing bishop of the New York eonterence. 
The church was organized with thirty-seven members. The 
following arc the names of those who have been appointed 
pastors : 

Revs. J. Ilenson, L. S. Lewis, Wm. II. Ross, L. S. Lewis, 
A. J. Dudley, E. J. T. Sparrow, R. Cliff, E. T. Thomji.son, 
Wm. M. Johnson, I), Dorrell, J, S. Leckins, C. Boly, J. W. 
Cooper, W. N. Bowman, E. R. Davis, W. N. Bowman. J. 
Frisby, A. J. Dudley, and A. S. Amos, the present iiicuni- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



163 



bent. The present board of trustees are J. H. Pomppaugh, 
William Thomas, F. Causer. The present Uicuibership of 
the church is twenty-seven. 

E.\ST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

The East Jlethodist Episcopal church, of Oswego, was 
formed by the division of the original Methodist society. 
It was organized May 25, 1848, the roll embracing one 
liundrcd and sixty-one names. The first pastor was Rev. 
Arza J. riielps, and the first ofiicers were as follows : 

Local Preachers, Revs. Warren Allen and H. Colburn ; 
CI ass-Leaders, Russell Watson, Lyman Ferguson, J. II. 
Dow, J. E. Edwards, Martin Gilbert, Chauncey Whitney; 
Stewards, J. B. Edwards, Lyman Ferguson, C. B. Thomp- 
son, William Curtiss, James Lyon, S. G. Abbott; Trustees, 
J. B. Edwards, C. B. Thompson, M. F. Carpenter, James 
Lyon, Lyman Ferguson, D. Davies, Thomas Mcintosh, Wm. 
Curtiss, N. Williams. 

The church edifice on East Fourth, near Bridge street, 
was erected in 1849, and cost a little more than five 
thousand dollars. 

It was dedicated in March, 1850, the sermon being 
preaclied by Rev. Hiram Mattison, D.D. 

While the church was in process of erection the congre- 
gation worshiped in the court-house. 

The Sunday-school, which was organized the same year 
as the church, has had the following succession of superin- 
tendents : J. B. Edwards, John R. Geer, H. Skeel, C. B. 
Thompson, Geo. Davies, Geo. Goodier, S. G. Abbott, M. F. 
Carpenter, W. H. Essex, Geo. Goodier, C. Whitney, N. P. 
Neal, L. D. White, John R. Geer, Morris Place, C. H. Tread- 
well, Geo. Goodier. 

The succession of pastors has been as follows : 1848-49, 
Arza J. Phelps; 1850, Byron Alden ; 1851-52, Orlando 
C. Cole; 1853, John C. Vandercook, A.M.; 1854, S. C. 
Woodruff"; 1855-56, L. D. Ferguson, A.M. ; 1857, A. J. 
Phelps; 1858-59, Otis M. Legate; 1860-61, J. C. Van- 
dercook, A.M.; 1862-63, L. D. White; 1864-66, Lewis 
Meredith; 1867-69, H. M. Danforth ; 1870-71, M. S. 
Wells; 1872-74, Albert L. Smalley, A.M. ; 1875-76, James 
C.Stewart, A.M.; 1877, M.Gaykird Bullock, A.M., Ph.D. 

During the pastorate of Rev. M. S. Wells a parsonage 
was purchased — No. 104 East Fourth street — at a cost of 
three thousand dollars. 

The church edifice was remodeled and improved in 1870. 
Its present value is about seven thousand dollars, and it has 
a seating capacity of five hundred. 

The Sunday-.school numbers two hundred and seventy- 
seven scholars, teachers, and officers. The present mem- 
bership of tlie church (September, 1877) is two hundred 
and fifty-three. 

The official roll is as follows : Presiding Elder (Oswego 
district), Rev. A. L. York ; Pastor, Rev. Dr. M. G. Bullock ; 
Local Elder, Rev. Morris Place; Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, Geo. Goodier ; Assistant Sunday-school Superin- 
tendent, S. M. Coon ; Cla.sa-Leaders, David B. Blair, Geo. 
Bassett, John B. Edwards, Mrs. George Goodier ; Stewards, 
Alex. Crop.sey, William McChcsney, S. ^\. Coon, Athelbcrt 
Cropsey, Geo. G. Warren, A. K. Gillniore, II. W. Wallace, 
James P. Tuttle, A. Bartlctt ; Trustees, John B. Edwards, 



M. F. Carpenter, T. H. Butler, M. J. Wallace, C. H. Wood- 
ruff, N. Williams, J. J. Van Wagencn, Thos. E. Faulkner. 

ST. Mary's church. 

St. Mary's church, Roman Catholic, worships in a frame 
building, on the corner of West Sixth and Cayuga streets. 
The church edifice is one hundred and ten by fifty-two feet, 
with a handsome tower one hundred and thirty feet high, 
bell and clock, side chapel, sacristy, commodious ba.sement, 
and a wide stoop in the front, leading to its three doors 
through a flight of thirteen steps. It was commenced in 
1848, completed in 1849, and dedicated in 1850, by his 
eminence Cardinal McCloskey, then bishop of Albany. 
Its founder and first pastor was Rev. F. E. Foltier, a native 
of France, sent here at the request of a number of French 
and French-Canadian families. But these proved too few 
and poor to erect a building, therefore Father Foltier so- 
licited and obtained the aid of American and of Irish Cath- 
olics, who, just then, were anxious to have a church in the 
west side, of which they might also have the benefit. Ac- 
cordingly, when the new church was opened to divine wor- 
ship, more than half the pews were at once rented by- 
English-speaking people ; and when a school was started in 
the basement, two English-speaking teachers, Misses Ilalli- 
gan and Gilmore, were employed. 

St. Mary's church, therefore, had, from its commence- 
ment, a mixed congregation. In July, 1851, Rev. Father 
Foltier, being somewhat discouraged, left his charge, and 
soon became pastor of St. Vincent De Paul, in New Or- 
leans. Rev. James Keveny, an Irish priest, succeeded 
him, but he lefl for St. Peter's, Troy, in 1852, and was 
succeeded by Rev. P. Guerdet, a native of France. During 
the administration of the latter, besides many other im- 
provements, the Sisters of St. Joseph were introduced to 
teacli in the parochial school, and a fine house was pur- 
chased for them, in Sixth street, to which several additions 
were afterwards made. To make room for one of these 
additions, Father Guerdet removed the parsonage, pre- 
viously built by Father Foltier, from Sixtli street to a lo^ 
in the rear of the church, on Cayuga street. This is the 
present parsonage, now the property of the congregation, 
who paid three thousand dollars for it to Rev. F. Guerdet. 

In 1867, Fatlier Guerdet was promoted to St. John's 
church, of Syracuse, and the Rev. Louis Griffi*, a native of 
Italy, was appointed to his place in Oswego. His first care 
was to complete another addition to the school-house com- 
menced by his predecessor. This house is now a very fine 
and commodious building, three stories high, serving for 
sisters' convent and for orphan asylum, and having six 
large class-rooms, capable of accommodating four hundred 
and fifty scholars. No orphans are now kept by the sisters, 
for want of means. 

The congregation of St. JMary's had now become exceed- 
ingly large, owing both to the immigration of French- 
Canadians and to the rapid growth of the Iri.sh population. 
The new church of St. John's was therefore erected in the 
Fifth ward, through the exertions of Rev. F. Lowery, a 
clever and zealous American priest, who thus took away 
from St. Mary's about half of its English-speaking people. 
Hut the French, who in 1867 liad dwindled down to fifty- 



1G4 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW VOIIK. 



four names on the pew-book, had now swelled np to about 
four liuudrcd. The idea therefore arose of forming them 
into a separate coiij;^oj;atioii. In 1870, Father Griffa ob- 
tained the appointuiont of llev. F. X. Pelletier, of Quebec, 
to undertake this task. The understanding was that be 
should temporarily hold special services for the French in 
St. Mary's, and atlcrwards ]irocure for them, with the help, 
of course, of the rest, a separate church in another locality. 
Difficulties, however, arose which caused a delay of 
eij;bteen months in the execution of the projected s»'para- 
tion. At la.-it the trustees of St. Mary's accepted the terms 
proposed by the trustees of the newly-formed French cor- 
poration, and purcha.sed for them Mead's hall, on the east 
side, at a cost of seven thousand dollars, adding.; five hun- 
dred dollars ea-sb to help them fit it up as a church. The 
French finally left St. Mary's church in December, 1871, 
for what is now call<Hl St. Louis' church. The congrega- 
tion of St. Mary's has since been composed exclusively of 
English-speaking Roman Catholics, mostly Irish or of Irish 
descent, and comprises about one hundred and fifty families. 
Since that time many other iuiprovement.< have been intro- 
duced in the church edifice, among which are a fine new 
organ of thirty-two stops, and a magnificent altar, brilliantly 
illuminated and beautifully decorated with statuary. 

CHURCH OF THE EVANGELISTS. 

This church was organized July 29, 1850, by sixty-four 
coniniuTiicants of Chri.st church, who withdrew from that 
body in conse(|uence of di.s.siitisfaction with the teachings of 
the rector. The first wardens were Joseph Grant and 
Williani J)olloway; the vestry was composed of William 
Schuyler Malconi, Jumcs Brown, I). II. Maisli, J<Jlias 
Trowbridge, J. B. Colwcll, Ira Adkiii, 1". II. Hard, and 
Milt(Hi Harmon. James Brown was cbo.sen clerk and 
treasurer, and William Dolloway and James Brown dele- 
gates to the diocesan convention, held August 1, 1851, at 
which time the parish was taken into union with the con- 
vention. 

On the 29th of November, 1850, Rev. George W. 
Home was called to the rectorship. During the pastorate 
of Rev. Mr. Home a fund was .started for the erection of a 
suitable house of worship, and on the 1st of July, 1851, 
the corner-stone of the proposed edifice was laid, an address 
being delivered by II. W. Lee, D.D., the present bi.sliop of 
Iowa. During this year ill health caused the withdrawal 
of the rector, and he subsequently went as a missionary to 
Africa, where he died. Rev. Mason Gallagher became 
rector of the church January 1, 1852. About this time 
Joseph Grant resigned his position as senior warden, and 
0. J. Harmon was elected to fill the vacancy. The build- 
ing was finally completed, and, through the efforts of the 
ladies of the |>ari.sb, w:ls furnished with a tine organ. The 
first service was held in the new structure December 5, 
].'<52. William Dolloway, the senior warden, died in March, 
18(!0, and Hi'iiry Adriaiice w;is elected in his place. 

In 18t!l the rector. Rev. Mr. Gallagher, entered the 
United States service as chaplain of the Twenty-fourth 
Regiment New York Volunteers. During his absence the 
])ul[iit was supplied by Rev. Jo.seph Kidder. At the ex- 
|iirali<in of eight months Mr. Gallagher returned, and find- 



ing the church still under a heavy debt, went to New York, 
where ho succeeded in securing contributions for the society 
amounting to the sum of three thousand dollars, making 
a total of four thousand three hundred dollars, which he 
had obtjiined for the church from the cities of New York 
and Brooklyn. 

The society now made a herculean effort to free the 
church from debt, and succeeded ; and, on the 18lh of 
July, 18(55, it w;is didy consecrated by the Right Rev. A. 
Cleveland Coxe, the bi.shop of western New York. On the 
17th of Jul)', 1SG5, Daniel H. Marsh was chosen warden. 
Rev. Mason Gallagher resigned February G, ISGG. The 
following persons have officiaxed as rectors of the church 
from that time to the present, viz. : Rev. J. H. C. Route, 
from June 1, 18GG, to June 10, 1870; Rev. E. II. Jewett, 
from August 1, 1870, to April 30, 1873; Rev. C. Collard 
Adams, from June 9, 1873, to November 1, 1874; and 
the Rev. J. L. Burrows, the present pa.stor, since January 
11, 1875. 

During Mr. Jewett's administration, Benjamin Doolittle 
was chosen warden, vice Harmon resigned. Mr. JIarsh 
died in August, 1876, and A. S. Norton was chosen warden 
in his j)lace. 

The present officers of the church are as follows, viz. : 
Wardens, Benjamin Doolittle and A. S. Norton ; Vestrymen, 
M. P. Neal, R. T. Morrow, H. A. Cozzens, H. R. Bond, 
John Smith (2d), Charles Doolittle, Thomjus Moore, and 
Max B. Rieljardson. 

There is a flourishing mission, called St. John's, in con- 
nection with this church, which was founded in 18G7. It 
is located on the corner of Tenth and Milclu'll .streets, and 
services arc held there every Sunday afternoon by either 
the rector of the parent church or a lay reader. There 
are twenty-five communicants and seventy-five members of 
the chapel Sunday-school. 

At the first meeting after the withdrawal from Christ 
church a Sunday-school was organized, with eighteen 
scholars, under the superintendency of Hon. O. J. Harmon. 
It rapidly increased in numbers, and at one time numbered 
six buTidred members. It is now in a highly prosperous con- 
dition under the superintendency of R. T. Morrow. Sixty 
members from this school and church entered the service of 
the United States during the late Rebellion. 

The pari.sli is in a flourishing condition, and is annually 
extending its range of usefulness. The lii.st annual report 
exhibits a membership of two hundred and fifty-two. The 
church edifice is pleasantly located on the corner of East 
Second and Oneida streets, and is a commodious and sub- 
stantial structure. 

THE WEST B.VI'TIST CIIlRCn. 

The West Baptist church was organized in the old city 
hall May 3, 1852, by forty-two Baptist believers (twenty 
males and twenty-two females), all of whom had been dis- 
missed for this purjiose from the parent church on the east 
side of the river. The following are their names : Rev. 
Isaac Butterfield, Is;iac Perry, TliouLis Kingsford, Henry 
Kingsford, Benjamin Austin, Sobicski Burt, David Har- 
mon, Jr., E. H. Mack, Denison Allen, Scldiii Clark, Wil- 
liam H. Gardner, E. A. Potter, Daniel Pond, Frank W. 




hi 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



if;5 



Potter, W. W. Mack, R. L. Mack, V. C. Douglass, Horace 
Garlick, Charles A. Garlick, Sarah A. Butterfield, Nancy 
Mason, Sally Perry, Elizabeth Kiiigsfonl, Ann Thomjison, 
Catherine Austin, Elizalielh Burt, Electa Mellen, Emily 
Harmon, Ann Eliza Harmon, Velonia Harmon, Sylvia 
Girstin, Emma E. Mack, Margrette Clark, Alniira E. 
Tyler, Lucy House, Martha L. Gardner, M. A. Potter, J. 
S. Ames, Mary C. Mack, Susan J. Mack. 

Their first place of meeting was the supreme court room, 
in the old city hall on Water street, their first pastor being 
the Rev. Isaac Butterfield. Subsequent places of meeting 
were the Doolittle hall and the-' Old Tabernacle," on West 
Second street, between Bridge and Oneida streets, until the 
present edifice was completed on the corner of West Third 
and Mohawk streets. David Harmon, E. H. Mack, and 
Sobieski Burt became the first deacons, D. Allen the first 
clerk, Thomas Kingsford the first treasurer. 

In August, 1853, a council, representing several Baptist 
churches in the county, convened in the old Presbyterian 
church, and recognized this body as a regular Baptist 
church. The pa.stors, from the time of organization to the 
present, liave been as follows: Isaac Butterfield, 1853- 
55 ; S. W. Titus, 1855-57 ; A. G. Bowles, 1857-58 ; E. 
W. Bliss, 1858-61. Then followed an interregnum of 
eigliteen months, during which the pulpit was supplied by 
Rev. Messrs. Forey and Chapell. Subsequent pastors were 
H. M. Richardson, 1862-64; M. B. Comfort, 1864-06; 
D. C. Hughes, 1866-69; Isaac Butterfield, 1869-75; 
Charles H. Watson, 1875, present incumbent. 

The church edifice is probably the most substantial in 
the cit}', and is complete in all of its appointments. It is 
of brick, with limestone trimmings, Romanesque in style, 
and in size sixty-two by one hundred and fourteen feet. 
The tower is one hundi'cd and twenty-seven feet in height. 
It was dedicated with appropriate services April 18, 1867, 
Rev. Drs. Thomas Armitage, of New York, V. R. Ilotch- 
kiss, of Buffalo, and A. S. Patton, of Utica, participating. 
The cost of the edifice was seventy thousand dollars. 

The Sabbath-school was organized in 1853, with a mem- 
bership of one hundred and twenty-five, the first superin- 
tendent being David Harmon. The present membership 
is four hundred and fifty ; present superintendent, W. II. 
Kenyon. The Sunday-school library is one of the largest 
in the country, containing three thousand six hundred and 
seventy-seven volumes. The church owns and sustains a 
flourishing mission-school, — " Hope chapel," West Bridge 
street, — which was organized in 1867. The chapel was 
erected in 1868. The ]iresent membership of the chapel 
is two hundred, the superintendent being Prof C. W. 
Richards. The value of the chapel property is eighteen 
thousand dollars. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

On tlic 20lh day of February, 1857, a meeting of tho.se 
interested in forming a Congregational society was held in 
tlie church formerly belonging to the Second Presbyterian 
society, that body having been dissolved and the real estate 
given to the new enterprise. At this meeting the following 
persons were elected the fir.st board of trustees, viz., D. A. 
Braman, Charles North, C. P. Kellogg, E. A. Sheldon, 



Franklin Everts, Solon Allen, John Staats, and E. J. 
Hamilton. 

On the 20th of July, 1857, a public organization of a 
Congregational church in union with the society took place 
at Doolittle hall. Rev. M. E. Strieby, of Syracuse, was 
elected moderator, and Rev. Henry Fowler, of Rochester, 
was chosen scribe. On this occasion twenty-eight persons 
connected themselves with the church. Within a month 
after, twenty-eight additional persons were received into 
membership, making a total of fifty-six. 

The public services of laying the corner-stone of a new 
church edifice for the society took place on the 2d day of 
September, 1857. The ceremonies comprised reading of 
Scriptures and prayer by Rev. A. J. Phelps, of Oswego, 
and an appropriate address by Rev. H. G. Ludlow, of 
Poughkeepsie, who deposited in the corner-stone a tin box 
containing the Holy Bible, Confession of Faith and Cove- 
nant adopted by this church, the manual of the 'church, 
and six daily newspapers. 

In the spring of 1858 the society had so far progressed 
in the erection of their new edifice, located on the corner of 
East Fourth and Oneida streets, as to be able to hold their 
meetings in the commodious lecture-room. Rev. Henry G. 
Ludlow, of Poughkeepsie, accepted a call from the church 
and society, and entered upon his pastoral labors in Sep- 
tember of that year. 

The church edifice being completed on the 13th of April, 
1859, both dedicatory and installation .services were held in 
it. Rev. Henry G. Ludlow was installed pa.stor by an 
ecclesiastical council, of which the Rev. Ray Palmer, D.D., 
of Albany, was moderator. The dedicatory services took 
place in the evening, and were conducted by the pastor, 
Rev. R. W. Condit, D.D., of Oswego, and the Rev. R. S. 
Storrs, Jr., D.D., of Brooklyn, who preached the dedicatory 
sermon. 

The church building is of brick, sixty by ninety-six feet, 
with one hundred and twenty-five pews, seating six hundred, 
and has cost, with organ and furniture, thirty-five thousand 
dollars. 

In May, 1865, on account of failing health, Mr. Ludlow 
resigned his pastorate. Rev. S. S. N. Greeley became acting 
pastor in January, 1866. He was succeeded in 1874 by 
Rev. William Smith, who, after supplying the pulpit for 
one year, was installed as pastor September 22, 1 875. The 
congregation numbers about one Imndred families. The 
membership of the church is two hundred and sevent)'- 
seven. The Sabbath-school connected with this church 
numbers three hundred and thirty-six, with a library of 
five hundred volumes. H. M. Haiinan was the first super- 
intendent. He was succeeded in 1858 by Professor E. J. 
Hamilton, who has held the ofiice until the present lime. 

ST. Paul's German evangelical Lutheran church. 

Under the labors of Revs. Stahlschmidt and Fischer, a 
small band of German Lutherans was organized into a con- 
gregation about the year 1857. Among the prominent 
members of this organization who took a principal part in 
gathering up the German element into a mis.sion of the 
general synod of the Lutheran church of America were 



100 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NK^V YORK. 



Lawrence Kirschner, Louis Kii'lini, I'aul Scherman, John 
Kline. 

Tlie first place of meeting was in tlie liall aliove Hart's 
dry poods store. 

About the year ISoO a ehurcli w;is built on the corner 
of East Si.xth and Lawrence .streets. The first stationed 
poster was llev. Jacob Post, who labored liero eleven years, 
and was followed by Rev. J. 1). Sevonnghaus. He lalxired 
here three years and eight months. Under his adminis- 
tration a parsonage was built. He was succeeded by Rev. 
F. A. Conradi, the present pastor, who has labored here 
foiir years. 

Professor Pouchcr, of the Normal school, was the first 
Sunday-school superintendent, and still holds that position. 
The number of .Sunday-school pujiils is aliout a hundred 
and fifty. The church property is valued at seven thousand 
dollars. 

THE CONOREG.VTIO.V BEUITH S1I()LE.M (lIEliBEW). 

This congregation wiis organized January C, 1858, with 
the following nflicers : President, A. S. Garsou ; Vice-Presi- 
dent, M. Rypinsky ; Treasurer, S. Goldberg ; Secretary, 
M. 1. Garson. It has held regular services during a large 
part of the time since its orgaiiizatiiui, it.s first rabbi being 
the llev. Mr. Weiland, and the last the llev. Mr. llolifelt. 
The latter, however, left about a year since, and his place 
has not yet been filled. It was legally incorporated May 5, 
1803. 

The following are the present officers of the congrega- 
tion : President, Garson Meyer; Vice-President, II. Eliken ; 
Secretary, Jacob David ; Treasurer, A. Freundlich. 

ST. Peter's church. 
The first German priest wlio worked here among his 
countrymen was the Iledemptorist Father Joseph Wissel, 
on the occasion of a mission in St. Mary's cliurch in 1850. 
The Franciscan fathers from Syracuse began to visit the 
German Catholics in 18.59, holding service for them in St. 
Mary's church. On the 10th of Scpteml)er, 1800, the 
St. Boniface society was organized for raising money 
towards erecting a new church, the members obligating 
theuiselves to jiay a certain sum every three months for 
two years. These first members were Keidon Altman, 
Andrew Baltes, Andrew Baltes, Jr., Joseph Bakes, J. Adam 
Benzing, John Braun, Math. Braunschweig, Lewis Brose- 
nier, Edward Damni, Conrad Dclim, Li'opold Delim, Wen- 
del Dehm, George Ebert, Peter Endres, John Eiiglert, 
Aloys Fahrenshon, Henry Fleischmann, John Forster, John 
Hanselniann, Feli-X Hartmaun, Willi. Hci<liiiger, Peter 
Heinsdorf, John llerbcrgcr, Midi. Hiormcr, Panir. Hinip- 
Icr, Andrew Hirschbolz, Joseph Hirschbolz, Frani Hofman, 
Joseph Hover, Michael Hut, Jose])h Haniberger, Henry 
Jaikel, John Kern, Conrad Koch, Frani Kocli, George 
Koch, Aloys Koenig, Franc. Likl, Bern. Loim, Joseph 
Meyer, Xaver Moosbriiggcr, Frani Morschhacuser, Peter 
Neumann, Aloys Pfeilfer, George Ridl, John Roe.sch, Joseph 
Iloesch, Joseph Rohrmiiller, J. Philip.Schaefer, Conrad .Schil- 
ling, J. George Schilling, Adam Schickling, Hath. Schneider, 
Chas. Speck, Anthony .StreidI, George Wader, Joseph 
Walter, Mich. Wciilmaiin, Scba.stian Weigclt, Wilh. Wei- 
gelt, Fred. Wicdiiig, Peter Zieglcr. and John Zimnicr. 



Among these And. Baltes, Lewis Brosomer, and Joseph 
Hover took especial interest in the work above mentioned. 

Wilh the approbation of the Right Rev. John McCloskey, 
bisho|( of ,\lbany, the corner-stone of St. Peter's church 
Wiis laid by Rev. Father Leopold, O.M.C., in 1S02, on the 
corner lot of East Albany and Seventh streets, purcha.sed 
for nine hundred dollars from P. Lippin. The building, 
a frame, is forty-three by seventy-four feet, with a .steei>le 
seven by thirteen, John O'Hanlon being the builder. The 
church was dedicated by the same father the Gth of De- 
cember, 180.'^, the dedication beinir followed by a succcs.sful 
niL-ision conducted by the Fathers Anthony Gerbor, O.M.C., 
and Bonaventura Corney, O.M.C. 

The Franciscan fathers of Syracuse retained the charge 
of the mis.sion, Father Oderic Vogt being first pastor. 

On the 14th of February, 1804, the stations of the 
holy cross were erected. In the same year the new pipe- 
organ wiis bought. 

On the lOth of June, 180.5, the hou.se of Mr. Jos. 
B dies, with lot, was bought for fourteen hundred dollars, 
and greatly improved for a parsonage. 

On the 10th of July the main altar, given by the Ger- 
man Catholics of Syracuse, was erected. A small bell, 
tiiken in 1803, by the permission of their comm.indcr, by a 
German regiment of Syracu.se. from a city hall in South 
Carolina, and subsefjuently used in .Syracu.se, was also given 
to the church. 

In October Father Oderic was succeeded by Father 
Leopold Moczygemba, commissary-general of the Francis- 
cans. 

In April, 1800, a frame school-hou.sc, lliiriy-si.K feet by 
fifty-one, was built fir twenty-eight hundreil and si.xty-onc 
dollars, on the spacious lot between the church and the 
parsonage. The 17th of September, it was dedicated to 
the honor of St. Therese by the pastor, and given in charge 
of three sisters of St. Francis, — Mother Mary Anne Kop, 
Sister II. Agnes Spang, and Sister M. Ilildegardis Knaus, 
who resided in the school-house. September 23, the St. 
Josejib's aid society was organized, and Mr. Peter .Schill- 
ing made first president ; George Koch, vice-president ; L. 
Brosemer, treasurer ; Peter Endres, secretary. 

In May, 1808, Father Leopold was called to Rome, 
Italy, and several fathers from the convent of Syracu.se 
took charge of the parish until, in May, 1801), Father Oderic 
became permanent pastor again. 

In November, 1870, the charge of the mission, hitherto 
so faithfully cared for, was given into the hands of the first 
secular priest, Rev. Joseph Ottenhues. He removed to 
Troy, New York, and was succeeded on the 2r)tli of Feb- 
ruary, 1871, by llev. Chas. Zucker, who remained until 
the 18th of October, 1874, when Rev. J. Herman Wibbc 
Wiis aiiiiointed pastor. 

The Centennial year was celebrated by buying three new 
bells, weighing thirty-five hundred and fiHy-nine pounds, 
which were solinnnly ble-s.sed in the evening of May 9, by 
the Right Rev. Bishop McNierney, administrator of the 
diocese of Albany, assisted by the clergy of the city and 
others. Great improvements were also made in the church 
by placing statuary, etc., and the grounds around were 
greatly iiuproved. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



]r,7 



The congregation at the present time numbers about one 
hundred and twenty families ; the school is in charge of 
five sisters, teaching nearly one hundred and fifty children. 
There are four societies connected with the church. The 
valuation of the real estate is twelve tliousand five hundred 
dollars. 

CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE EVANGELIST (CVTHOLIC). 

In 1809, the Right Rev. J. J. Conroy, bishop of Albany, 
appointed the Rev. J. F. Lowery pastor of a new congrega- 
tion to be formed in the southwest part of the city of Oswego. 
He immediately set about the work intrusted to his charge. 
He purchased a site from T. Carrington, and procured the 
erection of a frame building, which answered for a temporary 
place of worsliip. 

A brick church was begun in the spring of 1870, the 
corner-stone being laid by the Rev. pastor on the lOth of 
July of the same year. The new church was ready for 
use on the 12th of November, 1871. The Right Rev. J. 
J. Conroy dedicated the new church on the 14th day of 
July, 1872, in the presence of an immense congregation 
and of reverend clergymen. 

The Rev. Daniel O'Connell, the present pastor, received 
his appointment on the 25th of Ajiril, 1875, from the 
Right Rev. F. McNeirnoy, coadjutor-bishop and adminis- 
trator of the diocese of Albany. The principal contribu- 
tors towards the erection of the new church were Delos 
De Wolf, Thomas S. Mott, Bart. Lynch, Micliael Cum- 
mings, Aaron Colnon, James Hennessey. 

The Rev. Father Lowery introduced the Sisters of St. 
Joseph, of Carondelet, who taught a school for boys and 
girls for a period of three years, beginning in the year 
1872 ; but they wore obliged to leave in consequence of the 
destruction of the school-house by fire. 

The number of Sunday-school children now in attendance 
is about five Imndred, under the immediate supervision of 
the pastor. The present membenship of the church is 
about twenty-five hundred, and the property cost about 
sixty thousand dollars. 

ST. LOUIS' CHURCH (FRENCH CATHOLIC^). 
Previous to the formation of this church the French and 
Canadians of the city of Oswego were in the habit of hold- 
ing services in St. Mary's church, upon the west side of the 
river. In December, 1870, the church was organized. The 
membership at that time included about five hundred fam- 
ilies. Tlie pastor in charge was the Rev. Father John F. 
X. Pelletier. The church edifice which was erected during 
the year, upon the corner of East Fourth and Bridge streets, 
is a frame building ninety-nine by forty-five feet, and cost 
fifteen thousand dolUirs. About tlie same time the society 
erected a brick building for a convent or si.stor.s' house. 
The size of this structure is twenty-five by sixty feet; three 
stories in height, and cost the sum of ten thousand dollars. 
The Rev. Father Pelletier continued in charge of the church 
until September, 1876, when he was succeeded by the Rev. 
Father Arthur Sicard De Carufel, who is the present pa-stor. 

GRACE CHURCH (PRESBYTERIAN). 

This church was organized on the Hist day of iMay, 1872, 
by si.\ty-fivo ex-members of the First Prusbyteriaii church 



of Oswego, dismi.ssed for that purpose, and one ex-member 
of the First Presbyterian church of Trenton, New Jersey, 
Rev. E. G. Thurber being the moderator of the meeting. 

The following elders were then elected : William F. Allen, 
George Seeley, Gilbert Mollison, Warren D. Smith, John 
C. Churchill, Frederick B. Lathrop. 

On the morning of the same day a Sunday-school had 
been organized with about one hundred scholars and twenty- 
three teachers. Gilbert Mollison, who had been the earnest 
and faithful superintendent of the mission school for five 
years, was elected superintendent of the church school, an 
office which he still continues to fill. 

Until March 9, 1873, services were held in Grace mis- 
sion ; wlien a cliapel begun the previous July was completed 
and opened for public worship. The corner-stone of a now 
church edifice, located on the corner of West Oneida and 
Fifth streets, was laid May 2, 1873. Up to the close of 
the first year, April 1, 1873, there was contributed by the 
congregation sixteen thousand and forty dollars. For a 
year and nine months the pulpit was supplied by Rev. J. 
B. Condit, D.D., of Auburn. 

Rev. Henry H. Stebbins was in.stalled as pastor January 
8, 1874, on the unanimous call of the congregation. 

The church edifice was completed in 1875. It is one of 
the finest ecclesiastical structures in the State, and cost 
sixty-five thousand dollars. The audience-room is seventy- 
six by eighty-two feet, and capable of seating eight hundred 
persons. The pews are absolutely free. On its completion 
the church authorities gave the following public notice : 

■' This church has been erected with the money and the 
enterprise, mostly, of those who constitute this Pre.sbyterian 
organization ; but now that it is finished, its doors are to bo 
opened for public Christian wor.ship. It is meant to be a 
place where, ignoring sectarian differences and all social 
distinctions, the men and women of this city, not already 
provided, may worship the one God and Heavenly Father 
of us all. No person need feel himself or herself excluded 
because of inability to pay 'pew rent.' The sittings are 
not to be rented, they are not to be sold, nor is there to be 
any bidding for choice. Any one can have all the room he 
wishes by asking for it, and that, regardless of whether he 
pays much, or little, or anything, towards the support of the 
church. " 

The seats are distributed by lot to all who ask for them, 
and the church is supported by voluntary contributions. It 
is in a very flourishing condition, the present membersliip 
being two hundred and twenty. The Sunday-school con- 
tains two hundred and sixty-four members, and its library 
contains twenty-one hundred volumes. The session is com- 
posed of the pastor and the ciders. It is a representative 
body, and as such considers itself bound by the will of its 
constituents. 

The following are the present officers : 

Pastor, Henry H. Stebbins; Elders, W. F. Allen, W. 
I). Smith, Gilbert Mollison, Cyrus Whitney, George Seeley, 
John C. Churchill, Harmon D. Hamilton ; Trustees, W. 
II. Herrick, George B. Powell, 0. H. Hastings, U. M. 
Wheeler, O. F. Gaylord, J. W. Pitkin, S. B. Johnson, J. 
Owen, John Ould, 0. II. Hastings, president; F. B. Lath- 
rop, treasurer; J. Owen, clerk. 



1C8 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NE\V YORK. 



SEniET SOCIETIES. 

Oswego Lodge, No. 127, F. & A. M. — A charter was 
prantod to tliia lodge September 21, 1819. It was re- 
etiart4ired July 20, 1847, when a dispensation was granted 
by tlic grand lodge of the State of New York, with 
Mathew McNair a.s Master ; V. F. Parsons, Senior Warden ; 
and Philo St«,'phen», Junior Warden. The charter-members 
were the above, with l-Mwin W. Clark, E!i;ia Trowbridge, 
Samuel Freeman, Stephen Bentley, Orlo Steele, Moses P. 
Hatch, James Bickford, and Sauford C. Peck. February 
7, 184^1. the lodge received its charter, with P. F. Parsons, 
M. ; Philo Stephens, S. W. ; Piijlo W. Carpenter, J. ^V. ; 
James Bickford, T. ; and Edwin W. Clark, Sec. 

The present officers are as follows : Herbert A. Young, 
W. M. ; llimson A. Soule, S. W. ; Athelbert Cropsey, J. W. ; 
Ilaynes L. Hart, Treas. ; Simon B. Wilcox, Sec.; Alf. A. 
wJlli.igton, S. D. ; James E. Webb, J. D. ; George W. 
"\'ickery, Tyler. 

FuoNTiEK CiTV Lodge, No. 422. — A dispensation was 
granted by Hon. John L. Lewis (now the highest Mxson 
in rank and degree on' the western continent). Grand Mas- 
ter of the State of New York, on the Sth day of January, 
1857. The following-named persons were the charter- 
members: F. P. Kilbuni, Chas. Parker, George Goble, 
Eilmund Nichols, Thos. Ferguson, G. F. Dixon, John 
McNair, W. T. Preston, George R. Rogers, Malcolm Bron- 
son, M. B. Dorr, James Clemond, J. M. O'Leary, George 
Rice, C. K. Stone, P. B. Mooney, J. N. Collins, Harmon 
D. Hull. 

The present officers are the following: W. Hancock, M.; 
Charles F. Steward, S. ^V. ; Frank Haven, J. W. ; C. H. 
Butler, T. ; E. Nichols, S. ; C. H. Powore, S. D. ; A. H. 
Pratt, J. D.; G. R. Skinner, Tyler. 

..EoNi.\.N Lodge, No. G7I), F. & A. M., was chartered 
June 25, 1SG8, with the following members: Samuel B. 
Burchard, M. ; David P. Fairchild, S. W. ; Orlando W. 
Bates, J. W. ; S. M. Allen, R. C. Day, D. L. Couch, J. E. 
Philips, A. A. Bush, A. B. Randcll. The present officers 
are as follows : J. K. Stockwell, M. ; C. II. Treadwell, S. W. ; 
C. Y'oumans, J. W. ; D. L. Coucli, Treas. ; J. G. Allen, 
See. ; C. D. Bureh, S. D. ; J. M. Burr, J. D. ; S. D. Schau- 
ber, Org. ; T. Miller and John Seober, M. of C. ; II. E. 
Balcom, Pliy. ; Geo. Vickery, Tyler. 

Masonic board of relief is officered as follows : George 
Goble, Pres. ; George Warren, First V. P. ; John Smith, 
Second V. P. ; E. P. Hurt, Trtas. ; C. H. Treadwell, See. ; 
George Davis, C. H. Powers, and Jului Smith, Committee 
on Character. 

Lake O.ntario Chapter, R. A. M., was organized 
April 26, 185G, as Crocker chapter, No. 165. The char- 
ter-members were as follows, viz. : J. McNair, C. W. Clark, 
F. 1". Kilbourn, C. K. Stone, M. B. Dow, P. L. Cone, G. 
F. Dixun, A. Clark, and Geo. B. Rogers. 

The name was changed to Lake Ontario chapter. No. 165, 
R. A. M., March 7, 1864. The jirescnt officers are as fol- 
lows, viz.: J. Smith, M. E. II. P.; George Goble, E. K. ; 
H. L. Hart, E. S. ; D. L. Couch, Treas. ; J. K. Stockwell, 
Sec. ; E. A. Waterliouse, Cap. of H. ; C. A. Youmans, 
P. S. ; A. Cn.i.say, R. A. C. ; II. A. Young, M. Third V. ; 
Mr. Treadwell, M. Second V. ; J. W. Vickery, Tyler. 



The Masonic Life Association of Oswego was in- 
corporated .\pril 22, 1865, for the purpo.<e of aiding and 
as.sisting the widows and orphans of worthy Mitsons. The 
following were the charter-members : William A. MeCarthj', 
Ilaynes L. Hart, Geo. Davis, John Smith, James K. Stock- 
well, J<.hn 1'. Phelps, John G. Alien, Chas. H. Treadwell, 
Reese Thomas, Alversou Curtiss, Walter Read, Cheney II. 
Powers, Eugene Mun.son, Ambrose Paine, Benjamin Coy. 

The following are the present officers : George D.ivis, 
President ; Cheney II. Powers, Vice-President ; Ilaynes 
L. Hart, Treasurer; James K. Stockwell, M.D., Secretary. 
Directors: Ilaynes L. Hart, Charles H. Treadwell, Ben- 
jamin Coy,S. B. Wilcox, J. K. Stockwell, W. A. McCarthy, 
Alverson Curtiss, Walter Read, John Smith, John Comer, 
C. H. Butler, A. J. Goit, George Vickery, H. A. Young, 
J. G. Allen. 

The charter uC Lake Ontario Commandery, No. 32, 
of Knights Templar, was granted September 16, 1862, 
with the {billowing charter-memliers: W. I. Pr&ston, 0. W. 
Bates, John McNair, W. Morgan, J. J. Clark, G. F. 
Dixon, C. H. II. Castle, J. Dunn, Jr., H. C. Sharpe, W. G. 
G. Robinson. 

The officers for 1S77 are as follows: E. \. Watcrhouse, 
Eminent Commander; George W. Goble, Generalissimo; 
Haynes L. Hart, Ca])tain-General ; W. G. Chaffee, Prelate; 
John Smith. Senior Warden ; C. Yeomans, Junior Warden ; 
George Goble, Treasurer; J. B. Farwell, Recorder; John 
Ratigan, Sttindard-Bearer; D. C. Hall, Sword- Bearer ; A. 
Crop.sey, Warden; J. P. Phelps, Firet Guard; G. II. 
Reade, Second Guard; J. G. Allen, Third Guard; Wm. 
Hancock, Captain of the Guard. 

Numtier of members, eighty-seven. 

O.swEGATCiiiE Lodge, No. 156, I. 0. of O. F., was 
organized May 15, 1845. The following were the fir-st 
officers : Henry L. Davis, N. G. ; Malcomb Bronson, V. G. ; 
Chaunecy Wright, Sec. ; Adam Van Hovenburgh, Treas. 

The following are the present officei-s : George E. Par- 
sons, N. G. ; J. H. Keihn, V. G. ; Daniel E. Taylor, Sec. ; 
J. H. Tibbits, Per. Sec. ; C. C. Williams, Treas. 

KoNOSiiioM Encami'.ment, No. 48, was instituted May 
21, 1847. The following are the present officers: Benj. J. 
Le Febvrc, C. P. ; II. Timerson, S. W. ; C. Green, H. P. ; 
E. H. Gardner, F. S. ; J. McCarty, S. ; H. II. Ilerron, 
Treus. 

THE HAR. 

We cannot, of course, give biographies of all the members 
of the bar who have practiced in Oswego. We propose, 
however, to mention some of the earlier lawyers, to give a 
general idea of the profession of the city, and to close with 
the names of the present members. 

John Grant, Jr., was probably the first man who prac- 
ticed law in the village or county of Oswego. He located 
in the new county-seat in the s]iriiig of 1816, and resided 
there until his death, about thirty-five yeai-s later. A fine- 
looking, gentlemaidy man, of excellent abilities and liberal 
education, he wius popular with all elassas, and wils appointed 
to .several official positions. He wits at the same time post- 
master and collector of the port, and was for several years 

between 1820 and 1830 — first judge of the common 

pleas. After retiring from the bench did not resume prac- 




Residence or O.M.BOND, [ASTSe\/LNiH St.. OsweooJ. Y.. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



1(10 



tice, but engaged in mercantile pursuits, with varying suc- 
cess. He died about 1850. 

Theodore Popple came the same spring as Mr. Grant. 
Little is known of him save that he practiced here success- 
fully for several years, and then left the country. 

George Fisher was admitted to the bar of the common pleas 
at the first court held in this county, in the autumn of 1816. 
He was a man of marked ability, and in 1828 he received 
the certificate of the canvassers that he was elected to Con- 
gress, but on a contest the scat was awarded to Silas Wright, 
Jr., of St. Lawrence county. When William F. Allen 
came to Oswego, in 1829, he entered into partnership with 
Mr. Fisher, the firm-name being Fisher &, Allen. Mr. 
Fisher practiced here nearly twenty years. 

James P. Wight was another of the earliest Oswego 
law-students, and was admitted to practice in the common 
pleas in the winter of 1816-17. He was a dashing, rollick- 
ing young fellow, of considerable ability, but did not remain 
in Oswego to exceed ten years. For several years he held 
the ofiice of brigade inspector of the militia. One year 
that important event, " general training," was to be held at 
Pulaski, but, as it approached, the militiamen thought 
there would certainly be no inspection, for the gallant inspec- 
tor had managed to get into debt, and, according to the law 
in those days, was confined to the " limits" of Oswego. But 
Wight was determined not to neglect his military duties, 
nor lose his share in the display. On Sunday he could not 
be arrested; .so on the Sabbath before the training he went 
to Pulaski and put himself within the limits which sur- 
rounded the jail at that place. There he remained during 
the week, ami at the proper time the regiment was paraded 
within the limits and duly inspected by the zealous official. 
The next Sunday lie returned to Oswego, and again placed 
himself within the limits there. This was excellent military 
strategy, but perhaps did not help much in gaining clients. 

Samuel B. Beach came to Oswego in 1817, and practiced 
with marked success until about 1830. Beach, Popple, and 
Fisher were the principal practicing lawyers previous to that 
date. 

Rudolph Bunner was a lawyer by profession, but did not 
practice. He was over sixty years old when he came here. 
He owned large tracts of land in the eastern part of the 
coanty ; was wealthy and generous, a good liver, and an 
eloquent political speaker. Mr. Bunner was elected to 
Congress one term (1827-29), and was considered a man 
of decided ability. He died about 1833, aged near seventy. 

Edwin W. Clarke, who had been brought up fiom early 
boyhood near Oswego, was admitted to the bar in 1829, 
and was a careful and conscientious practitioner throughout 
the greater part of his subsequent life. A biography of him 
is given elsewhere. 

In 1829, also, a medium-sized, fine-looking, wide-awake 
young man, barely twenty-one years of age, who had just 
been admitted to the bar, came to Oswego, and soon went 
into partnership with Hon. Geo. Fisher. This was William 
F. Alien, then just entering on the long and honorable 
career which is elsewhere depicted. 

From a State register, published in 1831, we learn that 
the lawyers then here were as follows, the names being 
given in the two towns to which the village then belonged : 
12 



Oswego, William F. Allen, David P. Brewster, Rudolph 
Bunner, Edwin W. Clarke, George Fisher, J. S. Glover, 
John Grant, Jr., Joseph Hunt, Daniel H. Marsh, Donald 
McPhor.son, Joel Turrill, George A. Stansbury ; Scriha, 
Samuel B. Beach, James Brown, A. P. Grant, Peter Sken 
Smith, George H. McWhorter. 

A. P. Grant wxs a new-comer, admitted in 1827 ; after- 
wards noted as an eminent lawyer, and a shrewd, sagacious 
man of business, but whose career is sufficiently .sketched 
in the biography elsewhere published. 

David P. Brewster, admitted in 1826, was another of 
the new men who came to Oswego during that period of 
rapid growth which succeeded the building of the canal. 
He resided in the vicinity till his death, a short time ago, 
though after he had served two terms in Congress (1833— 
37j he did not resume practice, but lived upon his farm. 
He is remembered as a tall, florid, fine-looking, dignified 
gentleman of the old school, conservative in opinions, and 
old-fashioned in attire, an ardent politician, but a thoroughly 
honest man. He was for several years in company with 
Hon. Joel Turrill. 

The latter was an older person, having been admitted in 
1819. Like Brewster, he was a tall, large man of fine ap- 
pearance and stately demeanor, and like him, too, was a 
successful lawyer and politician, and a member of Congress 
for two terms (1833-37). A shrewd manager, he was no 
orator, and while in Congress never made a speech. 

In fact, the bar of Oswego, as we state on the authority 
of one of its mo.st eminent members, has never been espe- 
cially distinguished for the brilliancy of its orators, in either 
the legal or the political field. Many of its members were 
good, fair speakers, but they were generally distinguished 
rather for a plain, intelligible, common-sense way of pre- 
senting their cases to a jury, or their opinions to the public, 
than for any remarkable flights of eloquence. 

Of J. S. Glover and Donald IMcPherson, both admitted 
in 1830, little is known, save that they were here for a 
short time subsequent to that year. 

Daniel H. Marsh, admitted in 1827, practiced here 
throughout his life, which terminated not many years ago. 
He held several positions of trust, and was considered a re- 
liable counselor. Soon after he came he was a partner of 
Benjamin Nott, son of the celebrated President Nott, of 
Union college, and the firm was quite prominent. Nott, 
however, did not remain long. 

G. A. Stansbury and Joseph Hunt remained but a few 
years. For a time they were partners, and Hunt was after- 
wards in company with Judge Brewster. 

G. H. McWhorter was an amiable and high-toned gen- 
tleman, who held the office of United States marshal for 
several years, and was universally respected. His other 
pursuits drew him to a considerable extent away from his 
jirofession. 

J. M. Casey was for many years superintendent of scliools, 
and is one of the few survivors among the lawyers of that 
period. 

Peter Sken Smith, a brother of the di-stinguished philan- 
thropist, Gerrit Smith, was a very prominent man here for 
several years, but rather as a politician and speculator than 
as a lawyer. He was a good speaker, " full of fun," and it 



170 



THPTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



was believed that if lie had worked steadily at his profession 
he mi^ht have attained hi-ili rank as an advocate. 

In 1837, Fisher, Buiincr, (Hover, Mcl'lierwui, Stanslmrv, 
Beach, and Smith hud been drujipcd IVuni tlie list, tliruugh 
death or rciuovul, and in place of them wc find the names 
of Leaiider Balx,oek, S. Yates Baldwin, Wheeler Barnes, 
Cyril 11. Bniekett, John Cocliran, WiHiain Duer, Charles 
J. Ilurlhurt, A. Y. Lansintr, Samuel B. Ludlow, Archibald 
McFarlane, Kobcrt 11. Martin, Georj;c W. Rathbnn, and 
Simon G. Tliroop. B. B. Burt also conimeneed practice 
that year, of whom a sketch is <;iven elsewhere. 

It will be seen tliat the lawyers had crowded in pretty 
rapidly during the prosperous period which hud just closed. 
Many of them Kit duriii;; tlir " hard limes" which Rpllnwed. 
The uitist prominent of ihe ncw-cuniers were Leander Bab- 
cock, John Cochran, and William Duer. Mr. Babcock,liko 
so many iM<ire of the eminent lawyers of Oswefjo, was not 
!»t all a showy man. (juiet, reliable, and indnslrious, he 
did his work thoroughly and well, and gained the univeifal 
Confidence of the community, by whom he was twice sent 
to Congress. He cliid aiiout 18G7. 

John Cochnm was always prominent everywhere. He 
really knew considerable, and he could tell all he knew, at 
least. 

It is the general testimony of the earlier members of the 
bar that William Duer was one of the very ablest men who 
has ever rasided in O.swego. A clear reasoncr, an elo(|uent 
speaker, a liberal scholar, a genial companion, and a thorough 
gentleman, Mr. Duer was soon accorded the position of a 
leader, and eventually represented the district in Congress, 
(luring the term of 1849-51. But he was none too fond 
of work, and as his circumstances did not compel him to 
liard labor, he did not take the place in his profession 
which it WiLS generally believed he might have taken had 
he so willed. He left the county soon after his return from 
Congress. 

Of that sound and careful practitioner, the Hon. Orville 
Robinson, who came from .Mexico in 1847, a biograjiliical 
sketch is given elsewhere. 

As wc come down among the living and active members 
of the profession, we find ourselves on delicate ground, and 
must be excused from indulging in cither criticism or eulogy. 
We therefore close by giving a simjile list of all the present 
members of the Oswego bar, leaving them to the judgment 
of a far more serious tribunal than that of a county history. 

John B. Alexander, Edwin Allen, William F. Allen, 
Henry A. Balcam, Bronson Babcock, Henry C. Benedict, 
Bnidley 15. I{urt, Geo. N. Burt, Chester O. Case, John .M. 
Casey, Edwin W. Clark, S. M. Coon, lieiijainin T. Cli:ise, 
John C. Churchill, P. W. Cullinan, Wilson H. Gardenier, 
Alfred B. Getty, Wm. H. Gillespie, Win. W. Greene, Frank 
E. Hamilton, Wm. W. Ilarman, (ieo. \V. Ilarnion, Orville 
J. Harmon, Jes.se Hathaway, Lamotte B. Hathaway, John 
B. Iliggins, Henry A. Jones, Win. II. Kenyoii, John J. 
Lamoree, David P. Lester, J. Sims .Mathews, Andrew Z. 
McCarty, Jr., David D. Mctealf, David P. Morehouse, Fred. 
II. Norton, Newton W. Nutting, Geo. W. Parkhurst, Gil- 
bert E. Parsons, Albcrtus Perry, Wm. A. Pouchcr, Clias. 
Rhodes, Charles T. Richaid.son, Wm. Tiflany, Silas A. 
Webb, John J. White, Cyrus Whitney, C. Fred. Whitney. 



BOARD OF TRAUE. 

The board of trade of the city of Oswego was organiied 
October 2, 184S, with the following officers: President, 
Alvin Bronson; Vice-President, George Seeley; Treasurer, 
Reid P. Whitney; Directors, James Piatt, Sylvester Doo- 
lillle. Joel B. Penfield. Moses M<-rrick. Lucius B. Crocker, 
Williani I>ewis, Jr., and Myron Paidee. 

The following-named gentlemen have occupied the position 
of president of the board, from its organization to the 
]>resent ( 1877). Alvin Bronson, 1848-411 ; James Piatt, 
1850; D. C. Littlejohn, ISal-fKj ; James Plaft, 1854; 
Frederiek T. Carrington. 1855; William Lewis, 185ti; 
Alvin Hronson, 1857; Frederick T. Carrington, 1858; 
0.scar II. Hastings, 1859-6l»; W. I. Pre.ston, 18Gl-(!2; 
George 15. Sloan, 1803; Frederick B. Lathrop, 1SG4; Gil- 
bert Mollison, 18G5-fit;; A. H. Failing, 18G7; Cheney 
Ames, 18G8; Robert F. Sage, 1809; John K. Post, 1870; 
Benjamin Hagaman, 1871 ; W. D. Smith, 1872; D. L. 
Couch, 1873; Theodore Irwin, 1874; Isaac G. Jenkins, 
1875; Williani R. Hosmcr. 187G; ami John Dunn, 1S77. 

The object of the board is to promote eijuitable principles 
in trade, to correct abuses, and generally to protect the 
rights, and to advance the interests, of the mercantile 
clas.se8. 

The officers for the current year are — President, John 
Dunn; Vice-President, Thomas Matthews; Secretary, J. 

B. II. Mongin ; Treasurer, 0. F. Gaylord ; Directors, 0. 
H. Brown, B. Hagaman, Robert Gordon, Wardwell Ames, 

C. C. Morton, D. L. Couch, and A. II. Failing. In ad- 
dition to the regular officers various standing committees 
are appointed, such as tho.se on Finance, Traiisportntion, 
and Harbor. The present membership of the board is one 
hundred and eight. It is in a generally prosperous condition. 

BANKS. 

The City Bank was organized. in March, 1850, with a 
capital of one hundicd and twenty-five thousand dollars, 
and was soon after increased to two hundred and seventy- 
six thousand dollars. The first officers were S. Hubbell 
Reynolds, president, and Delos De Wolf, cashier. Mr. 
Reynolds was succeeded by Hamilton Murray, who remained 
president until 18C5, when Mr. De Wolf became president, 
and hius officiated in that capacity t<> the present time. He 
was succeeded as aishier b)' David Mannering, the present 
cashier. The business was commenced in the old Oswego 
bank building, at the corner of Cayuga and Water streets. 
It remained there about two 3'ears, and was removed to its 
present location. 

TiiK N.\Tio.\Ai, M.VHi.NE Bank. — The Marine bank of 
Oswego was organized under the general banking laws of 
the State in 1850, and the following officers chosen, viz., 
Elias Root, president; TIioukls Kingsford, viee-|)reKidcnt ; 
John R. Noycs, cashier. William W. Mack, P. H. Wara'ii, 
Samuel Morgan, and Theodore Irwin were also directors. 
In the year 1805 it was changed to the National Marine 
bank, and Mr. Root became president, Thompson Kingsford 
vice-president, and Mr. Noyes cashier, and they have offi- 
ciated as such to the present lime. The following were the 
directors of the National bank: Elias Root, Thomas Kiiig.s- 
ford, Theodore Irwin, Thompson Kingsford, John R. Noyes, 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



171 



W. W. Mack, and P. H. Warren. The following directors 
are deceased, viz., Thomas Kitigsford and P. H. Warren. 
The business was establi.shed in the building now occupied 
by them on tlie corner of East Front and Bridge streets. 

Lake Ontario National Bank. — The Oswego bank 
was organized in 1829, with Alvin Bronson as president 
and Edmund Knower cashier. This wa.s closed in 1842, 
and ill the same year the Commercial was also closed, the 
latter having been in operation seven years. In 1843 
Luther Wright's bank was started, and continued until 
1856, when it was merged with the Lake Ontario bank, 
and James Piatt became president and E. B. Judson cashier. 
In 18G5 it was changed to the Lake Ontario National bank. 
D. G. Fort succeeded JMr. Judson a.s cashier ; and on the 
6th of July, 1870, Luther Wright became president. Cap- 
ital, two hundred and seventy-five thousand dollars. This 
bank has had a long and successful career, and the business 
is now being closed. 

First National Bank. — This bank was organized on 
the twenty-third day of January, 1864, with a capital 
of one hundred thousand dollars. The following-named 
persons composed the first board of directors : Thomas 
Kingsford, Theodore Irwin, Elias Root, John R. Noyes, 
Amos A. Bradley. Thomas Kingsford was the first presi- 
dent, Theodore Irwin vice-president, and Amos C. Bradley 
cashier. In February, 1865, Thomas S. Blott became 
president, and the capital stock was increased to two hun- 
dred and fifty thou.sand dollars. In the month of January, 
1866, I\[r. Bradley was succeeded by J. D. W. Case. The 
present directors are as follows : "Thomas S. Mott, John T. 
Mott, J. D. W. Case, John K. Post, and Dwight Ilerrick. 
The present officers are Thomas S. Mott, president ; J. D. 
W. Case, cashier. 

The Second National B.\nk was organized Janu- 
ary 26, 1864. The following-named persons composed the 
first board of directors : Leonard Ames, Alfred A. Hewlett, 
Gilbert Mollison, Isaac L. Mcrriam, Theodore W. Wells, 
Henry S. Condt', William Gardner, John C. Churchill. 
First ofiScers were as follows, viz. • Leonard Ames, presi- 
dent; Samuel B. Johnson, vice-president; and Henry S. 
Chandler, cashier. Mr. Ames has remained president of 
the bank from its organization to the present tinle^ Mr. 
Chandler remained cashier until July 1, 1864, when Mar- 
shall B. Clarke was appointed. Januai-y 20, 1872, George 
M. Williams w.as appointed vi'ce Clarke, deceased. Mr. 
Williams soon after resigned, and May 6, 1872, E. P. 
Burt was appointed, who officiated until December 23, 
1873, when his connection with the bank ceased, and the 
office was vacant until April 22, 1874, when L. H. Conklin, 
the present county treasurer, was chosen to that position. 
Mr. Conklin remained cashier until February 28, 1876, 
when ho was succeeded by the present cashier, Hein-y 11. 
Carrier. Capital, one hundred and twenty thousand dol- 
lars. 

Oswego Citv Savings Bank. — This institution was 
incorporated by act of legislat\ire passed. March 4, 1859. 
The following-named persons were its incorporators: Wil- 
liam H. Herrick, Stephen H. Latlirop, William H. Wheeler, 
Thomas Kingsford, Royal L. >Iaek, William 0. Hubbard, 
Orvillc J. Harmon, John N. Collins, Enoch B. Talcolt, 



Joel Turrill, and Sylvester Doolittle. The first officers 
were as follows, viz. : Thomas Kingsford, president ; S. H. 
Lathrop, Orville J. Harmon, vice-presidents ; E. B. Taleott, 
attorney ; Henry L. Davis, treasurer ; Loren E. Goulding, 
secretary. The present officers are the same as upon the 
incorporation of the bank, except that Luther Wright is 
president, vice Kingsford, deceased, and 0. J. Harmon vice 
Taleott, deeea.sed. The present trustees are as follows: 
L. Wright, S. H. Lathrop, O. J. Harmon, D. Herrick, W. 
H. Wheeler, J. K. Post, S. Doolittle, J. N. Collins, W. H. 
Herrick, Gilbert Mollison, H. L. Davis. 

The Oswego County Savings Bank was chartered 
May 6, 1870. The following were the first officers and 
trustees, viz. : Officers — President, Alanson S. Page ; vice- 
presidents, John B. Edwards, Moses Merrick, Charles H. 
Cross; Attorney, Gilbert E. Parsons ; Secretary, Alonzo H. 
Failing ; Treasurer, Joseph B. Lathrop. Trustees, Alanson 
S. Page, Moses Meriek, (.rilbert E. Parsons, Delos De Wolf, 
Daniel L. Couch, Cheney Amos, Charles Rhodes, John H. 
Mann, Peter Lappin, Benjamin C. Turner, Jules Wendell, 
Harvey Palmer, John B. Edwards, Charles H. Cross, 
Alonzo II. Failing, Charles Doolittle, George B. Sloan, 
Samuel B. Johnson, John L. McWhorter, William Wales, 
Robert Scott, John Dunn, Jr., 0. M. Bond, Benjamin L. 
Stone, Andrew Miller. The present officers are as follows : 
President, John B. Edwards ; Vice-Presidents, Samuel B. 
Johnson, Manister Worts, Robert Scott ; Attorney, Gilbert 
E. Parsons ; Secretary, Alonzo II. Failing ; Treasurer, 
Joseph B. Lathrop. 

The Bank op Oswego was organized in 1871, with 
a capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The first offi- 
cers were P. Remington, president, and S. II. Lathrop, 
cashier. They are the present officers. 

mills and elevators. 

The milling interest of Oswego has long been the lead- 
ing business of the eity, and is destined to remain. The 
fine water privilege afforded by the Oswego river early 
stimulated capitalists to erect mills along its banks, and 
although several have been destroyed by fire, there are 
now twelve in operation, with sixty-five run of stone, and 
a grinding capacity of five thousand three hundred barrels 
per day. 

Below are given the names of the various mills, present 
proprietors, and their predecessors, — so far as we have been 
able to secure them, — the number of runs of stone in each 
mill, together with grinding capacity and number of men 
employed. 

The Exchange Mills were erected by Abram 
Varick, in the year 1834, and, after numerous changes 
in the proprietorship, in 1865 came into the pos.session of 
Jenkins, Hover & Co. Although the " Co." of this firm 
has changed from time to time, Messrs. Jenkins and Hover 
have remained, and are the present senior proprietors. The 
firm consists of Isaac G. Jenkins, Joseph Hover, J. A. 
Benzing, and J. B. H. Jlongin. The mill has five nin of 
stone, with a capacity of five hundred barrels per day. 
Employ forty men. 

Pkaul JIii.ls were erected in 1848, by William Lewis. 
They suksequently pa.ssed into the hands of Robert F. Sage, 



172 



IITSTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 



and in 1875 came into tlic possession of Jcnkios, Horer & 
Co. These mills liave five run of stone, with a p-indinf; 
capacity of four liundrcd barrels per day. The enterprising 
owners, in 1872, manufactured one hundred and forty-three 
thousand .seven hundred and twenty barrels of flour. 

Kecipuocitv Mir.LS and Ei.kvatoh were erected by 
George and Cheney Ames. They sub8ef|uently passed into 
tlie hands of Cheney Ames, and are now owned by liim. 
The mill has five run of stone, with u grinding capacity 
of three hundred barrels per day. Employ five men. 
Capacity of elevator, one hundred and fifty thousand 
bushels. 

Emi'Ikk Mii,i>s and Elevator were erected by Syl- 
vester Doolitlle, in 1813—44. They were destroyed by fire 
in the great conflagration of 1852, and immediately rebuilt 
by Mr. Ddolittle. In 18G4 tliey passed info the hands of 
Jenkins & IJoolittle, and in 1S74 Mr. Jenkins disposed of 
his interest to Benjamin Doolittle, the ]>resent owner. The 
mill is operated by Doulittl(!, Ames & Co. The mill has 
five run of stone, and a capacity of five hundred and fifty 
barrels per day. Employ twenty men. Capacity of eleva- 
tor, seventy thou.saiid bushels. 

WAsiiiNdToN Mills and Elkv.vtou. — A mill was 
erected on the site of the jircscnt Washington mills in 
1842, by IVnfield, Lyon & Co., and was destroyed by fire 
in 1853. It was immediately rebuilt by the same firm, 
and is still conducted under the same firm-name, although 
Mr. J. B. Pcnfield died July 8, 1873. The mill has si.K 
run of stone, with a capacity for grinding five hundred 
barrels per twenty-four hours. Employ seventeen men. 
Capacity of elevator, three hundred tlxiusaiid bushels. 

SKKN.VNl)r).\u Mills. — These mills were purchased by 
Pcnfield, Lyon & Co., in 1852, as successors of Cochrane 
& Lyon. They liave five run of stone, with a capacity of 
nearly five hundred barrels per day. Euijiloy thirteen men. 

TiiK Seneca Mills were located at Sttncca Hill, four 
miles south of Oswego, and were erected in 1847-48, by 
M. Merrick & Co. The mill had fifteen run of stone, 
with a grinding ca[)aeity of twelve huti<lred barrels per 
day. It had a larger capacity than any mill in the United 
States at that time. It was destroyed by fire in 18G4. 

CoLUMHi.v Mill and Elevator. — A mill was erected 
upon the site of this one a numlier of years prior to 1853, 
by Truman Wyman. In the year 1853 it was burned, and 
soon after rebuilt by Mr. Wyman. In 1800 it came into 
the possession of M. ^lerriek and Jesse Iloyt, the present 
proprietors. It has five run of stone, with a grinding 
CJipacity of four hundred to five hundred barrels per day. 
Capacity of elevator, two hundred thousand bushels. 

Cl.mueklani) 3I1LLS were erected in 1840, and re- 
modeled and rebuilt in 18(iG. The original proprietors 
were Hatch & Stevens. It was rebuilt by MollLson it 
Hastings, by whom it was o|)erated until the s]iring of 
1877, when it come into the possession of 0. II. Hastings 
& Co. It has seven run of stone, with a grinding capacity 
of five hundred and sixty barrels per day. Employ twelve 
men. 

Ontario Mills. — In ISGO Mes.srs. Dunn & Cummings 
purcha.sed these mills, and continued the business until 
18G9, when Mr. Cummings purchased his partner's interest, 



and has since conducted the business as sole proprietor. 
It has six run of stone, with a capacity of six hundred 
barrels per day. Employ twelve men. 

Atlas Mills. — The present proprietor of these mills, 
Mr. J. Dunn, purcliase<l them of Wheeler, Fort & Co. in 
October, 1871). They have five run of stone, with a grind- 
ing capacity of four hundred barrels per day. Employ 
fift«m men. 

OsWEiio CiTV Mills were erected by Mr. Stewart in 
1872, and business was commenced by M. B. Place & Co., 
and continued by them about one year, when it pas.sed into 
the hands of the present projirietors, Messrs. Wilson, 
Stewart & Place. It has four run of stone, with grinding 
capacity of two hundred barrels per day. Employ eight 
men. 

Lake Ontario Mills. — A mill was originally erected 
on the site now occupied by the Lake Ontario mills by 
Messrs. Bronson & Morgan in 1828. It stood until 1847, 
when it was replaced by a new structure, owned and ope- 
rated by Eitzhugh & Littlejolin, who conducted the busi- 
ness until the fire of 1853, when the mill was destroyed. 
They rebuilt it the following year, and were succeeded in 
the ownership of the property by Luther Wright, and he 
by Lathrop, Smith & Co., — they successively by Howlett, 
Gardner it Co., Ilowlett, Lathrop & Co., the Oswego Mill- 
ing Company, and by the present jirojirietors, Durston & 
Royce. It has seven run of stone, and a grinding capacity 
of four liuiidred barrels ]icr day. Storage for one hundred 
and tweiily-five thou.sand bushels of grain. 

Northwestern Elevator, Irwiu & Sloan, proprietors. 
— This elevator was erected in 1804, and di'Slroycd by fire 
in 1807. It was immediately rebuilt, and doing business 
in the following year. It has a capacity of four hundred 
and fifty thousand bushels. Its receiving capacity is eight 
thousand bushels per hour. The building is one hundri'd 
and twenty-five by one hundred and thirty-two feet in size, 
and nine stories in height. It is covered with corrugated 
iron, except the rear walls, which are of brick, and is care- 
fully protected from fire internally by water-works so ar- 
ranged as to discharge on each (ioor. It is an immense 
establishment, furnished with all the modem improvements 
for elevating, is operated liy a fine oiic-liundred horse-]iower 
engine in rear of the main buiUling, and is the "largest and 
finest elevator on the lake. The elevator has done a very 
large Canada.business, principally in barley. Messrs. Irwin 
& Sloan are the heaviest barley-dealers in the State of New 
York, and annually handle over three million bushels of 
various kinds of grain. 

Marine ELKV.vruuwas erected in 1802 by Ames, Mol- 
lison & lliistings, and the business conducted by them until 
1874, when George Ames di-^^posed of his interest to Hast- 
ings & Dowdle, the present ])roprietors. It has a capacity 
of one hundred and fifty thousand bushels, and is sixty-six 
by seventy feet, and six stories in height. 

Corn Exchange Elevator. — This business was com- 
menced by Henry Ames in 18G2, and conducted by him a 
number of years, and subsequently piLxsed into the posses- 
sion of A. F. Smith & Co. In 1871 it came into the 
hands of the |)re.sent proprietor, C. C. Morton. Capacity, 
two hundred and fifty thousand bushels. 



^^ 




Cheney Ames was born in Mexico, Oswego CounU', June 
19, 1808, — one of the many sons of .Leonard Ames, one of the 
pioneers of that count}'. At the early age of thirteen he was 
apprenticed to a hatter, in Delphi, Onondaga county, and 
finished his apprenticeship in Cortland, Xew York. But the 
business was distasteful to him, and, as his knowledge of the 
world increased, he longed to be identified with its progress, 
and turned his attention to reading and study, thereby gaining 
a prominence among his associates and acquaintances which 
he was able to hold from that time ; and, as he advanced to 
manhood, he at once assumed its responsibilities, becoming a 
member and trustee of the Presbyterian church in the year 
1830, and was married in 1833 to Hiss Emily North, of Otsego 
county. In the spring of 1837 he removed to the then village 
of Oswego, and identified himself with the commercial in- 
terests of that place, where he still resides, and where his en- 
prise and public spirit have been turned to good account. His 
first act was to raise one thousand dollars to improve the rude 
highway from Scriba to Oswego ; soon after he was called 
upon to present a petition to the legislature to repeal the char- 
ter of the old toll-bridge, and succeeded against strong oppo- 
sition. In 1847 his wife died, and his family was temporarily 
scattered. Again his services were required in Albany in 
securing the city charter for Oswego, and while so engaged 
he learned that the land under water west of Fort Ontario 
had never been ceded to the United States, but still belonged 
to the State of New York. He immediately made application 
that it be ceded to the city of Oswego, and it was granted, 
thereby securing to the city a valuable gift which they after- 
wards sold for a large sum. Subsequently, in the struggle for 
legislative aid to enlarge the Oswego canal, he represented 
the interests of Oswego, watching and manipulating affairs 
very ably, proving more than a match for his determined and 
powerful opponents, who were seeking the same aid for the 
Erie canal to the exclusion of the Oswego. He also engi- 
neered and directed the deepening and excavating of the 
main channel of the Oswego river in front of the line of eleva- 
tors, thereby greatly benefiting the interests of commerce. 
In 18-34 he married his present wife. Miss Kate Brown, of 
Burlington, Vermont. 



In 18-58 he was unanimously nominated and elected to the 
State senate, where he served his constituency ably and faith- 
fully, occupying the responsible position of chairman of the 
committee of commerce and navigation. 

At the breaking out of the war he was appointed a member 
of the war committee by Governor Morgan, and from that 
time until peace was declared he never flinched from the 
sternest duty. He gave his oldest son to the cause he loved 
so well (and a nobler son never entered the service of the 
Union). Entering the army at the opening of the war, he 
bore its hardships and shared its struggles until the end, when 
the Master called him to go up higher. In 1864 Mr. Ames 
was again called to represent his district in the senate, serving 
a second time as chairman of the committee of commerce and 
navigation, and also on committees of minor importance. 

While there he secured the charter for the Normal school, 
and from that time made it the special object of his care and 
attention until it was in successful operation, and now is re- 
warded by its reputation as one of the finest institutions of 
the kind in the country. But it was thought incomplete 
without a boarding-house for its pupils. The success of this 
object, too, devolved upon Mr. Ames, and he started the pro- 
ject as a stock company, taking the first five hundred dollars 
of the stock himself, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing 
the establishment in complete running order, — an ornament 
to the city and its founders. "When his legislative duties were 
at an end he turned his attention to manufacturing interests, 
first introducing the manufacture of water-lime and plaster, 
which has since largely increased ; he then established the 
first knitting-factory, and that business, too, has since been 
quadrupled. He imported the first logs from Canada for the 
luiubor trade. He was also first to move in the Syracuse and 
Binghamton railroad, in which he was largely interested 
until its completion. The Rome and Oswego road he carried 
almost single-handed through all its trials and difficulties until 
it became a success. The New York and Oswego Midland 
railroad he, with a few others, pushed through the entire line, 
but not without pecuniary disaster to all concerned. He has 
recently been elected as postmaster of the city, and is also 
pursuing his commercial business. 




s, ^f :. 



HON. A. P. GRANT. 



Among the names of those who have stood most con- 
spicuous in the legal profession in central New York, and 
in the various enterprises connected with the interests and 
prosperity of Oswego, none stand higher in the estimation 
of the public than the name at the head of this brief 
sketch. 

Mr. Grant was born in New Lebanon, Columbia county, 
New York, April 5, 1804. At the age of fourteen he 
entered Hamilton college, and graduated frcnn that institu- 
tion with honors. He at once entered the office of the late 
Judge Denio, and completed his legal studies in the offices 
of Hon. Jo.shua A. Spencer and Judge Samuel R. Beards- 
ley. He was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-one. 

He removed to 0.swego in 1828, and commenced there 
the practice of his profession. In 1834 or 1835, he entered 
into partnership with William F. Allen, and continued to 
practice under the lirni style of Grant & Allen until the 
latter was elected judge, in July, 1847, Mr. Grant re- 
mained alone in business for a short time, when he became 
associated with Edwin Allen, and continued with him until 
he retired from practice. 

In 1835 Mr. Grant was appointed district attorney for 
the county of Oswego. In 1S3G he was elected to Con- 



gress from the district then composed ot Oswego and 
Oneida counties, and served one term to the entire satis- 
faction of his constituents. He was one of the originators 
and the first president of the Riverside Cemetery asso- 
ciation ; one of the incorporators of the Lake Ontario 
bank, and a director from its organization until his death. 
He was an advocate for the construction of the Niagara 
ship-canal, and labored assiduou.sly for the success of that 
enterprise. For .several years he was a director and the 
secretary of the Oswego and Syracuse railroad company, 
and for many years occupied the position of warden of 
Christ church, of which he was an honored member. 

The distinguishing traits of Mr. Grant's character were 
his indomitable energy, his unyielding support of the right, 
his constancy of purpose to accomplish successfully all mat- 
ters intrusted to liis hands, either professional or sinijily of 
a business nature. His quick perceptiijn, sound judgment, 
strict integrity, and fair dealing secured to him great suc- 
cess and the confidence of the community. 

On the 11th day of December, 1871, af\er an eminently 
successful business career, and the near approach of three- 
score years and ten, he died, leaving behind him a blameless 
reputation, and a name honored and respected. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



ITi 



Merchants' Elevatoe. — An elevator occupied the 
site of tills building a number of years prior to 1853, and 
in the disastrous fire of tbat year was destroyed. It was 
rebuilt by Benjamin Ilagaman. Capacity, two hundred and 
twenty-five thousand bushels. Smith, Murdoek & Co., 
proprietors. 

Continental Elevator was erected, after the fire of 
1853, by Wright & Littlejoiin. It is now owned by 
Messrs. Root, Noye's, Mathews & De Wolf Capacity, two 
hundred and fifty thousand bushels. 

MANUFACTURES. 

Ames Iron- Works. — ^This establishment was founded 
in 1853 by Talcott & Underbill, and soon after a.ssociated 
with Messrs. Luther Wright, Thomas Kingsford, and 
Hamilton Murray. They subsequently purchased the in- 
terest of Messrs. Wright and Murray, and continued the 
business until 1858, when the establishment was purchased 
by Henry M. Ames, and its name changed to the Ames 
Iron-works. Mr. Ames conducted the business as sole 
proprietor until October 9, 18G9, when a partnership was 
formed, under the same name, composed of H. M. Ames, 
Isaac L. Merriam, and Leonard Ames. In the year 1872, 
Messrs. Leonard Ames and Merriam purchased the entire 
establishment, paying for the same the sum of one hundred 
and thirty-five thousand dollars, and are the present propri- 
etors. 

In the beginning of the business the ftnnual product was 
small, but by energy and the manufacture of the best qual- 
ity of goods they have succeeded in building up an im- 
mense business. They manufacture both stationary and 
portable engines, but their specialty is the latter. This 
establishment has formidable competitors throughout the 
country in the manufacture of portable engines, but the 
novel features of the engine built at these works have com- 
mended it to the public, and they now manufacture tliree 
hundred annually, and shipments are made to all nations. 
Employ one hundred and eighty men. 

Vulcan Iron- Works. — This business was established 
in 1853 by Smith & King, and continued by them until 
about 1860, when it passed into the hands of John King, 
and was continued by him as sole proprietor until about 
the year 18G3, when the firm became John King & Co. 
This firm managed the business until 1875, when a stock 
company was organized and the name of the establishment 
changed to the Vulcan Iron-works. The present officers 
of the company are as follows, viz. : John King, president; 
R. 6. Holbrook, treasurer ; George K. Orreil, secretary. 
At the beginning of business the annual product amounted 
to about twenty thousand dollars, and has increased until at 
the present time it amounts to the sum of one hundred and 
sixty thousand dollars. Employ one hundred and seventy- 
five men. At these works arc manufactured dredges, ex- 
cavators, derricks, marine and stationary steam-engines and 
boilers, steam-pumps, saw-mills, water-wheels, etc., etc. 

CiTV Brewery, Wafiel & Millot, proprietors. — Erected 
in 1874. Present annual product, twenty-five hundred 
barrels per year. Employ four men. 

OswEoo Shade-Cloth Ccmpanv. — This establishment 
was founded in June, 1872, by Theodore Irwin, George B. 



Sloan, Luthe r Wright, and Nicl Gray. They manufacture 
painted cloth for window-shadas, otherwise known as 
•' opai|ue shade-cloth." This is a new enterprise, and is 
the only establishment in the United States that manu- 
factures shade-cloth by machinery. The factory is furnished 
with machinery constructed under their own supervision, 
and is the only mechanism of the kind in the world. The 
establishment gives employment to twenty-five workmen, 
and the annual product of manufactured goods amounts to 
one million, eight hundred thousand yards. The factory 
hjs a capacity of two million yards. Tiie building is a 
neat and substantial structure, two hundred and fifty feet 
long, and two stories in height. This establishment is in 
successful operation, and is one of the representative insti- 
tutions of Oswego. 

Knitting-Mill, H. S. Conde & Son, proprietors. — A 
building which occupied the site of the present knitting- 
mill was erected in 1831 by a company, and occupied as a 
cotton-factory. It was destroyed by fire in 1861, and soon 
after rebuilt and used for a cotton-factory and knitting-mill, 
and operated by the Home manufacturing company. This 
company continued the business until 1874, when it was 
closed up and the entire establishment sold to the present pro- 
prietors. They run four full sets of knitting-machinery, knit 
shirts, drawers, etc., are manufactured, and the mill has a 
capacity of one hundred dozen per day. Employ one hun- 
dred persons. 

This is the only institution of the kind in Oswego, and 
under the management of the present proprietors it has 
proved a success. 

Carriage Manufactory, L. Weatherby, proprietor. — 
This business was commenced by Mr. W., in 1831. At the 
beginning the annual product was small, but now amounts 
to twenty thousand dollars. Employs fourteen men. 

Denton & Son, carriage manufacturers. — In 1844, Mr. 
B. J. Denton, the senior member of the present firm, es- 
tablished this business, and continued it until 1865, when 
his son became associated witli him, and the establishment 
has .since been conducted by them. Employ fifteen men, 
and manufacture seventy-five carriages annually. 

Derousie & McDonald, carriage manufacturers, are 
the successors of Peter A. Pulver, who established this 
business, which was continued by him until 1870, when it 
passed into the hands of the present firm. Employ ten 
men. Value of annual product, eleven thousand dollars. 

Oswego Tannery, Hubbard & North, proprietors. — 
This enterprise was begun by Mr. Wilbur in 1840, and 
continued by him until 1845, when it passed into the hands 
of William 0. Hubbard, who conducted it until 1866, when 
it came into the possession of the present firm. Capacity, 
two hundred tons per annum. Employ thirty men. 

Pulver Barrel- Works. — This business was com- 
menced in 1875, by Hon. D. C. Littlejohn, and continued 
by him one year, when it w;is purcha.sed by W. W. Pulver, 
the present proprietor. Employ thirty men. Capacity, 
three hundred thousand per annum. 

Planing-Mill, Wm. H. Goit & Co., proprietors. — 
This business was commenced by J. H. and Wm. II. Goi 
in 1852. The establishment was destroyed by fire in 
1853, and rebuilt by same firm. In 1854 the firm 



174 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



changed to Goit & McColluni, and in 1870 the business 
passed into the hands of the present firm, consisting of 
Wm. H. Gdit and J. K. Post. Employ twenty men. 
Capacity, twenty-five tliousand feet per wctk. 

Sash, Books, and Ri.im>s. — H. W. Secber & IJro. are 
successors of tlie finu of Secber & Ormsby. Tliey are ex- 
tensive builders, and as evidence of their workmanship 
.stand the city hall and armory, two of the finest structures 
in the city. 

Woodruff's Sash and Ri.inu ^Iancfactory is 
located on East Secund street, near Cayuga, and is in suc- 
ce.s.sful operation. 

OsWEQO Planino-Mill, 0. >I. Blanchard, L. S. Blanch- 
ard, and W. P. Grannis, proprietors. — This establishment 
was founded in 1SG9. At the comniciicemcnt of business 
the annual product amounted to thirty thousand dollars. 
It now amounts to one liundicd and ton thousand dollars. 
Eni)ploy seventy-five men. This immense establishment 
uses two million feet of lumber per year, and has a capacity 
of two hundred doors per day, five hundred pairs of blinds 
per week, and one hundred windows jier day. 

The Oswego Malt-IIoise, Charles W. Pardee, pro- 
prietor. — This establishment was founded by Root & Ames 
in 1862, and the business was continued by them until 
1864, when it was purchased by John V. Betz, of Phila- 
del]>bia, who conducted it until 1874, when it pas.scd into 
the possession of the present proprietor. Employs eight 
men. The building is furni.shed with all the modem im- 
provements, and has a capacity of seventy-five thousand 
bushels per year. 

Kingsford's Starch and the Oswego Starch-Fac- 
tory. — Fifty years ago starch was made chiefly from 
potatoes and wheat, the latter containing, next to Indian 
corn, the greater pro])ortion of the desired product. The 
starch so manufactured, of an inferior quality, was the best 
then known in the American market. 

A cliauge for the better was, however, soon effeeted by 
the perseverance of a single man, Thomas Kingsford, a 
native of England, and discoverer of the present method of 
extracting starch from maize or Indian corn. He was en- 
gaged in the manufacture of starch from wheat, but was, 
for some time before he tried any experiments, satisfied that 
a much better quality of starch might be obtained. 

He began a series of experiments by the u.se of a combi- 
nation of chemicals, wliieli resulted in decided improve- 
metits in the quality of the product. The history of these 
experiments is interesting. Mr. Kingsford had been made 
familiar with the use of chemicals while connected with 
extensive chemical works in England. lie had observed 
the peculiar qualities of our Indian euro when he came to 
this country, and in 1841 he suggested to starch-makers 
the practicability of extracting starch from its ripe grain. 
Til is idea was treated by other starch-manufacturers as 
visionary, while to his mind it ajipeared feasible. It took 
possession of much of his thoughts, and at the beginning of 
the year 1842, at his dwelling-house in Jersey City, he 
commenced a series of experiments to test his theory. 

Procuring a small quantity of Indian corn meal, he 
soaked it for a while, and then washed it through fine 
sieves, hupiiig to secure the starch. It remained only In- 



dian corn meal. He then obtained some shelled corn, 
soaked it for several days in the lye of wood-ashes, in order- 
to soften the grain, and sought to reduce the kernels to a 
pulp by the use of a mortar and |>e.slle. This done he 
washed out the starch from the other matter, but this was 
not a success. Then he tried a w<H)d-screw crusher, and by 
its means, in connection with certain solutions, endeavored 
to extract pure starch from ripe corn ; in this he also failed. 
The next mechanical contrivance brought into requisition 
by him in aid of his experiments was a paint-mill, but with 
no better results. Then he .soaked another quantity of 
corn, and [i;u«sed it between the rollers of a rusted sugar- 
mill, which he borrowed from a grocer, and cleaned as 
thoroughly as he could, but some remaining rust discolored 
the starch. 

Abandoning this mill, he procured a pair of granite 
rollers, moved upon shafts in a frame, and by these he re- 
duced the corn to a eleiir pulp by repeated passages between 
the rollers. When he had strained, washed, and settled 
the starch, by the mode pursued with the product of wheat, 
he found it so mixed with gluten, albumen, woody fibre, 
and other matter that he could not .separate them. 

Mr. Kingsford now tried various kinds of acids, hoping 
to produce a separation, but without success. Then he 
made a solution of wood-iish lye, and added it to the mix- 
ture. That experiment was a tiiilurc also, as were some 
others. Almost discouraged, but still holding on to his 
faith that superior starch might be procured from Itidiaii 
corn, he ground another ((uantity, and treated the mixture 
with a solution of lime. Again success evaded him. He 
had thrown the first lot treated with a lye solution into a 
tub, and to that he added the last lot in the same vessel, 
and seemed to be at his wits' end. On entering the room, 
a few days afterwards, to put it in order, he discovered to his 
^ff^id joy and surprise, when he emptied the tub, a quantity 
of\ beautiful white starch thoroughly .separated. 

He was almost overcome by his emotions of delight ; he 
had discovered the great secret. With zeal and vigor he 
pursued experiments, and in the latter part of the year 
1842 he procured the first sample of starch from Indian 
corn fit for market. 

There was an unanimous decision in favor of the superi- 
ority of Mr. Kingsford's starch over that of all other kinds 
then known to the trade, — a reputation which it has since 
maintained in this country and beyond the seas. 

Whenever, at great exhibitions in America and Europe, 
Kingsford's starch has been placed on exhibition and in 
competition by the manufacturers, it has never failed to 
receive the highest jiremium as an article of superior merit. 

The late Centennial Exhibition, at Philadelphia, was no 
exception to this general statement, as will appear from the 
report of the Centennial judges, made at such exhibition, 
and of which original report the following is an exact copy: 

"KEPOUT op awards — PRODUCT STARCH. 

" Same and tiddrvsa of cxhibitur. 

" T. Ki.sGsruHD A Son, Oswego, N. V. 

" Tbe undorsignc'd, liaviiig einininRtl the product hcri-iii iicscribcd, 
rvepoctfully rccummvnd the Bamu to thu United States CcoteDniul 
Cuiutuii^giun for awurd for the followlug rcnsoDS : 




^ 



\\ 



V 



^ 



N - ^ 



\ 



V N\ -^ 






^ 



^ 



^ 



6 



•53 




© 






!5: 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



175 



"They make a, fine exhibit of Btarch, pat up in various forms 

and for different uses. 

"They are the originators of the process used by tliemselves and 
several otlier of the largest manufacturers for making starch from 
Indian corn. 

" They are the largest manufacturers and exporters of this product. 
"Their starch shows great purity and strength, and is free from 
acidity. 

"W. C. Kkrr, 
"Signature of the Judge. 
"Approval of (jruup Judges: 

" Wh. II, Crkwek, 

" W. S. GltEENK, 

" (i. F. Secciii De C18ALI, 
" E. H. VoN Baumiiaubr, 

•' II. G. JOLV, 

" GuiDo Marx, 

"Dr. Nicolau J. Moreira, 

*' Joseph F. Touias." 

With characteristic energy, perseverance, and sagacity, 
Mr. Kingsfurd wa.s, as he had spare time, constantly en- 
gaged in experimenting upon and studying to improve the 
methods of starch-making, his attention being more partic- 
ularly directed to the manufacture of starch fnjiu Indian 
corn, until, fully assured of the great value of his discovery, 
he determined to utilize the same, and reap the benefit of 
his labors in this field by applying his knowledge to prac- 
tical account. 

Accordingly, in 1846 he a.ssociated*with himself his son, 
Thomson Kingsford, then a young man, who had assisted 
his father in his experiments, and who was a practical ma- 
chinist, and under the firm-name of " T. Kingsford & Son" 
they built a factory in Jersey City, New Jersey, where the 
manufacture of starch under the new process was success- 
fully carried on until they removed to Oswego County, 
New York. 

The value of the discovery becoming known to some 
gentlemen in Auburn, New York, they proposed a connec- 
tion with the firm in the formation of a capital stock com- 
pany, and in 1818 the Oswego starch factory was incor- 
porated under the general manufacturing laws of the State, 
T. Kingsford & Son, manufacturers. 

The site selected for the manufacturing establishment of 
this company was the western b.ink of the Oswego river, a 
short distance above the point where it empties its clear 
waters into Lake Ontario. Here was an unfailing supply 
of pure water for manufacturing purposes, and an inex- 
haustible water-power at all seasons of the year. Here 
was the thriving city of Oswego, of about twenty-five 
thousand inhabitants, on the border of the lake, po.ssessing 
rare facilities for the transportation of products to all the 
markets of the earth by water and railways. 

The growth of the business at Oswego has been won- 
derful. In 18-19 the establishment manufltctured 1,327,128 
pounds of starch ; the next five years, 15,451,404 pounds; 
the succeeding five year.?, 34,757,545 pounds ; the five 
years next succeeding, 36,109,518 pounds; and the next 
five years 52,687,478. The next seven years, which ended 
with 1876, the product was almost 107,500,000 pounds. 
The total amount produced from 1849 to 1876, inclusive, 
was 247,833,073 pounds. 

The products of the factory during the last years have 
been at the rate of 21,500,000 pounds of starch annually, 
or about thirty-five tons a day, being by far the largest 



amount ever produced by any single starch-factory in the 
world, consuming about one million bushels of Indian corn 
every year. 

To pack this immense product requires seven hundred 
thousand pounds of paper and five million feet of lumber 
for boxes. 

There were employed at the beginning sixty-five work- 
men ; the average number emjiloyed for the last five years 
has been seven hundred and thirty-four ; the largest number 
employed in any one year was ten hundred and fifty-seven. 

There were, in 1870, one hundred and ninety-five starch- 
fiictories in the United States, employing an aggregate of 
two thousand and seventy-two persons of both sexes, to 
whom nearly one million dollars were paid in wages, em- 
ploying a capital of two million seven hundred and forty- 
two thousand dollars, using materials valued at about three 
million nine hundred thou.sand dollars, and giving a total 
product worth about sis million dollars. It will be seen 
that the Oswego starch-factory employs one-third of all the 
workmen in the business. 

The dimensions of the main buildings of the Oswego 
starch-factory, in which the starch is made and packed 
(and which are constructed in the most substantial manner 
of stone, brick, and iron), are seven hundred and thirty- 
three feet front, and extend back to the Oswego river two 
hundred feet; some portions of the buildings are seven 
stories in height. Besides these edifices, there are others 
of large dimensions, such as the box-fiictory, store-bouses, 
machine-shop, carpenter-shop, and other out-buildings. 
There are twelve acres of floor and five acres of roof; also 
thirty-eight thousand panes of glass, equal to about the 
surface of an acre. 

The factories contain sis hundred and eighty-nine cisterns 
or vats, bound by over twenty-seven miles of hoop-iron, and 
containing an aggregate capacity of three million one hun- 
dred and fifty thousand gallons of water, for the purpose of 
efiectually cleansing the starch from every conceivable im- 
purity. There are forty-eight pumps, capable of raising 
eight hundred and fifty thousand gallons of water each 
hour ; six and a quarter miles of gutters for distributing 
the starch and water ; four miles of water-pipes, ranging 
from two to twenty-four inches in diameter ; and thirty- 
three miles of steam-pipes for drying the starch and heat- 
in" the works. There are also seven thousand two hundred 
and forty feet of bolting, varying in widths from two to 
twenty-four inches. 

For grinding the corn there are twenty-four pairs of burr- 
stones and six pairs of heavy iron rollers. There are five 
miles of shafting, fourteen turbine water-wheels of an aggre- 
gate of twelve hundred and twenty horse-power, and ten 
steam engines of eight hundred and forty-five horse-power, 
aggregating two thousand and sixty-five horse-power. 

There are six hundred and ninety sieves for straining 
the starch, thirteen large steam-boilers, and twenty-four 
machines for packing and weighing the starch, capable of 
packing seventy-two thousand packages a day ; seventy 
thousand packing cases can be manufactured daily ; and six 
thousand tons of coal are consumed at the works annually. 

For its own protection this establishment at Oswego has 
among its workmcMi a well-organized fire company witii over 



176 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOHK. 



four thousaiul feet of hose, three liose-carriagcs and houks 
and ladders, and for the social enjoviuent of its members ao 
elegant fireman's hall has been fitted up and furnished in 
one of the buildings. 

The Oswego stareh-factory, directly and indirectly, gives 
enipKiymcnt to thousands of persons, including men, women, 
and children. It has been the means of peopling nearly 
two entire wards of the city of Oswego, where neat and 
substantial cottages have been built and i)aid for, by the 
owners, from their earnings at the starch-factory, forming 
a po]iulation of industrious, thrifty, law-abiding citizens. 

There was a time within the present century when not a 
starch-factory was to be found in all our broad land, except 
the domestic ones in the household, where inferior starch 
was obtained for family use, mainly from potatoes. At that 
time starch was used almost exclusively for laundry ])ur- 
poses. Now it is devoted to the use of print-works, paper- 
mills, for furniture paints, eonfectionery, etc. 

Prepared corn and corn-starch, first introduced by the 
Kingsfords, are now largely employed in all kinds of 
culinary and baking operations, producing an article of diet 
of tho most wholesome and nutritious character. The 
manufacture of starch has now become one of the great 
industries of the country. 

The Oswego starch-factory is the largest of its kind in 
the world, having its agencies in all parts of the United 
States, and in many places in Great Britain, on the con- 
tinent of EurojK;, and in Australia, and its products find a 
market in every civilized country on the globe. 

The wide celebrity which Kingsford's starch has at- 
tained, and the consef|Ucnt rapid development of the busi- 
ness at Oswego, are largely attributable to the intrinsic 
merits of the product, being manufactured by tho secret 
process, which produces starcli practically, absolutely pure ; 
and not a pound of inferior or imperfect starch is ever 
allowed to leave the factory. 

It is no disi)aragement to the father to state that the 
growth and prosperity of the business at Oswego have been 
materially aide<l and promoted by the energy, mechanical 
skill, and inventive genius of the son, Thomson Kingsford, 
who is an expert draughtsman and designer, and who has 
been clasely identified with the enterprise frmn its inception. 
In his constant study to improve the methods of starch- 
making he luw originated many new manufacturing 
processes, and the fruits of his labors in this direction may 
be seen in the numerous inventions of machinery and me- 
chanical contrivances now in practical operation in the 
Oswego starch-factory, and for several of which he holds 
letters patent. 

No one can pass through the various departments of this 
mammoth manufacturing establishment, while in ope- 
ration, without being almost lost in bewilderment at the 
sight of its viLSt and complicated machinery, all moving 
with mathematical precision in the accomplishment of de- 
sired results, as if animated with a living spirit. So perfect 
in its ecjuiiiments and so admirable in its mechanical ap- 
pliances is it that there seems to be nothing lacking, which 
mechaniciil ingenuity could devise, to aid iu producing 
goods of the highest excellence and on a scale of surprising 
magnitude. 



Thomas Kingsford, the discoverer of the secret process, 
was a man of great industry and large scientific ac<|uire- 
mcnts. By his simple manners, large-hearted sympathy, 
and great benevolence, coupled with an unswerving fidelity 
to just principles in all business transactions, he won the 
esteem of all with whom he was associated. He died iu 
18C9, and it may be truly said of him he was a public 
benefactor. 

Since the decease of his father, Thomson Kingsford, who 
now alone holds tlie secret, has been the sole manager of 
the business at Oswego, and the success which has atti'ndcd 
its operations during that period proves that he jios-sesses 
great business energy and tact as well as executive ability 
of a high order. 

The nianufaeturc of starch at Oswego having been so 
well conducted, and having grown to such gigantic propor- 
tions, has also been very remunerative, and has been the 
means of placing much wealth at the disposal of the Kings- 
fords. They have not, however, hoarded their means, but, 
with characteristic generosity and benevolence, have freely 
given a helping hand to those less fortunate than them- 
selves; and there is scarcely an enterprise or institution in 
the city which has for its object the improvement of man- 
kind that has not received encouragement and material aid 
from the Kingsfords. 

The stareh-factory is not only the largest manufacturing 
establishment in Oswego County, but one of the largest iu 
the United States ; and as its products, known as " Kings- 
ford's Oswego Starch," are distributed all over the habitable 
globe, Oswego has become widely known and distinguished 
in the commercial world as being the place where Kings- 
ford's starch is manufactured. 

The history of O.swego County, written without a de- 
scription of the Oswego starch-factory, would be imperfect 
and deficient in an element of distinction which will live 
long after the present generation shall have passed away. 

OSWEGO VILLAGE AND CITY CIVIL LIST. 

VILLAGE OFFICEttS. 

1828. — President, Alvin Bronson ; Treasurer, Thomas 
AVillctt; Collector, John Howe; Clerk, Edwin W.Clarke; 
Trustees, Daniel llugunin, Jr., George Fisher, Nathaniel 
Vilas, Jr., David P. Brewster, Thcophilus S. .Morgan, Joseph 
Turner, Orlo Steele; Fire Wardens, Henry Eagle, Francis 
Hood, Thomas Ambler, William I. Kniffin. 

1829. — President, Daniel Hugunin; Treasurer, Thomas 
Willelt; Collector, John W. Turner ; Clerk, E.W.Clarke; 
Trustees, Elisha Carrington, Charles S. Phelps, Johiel 
Clarke, George Fisher, Theopliilus S. Morgan, Joseph 
Turner, Orlo Steele; Fire Wardens, same as 1828. 

1830. — President, Thcophilus S. Morgan; Treasurer, 
Samuel Ilawley; Collector, John W. Turner; Clerk, E. 
W. Clarke; Trustees, Daniel C. Van Tine, Charles S. 
Phelps, Matthew McNair, Gideon II. Woodruff, Peter D. 
Hugunin, Joseph Turner, James Sloan ; Fire Wardens, 
Thomas Ambler, James Sloan, Henry Eagle, Nathaniel 
Vilas, Jr. 

1831. — President, lOdward Bnm.son; Treasurer, David P. 
Brewster; Collector, Norman Ormsbee; Trustees, Ulysses 




^ /4C/^^l.cS¥^ 



Among the representative journalists of this county and State, 
none stood higher in the general estimation of the public than did he 
whose name heads this brief narrative. We have before us numer- 
ous sketches of his life and character, from which we glean the fol- 
lowing : 

Richard Oliphnnt was born in the city of London, on the 23d of 
January, 1801. He came to this country and took up his residence 
in the then village of Auburn when he was twelve years of age. He 
early evinced a love for the " art preservative of all arts," which he 
regarded, with professional zeal, as the most ennobling occupation, 
down to the day of his death. The first type he ever set was in 1810, 
when he commenced, like most boys in a printing-office, by setting up 
"pi," in Russell's court, Drury lane, London. The first regular 
composition he undertook was at Auburn, in 1S14, under the instruc- 
tions of Thurlow Weed. In 1S16 he commenced work for Skinner & 
Crosley, publishers of the Anbnni Gazette. In April, 1S23, Mr. OU- 
phant set the first type that ever filled a ''stick" in Syracuse. This 
was for John Dunford, who started the Onondaga Gazette, the first 
paper published in Syracuse, and employed Mr, Oliphant as printer. 
The latter did not remain long at Syracuse, for during the same year 
(1823) he started a paper at Auburn, of which he was editor and pro- 
prietor, called the Auburn Free Press. This was a good-looking 
weekly for that day, nearly as large as the Commercial Timpft, and it 
was an enthusiastic su])porter of John Quincy Adams. In 1820 Mr. 
Oliphant sold the paper to his brother Henry, and in the month of 
November of that year came to Oswego, where he continued to reside 
till his death. In an address he delivered at a supper given on Frank- 
lin's birthday, in I860, he told how he came to visit Oswego. He said : 

"As early as 1822, I made a hasty trip to this, then small, village, 
and at that time had almost as much idea of locating here as of 
planting a standard in the moon. Though then passionately devoted 
to my calling, there were other passions and other attractions that 
drew me hither. A certain young lady, who has since grown rather 
matronly, had captivated my boyish afi"ections. I was in pursuit of 
her, and as she resided some few miles east of this, my peregrinations 
took me through Oswego." 

These visits continued until 1826, when Mr. Oliphant was married 
to Miss Anna H. Jones, the lady he refers to in his Franklin supper 
address. The nuptials were solemnized in a log house in the town of 
Scriba, and he added to the above, that "the humble domicile ap- 
peared as fine in his eyes as any that now grace the cit}-," and that 
** ever since he had cherished a warm regard for log cabins." 

On the 17th of February, 1830, Mr. Oliphant issued the first num- 
ber of the Onwefjo Free Prenti, which he continued to publish till 
April 16, 1834. On the 2d day of January. 183", the Osirego Vonnty 
Whig was started by A. Jones A Co., with Richard Oliphant as editor. 



On the 9th of May Mr. Jones withdrew, and Oliphant & Ayer, for- 
merly of the Herkimer County Journal^ became proprietors. At the 
close of the year Mr. Ayer withdrew, and Mr. Oliphant continued the 
paper until September 27, 1844, which was the last of his editorial 
labors. After this time he devoted himself to the job-printing busi- 
ness, which he continued to within three or four years of his death, 
when his sons, J. H. and Richard J., relieved him of the cares of the 
office by becoming proprietors, although, down to the week before 
his death, he occasionally worked at the case, for which he used to 
say his "fingers had an itching." In 1818, Mr. Oliphant published 
the " Western Wanderer," a neatly-printed volume ; and in 1819, the 
Pha-ni.r, a monthly paper, to which he was a regular contributor. 
He also contributed to the " Oasis," a very handsomely gotten up and 
finely-printed publication, issued in 1837. 

Besides being a pungent paragraphist and good political writer, Mr. 
Oliphant possessed a fine poetic strain, and some of his poems, which 
we have seen and perused with pleasure, denote the innate beauties of 
his mind, while doing honor to his brilliant intellect and his vivid 
imagination. 

In a sketch of this kind it is impossible to enter into the various 
acts of a long and busy life, and we therefore close with the following 
apt quotation from the correspondence of one who knew Mr. Oliphant 
well, and appreciated his worth heartily : 

"Among the printers who knew him he will be long remembered 
as one whose proof-sheet was free from all errors of the heart. Peace, 
then, to the memory of a brother Tvpo, to whom death so suddenly 
put his final period. The grim tyrant of the tomb seldom, if ever, 
embraced a husband, father, or friend, with kindlier qualities of our 
humanity, than he who has suddenly been taken away. The earth- 
clods of the cold and silent grave never covered a bosom in which 
beat a nobler, more generous, and truer heart, and he will long be 
missed with regret in the circles in which he moved." 

Mr. Oliphant took a deep interest in all matters pertaining to the 
moral and intellectual, as well as in the material, progress and devel- 
opment of Oswego. Especially with regard to educational affairs is 
this true. He lived to see the growth of the present excellent system 
of public instruction, and no one man did more to bring the schools up 
to their present high standard — which is not surpassed by any in the 
State — than did he. For many years he was president of the board 
of education, and filled that office with marked ability and zeal. 

At his death, which occurred March 8, 1862, Mr. Oliphant left a 
widow and five children, all of whom are living. Of the latter, John 
n. and Richard J. are printers (the former conducting the business 
of his father), Sarah E. is the wife of George B. Powell, Martha A. 
the wife of D. M. Mead, the druggist, and R. Amelia resides with her 
mother. These are all residents of Oswego. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



177 



G. White, Walter W. White, Charles S. Phelps, Joseph 
Turner, Orial Davis, James Sloan ; Fire Wardens, John 
White, Wm. W. Van Home, Stephen L. West, Sidney 
Clarke. 

1832.— President, Matthew McNair; Treasurer, D. P. 
Brewster ; Collector, Philander Rathbone ; Clerk, E. W. 
Clarke ; Trustees, Jacob N. Bonesteel, Richard L. De Zeng, 
George W. Burt, David Harmon, Thomas Ambler, Peter 
D. Hugunin, Geo H. McWhorter ; Fire Wardens, Reuben 
G. Wellington, Jesse Bennett, Ebenezer Mason, John C. 
Ives. 

1833.— President, John Grant, Jr. ; Treasurer, D. P. 
Brewster; Collector, William H. Van Home ; Clerk, E. W. 
Clarke ; Trustees, George Fisher, Davenport Rood, Russel 
Bunce, Geo. Deming, P. D. Hugunin, Peter Sken Smith, 
Orlo Steele ; Fire Wardens, J. N. Bonesteel, W. W. White, 
Ambrose Morgan, R. G. Wellington. 

183-1. — President, John Grant, Jr. ; Treasurer, D. P. 
Brewster; Collector, Asahel Hawley; Clerk, J. I. Fort; 
Trustees, Moses P. Hatch, Dwight Herrick, Edwin C. Hart, 
Lucius B. Crocker, Cortland C. Cooper, James Lyon, John 
B. Edwards ; Fire Wardens, Samuel Crowley, John Wliite, 
James F. Crouth, R. G. Wellington. 

1835. — President, Daniel W. Cole ; Treasurer, William 
F. Allen ; Collector, Philo M. Carpenter ; Clerks, John 
Carpenter and E. W. Clarke ; Trustees, Dwight Herrick, 
U. G. White, Francis Rood, Moses P. Hatch, Edwin C. 
Hart, Joseph Grant, Orlo Steele ; Fire Wardens, John C. 
Ives, Alfred Willis, George Willis, Philander Rathbone. 

1S3G.— President, George H. McWhorter; Treasurer, 
William F. Allen; Collector, William H. Van Home; 
Clerk, E. W. Clark ; Trustees, U. G. White, D. P. Brew- 
ster, Francis Rood, Leander Babcock, Edwin C. Hart, John 
W. Turner, Henry tvitts ; Fire Wardens, Alfred Willis, 
Stephen L. West, Henry Eagle, Zeni D. Stevens. 

1837. — President, D. P. Brewster; Treasurer, Dwight 
Herrick; Collector, George L. Thomas; Clerk, E. W. Clark; 
Trustees, William F. Allen, David Harmon, Jr., William 
Lewis, Sr., Moses P. Hatch, Orris Hart, Joseph Grant, 
Lewis Davis ; Fire Wardens, Abraham A. Prall, James M. 
Crolius, Stephen L. West, Thomas Ambler. 

1838. — President, James Piatt; Treasurer, Richard L. 
Lawrence; Collector, George W. Wilson; Clerk, E. W. 
Clarke; Trustees, Thomas H. Bund, Charles McNully, 
Elisha S. Gillett, Cortland C. Cooper, Benjamin H. Wilber, 
James Lyon, James Sloan ; Fire Wardens, Henry S. Hotch- 
kiss, John Cooley, Roland P. Grossman, Martin D. Kellogg. 
1839. — President, Luther Wright; Treasurer, John 
Cooley ; Collector, Samuel Freeman ; Clerk, James Sloan ; 
Trustees, Patrick H. Hard, William Duer, W. W. White, 
Baxter Townsend, Benjamin H. Wilbor, John B. Edwards, 
R. P. Crossman ; Fire Wardens, John McNair, Jerome 
Butcher, George W. Wilson, Martin D. Kellogg. 

1840. — President, Abraham A. Prall ; Treasurer, John 
Cooley; Collector, Jam^s M. Crolius; Clerk, Chester Hull, 
Jr. ; Trustees, Thomas H. Bond, James Piatt, Leander 
Babcock, George Seeley, E. G. Hart, R. G. Wellington, 
Gideon H. Woodruff; Fire Wardens, John ^[cNair, Nich- 
olas Willis, William S. Himcs, William P. Huvey. 

1841. — President, Luther Wright; Treasurer, John 



Cooley ; Collector, Lyman Ferguson ; Clerk, Chester Hull, 
Jr. ; Trustees, R. P. Crossman, John C. Hugunin, George 
D. Ives, C. S. Phelps, Henry White, C. C. Cooper, Patrick 
H. Hard; Fire Wardens, Elijah S. Stockwell, William S. 
Himes, Henry S. Hotehkiss, Elisha Carrington. 

1842. — President, A. A. Prall; Treasurer, Simeon Bates; 
Collector, Heman Wilcox ; Clerk, David Harmon, Jr. ; 
Trustees, George Seeley, John B. Leverick, Dwight Herrick, 
James Bickford, Joseph Grant, Stephen Bentley, Sardis 
Allen; Fire Wardens, E. S. Stockwell, W. S. Himes, 
Henry S. Hotehkiss, Elisha Carrington. 

1843.— President, George H. McWhorter; Treasurer, 
Simeon Bates ; Collector, Henry Stowell ; Clerk, David 
Harmon, Jr. ; Trustees, Dwight Herrick, James Bickford, 
A. A. Prall, Daniel Lake, Jo.seph Grant, Stephen Bentley, 
Joseph Wilber ; Fire Wardens, John D. Miller, Baxter 
Townsend, E. S. Stockwell, Lyman Ferguson. 

1844. — President, James Piatt ; Treasurer, James Lyon ; 
Collector, Edwin Chase ; Clerk, Stephen Luce ; Trustees, 
Luther Pardee, Joel B. Penfield, Timothy Pitkin, P. H. 
Hard, Joseph Wilbor, R. P. Crossman, George Ames; 
Fire Wardens, Lyman Ferguson, E. S. Stockwell, Baxter 
Townsend, John N. Collins. 

1845. — President, James Piatt; Treasurer, Alfred Mix; 
Collector, Elon Lankton ; Clerk, John C. Hugunin ; Trus- 
tees, D. P. Brewster, Asa G. Talcott, James M. Crolius, 
Hiram Davis, Ziba D. Barker, Morgan R. Frost, John W. 
P. Allen ; Fire Wardens, John B. Leverick, Richard Car- 
rier, Thomas F. Crouch, Peter McCanna. 

1846. — President, James Piatt; Treasurer, Isaac S. 
Merriam ; Collector, Elon Lankton ; Clerk, ]\Iatthew Mc- 
Nair ; Trustees, James Lyon, Joseph Wilber, John C. 
Hugunin, Stephen H. Lathrop, Cyrus Carrier, Samuel B. 
Johnson, De Witt C. Littlejohn ; Fire Wardens, Thomas 
Dobie, James Burt, Jr., Baxter Townsend, Peter McCanna. 

1847. — President, D. C. Littlejohn ; Treasurer, James 
Lyon; Collector, Abram Swartz ; Clerk, Matthew McNair; 
Trustees, Samuel B. Johnson, Albert Crane, Philo Bundy, 
Charles S. Witherel, John L. Lake, Isaac L. IMerriam, 
John W. P. Allen ; Fire Wardens, Adin Allard, Daniel 
Thornton, George W. Burt, John Cooley. 

CITY OFFICI.^LS AND SUPERVISORS FRO.M TUE CITY. 

1848. — Mayor, James Piatt; Recorder, Orville J. Har- 
mon ; Clerk, John M. Casey ; City Attorney, Levi Beards- 
ley ; Treasurer, Isaac S. Merriam ; Marshal, Nehemiah 
Dodge; Aldermen, First ward, Gilbert Mollison, Hunter 
Crane ; Second ward, George S. x\lvord, John Boigeol ; 
Third ward, Stephen H. Lathrop, Robert Oliver ; Fourth 
ward, Samuel R. Taylor, William S. Malcolm; Super- 
visors, First ward, John McNair; Second ward, James 
Lyon ; Third ward, Cyrus Carrier ; Fourth ward, Simeon 
Bates. 

1849.— Mayor, De Witt C. Littlejohn; Recorder, Or- 
ville J. Harmon; Clerk, John M. Casey; Attorney, Levi 
Beardsley ; Treasurer, Wm. B. Buckhout ; Marshal, Nc- 
hemiah Dodge; Aldermen, First ward, Gilbert MoUi.son, 
James N. Hart; Second ward, George S. Alvord, Florello 
Meeker ; Third ward, S. H. Lathrop, Cyrus Carrier; Fourth 
ward, Samuel R. Taylor, T.<aac L. Merriam ; Supervisors, 



178 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTV, NKW YORK. 



First ward, John McXair ; .SocuiiiJ ward, Alviii Osborne; 
Tliird ward. Haruiltun Murray; Fourth ward, Robert 
Simpson. 

ISaO. — Mayor, Leaiider Babcock ; RccordtT, Orville J. 
Harmon; Cleric, John M. Casey; Attorney, Jolin C. 
Cliurchill ; Treasurer, Erostus 1*. Burt ; Marshal, Nehe- 
miah Dodge; Aldermen, First ward, James M. Hart, Cort- 
land C. Cooper ; Seeond ward, Florello Meeker, Willis 
Sumner; Third ward, Cyrus Carrier, Robert F. Child; 
Fourth ward, Isaac S. Merriani, Ezra M. Mead ; Super- 
visors, First ward, Joel B. Penfield ; Second ward, Fortius 
F. Parsons; Tliird ward, Joliii Thurman ; Fourth ward, 
James II. Lyon. 

1851. — Mayor, Samuel R. Beardsley ; Recorder, Orville 
J. Harmon ; Clerk, Moses P. Hatch ; Attorney, l)e Witt 
C. Bancroft; Treasurer, Norman K. Whitney; JMarshal, 
Portius F. Parsons ; Aldermen, First ward, Cortland C. 
Cooper, Geo. S. Weeks ; Second ward, Willis Sumner, 
Ileman Wilcox ; Third ward, Robert F. Chihl, Ira S. 
Dutcber ; Fourth ward, Ezra M. Mead, Albert F. Smith ; 
Supervisors, First ward, Sebastian V. Crolius ; Second 
ward, Portius F. Parsons; Third ward, Andrew Van 
Dyck ; Fourth ward, Zina D. Stevens. 

1852. — Mayor, John Thurman; Recorder, Orville Rob- 
inson; Clerk, John M. Casey ; Treasurer, Erastus P. Burt; 
Attorney, Daniel Marsh ; Marshal, Nehemiah Dodge ; Al- 
dermen, First ward, Geo. S. Weeks, Elisha II. Mack ; 
Second ward, Mcman Wilcox, John L. Pool ; Third ward, 
Ira S. Dutcber, James M. Brown ; Fourth ward, Albert 
F. Smith, Wm. 0. Hubbard ; Supervisors, First ward, J. 

B. PeuBeld ; Second ward, Henry H. Cozzens; Tliird 
ward, Abiier C. Mattoon, Alvin Osborn. 

1853. — Mayor, James D. Colver; Recorder, Orville 
Robinson, resigned in August, and John Thurman elected; 
Clerk, John M. Casey ; Attorney, John C. Ciiunliill ; 
Treasurer, Wm. H. Wiiceler; Marsha!, Nclieuiiah Dodge; 
Aldermen, Fii-st ward. Elisha U. Mack, Thomas Dobbie; 
Second ward, John L. Pool, George S. Alvord ; Third 
ward, Jas. M. Brown, Morgan L. Reynolds; Fourth ward, 
William 0. Hubbard, Ira Garrison, Jr. ; Supervisors, First 
ward, J. B. Penfield ; Second ward, Henry H. Cozzens ; 
Third ward, Abiicr C. Mattoon ; Fourth ward, Alvin 
Osborn. 

1854. — Mayor, James D. Colver; Recorder, John Thur- 
man; Clerk, John M.Casey; Trea.surer, Herbert M. Harmon, 
resigned in May, and Milton Harmon ajipointcd ; Attorney, 
Albertus Perry; Marshal, Nehemiah Dodge; Aldermen, 
First ward, Thomas Dobbie, Benj. Isaacs; Second ward, 
Geo. S. Alvord, John L. Lake; Third ward, Morgan L. 
Reynolds, James N. Brown ; Fourth ward, Justin B. Col- 
well, Ira Garrison, Jr. The latter resigned in May, and 
Win. Curtis was elected. Supervisors, First ward, Gilbert 
Mollison ; Second ward, David B. Blair; Third ward, A. 

C. Mattoon ; Fourth ward, Alvin Osborn. 

1855. — Mayor, De Witt C. Littlejohn ; Recorder, John 
Thurman ; Clerk, John M. Casey ; Attorney, Daniel H. 
Marsh ; Treasurer, Milton Harmon ; Chief of Police, Henry 
Stowell ; Aldermen, First ward, Benjamin Isaacs, George 
R. Rodgers ; Second ward, John L. Lake, Benjamin J. 
Denton; Third ward, James N. Brown, James Bickford ; 



Fourth ward, Justin B. Colwell, Hanford Colborn ; Super- 
visors, First ward, John C. Churchill ; Second ward, Por- 
tius F. Parsons ; Third ward, David Harmon ; Fourth ward, 
Roland P. Crossman. 

1S56. — Mayor, Lucius B. Crocker; Recorder, John 
Thurman ; Clerk, John M. Casey ; Treasurer, Charles N. 
Baker; Attorney, Albertus Perry ; Chief of Police, Henry 
Stowell ; Aldermen, First ward, Geo. R. Rodgers, Leander 
Babcock ; Second ward, Benj. J. Denton, Geo. Ames ; 
Third ward, James Bickford, William I. Tozer ; Fourth 
ward. Hanford Colborn, Hiram Allen; Supervisors, First 
ward, John Crolius; Second ward, Portius F. Parsons; 
Third ward, Dwight Herrick ; Fourth ward, Edwin M. 
Hill. 

1857. — Mayor, Lucius B. Crocker; Recorder, John 
Thurman; Clerk, William F. Mason; Attorney, W. T. 
Curtis; Treasurer, Iliram Perry, Jr. ; Chief of Police, Vol- 
ney Sayles; Aldermen, First ward, Ljander Babcock. Jesse 
M. O'Lcary ; Seeond ward, George Ames, John M. Barrow ; 
Third ward, William I. Tozer, James M. Crolius ; Fourth 
ward, Hiram Allen, John L. McWhorter ; Supervisors, 
First ward, John B. Leverick ; Second ward, William Tif- 
fany ; Third ward, Dwight Herrick ; Fourth ward^ Edwin 
M. Hill. 

1858. — Mayor, Lucius B.Crocker; Recorder, Orville J. 
Harmon ; Clerk, William F. Mason ; Attorney, W. T. 
Curtis; Treasurer, George Secley ; Chief of Police, Volney 
Sayles; Aldermen, First ward, Jesse M. O'Lcary, John 
E. Lee ; Second ward, John M. Barrow, George S. Alvord ; 
Third ward, James M. Crolius, Alfred B. Getty ; Fourth 
ward, John L. McWhorter, William H. Goit; Supervisors, 
First ward, Edwin Allen; Seeond ward, Volney K. Burr; 
Third ward, Dwight Herrick ; FourJi ward, Daniel L 
Couch. 

1859. — Mayor, Henry Fitzhugh ; Recorder, Orville J. 
Harmon; Clerk, Henry L. Davis; Attorney, J. A. Hatha- 
way ; Tr&isurer, Erastus G. Burt ; Chief of Police, Jamas 
Eels ; Aldermen, First ward, John E. Lee, Wm. H. Her- 
rick ; Second ward, George S. Alvord, Thomas Moore ; 
Third ward, Alfred B. Getty, Harmon S. Wilber ; Fourth 
ward, William II. Goit, John McAmbley ; Supervisors, 
First ward, Mannistcr AVorts ; Second ward, Volney K. 
Burr ; Third ward, Sobieski Burt; Fourth ward, Daniel L. 
Couch. 

ISGO. — Mayor, Henry Fitzhugh; Recorder, Orville J. 
Harmon ; Clerk, Henry L. Davis; Attorney, J. A. Hatha- 
way; Treasurer, Entstus P. Burt; Chief of Police, James 
Eels ; Aldermen, First ward, Wm. II. Herrick, Norman M. 
Andrews; Second ward, ThonKus Moore, George S. Alvord ; 
Third ward, Ilariuan L. Wilber, Geo. B. Sloan ; Fourth 
ward, John McAmbley, AVilliam II. Goit; Supervisors, 
Fii-st ward, Mannistcr Worts; Second ward, Volney K. 
Burr; Third ward, Sobieski Burt; Fourth ward, Daniel L. 
Couch. 

1861. — Mayor, Henry Fitzhugh ; Recorder, Orville J. 
Harmon; Clerk, Henry L. Davis; Attorney, Daniel H. 
Marsh; Treasurer, Enistus P. Burt; Chief of Police, Stephen 
Rcid ; Aldermen, Fii-st ward, Norman M. Andrews. Wm. 
H. Herrick ; Second ward, George S. Alvord, Charles P. 
Kellogg ; Third ward, Geo. B. Sloan, Geo. Kirk ; Fourth 







7cn^y //^l^^^^ '^a.^u^Arze^ ijt.^^z^d^. 



iMi-^i^onsr x^^iEe^iDEE. 



Mytion Par pee was born in Manheim, Herkimer 
county, New York, in 1819. His ancestors were: Joseph, 
born 16G4; married Elizabeth Yale, daughter of the first 
Thomas Yale, of New Haven, Connecticut ; John, of Nor- 
walk, Connecticut, in 1698, settled in Sharon, Connecticut, 
where he became a large landed proprietor. He was a 
lieutenant in the army. His son James buUt, in 1751, the 
brick residence in Sharon known as the " Pardee House," 
which is still (1877) standing, and occupied by his grand- 
son. Thomas, 1722; Samuel, 1746; and Luther, 1789, 
were the rest, by generations, in lineal descent. 

Myron Pardee was a pupil of the Rev. Seth F. Swift 
in the Oswego select school in 1833, and afterwards grad- 
uated from Fairfield academy, m Herkimer county, New 
York, coming to Oswego again for a permanent residence in 
1837, when he entered the service of Bronson & Crocker, 
proprietors of an extensive forwarding and commission 
house, and remained with them six years. He traveled 
for them in 1842— 13 as agent and salesman of flour and 
grain, spending both summers in Montreal and Quebec, and 
passing through the riotous Corkonians and far-downers of 
the " Long Sault Canal" with large sums of money ; the avails 
of his sales in Montreal and Quebec, often amounting to many 
thousands of dollars, were sent by him, per express, in silver 
to New York via Lake Champlain, and by stage coaches. 
In 1844 he entered into partnership with Frederick T. 
Carrington in the flouring and grain trade, Mr. Carrington 
conducting the business in Oswego, and Mr. Pardee trading 
in the west through New York, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, 
and IlUuois, engaged in the purchase of grain and in 



building vessels on Lake Erie. This continued for six years, 
and, in connection with his former travels for Bronson k, 
Crocker, gave him a large experience in the trade and com- 
merce of the lakes. From 1844 to 1850 there were no 
telegraph lines and but few railroads in these regions, 
and away from the steamboats of the lakes the traveling 
was done either by stage coach or private conveyance. 
Then the man who drove the fastest horses and rode the 
mo.st nights was rewarded by the most successful purchases. 
Mr. Pardee's business prospered, and in connection with 
Mr. Carrington he became a large holder of real estate in 
Oswego, including therein the canal and water-power of the 
west side of the river. The first large grain-elevator of 
Ojwego (known as the Ontario elevator) was built by Car- 
rington & Pardee, and Moses Merrick. 

In 1847, Mr. Pardee, at Augusta, Maine, married 
Caroline A. Webber (whose portrait accompanies his own 
at the head of this page), and in 1848 he built his present 
residence, known as " Lakeside." He has been an active 
business man. Never sought or held public office. Almost 
the only record of his early career in Oswego was his serv- 
ing as a fireman in 1834, when the first great fire swept 
away the flouring-mill on the east side. His certificate as 
a fireman (signed by John Grant, Jr., president of the 
village of Oswego) is now framed and kept by the present 
fire council, and is among the oldest certificates in existence. 

Mr. Pardee's general character for integrity and fair deal - 
ing, his public-spirited enterprise and liberality, and other 
excellent qualities of head and heart, are too well known to 
need any comment from us. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



179 



ward, William H. Goit, John McAmbley ; Supervisors, 
First ward, Mannistor Worts ; Second ward, Volney K. 
Burr ; Third ward, Sobieski Burt ; Fourth ward, Daniel S. 
Couch. 

1862. — Major, Daniel G. Fort; Recorder, Orville J. 
Harmon ; Clerk, Henry L. Davis ; Attorney, Daniel H. 
Marsh ; Treasurer, William H. Wheeler ; Chief of Police, 
Stephen Reid; Aldermen, First ward, William H. Herrick, 
Frederick B. Lathrop ; Second ward, Charles P. Kellogg, 
George S. Alvord ; Third ward, George Kirk, Robert Lip- 
pincott ; Fourth ward, John McAmbley, Charles North; 
Supervisors, First ward, Maniiister Worts; Second ward, 
Andrew Baltes, Jr. ; Third ward, Sobieski Burt; Fourth 
ward, Daniel L. Couch. 

1863.— Mayor, Lathrop A. G. B. Grant; Recorder, Or- 
ville J. Harmon; Clerk, Henry L. Davis; Attorney, Daniel 
H. Jlarsh ; Treasurer, Erastus P. Burt ; Cliief of Police, 
Rufus Hawkins ; Aldermen, First ward, Frederick B. 
Lathrop, Luke Ratigan ; Second ward, Samuel Miller, 
Orlando P. Sabin ; Third ward, Robert Lippincott, George 
Kirk ; Fourth ward, Charles North, Alonzo H. Failing ; 
Suporvi.sors, First ward, Bradley B. Burt ; Second ward, 
George W. Harman ; Third ward, Sobieski Burt ; Fourth 
ward, Daniel L. Couch. 

1864. — Mayor, Lathrop A. G. B. Grant; Recorder, 
Orville J. Harmon; Clerk, George W. Harman; Attorney, 
Charles T.' Richardson ; Treasurer, Alford S. Crolius ; 
Chief of Police, Walter Read; Aldermen, First ward, Chas. 
Parker, Luke Ratigan; Second ward, Orlando P. Sabin, S. 

F. V. Whited ; Third ward, James M. Crolius, Geo. Kirk ; 
Fourth ward, Alonzo H. Failing, Charles North ; Supervi- 
sors, First ward, Mannister Worts ; Second ward, George 
W. Harman ; Third ward, Morgan L. Marshall ; Fourth 
ward, Daniel L. Couch. 

1865. — Mayor, William H. Herrick; Recorder, Orville 
J. Harmon; Clerk, A. Delancy Brigham ; Treasurer, Alford 
S. Crolius; Attorney, Chas. T. Richardson ; Chief of Police, 
Chester Peufield; Aldermen, First ward, Charles Parker, 
Robert F. Sage; Second ward, S. F. V. Whited, John M. 
Barrow ; Third ward, James M. Crolius, Oscar E. Shepard ; 
Fourth ward, Chas. North, Alonzo H. Failing; Supervisors, 
First ward, Mannister Worts; Second ward, James A. Beck- 
with ; Third ward, Morgan L. Marshall ; Fourth ward, Daniel 
L. Couch. 

1866. — Mayor, JLaxwcll B. Richardson ; Recorder, Wm. 

G. Adkins ; Clerk, James Doyle ; Attorney, Allred B. 
Getty ; Treasurer, Alford S. Crolius ; Chief of Police, 
Rodolpus D. S. Tyler; Aldermen, First ward, Robert F. 
Sage, Charles Parker ; Second ward, John M. Barrow, S. 
F. V. Whited; Third ward, Oscar E. Shepard, Samuel 
Lippencott; Fourth ward, Alonzo H. Failing, John B. 
Edwards; Supervisors, First ward, Mannister Worts; Second 
ward, Gilbert D. Wallace; Third ward, Morgan L. Mar- 
shall ; Fourth ward, Dauiel L. Couch. 

1867. — Mayor, Simeon Bates ; Recorder, William G. 
Adkins; Clerk, Henry L. Davis; Attorney, Daniel H. 
Marsli ; Treasurer, Charles North ; Chief of Police, Na- 
thaniel A. Wright ; Aldermen, First ward, Charles Parker, 
John Joyce ; Second ward, S. F. V. Whited, Frederick E. 
Babbott; Third ward, Samuel Jiippenoott, Win. A. Rath- 



bun ; Fourth ward, John B. Edwards, Ira L. Jenkins ; 
Supervisors, First ward, Bronson Babcock ; Second ward, 
Ezra Williams ; Third ward, M. L. Marshall ; Fourth ward, 
Alvin Osborne. 

1868. — Mayor, Charles North; Recorder, Delos Gary; 
Clerk, Robert S. Kclscy ; Attorney, Daniel H. Marsh ; 
Treasurer, Joseph B. Hubbard ; Chief of Police, Nathaniel 
A. Wright; Aldermen, First ward, 0. A. Casler, Jt)hn 
Joyce; Second ward, Benjamin Doolittle, F. E. Babbott; 
Third ward, Robert Lippincott, Wm. A. Rathbun ; Fourth 
ward, James H. Murdoch, Ira L. Jenkins ; Supervisors, First 
ward, Bronson Babcock ; Second ward, Geo. W. Harman ; 
Third ward, James Bickford, Jr. ; Fourth ward, Alvin 
Osborne. 

1869. — Mayor, Alanson S. Page ; Recorder, Delos Gary ; 
Clerk, Thomas H. Wentworth; Attorney, Daniel H. Marsh ; 
Treasurer, William A. Rathbun ; Chief of Police, Nathan 
S. Lee ; Aldermen, First ward, 0. A. Casler, George Goble ; 
Second ward, Benjamin Doolittle, John Ratigan ; Third 
ward, Robert Lippincott, M. M. Wheeler; Fourth ward, 
James H. Murdoch, Charles Doolittle ; Supervisors, First 
ward, Joseph C. Pease ; Second ward, George W. Harman ; 
Third ward, James Bickford, Jr. ; Fourth ward, Alvin 
Osborne. 

1870. — Mayor, Alanson S. Page ; Recorder, Delos Gary, 
died in July, and William Lewis elected; Clerk, Thomas 
H. Wentworth ; Attorney, Daniel H. Marsh ; Treasurer, 
Sardis M. Allen ; Chief of Police, Nathan S. Lee ; Alder- 
men, First ward, George Goble, Wm. Blackwood ; Second 
ward, John Ratigan, John Edland ; Third ward, M. M. 
Wheeler, Aaron Colnon ; Fourth ward, Charles Doolittle, 
James H. Murdoch ; Supervisors, First ward, Edward M. 
Paine ; Second ward, Geo. W. Harman ; Third ward, Nor- 
man Best ; Fourth ward, Alvin Osborne. 

Charter changed, and eight wards formed. 

1871. — Mayor, Alanson S. Page; Recorder, William 
Lewis; Clerk, Thomas II. Wentworth ; Attorney, Gilbert 
E. Parsons; Treasurer, Sardis M. Allen; Aldermen, First 
ward, William Blackwood, George Goble ; Second ward, 
John Edland, Miles Kehoe ; Third ward, M. M. Wheeler, 
James Gibbs ; Fourth ward, J. C. Wellington, Walter Steb- 
bins ; Fifth ward, Aaron Colnon, Thomas Murphy ; Sixth 
ward, James H. Murdoch, Charles Doolittle ; Seventh ward, 
Wm. W. Scribner, Daniel P. Richards ; Eighth ward, Oliver 
Mitchell, Michael Keeler ; Supervisors at large, Frederick 
P. Eagle, Peter Lappin ; First and Third wards, Edward 
M. Paine ; Second and Fourth wards, Frank J. Baltes ; 
Fifth and Seventh wards, Thomas J. Dunn ; Sixth and 
Eighth wards, Henry Lewis. 

1872. — Mayor, Alanson S. Page; Recorder, William 
Lewis; Clerk, John A. Barry; Treasurer, Timothy Sulli- 
van ; Attorney, William A. Poucher ; Aldermen, First 
ward, George Goble, Charles Rhodes ; Second ward. Miles 
Kehoe, John Edland ; Third ward, Morgan M. Wheeler, 
William B. Phelps ; Fourth ward, J. C. Wellington, James 
Dowdle; Fifth ward, Thomas Murphy, Aaron Colnon ; Sixth 
ward, Charles Doolittle, Henry Quonce ; Seventh ward, Wm. 
W. Scribner, Dauiel P. Richards ; Eighth ward, Oliver Mit- 
chell, Thomas Murray; Supervisors at large, Wm. A. Rath- 
bun, Levi Beardsley ; First and Third wards, Edward M. 



180 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Paine ; Second and Fourth wards, Frank J. Bultes ; Fifth 
and Seventh wards, Thonixs J. Dunn ; Sixth and Eightli 
wards, Washington T. IL-ndersoii. 

1873. — Mayor, Albertiis Perry; llecorder, Wra. Lewis; 
Clerk, John A. Barry ; Treasurer, Joiin Dowdie ; Attor- 
ney, William A. Poucher; Aldermen, First ward, Charles 
Rhodes, George Goble ; Second ward, John E'liand, Miles 
Kehoe; Third ward, Wm. B. I'helps, M. M. Wlueler; 
Fourth ward, James Dowdie, J. C. Wellington ; Fifth 
ward, Aaron Colnon, Thomas Murj>liy; Sixth ward, Henry 
Quonce, Elisha 31. Fort; Seventh ward, Daniel P. Rich- 
ards, J. Adam Benzing ; Eighth ward, Thomas Murray, 
Francis Gokcy ; Supervisors at large, Wm. A. Rathhun, 
William H. Griggs; First and Third ward.s, Edward M. 
Paine ; Second and Fourth wards, Joseph Lee ; Fifth and 
Seventh wards, Thomas J. Dunn ; Sixth and Eiirhth 
wards, Frederick S. Smith. 

1874. — Mayor, Benj. Doolittle ; Recorder, Wm. Lewis; 
Clerk, Herbert M. Harnian ; Treasurer, John H. Oliphant; 
Attorney, John C. Cliunliill; Aldennen, Fii-st ward, Geo. 
Goble, John Parsons; Second ward. Miles Kehoe, Michael 
C. Kane; Thii-d ward, M. M. Wheeler, Wm. B. Phelps; 
Fourth ward, J. C. Wellington, James P. Tuttle ; Fifth 
ward, Thomas Murjihy, Nicholas Sands; Sixth ward, 
Elisha M. Fort, Henry Quonce ; Seventh ward, J. Adam 
Benzing, Abram Buckhout ; Eighth ward, Francis Gokey, 
P. J. Cullinan ; Supervisore at largo, Owen Sheridan, Wm. 
McChesncy ; First and Third wards, Robert Lippincott ; 
Second and Fourth wards, Joseph Lee ; Fifth and Seventh 
wards, John Clary ; Sixth and Eighth wards, Nathan M. 
Rowe. 

1875. — Mayor, Wm. A. I'oucher; Recorder, John B. 
Higgins; Clerk, Hcibert M. Harman ; Trca.surer, P. 
Pheljis; Attorney, B. F. Chase; Aldermen, First ward, John 
Pai-sons, John Navagh ; Second ward, Jlichael C. Kane, 
John Ediaud; Third ward, Wm. B. Phelps, David C. Hall; 
Fourth ward, Charles S. Newell, James P. Tuttle; Fifth 
ward, Nicholas Sands, Thomas ^lurphy ; Sixth ward, Eli- 
sha M. Fort, Henry Quonce ; Seventh ward, Abram Buck- 
liout, Frank Haven; Eighth ward, Patrick J. Cullinan, 
John K. Smith ; Supervisors at large, John Gardonier, 
William McChcsney; First and Third wards, Bronson 
Babcock ; Second and Fourth wards, John Smith, Sr. ; 
Fifth and Seventh wards, Juliii Clary; Sixth and Eighth 
wards, Nathan M. lluwe. 

1876. — Mayor, Wm. A. Poucher ; Recorder, John B. 
Higgins; Clerk, Herbert M. Harman; Treasurer, Chester 
W. McElroy ; Attorney, Albertus Perry ; Chief of Police, 
Joel A. Baker; Aldermen, First ward, John Navagh, Geo. 
W. (Jiible; Second ward, John Kdland, Patrick Hartney; 
Third ward, David C. Hall, Wm. B. Phelps; Fourth ward, 
Charles S. Newell, Nelson S. Stone ; Fifth ward, Thomas 
Murjihy, James IIenne.s,sy ; Sixth ward, Elisha JI. Fort, 
Joseph B. Hubbard; Seventh ward, Frank Haven, Chris- 
tojiher Cusick ; Eighth ward, John K. Smith, P. J. Cul- 
linan ; Supervisors at large, Washington T. Henderson, John 
Gardonier; First and Third wards, Bronson Babcock; 
Second and Fourth wards, Joseph Lee; Fifth and Seventh 
wards, John Clary ; Sixth and Eighth wards, Nathan M. 
Rowe. 



COMPLETE LIST OF OFFICIALS FOR 1877. 

Mayor, Edwin Allen; Recorder, John B. Higgins; 
Clerk, Herbert M. Harman; Trea-surer, J. B. Phelps; 
Justices of the Peace, David B. Blair, H. A. Jones, Wni. 
Lewis, J. J. White ; Attorney, G. W. Cullinan ; Chief of 
Police, Joel A. Baker ; Surveyor, Nelson J. Harris ; Har- 
bor M;»stcr, John Blackburn ; Sesiler of Weights and 
Measures, William Boekus; Constables, John Fitzgerald, 
>Iarlin Murjihy, Patrick O'Brien, Frank Burgh; Col- 
lectors, Parker 0. Wright and Henry Lewis ; Board of 
Commissioners of Public Works, George Goble, E. A. 
Van Home, J. P. Wetmore, Thomas E. O'Kcefe; Street 
Superintendent, James Navagh ; Clerk of Board, James 

A. Beckwith ; Board of Fire Commissioners, B. B. Burt, 
Thoma.s Dobbic, Edward Mitchell, David M. Gorsline ; 
Clerk, G. N. Burt. 

Board of Police Commissioners, Wardwell G. llobin.son, 
Thomas Kehoe, Thomas \l. Butler, James A. Southwiek. 
(For Board of Education .see "Schools.") Aldermen, 
First ward, George W. Goble, Edward Hendricks ; Second 
ward, Patrick Hartney, Joseph Kinney ; Third ward, Wm. 

B. I'helps, Daniel Lyons; Fourth ward, Nelson S.Stone, 
Orrin Meeker ; Fifth ward, James Ilennessy, Thomas 
Murphy ; Sixth ward, Joseph B. Hubbard, William S. 
Turner ; Seventh ward, Christopher Cusick, Abram Buck- 
hout ; Eighth ward, P. J. Cullinan, George H. Stone. 

Supervisors, First ward, John H. Staats; Second ward, 
James Rogan ; Third ward, Bronson Babcock ; Fourth 
ward, Lorenzo W. Tanner; Fifth ward, Jeremiah Brieti; 
Sixth ward, Wm. McChcsney; Seventh ward, Justin B. 
H. Jlongin ; Eighth ward, Michael Kelly. 

Li.spcctors of Election, First ward, James Martin, 
Maurice Daly, Robert Oliver; Second ward, Matthew 
Maekey, Dennis Daly, Albert N. Hagenbruck ; Third ward, 
Wni. H. Young, Peter Mackin, John O'Rafferty ; Fourth 
ward, Oscar R. Goodrich, George Vickery, Jr., George 
Wafter; Fifth ward, Roger Scofield, C. J. Baker, John 
Brophy; Sixth ward. Aerial J. Murdock, Henry Mathews, 
Patrick Glynn ; Seventh ward, William Wallace, John 
Sleight, Jr., Michael Galvin, Jr. ; Eighth ward, Timothy 
Sweeney, William Glynn, George Schaffer. 



BiOGRAPlilCAL SKETCHES. 



WILLIAM FITCH ALLEN. 

William Fitch Allen, oldest son of Abncr Harry Allen 
and Cynthia Palmer, his wife, was born in the county of 
Windham, Connecticut, July 28, 1808. His parents re- 
moved to Schenectady county in this State in the year 1814. 

In 182G he graduated at Union college, and soon 
after commenced the study of law with Hon. John C. 
Wright, and completed his studies with C. M. and E. S. 
Lee, in the city of Rochester. In August, 1829, ho was 
admitted to the bar, and in the following month began 
the practice of his profession in Oswego, in partnership 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



181 



with Hon. George Fisher, then about to take his seat 
in the Congress of the United States as the representative 
of this district, composed of Oswego, Jefferson, and St. 
Lawrence counties. Mr. Fisher retired from the practice 
of his profession in 1833, and in 1834 a partnersliip was 
formed between Mr. Allen and Hon. Abram P. Grant, 
which continued until the election of the former to the 
bench of the supreme court in 1847. He held various vil- 
lage, town, and county offices, and for several years offi- 
ciated as supreme court commissioner, and master and 
examiner in chancery. 

He served in the legislature of this State as one of the 
representatives of this county during the session of 1843 
and 1844, at the first session acting as chairman of the com- 
mittee of ways and means, and at the last as chairman of 
the judiciary committee. In April, 1845, he was appointed 
by President Polk attorney of the United States for the 
northern district of New York, which office he resigned on 
taking his seat as a justice of the supreme court in 1847. 

In May, 1847, he was elected to the office of justice of 
the supreme court, and officiated in that capacity until the 
year 1863. While thus serving on the bench he was 
placed in nomination by the convention for the office of 
governor of the State of New York, but declined the nom- 
ination, choosing to remain on the bench, which he has 
adorned by his wisdom, learning, and impartiality. In 
1863 ho was the candidate of the Democratic party for the 
office of judge of the court of appeals. In the following 
year he removed to New York city, and engaged in the 
practice of the law as counsel only, and remained in that 
city until his removal to Albany to enter upon the duties 
of the office of comptroller, to which he was elected in 
November, 1867. He was re-elected comptroller in 1869. 
He resigned that office in July, 1870, to take the office of 
associate judge of the court of appeals, to which he was 
chosen in May, 1870. His term of office will expire by 
constitutional limitation December 31, 1878. He received 
the degree of LL.D. from Hamilton college in 1857, and 
from Union college in 1864. 

Notwithstanding he has repeatedly been called by the 
favor of the people from the field of his chosen profession 
to positions of trust and confidence, both in the State and 
national government, and that he has always discharged the 
duties of the several positions to which he has been called 
with fidelity to the trust reposed in him, with honor to 
himself, and with satisfaction to the public, his future fame 
will rest more solidly, surely, upon the decisions he has ren- 
dered, upon the able and exhaustive opinions he has writ- 
ten, which evince such profound learning and great ability, 
and shed so much light upon the jurisprudence of our State 
and nation. 

In his political convictions he has always been a jiro- 
nounced Democrat, never, however, mingling in politics 
while upon the bench, although strong in his political 
convictions, and fearless in the expression of those convic- 
tions when occasion required. At the cxpiiation of his 
first term as justice of the supreme court of the fifth judi- 
cial district, in 1855, both political parties presented him as 
their choice for the same office for the succeeding term of 
eight years, and the legal profession of his district were 



unanimous in his favor, thus attesting in the highest man- 
ner possible the appreciation of his ability as a judge and 
his purity as a man. 

Future generations will regard him as the great lawyer, 
the able counselor, the wise judge, and the honest man. 



BRADLEY B. BURT. 

This well-known citizen is descended from one of the 
oldest families of New England, the genealogy of which 
he has traced with the same combined diligence and enthu- 
siasm which have made him an authority in local history, 
and to which we are so much indebted for assistance in this 
work. 

Henry Burt came from England to Roxbury, Massachu- 
setts, about 1C38 (only eighteen years after the landing of 
the Pilgrims), and his son Benjamin was one of the first 
settlers of Deerfield, in that State. The latter and his wife 
were both captured by the French and Indians, at the time 
of that event so sadly celebrated in New England history, 
the burning of Deerfield, in February, 1704. They were 
taken to Canada, ransomed, and returned in 1706. Two of 
his brothers were slain at other places by the same deadly 
foes. 

After his return he settled in Connecticut, whence his 
son, Daniel, moved to Warwick, Orange county, New York, 
in 1746. His son, also named Daniel, resided there until 
1803. James Burt, a younger brother of Daniel, Jr., was 
one of the most eminent men in the county : a Revolutionary 
soldier, an assemblyman eight years, a State senator ten, 
and a jjresidential elector and chairman of the New York 
electoral college in 1840, at the age of eighty. 

The part taken by the second Daniel Burt and his sons 
in the early settlement of Oswego is mentioned in the 
historical sketch of the city. His fifth son, George W., 
married Amelia Benedict, and their oldest child, Bradley 
Benedict Burt, was born at Oswego, November 19, 1814. 
After attending the common and select schools of the vil- 
lage, he began reading law with Fisher and Allen in 1833. 
After three years' study with that firm and its successor, 
Grant and Allen, and one year in Utica, he was admitted 
an attorney of the supreme court in July, 1837. 

Mr. Burt practiced three years in Oswego alone, and one 
year as a member of the firm of Grant, Allen & Burt. 
In 1841 he was admitted a counselor of the supreme court. 
He was also within a few years admitted to practice in all 
the degrees in the court of chancery, the United States 
circuit and district courts, and the courts of the city of 
New York. From 1841 to 1844 he practiced in Utica, 
and while there (Juno 21, 1843) married Artemisia C, 
daughter of George Noyes, of Oriskany, Oneida county, 
and sister of the late William Curtis Noyes, of New York 
city. His children by that lady are three sons and a 
daughter. In 1844 he went iuto partnership with Mr. 
Noyes, in New York, where he remained three years. He 
then returned to Oswego, where he has ever since diligently 
pursued his profession. 

In 1863, Mr. Burt served as supervisor of the First ward. 
In 1868, he took into partnership his son, George Noyes 



182 



UISTOllY or OSWEGO COLMV, NEW YORK. 



Burt, tlien just graduntcd from tlie law school of Culuuibia 
college, and the firm-name has since been B. B. & (i. N. 
Burt. In 1870 he was appointed a member of the board 
of tire eumniis.sii>ncr8 of Oswefio, drew a term of one year, 
and was made chairman. In May last he was reappointed 
for four years, and again made chairman. As has been 
stated, Mr. Burt has paid great attention to local history, 
and his leisure hours are mostly devoted to historical, anti- 
quarian, and genealogical investigations. 



ELIAS ROOT. 



Elias Root was born in Fort Ann, Washington county, 
New York, on the !!Oth day of November, 1S06. The 
rudiments of his education were aciiuired at the village 
school at Fort Ann, and snb.se(|uently he studied Latin in 
a select school, taught bv Judgo E. D. Culver. He after- 
wards entered the Rutland county grammar school, and, 
at the age of eighteen years, was appointed a cadet in. the 
I'liited States military academy at West Point. In con- 
sc(|uencc of ill health he resigned at the close of one year,, 
and commenced teaching school in Newburg, Orange count}', 
New York, and continued in this honorable vocation with 
eminent success for a period of two years, when he formed 
a copartnership with Timothy Brewster, and began busi- 
ness as a merchant in the village of Newburg. Newburg, 
however, was not suitable for a young man of limited capi- 
tal, and he resolved to seek a more favorable location. He 
finally decided on the valley of the Mohawk, and settled 
in what is now the village of Mohawk, in the county of 
Herkimer. Mr. Root seemed to be peculiarly adapted for 
large transactions, aud hi.s ambition, integrity, and unthod- 
ical business habits served well for building up a large 
trade. He established a merchandising and general for- 
warding business, and during a period of twenty-live years 
successfully managed this immense businei^, the heaviest 
of the kind in that portion of the State. He was notoidy 
a successful merchant, but his affable and courteous manners 
won hosts of friends, and, when but twenty-two years of age, 
he was elected to the office of supervisor, defeating Jlr. 
Remington, of Ilion, one of the most popular and influential 
citizens of the county. lie was appointed loan commis- 
sioner, and was also chosen to the office of school commis- 
sioner, then one of the most iinpurtant and responsible 
positions in the ccmnty. While a resident of Mohawk, he 
assisted in organizing the Mohawk Valley bank, one of the 
first banking institutions established under the State law of 
1840. lie officiated as vice-president a number of years 
while General F. E. Spinner, late treasurer of the United 
States, was cashier. In 185G, after a residence of 
twenty-four years, during which time he had ania.'«ed a 
fortune, and was ranked among the leading men of the 
county, he came to Oswego, and organized the Marine bank. 
This iiLstitution was changed to the National Marine bank 
in 18t)5. Mr. Root has officiated as president of both 
organizatiiins fnmi their incepticm to the |ire,scnt time. 

His traits of character, which rendered him popular in 
public as well as in social and business life while a resident 



of Herkimer, won for him the esteem and confidence of 
the citizens of Oswego, and in the yciir 1861 he wxs chosen 
to the assembly from the first district of (.tswegi), and the 
record of his services bears out the assertion that this 
county never was represented by a more faithful or efficient 
member. 

His devotion to the interests of the people of his county 
attracted the attention of Governor Morgan, and when in 
the following year war-committees were appointed in each 
senatorial district, for the purpo.se of securing the i)U0ta6 
for said districts, he was appoiirted chairman of the com- 
mittee in this district, and officiated in that capacity during 
the war. His record as chairman of that eimimitti'e is one 
that he may well be proud of, and we " nothing extenuate, 
nor aught set down in malice,'' when we state that if to 
one man more than another the county of Oswego was 
indebted for the success of the committee, that one was the 
subject of this sketch. 

The people, recognizing the services that he performed 
during the Rebellion, returned him to the assembly in 18C5, 
and during both terms of service he was chairman of the 
committee on banks. He was chosen a member of the 
constitutional convention in 1807, and held a eommissiou 
from President Grant for collector of customs at this port 
for a period of more than six years. 

January 14, 1830, he united in marriage with Lydia 
Noycs, a native of Newburg, Orange county. Tlicir fainily 
consisted of three children, viz. : Emcline, De Witt, and 
James N. Emcline is the wife of John R. Noyes, cashier 
of the National Marine bank. 

De Witt graduated with high honors at West Point 
military academy in 1851, and was appointed lieutenant 
in the Third Artillery, then considered the best rcgimeut 
in the service. Alter graduating he obtained a furlough, 
and while on the western tour contracted fever, and died 
within two months from the time he left the academy. 
James N. enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, entering the 
ranks of tlie Twenty- fourth Regiment as private, and was 
subse(|uently promoted to captain. He was discharged at 
the expiration of his term of service, and re-enli.sted in the 
One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Reiriment, and served with 
the gallant Sheridan in the Shenandoah valley. He re- 
sides in Oswego. Mrs. Root died October 5, 1871. March 
20, 1873, he married .'Mary A. Chalmers, a native of Onon- 
daga county, who hxs resided in this city since throe years 
of age. 

Mr. Root is a self-made man. Early in life he learned 
that the way leading to success w;is no royal road, but wiis 
open to strong hands and willing hearts. 

" Honor and faiiu< from no conilitiori rise. 
Act Weil ^'our piirt, tlu-re nil the honor lio?." 

He early established methodical business habits, and his 
energy and j)crscvcrance, coupled with integrity of char- 
acter worthy of emulation, has rendered his life a success. 
Politically he is a Hepnblicaii, and has labored earnestly to 
advance the interests of that party. He manifests a deep 
interest in religious mattei-s, and his long and active business 
career has ever been characterized by a consistent Christian 
spirit. He is a deacon in the Congregational church. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



183 




Simeon Bates is a native of Otsego county, New York, 
and was born on the banks of the Susquehanna, ten miles 
below the village of Coopcrstown, on the 15th day of March, 
1801. In the year 1816 he left his native county, and, 
coming to Oswego, located in the town of Williamstown, 
where he remained on a farm until 1824, when he removed 
to Scriba. Industry and energy have ever been prominent 
characteristics of Mr. Bates, and while residing in Scriba he 
labored assiduously on a farm during the summer, and in the 
winter months manufactured pine lumber at Salmon river. 
During his residence in this town he also taught school four 
terms, and assisted in erecting the fir.st mill in the village of 
Oswego, called the Bronson and Morgan mill. In 1835 he 
located in Oswego and opened the first lumberyard, and 
became tiie pioneer shipper of pine lumber to the eastern 
markets. He continued in the forwarding business with 
eminent .'^ucccss during a period of twenty-five years, and 
since 1850 has been connected with the City bank. 

In the month of May, 1827, he united in marriage witli 
Mary, daughter of Major Hicl Stone, of Scriba. She died 
in September, 1860, and the following year he married 
Caroline Staats, who died in June, 1877. Mr. .Bates' 
family ha.s consisted of four children, one son and three 
daughters. The son and two daughters are living. He 
has ever had the confidence of his fellow-citizens in a re- 
markable degree, and in all matters concerning the welfare 



of the public he has manifested a deep interest, and in 
charitable enterprises has not only spent time but money in 
their advancement. He is unostentatious in manner, and his 
many acts of benevolence are not that he may be known 
of men, but through the promptings of a Cliristian spirit. 
He has been a member of the First Baptist church for a 
period of forty-five years, and is an honored member of the 
church and a consistent Christian. Ho has always been re- 
garded as a friend of education, and has oflSciated as a 
member of the board of education of this city ten years, 
and is also one of the directors of the Orphan asylum, 
River.side cemetery, and Home of the Homeless. Mr. B. 
has served as supervisor of Scriba and Oswego a number 
of years, and was treasurer of the village of Oswego when 
the fees amounted to the sum of only fifteen dollars per 
year. He has held two commissions in the military, one 
of which was signed by General Jackson. 

As a citizen, Simeon Bates has ever ranked among the 
most worthy, and in both public and private life his career 
is not only stainless but h:is ever been marked with a Chris- 
tian consistency. Mr. Bates is six feet and four inches in 
height, and weighs two hundred and fifteen j)Ounds. Al- 
though he is now past the scriptural age of threescore and 
ten, and time has silvered his hair, he is straight as" an 
arrow, and is still posses.scd of much of his youthful vigor 
and ambitiuu. 



184 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



FREDERICK T. CARRINGTON. 

Tlie life of Mr. Carrington was comparatively uneventful, 
marked by few incidents, save such as occur in the life of 
every successful incrcliant and business man. lie was em- 
pliatically a " man of affairs," industrious, sagacious, en- 
terprisinj;, and public-.spirited, — early developing those 
qualities which so largely contributed to his success in after- 
life, and made him so apt in originating and prompt and { 
efficient in carrying out schemes of public improvement. 

Ho WiLS born in Clinton, Oneida county, in October, 
1802, and received his education at Hartwick academy, 
Cooperstown. Before attaining his majority he commenced 
business upon his own account, and made large and suc- 
cessful commercial transactions at Petcrboro', Madison 
county, to which place his father, Elisha Currington, had 
removed. Early in life he was married to Miss Louisa, 
daughter of Jlajor William Sliute, an officer in the army of 
the Revolution, and his wife survives him. Their eliildren 
died in infancy. At the sale of lands by the Suite in 
Oswego, in 1827, he became a jmrchascr of several parcels, 
and, in 1827 or 1828, removed to the then village of 
Oswego, and engaged in business as a hardware merchant, 
initiating, building up, and for many j'ears carrying on a 
successful trade with Canada and the west in stoves and 
other mercliandi.se. From his first investment, in 1827, 
until his death he was a large holder and owner of real 
property, having great faith in the future of Oswego, mani- 
festing sagacity and foresight in his purchases, and the 
result of his investments in real estate justified the wisdom 
of his action. About 1848 he, in partnership with Mr. 
Pardee, engaged in the manufacture of flour, and also in 
business as a produce and conmiission merchant. After 
the di.ssolution of the firm of Carrington & Pardee he as- 
sociated with himself in business Mr. William I. Preston, 
who up to that time had been a merchant in Wayne 
county. The business of Carriiigton & Preston wa.s that of 
produce and commission merchants, and in that businc.^ 
they bad an extended correspondence and did a large and 
profitable business for several years, and until Mr. Carring- 
ton retired from active commercial pursuits. Mr. Carring- 
ton was instrumental in obtaining subscriptions in New 
York and elsewhere to the capital stock of the Oswego and 
Syracuse railroad company, and in procuring the means 
for the construction of the road. A few years after the 
completion of the road he became the president of the 
company, and bringing to the conduct of its affairs the 
same tact and economy which he had exercised in the con- 
duct of his own, was enabled soon to make it a dividend- 
paying road, yielding a handsome return to the stockholders. 
He was the president of the coinjiany up to the time that 
he ellectcd a iiernianent lea.se of the road, at a good rental, 
to the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western railroad com- 
pany. 

In 1844 or 1845 he became the owner, with Mr. Par- 
dee, of the hydraulic canal, on the west side of the Oswego 
river, known as the Varick canal, and the adjacent property, 
remaining the owner of one-half of the same until his death. 

He had large views, and took an interest in all that con- 
cerned the ])ro.sjieiity of the city of his residence, contribut- 
ing liberally of his substance to advance its interests and in 



aid of its institutions, e.speciall3' those of a benevolent 
character, and his charities to the poor were large and un- 
ostentutious, his sympathies going out readily to all in want. 
In social life, with a pleasant address, he was refined, 
unselfish, and courteous, attracting to himself the warm 
friendship of the intelligent and cultivated. In his business 
life he was just and honorable in all his dealings, and had 
the respect and entire confidence of those with whom he 
was brought in contact. He died at Oswego, August 25, 
1875, and was buried near the tomb which he had just 
erected in Hivci-side cemetery. He was jiresident of thii 
cemetery association at the time of his death. 



MOSES PROUSE NEAL, 

son of James and Johanna Neal, and owner of the grand 
and substantial block which bears his name, was born in 
the parish of Moorwinstaw, count}' of Cornwall, England, 
April 22, 1828. His father was born in the same place, 
as also was his mother, whose maiden name was Pronse. 
In early life he lived with his parents on a farm, and re- 
ceived the usual education given by Farmers to their sons, 
until he reached his thirteenth year, when he was apjircn- 
ticed to William Riooks, of Chumbleigli, Devonshire, a 
merchant tailor, with whom he served the customary seven 
years before being promoted to a journeyman. Soon after 
the completion of his apprenticeship he made a study of 
cutting, and upon gaining a sufiicicnt amount of knowledge 
of the art was employed in the tailoring establishment of 
William Ration, Holsworthy, Devonshire, as a foreman. In 
the year 1853 he came to America, reaching Oswego a few 
days after the great fire which consumed nearly all the 
buildings on the east .side. A half-brother, Cajitain John 
P. Brooks, was at the time living in Scriba, and thither 
went .^Ir. Neal. While visiting he sought work, and soon 
obtained it in the store of E. Jerritt, at Scriba Corners. 
He remained with Mr. Jerritt, cutting and tailoring, one 
year, and while there was married to Miss llattie Winship, 
of Scriba. The union was a happy one, four children being 
born, of whom three survive. But the partner of his toils 
was removed by de.ith in the year IStio, just as prosperity 
began to smile upon him. In the spring of 1855 lie came 
to the city of Oswego, and found eniploynient in the tailor- 
ing establishment of David llarninri, rmiaining there six 
years. A desire to again see the laml of his birth came 
over him in 1801, and in the spring he sailed for England. 
After sj)eiidiiig several months in visiting the scenes of his 
childhood he again sailed for America, this time accompa- 
nied by his only living parent, his father, and arrived home 
in safety in October. His J'ather, though (juite aged, lived 
happily with him until death stepped in in 1874, and gath- 
ered the ripe fruit at the age of eighty-seven years. 

In November, IStil, the first year of the struggle of the 
United States, Mr. Neal commenced business for himself in 
a moderate little room in the second story of the Cozzens 
block. By attention to business and fair dealing trade in- 
creased so rapidly that he found liinisclf crami)ed for room, 
and the year following rented and occupied the store corner 
of East First and Bridge streets. After ivinaiiiiiig llieie 




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Erastus &. Jones. 



f^ffs.ERASTus G.Jones. 



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Mrs. Catharine YANRcNSSELAEft CocHifAN. 
( Cap'!' Malcolm's MoTHCFi. j 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



185 



four years he again found himself compelled to seek more 
commodious quarters, which ho did by removing to the 
Judson block just erected. In the year 1867 he was mar- 
ried to Miss Verona Gla.'.sford, of Oswego city. Four 
children blessed the union, but death invaded the peaceful 
fireside and removed one. Fortune continued her favors to 
Mr. Neal, and in the year 1871 he bought the lot on which 
the stately , magnificent block wliich beans his name now 
stands. On the site of the block stood for thirty-six years 
stone walls five feet in thickness, which were intended by 
the builder, Thcophilus Morgan, to inclose a grand hotel 
at the packet landing. In the spring of 1872 the erection 
of the new block was commenced, and notwithstanding the 
great expense and trouble attending the foundation (spiles 
had to be driven over nearly the whole surface to the amount 
of eight thousand feet) the imposing structure— a monu- 
ment to Mr. Neal's industry and perseverance — was finished 
in one year. In another part of our work can be seen an 
illustration of this fine buildin;;', wliich is not only a credit 
to Mr. Neal, l>ut an ornament to the city as well. 



WILLIAM SCHUYLER MALCOLM. 

Distinguished as this gentleman's ancestry are on his 
mother's side, they are only less so on that of his father. 
His grandfather. General William Malcolm, was descended 
from a powerful Scotch family, one of whom — Malcolm of 
Balbcadie — was created a knight-baronet by King Charles 
the Second. General IMalcolm served throughout the Revo- 
lutionary war with distinguished courage, commanding a 
regiment at the battle of White Plains, and taking part as 
a general ofiicer in many subsequent engagements. After 
the war he was during three terms a member of the State 
legislature from the city of New York. 

His son, Samuel Bayard Malcolm, was bred to the law, 
became the private secretary of President John Adams, 
and was honored with the especial friendship of that emi- 
nent patriot. His marriage with the daughter of General 
Schuyler, their residence at Utica and Stillwater, and his 
death in 1814, are mentioned in the biographj' of Mrs. 
Cochran. 

William Schuyler Malcolm was born at Utica, on the 
23d day of February, 1810, and removed to Oswego with 
his motiier and step-father in 1825. He was educated for 
a civil engineer, but preferred a nautical life, studied navi- 
gation, and at the age of nineteen went to sea. At the end 
of two years, having made voyages to Smyrna, Leghorn, 
and the West Indies, he returned home, and immediately 
went to commanding vessels on Lake Ontario. For twenty- 
three years he sailed the lakes, commanding numerous 
vessels, both .sail and steam, many of which he owned. 
Among the .ships he commanded were the steamer " Os- 
wego," the propeller " Chicago," and the steamer " United 
States," then considered the finest vessel on the lakes. 

For a short time during the " Patriot war" of 1838-39, 

Captain Malcolm acted as deputy United States marshal, 

being especially selected, on account of his knowledge of 

tiie frontier, to prevent violations of the neutrality laws. 

13 



The part he took on board the steamer " United States," 
just before the celebrated affair at " Windmill Point," has 
been mentioned in the general historj'. 

In 1842 Captain M. was married to Eliza Lawrence, 
daughter of Richard Lawrence, Esq., of Oswego. She, 
like her husband, was a zealous member of the Episcopal 
church. Mrs. M. died in 1SG5. 

Captain Malcolm was elected one of the first aldermen of 
the city of Oswego, in 1 848, but aside from that has taken 
little active part in political life. In 1854 he was ap- 
pointed an assistant engineer in the United States civil ser- 
vice, being stationed at Oswego. This position he held 
until I860. Since that time Captain M. has led a less 
active life than before, though still owning some property 
in use on the lake. 

Captain Malcolm is the father of seven children : Cath- 
arine Schuyler, wife of Ellas Bastiu-; Mary Lawrence, wife 
of Douglas Beeson, of Erie, Pa. ; Philip Schuyler Malcolm, 
Emma Malcolm, Richard Lawrence Malcolm, William S. 
Malcolm, Jr., and Anna Van Ron.sselaer Malcolm. He 
has been for many years a warden of Christ church, and 
has always manifested a deep interest in its welfare. Few 
men have lived a more active life, few men are more widely 
known along the great lakes, and very few indeed display 
more vigor under the weight of sixty-seven years. 



MRS. 



CATHARINE VAN RENSSELAER 
COCHRAN. 



This lady was not only, as is well known to all the earlier 
citizens of Oswego, a daughter of one of the most illus- 
trious patriots of the Revolution, but represented a family 
that for more than a hundred and fiftj' years exercised an 
immense influence over the colony and State of New York. 
From 1G50, when Philip Pietersen Schuyler, an enter- 
prising young gentleman from Amsterdam, made his home 
at Beverwyck (now Albany) down to 1804, when General 
Philip Schuyler, the father of our subject, sank into the 
arms of death amid the sorrow of a nation, there was no 
time when some one of that family was not an eminent 
leader of the people. 

Colonel Philip Pietersen Schuyler was a man of mark 
under the l:)st Dutch governor of New Netherland and the 
first English governors of New York. His second son, 
Colonel Peter Schuyler, was mayor of Albany for twelve 
successive years. Exercising great influence over the Six 
Nations, he led a body of Muhawks and Dutch colonists 
through the wilderness of northern New York into Canada 
the year after the destruction of Schenectady (1691), and 
inflicted heavy loss on the French in retaliation for that 
terrible massacre. He was afterwards a member, and finally 
president, of the king's provincial council, chief commLs- 
siuner of Indian affairs, and for a time acting governor of 
the province of New York. 

His younger brother. Captain John Schuyler, led an 
expedition against Canada the sameyear a.s the Schenectady 
miissacre, though then but twenty-two years old. He after- 
wards hold many important stations, both civil and military, 



18G 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



and was for ei^ht years n mcrabcr of the colonial assem- 
bly. Still anollicr brotlier, Areiit Schuyler, lociited in New 
Jersey, and fouiido*! an influcntiul family there, one of his 
sons having been the Colonel Peter Schuyler who defended 
Oswego against De Montcalm, as mentioned in the general 
history. 

The eldest son of Peter Schuyler, of Albany, Colonel 
Philip Schuyler, succeeded to his father's influence over 
both whites and Indians. For a long period he was a 
prominent member of the colonial legislature, a military 
leader, trusted to defend the colony against the French, 
and a commissioner of Indian afl'airs, who held nearly the 
same relation towards the Six Nations that was afterwards 
held by Sir William Johnson. His wife (who was also his 
cousin, being a daughter of Captain John Schuyler) was 
the subject of a book called " An American Lad}', " by the 
Scotch authoress, Mrs. Grant, — a work which is recognized 
as the pleasantest picture now extant of pre-revolutionary 
times on the Hudson. Numerous other members of this 
reniaikable family occupied positions of considerable impor- 
tance, both civil and military. 

One of the brothers of the lady just mentioned was John 
Stliuyler, Jr., at one time mayor of Albany. His eldest 
son, born in November, 1733, was Philip Schuyler, after- 
wards the distinguished American general and statesman. 
Entering the military service at the age of twenty-one, this 
Philip Schuyler was one of the most active and useful 
officers engaged in the old French war, and his services in 
Oswego County have been duly noticed in the general his- 
tory. He was one of the foremost leaders in the long civil 
opposition to British tyranny, and when his country was 
compelled to resort to arms he placed life and fortune at 
her service. Of his career as a major-general in the llcv- 
lution it would require far too much space to speak here, 
and it is too well known to make such mention necessary. 
Called to the senate of the United States after victory had 
crowi>ed our arms, he was one of the foremost members of 
that august body, and when at length he slept the sleep of 
death, five years after his friend Washington, all true Amer- 
icans mourned the loss of the patriot, the soldier, and the 
statesman. 

We have spoken at unusual length regarding the ancestry 
of Mrs. Cochran, for it is .seldom indeed in this youthful 
country that a single family presents such a long list of dis- 
tinguished members. Her own life was marked by much 
more of incident than usually falls to the lot of woman. 
Born at Albany on the 20th of February, 1781, nine 
months before the surrender of Cornwallis, she was almost 
literally rocked in the cradle of revolution. She was bap- 
tized in the Dutch Reformed church, General and Mrs. 
Washington being two of her sponsors. Her name was the 
same as that of her mother, who was a daughter of the 
distinguished family of Van Rensselaer. When only six 
months old she was the central figure of a most romantic 
yet terrifying scene. 

Though General Schuyler had withdrawn from the army, 
he was still active in the cause of his country, and the 
British and Tories were anxious to get possession of his 
person. He was aware of the fact, and a guard of six 
soldiers had been furnished him, three of whom were on 



duty at a time. Nevertheless, a bold ruffian named John 
Wallermeyer, accompanied by a gang of Tories, Canadians, 
and Indians, made the hazardous attempt. Just at twilight 
on a sultry August day the general and his family were 
collected in the front hall of his house in the suburbs of 
Albany. The three guards off duty were asleeji in the 
basement; the others were lying on the grass outride and 
not very vigilant. A servant announced that a stranger 
wished to speak with the general at the back gate. A trap 
was at once suspected, the doors were instantly barred, the 
family ran up-stairs, and the general sprang for his arms. 
Waltermeyer's gang surrounded the house, the three guards 
who were barred out fled, and the doors were soon broken in. 
The three soldiers below rushed up to the back hall where 
they had left their arms, but these had been removed by 
some of the family, and they were (juickly overpowered. 

At that moment it was discovered that the infant Catrina 
was asleep in |ts cradle in the basement. Margarita, the 
general's third daughter (then a bnive girl of twenty-two, 
afterwards the wife of the celebrated patroon. General Ste- 
phen Van Rensselaer), instantly rushed down the two 
flights of stairs, snatched up the child, and bore it to the 
upper rooms. As she fled up-stairs one of the cut-throats 
flung a tomahawk at the heroic girl. It whizzed past the 
bead of little Catrina, slightly cut the dress of Margarita, 
and was buried in the railing of the stair. A moment after 
Waltermeyer met her, but supposing her to be a servant 
allowed her to pass, exclaiming, " Hello, wench, where is 
your master'/ ' 

" Gone to alarm the town," replied the quick-witted girl. 
The general heard her, flung up a window, and called out 
at the top of his voice, — 

" Come on, my brave fellows, surround the house and 
secure the scoundrels !" A panic seized on the marauders, 
who immediately fled, cjirrying ofl" their three prisoners and 
a large fjuantity of silver plate. 

Such was Mrs. Cochran's infancy. As she grew up she 
was the friend and companioti of her father, accompanying 
him on numerous journeys, and constantly meeting the most 
distinguished society of the country, who always surrounded 
her father and her equally distinguished brother-in-law, 
Alexander Hamilton. At the age of about twenty she 
was married to Samuel Bayard Malcolm, a rising young 
lawyer, and, like herself, the child of a Revolutionary 
general. For many years the young couple resided at 
Utica, where General Schuyler had possessed a large estate. 
Four children were born to them there, two of whom died 
in their youth, the others being the well-known citizen of 
Oswego, Captain William Schuyler Malcolm, and his brother, 
Alexander Hamilton Malcolm. 

About 1812 Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm removed to Still- 
water, Saratoga county, where Mr. Malcolm died, in 1814. 
Mrs. .^lalcolm removed to Utica, where, in 1822, she mar- 
ried her cousin. Major James Cochran, a son of l>r. 
Robert Cochran, who had served with General Schuyler 
during the old French war, who married the general's 
sister, and who was surgeon-general of the American army 
during the Revolution. Major Cochran had himself been 
a member of Congress and a State senator. One daughter 
was born of this union, who died when but two years old. 



•^vU'^ 




Luther Wright was bom at Nelson, New Hampshire, 
on the 13th day of September, 1799. In the year 1806 
he came with his father to the town of Rodman, Jefierson 
county. New York, where he remained, following agricul- 
tural pursuits, until seventeen years of age, when he com- 
menced teaching school. He continued in this honorable 
vocation during a period of two years, and subsequently 
entered the employ of Mr. Jesse Smith, of Smithville, 
Jefferson oounty, one of the most extensive merchants on 
the northern frontier. He remained in the establishment 
of Mr. Smith about seven years, when he removed to 
Tompkins county. New York. He successfully conducted 
a mercantile business in that locality until 1832, and in that 
year came to Oswego, then a small village, and engaged in 
the business of milling and forwarding, which he conducted 
successfully until 1842, when the entire establishment was 
destroyed by fire. In the following year he founded the 
Luther Wright's bank, which proved to be one of the most 
successful banking institutions of that period. He has since 
been engaged in banking, and is the president of the Lake 
Ontario National bank and the Oswego City Savings bank. 
His integrity, uprightness, benevolence, and truly Christian 



spirit won the confidence of his fellow-citizens in a remark- 
able degree, and he has been chosen to many positions of 
honor and responsibility, and he has ever discharged their 
duties with credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction 
of the people. He waa one of the first subscribers to 
the stock of the Syracuse and Oswego railroad, and was 
elect«d its first treasurer ; he officiated in that capacity until 
it was merged with the Delaware and Lackawanna railroad 
company. He was also treasurer of the Lake Ontario Shore 
railroad company from its organization until ita sale to the 
Rome, Wateitown and Ogdensburgh railroad company, and 
was one of the projectors of the Oswego gas-light company, 
and the president of that company. It has been truthfully 
said, that all the public local enterprises of his day have 
felt the influence of his capital and the benefit of his 
advice. 

In 1828, Mr. Wright united in marriage with Luoinda 
Smith, who died in the city of Oswego in 1838. Two years 
afterwards he married Miss L. Bailey, a native of Adams, 
Jefferson county. New York. His present family consists 
of three children, two sons and a daughter, the wife of Mr. 
John T. Mott, of Oswego city. 



i. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



187 



In October, 1825, Major and Mrs. Cochran removed to 
Oswego, waking their home on the east side of the rivor, at 
what is now the corner of Canal and Cochran streets, but 
was then a forest, where they both resided till their death. 

During her residence in Oswego, Mrs. Cochran was a 
zealous and devoted member of Christ church, the first 
Episcopal church organized in the place, and her life was 
in full accordance with her religious professions. In the 
words of one who knew her, she was honored, beloved, and 
respected by all around her : honored for her noble family 
connection, comprising the Schuylers, the Van Rensselaers, 
the Van Cortlands, the Livingstons, and the Hamiltons ; 
beloved for her many virtues and courteous manners, re- 
spected fur her native intellect and mental culture. 

Her husband died in 1848. Blrs. Cochran survived him 
nine years, and passed away on the 'I6th day of August, 
1857, almost exactly .seventy-.seven years after the marau- 
der's tomahawk nearly blotted out her infant life. 



JOHN B. EDWxVRDS 

was born near old Tennent Church, Monmouth county. New 
Jersey, May 23, 1802. In 1807 he came with his fiither 
to the town of Lyons, Ontario county (^now Wayne), where 




he resided when Clinton inaugurated the movement for 
constructing the Erie canal. Mr. Eilwards worked one 
year as a laborer on the canal, and in the following year, 
182(1, became a sub-contractor. His energy and great 
adaptability for this kind of work attracted the attention 
of Governor Clinton, and in 1822, tlien but twenty yearg 
of age, he was appointed superintendent, and faithfully dis- 



charged the duties of that position until the year 1824, 
when lie came to Oswego for the purpose of superintending 
the construction of the Oswego Canal Company's hydraulic 
canal ; and has since been engaged largely in the construc- 
tion and care of the docks and piers in this harbor. 

The late Gerrit Smith was an extensive property-owner 
in this city, and in 1831 his foreman in the construction of 
work in the harbor di.spleased him, and upon inquiry for a 
man who combined the necessary qualifications for the 
position with honesty and integrity, he was promptly re- 
ferred to John B. Edwards, whom he at once secured, and 
from that time up to the date of his death, embracing a 
period of forty-three years, he was the trusted agent of Mr. 
Smith, and still has charge of his estate in this county. It 
is a remarkable instance, and reflects much credit upon 
both principal and agent, that during this long period not 
an unkind word or act passed between them. 

In 1826 Mr. Edwards married Lydia M. Hall, a native 
of this State. Their family consisted of four children, 
viz., two sons and two daughters, all of whom are deceased. 
Mrs. Edwards died January 20, 1856, and was buried in 
Riverside cemetery. January 5, 1858, he united in mar- 
riage with Julia M. Imlay. 

His first vote was cast for De Witt Clinton, and he 
subsequently became an anti-Mason, afterwards a Whig, 
and upon the organization of the Republican party became 
an earnest worker in its ranks, where he has since remained. 
He was an abolitionist, and pei-foruied substantial service 
for the slave element, emulating in this humane work with 
his honored and philanthropic principal and friend, whose 
life was devoted in a great degree to the unfortunate victims 
of American slavery. He has been a faithful worker in 
the interests of the village and county, and has held the 
office of supervisor of Scriba, county coroner, president of 
the village, alderman of the city, trustee of the orphan 
asylum, and upon the organization of the Gerrit Smith 
librai-y was chosen a member of the board of trustees, and 
still officiates in that capacity. He is also president of the 
Oswego County savings bank. He became a member of 
the Methodist Episcopal church in 1828, and his active 
business career has ever been measured by the scale of 
religious duty and a God-like principle. He has given 
liberally to the support of the church, and in its general 
welfare manifests a lively interest, and was lay delegate to 
the last general conference of the Methodist Episcopal 
church. He has now attained the age of seventy-five 
years, and during a residence of more than half a century 
in this city no man has won the esteem and confidence of 
the people in a greater degree. His fellow-citizens point to 
him as " an honest man, the noblest work of God." 



COL. EDWARD M. PAINE. 

This gentleman was born in England, on the 29th day 
of October, 1832. When but five years old ho was brought 
by his father, Mr. Edmund Paine, to Oswego, where the 
home of both lias ever since been. As the youth grew up to 
manhood in the frontier village, by the side of the lake and 



188 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the river, with the primeval forest not far distant, he showed 
a 8troii<; prcdilcctiun fur out-door sports, and at one time 
was considered one oftiic best in:iriv!<men in the phicc, win- 
ning suniu valuable lriiplii<-s (Vnin luiiiieruu^i rivals. 




^!S*^.- 



r -^ 




COL. KDWAUD M. I'Al.NK. 

In September, 1854, ho w;i.s nianied to Mis.s Ilannali G. 
Stewart, of Granby, by wliniu he lias bad twci ebililren. 

When the Rebellion broke out, Mr. J'aine, then tweiily- 
nino years old, was one of the very first to respond to the 
call to arms; enterinj; the .service in .\pril. 18G1, as cap- 
fain of Company B, Twcnty-fuurih New York Infantry. 
He went to the seat of war with his regiment, but was dis- 
abled by a sunstroke, and resigned in September of the same 
year. 

In .Inne, 18C2, finding himself recovered, he again en- 
tered the army, this time as captain of Company A, in 
the (Jne Hundred and Sixth New York Infantry. After 
serving through 18C2 and 18U3 (taking part in the battle 
of I^Iartiu.sburg in the latter year), he entered with his 
regiment in the spring of 1804 into the ^reat eani|iaign of 
a year's duration, wliieh ended in the crushing out of the 
rebellion. In a little over two months Captain Paine took 
part in the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cul- 
pepper, C<ild Harbor, Kclly'.s Ford, Petersburg, Hrandy 
Station, Laurel Hill, Summit Point, Weldon llailroad, 
Hanover Court-IIouse. and Monoeacy. In the latter con- 
flict he was severely wounded. On the 12lli of October 
following he w:ls discharged on account of lii.s injuries. 

No sooner were his wounds healed, however, than he was 
eager to engage once more in the fray. In March, 18G5, 
he entered the service for llie third time, being com- 
missioned as major of bis last regiment, the One Hun- 
dred and Sixth. As such, he took part in the closing 
scenes of the givat war, being present at the cajilurc of 
Petersburg and Richmond, at ihc battle of Sailor's Creek, 
and at the surrender of General Ljo. 



It is needless to say that one who so persistently sought 
the battle-field wlicnever his physical condition permitted, 
did not flinch in the presence of the foe. So strongly did 
his conduct imjjress bis superior officers that on their recom- 
mendation, although be bad been a major only a few weeks 
at the close of the conflict, he was brcvetted lieutcnant-colo- 
Dcl and cf)lonel by tjie president of the United States for 
gallant and meritorious conduct throughout the war. Col- 
onel Paine was finally mustered out July 3, 18G5. 

After his return Colonel Paine was elected in 1870 to 
represent the first and third wards of his city in the board 
of supervisors of Oswego County, and was re-elected in 
1871, 1872, and 1873. So many rc-clcctions are pretty 
good evidence that his judguicnt as a civil officer e<|ual8 
his courage as a soldier. 



DANIEL ELLSWORTH TAYLOR 

was born in the town of Granby, on the 23d of June, 
1845. At tlie age of eight years he removed with his 
parents to Niles, Cayuga county, whore he attended school 
during the winter months, and assisted his father on the 
farm each summer until September 21, 1861, when, at 
the age of sixteen, he enlisted as a private in Company H, 



'X 




\ 



Scventy-nrtli Regiment N. Y. V. Infantry, then forming at 
Auburn. He lell that cilv with his regiment the latter 
part of November, 18GI. Their destination was Fort 
PiekoMS, Santa Rosa island, Florida. While disembark- 
ing from the steamer '' Raliic," in wliieh they had taken 
passage, an accident befell Mr. Taylor, by which he came 
very near losing his life. The rebels were in possession of 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



189 



harbor-vessels with supplies or troops for the garrison, and 
they were obliged to anchor about a mile from shore. They 
were compelled to land their cargo in small boats, also 
themselves to disembark by the same means. The boat in 
which Mr. Taylor went a.shore was swamped, there being a 
high sea running at the time, and he came very near get- 
ting drowned. He remained with his regiment, and was in 
all the skirmi.shes of the first Rod River expedition. On 
the arrival of Banks' command a general assault was made 
on the rebel works. They had boon driven into their for- 
tifications, and the Union troops had taken such shelter as 
they could procure, behind logs, stumps, etc. Mr. Taylor, 
taking refuge behind a stump from the murderous fire of 
gTape and canister and shells, heard a comrade, about two 
rods away, crying for water. He left his refuge, walked 
over to his comrade, in plain sight of the rebel sharp- 
shooters, gave the wounded soldier a drink of water and 
made him as comfortable as possible, and then returned to 
his post behind the stump. As he reached for his gun a 
bullet went cru.shing through his right arm, entering at the 
elbow, passing down the forearm, and coming out at the 
wrist. Seven weeks afterwards his arm was amputated. 
He was discharged August 22, 1863, having served 
twenty -three months and one day. Several incidents 
worthy of record we could relate, showing his devotion and 
bravery, but space will allow of but one : 

At the battle of Pattersonville the Seventy-fifth Regi- 
ment was detailed and sent out through a thick growth of 
underbrush to the left of tlie main line, to observe the 
rebels and prevent them turning the left flank of the regi- 
ment. When they had marched about a quarter of a mile 
they received a deadly fire, which they returned as best they 
could. Finally, the rebels ceased firing, and the Seventy- 
fifth advanced to a ditch and formed their line. A small 
force was called for to reconnoitre. Taj'lor volunteered, 
and was sent out with others, and had proceeded about 
twenty rods, wlien a rebel could occasionally be seen skulk- 
ing in the underbrush. Each man in the squad was left to 
make his own way. Taylor and a comrade were cautiously 
going along a crooked path, when they came to a thick 
clump of bushes, and each went on cither side of it, when 
they could discern rebel uniforms through the bushes at 
the distance of about twenty feet. They both brought 
their guns to their shoulders at the same time. Taylor's 
gun missed fire, but his comrade's went off. No sooner 
liad this been done than a dozen or more guns were aimed 
at them. They immediately fell flat on their faces, and 
thus escaped unharmed, althougli the bu.shes were cut all 
around them. As soon as the rebels had emptied their 
guns they jumped up and ran back as fast as possible, and 
succeeded in joining the regiment, with one man fatidly and 
two seriou.sly wounded. 

Mr. Taylor returned fiom the war with .shattered health, 
which it took him a year to regain. After being partially 
restored he attended school at Falley and Cazenovia semi- 
naries, maintiiining himself in school by teaching winters. 
After completing his education he taught school ten years. 

In the spring of 1870 he was elected collector of the town 
of Granby. In June of the same year he was commissioned 
United States census marshal lor the town of (iranby. In 



1876 he entered the field with thirteen others as a candidate 
for county clerk. lie received the nomination on the 
seventh ballot, by a vote of one hundred and six to seventy- 
one. He was elected by a majority of three thousand and 
sixty-three, running ahead of the electoral ticket two hun- 
dred and sixty-four votes. He always took an active 
interest in pcjlitics, being a Rei)ublican from principle, and 
labored energetically for the success of his jjarty. He 
makes a capital oflicer, and is in every respect a pnmiising 
young man. 



LUCIUS B. CROCKER. 

This gentleman was born at Rensselaervilie, Albany county, 
New York, in the year 1801. He settled in Oswego city 
between the years 182,t and 1828, and entered into the 
mercantile business with Edward Bronson, and was one of 
the members of the firm of Bron.son, Marshall & Co., which 
subsequently became that of Bronson & Crocker. 




LIICIUS n. CROCKER. 

In 1831, Mr. Crocker was united in marriage with Miss 
Ann Eliza Pardee. In 1848 he was elected one of the 
original directors in the Oswego city board of trade. In 
the years 18.T6-5S he occuiiicd the position of mayor of 
the city, and fulfilled the duties of the ofliice to the general 
satisfaction of the people. 

Mr. Crocker was a shrewd and successful business man, 
whose mercantile talents were recognized by those with 
wliom he had dealings, and respected by them. He was 
courteous in manners, and of unblemished personal honor 
and integrity. After a long and useful business career he 
died at Paris, France, in June, 1869, sincerely mourned by 
a large circle of relatives, and regretted by nnnicrous friends 
and aiMjuainlances. 



I'JO 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



RKNJA.MIN nooLlTTLH. 

ISciijauiiii Poolilllc wiis born in Lenox, Madison county, 
New York, in the month of December, 1825. He attended 
the common sohnols, and there aci(uirod an cducatiun tliat 
well (|uaiifii'd him for a business career, and willimU wait- 
ing for a college course stepped out into the broad arena of 
active life. In 1S47 lu' came to Oswego, and three j'eiirs 
thereafter engaged in the hardware business, which he suc- 
cessfully managed until IStJS, when he purchased the Em- 
pire mills and elevator in the city of Oswego, and has s-inee 
given his personal attention to that business. Mr. Uoo- 
little has always manifested an interest in jiublie matters, 
and the peojilo have shown their ajipreciation of his services 
by electing him to various jiositions of influence and responsi- 
biliiy. rpon the organization of the Republican parly ho 




plurality of two thoiLsand and sixteen voles. At the pre- 
vious election Charles Kellogg, the Rejmblican candidate, 
was elected by one tlmusand four hundred and forty-lhrce 
majority. 

' Senator Dooliltle's record in the legislature is a credit to 
liim.self, and the twenty-first district may justly consider 

I itself forlunalo in being represented by so faithful and 
efficient a member. 



espoused its cause, and has since labored to advance the 
interest and usefulness of that grand organiz;ition. 

In 1858 he was chosen a member of the board of edu- 
cation of Oswego, and in the discharge of his duties so 
(ommended himself to his IcUow-citizens that ho was con- 
tinued in the board for nine years, and in 18GC was presi- 
dent of the board. He was chosen a member of the com- 
mon council of Oswego in 18l!7, and held that ])osition 
two years. In 1^111) he represented the first district of 
Oswego County in the legislature, and served on the import- 
ant committees on railroads and jiriiiting. He was a mem- 
ber of the board of police eoniinissioners of Oswego from 
187(1 to 1874, and during the last two years was president 
of the board. He was elected mayor of the city in 1874, 
and in 1875 was eli'cted Slate senator from the twenty-first 
district, defeating two opponents, Isjiac G. Jenkins (Liberal 
Republican I and Jn.>(|.h Crawfi.id ( rroliibitionist ), by a 



OltVIKLH ItORT.NSON 

has occupied a ppmiinent |ilaec in the history of Oswego 
County. lie was born on the 28th of October, ISOl.at 
Richfield, in the eimiity of Otsego, and State of New York, 
— a town then quite obscure, but which has since become 
famous as one of the fashionable w'aleriiig-places of the 
country. His parents emigrated from New England at the 
close of the Revolutionary war to the then f.ir west, and 
took up their abode in the wilds of Otsego county. His 
early years were spent amid the hard.ships and privations of 
pioneer life. The only aid he received in acipiiring an 
education was from the scanty and precarious instruction of 
the district .school. His own energy and diligence did the 
rest. But in the struggles against these adverse circum- 
stances of his youth habits of industry and self-denial were 
lorined, and a vigor of body and of mind and a strength and 
firmness of character were develo]icd, which distinguished 
liini in aficr-years and enabled him to outstrip, in the race 
for the ]irizes of life, many of his conteniporarics who had 
cnjoved tiic advantages of the academy and ihe college. 

When about twenty-one years of age, Mr. Robinson com- 
menced the study of the law in the ofliee of the late Veeder 
Greene, at Hiighton. and finished his h'gal clerkship in the 
olliec of the late Daniel (iott, at I'cunpey Hill, in the 
county of Onondaga. William H. Shankland, afterwards 
justice of the supreme court for the si.xlh judicial district 
of New York, was his fcllowstudcnl in the office of Mr. 
Gott, and many lawyera who have attained distinclion re- 
ceived their preparatory legal training about the same lime 
at I'onipey Hill. 

In 1827, at llie May term of the supreme court held in 
the city of New York, Mr. Robinson was admitted to 
practice as an attorney of that court, and in July fiillowing 
he oj)ened a law-office in what is now the village of .^Iexico 
(then a small handct), in the county of Oswego. 

On the 12lh of July, 1827, lu- was married to .Nliss 
Lucretia Greene, of Richfield, a daughter of Wardwell 
Greene, and the sister of his fii-st inslruclor in (he law. 
Mrs. Robin.son was tiorn in I'ebr\iary, 1802, in the county 
of Schoharie, ami Stale ipf New York. Her father was a 
native of Rhode Island, and a relative of Major-Genera\ 
Nathaniel Greene of Revolutionary memory. He was also 
a soldier in the war of the Revolution, was severely wounded 
in battle, and for many years received a pension from the 
United Slates government. 

It should also be slated that both of the grandfathers of 
Mr. Robinson were citizen soldiers. Roth rendered active 
service in the so-called French war of 1755, and both, as 




ji-fyn^-i^ 



H^fLIvULTOi^ lyETJKyl^JVir. 



IIamilton Murray was born in New York city in the 
year 1804, the same year, as he often used to remark, that 
fleneral Hamilton fell, and only a few months after that sad 
event. After the usual preliminary studies, he entered Yale 
College, where he spent three years with credit to his capacity 
and character, finishing his course with honor. After gradu- 
ating he prepared himself for mercantile life. Subsequently 
he embarked in business, and became a prominent merchant 
in the city of New York. His career in that capacity extended 
through a number of years, some of them the most trying, 
financially that our country has ever witnessed. Ho was in the 
course of his business life a member of various firms, involv- 
ing many associations, and giving rise to an extensive experi- 
ence. "We will not attempt to pursue his business life, for it was 
similar to that of many valued men of the same generation 
who have stood in the same lot in life. 

In 1834 he went abroad for the benefit of his health. In 
the course of his tour of thirteen months he visited England, 
Germany, France, and Italy, and returned quite restored and 
prepared to resume his usual routine of duty, for occupation 
was ever to him a necessity and a pleasure. While Mr. Murray 
was a resident of New York he devoted much time, care, and 
thought to benevolent objects. 

He was for many years a manager of the Institution for 
the Blind, and to them a devoted, intelligent, and discrimina- 
ting friend and patron. He was one of the founders of the 
Northern Dispensary in that city. He was a member of the 
board of trustees of that institution from its organization for 
more than twenty years, until he removed in 1846, and the 
records bear testimony that " to no man more than Mr. Murray 
are the inhabitants of that city indebted for the present eleva- 
ted and prosperous condition of that institution, and its wide- 
'spread and yearly increasing usefulness." To the poor, espe- 
cially the sick poor, he was ever actively benevolent. He 
also took great interest in the earlier efforts to improve public 
schools in that city, as well as in Oswego. Every one who 
knew Mr. Murray will appreciate how persistent, practicable, 
and devoted he was in whatever he took an interest. Although 



at the time of his death his connection with those institutions 
had been severed, he is still remembered and spoken of by 
those who were associated with him. 

About 1846, Mr. Murray having closed his most important 
connection with the city of New York, removed to Oswego, 
where he had become the owner of a large and valuable real 
estate. Since then, until the time of his death, he resided 
with his family at his country seat called " Greenvale," a 
place which was the work of his own hands, and which he 
named after the country seat of his father. During his resi- 
dence in Oswego he was ever active and efficient in promoting 
its material interests. He was one of the original stockholders 
and directors of the City Bank at its organization, and presi- 
dent of the same until the failure of his health in 1865, which 
compelled him to resign. He was also at one time president 
of the Agricultural Society of Oswego County, in which he 
took a deep interest ; a director of the Syracuse and Bingham- 
ton llailroad, and was active in initiating and promoting that 
work. He was likewise one of the board of trustees of the 
New York Inebriate Asylum at the organization of that in- 
stitution, and withdrew from the position after two years' 
service. 

A few years before his death, which occurred December 30, 
1866, Mr. Murray's health began to give way, and although 
every effort which medicine and travel could suggest was made 
to remove the cause and restore him to health, he gradually 
and steadily declined. 

It is not necessary to enlarge upon the character of Mr. 
Murray. He was a man of large e.vperience in the affairs of 
the world, of decided abilities, of groat courage, perseverance, 
and industry, and of marked integrity. A good citizen, a 
benevolent man, a kind friend, an admirable son, a devoted 
husband and father, his praise has been spoken by many. 
We close in the words of one who knew him : " Having known 
him for many years, having esteemed and appreciated his many 
excellent qualities, both of mind and heart, we would add our 
tribute to his memory, feeling, however, that it might be more 
worthily done by a better pen." 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



191 



captains of companies, shared in the efforts and perils of 
the American RevoKition. 

It flight be expected that the descendants of such an- 
cestors would not be deaf to the call of their country in lier 
hour of danger. Age had unfitted Mr. Robinson for the 
performance of military service in the late civil war, but 
his sympathies were with the government in all lawful 
efforts to suppress rebellion and maintain the union of the 
States, and his contributions to that end were freely given. 
His son, Colonel Ward well G. Robinson, however, under a 
call of the president for more men, closed his law-office, 
took command of the One Hundred and Eighty-fourth 
Regiment of New York Volunteers, went to the front, and 
continued in active service until his regiment was mustered 
out at the close of the war. 

In the first year of Mr. Robinson's residence in Mexico 
he was elected to the office of justice of the peace, and, in 
the succeeding year, to that of town clerk. 

In 1830 he was appointed by Governor Throop surrogate 
of Oswego County, and continued to discharge the duties 
of that office for eight years, having been re-appointed by 
Governor Marcy in 1834. 

In the years 183-1 and 1836 he represented the county 
in the assembly of the State; and, in 1837, the county 
being entitled to two members of assembly, he was elected 
as one of them. 

In the mean time his professional business had been in- 
creasing in extent and importance. He had been admitted 
to the highest grades of his profession in the State and Fed- 
eral courts, and had attained a prominent position among 
the lawyers of central New York. 

In 1811 he was appointed district attorney of the county, 
and held the office for two years. 

In 1843 he was elected to represent the newly-formed 
district, comprising the counties of Oswego and Madison, 
in the Congress of the United States, and in the same year 
he was elected supervisor of the town of Mexico. 

In 1847 he removed from Mexico to the then village, 
now city, of Oswego, where he has since resided. 

In 1853 ho was elected recorder of the city. The police 
duties connected with that office being distasteful to him, 
he resigned it during the same year. 

In 1855 he was for the fourth time elected to represent 
his district in the assembly of the State, and was chosen 
speaker of that body. 

In 1858 he was appointed by President Buchanan col- 
lector of customs for the district of Oswego ; and, after 
having discharged the responsible duties of that office ac- 
ceptably to the government and to the jiublic for two years, 
he resigned it, and has since held no official jjosition, and 
has taken no active part in political affairs. 

Mr. Robinson is now the oldest living member of the 
Oswego County bar. For the last twenty years he has not 
been actively engaged in the duties of his profession, but 
for the thirty years preceding that period he was a constant 
attendant upon the courts, representing numerous and im- 
portant interests. 

As a general lawyer he stood high. Those who sought 
advice at his chambers found him a wise and prudent coun- 
selor. But ills professional success was more especially due 



to the skill and ability which he evinced in the trial of 
causes at nisi jviiis. His addresses to the jury, though 
quite devoid of rhetorical embelli.shnients, were clear, forci- 
ble, and persuasive, and the earnestness with whicii they 
were delivered, united with the respect entertained for the 
speaker, made them very effective. 

The numerous and important official positions held by 
Mr. Robinson, both by election and appointment, suffi- 
ciently attest the respect and confidence with which he has 
been regarded by his fellow-citizens ; and when we consider 
that every trust committed to his care, whether public or 
private, has been intelligently, faithfully, and honestly di.s- 
charged, and that he has been enabled to spend his de- 
clining years in dignified retirement, free from the cares 
and anxieties of business, and in the enjoyment of the un- 
diminished confidence and respect of all who know him, we 
must pronounce his a useful and a succes.sful life. 



MRS. LUCRETIA ROBINSON 

died April 21, 1876, in the seventy-fourth year of her age. 
She was the mother of four children, — three sons and one 
daughter, — two of whom survive her. 

As a wife, mother, neighbor, and friend, she performed 
all her duties and obligations with a scrupulous regard to 
the right, and with a personal unselfishness rarely met 
with. She sympathized with the poor and afflicted, and, 
as far as in her power, relieved their wants. She encour- 
aged the weak, comforted the sorrowful, and animated the 
weary. Her religious belief was the result of a logical 
mind devoted to the acquisition of knowledge, and ani- 
mated with a strong desire to solve the mysteries and 
problems of creation. Her investigation and reflection led 
her to results at variance with her early religious impres- 
sions and opinions. To do good was the religion of her 
mature years. She believed in one Supreme Power unde- 
finablc and incomprehensible. She not only believed that 
the universe was governed by unchangeable law, but that 
physical and moral actions were subject to the same rule, — 
that every act, whether for good or evil, is unerringly 
visited by its appropriate consequences. She believed in 
the progressive development of all animated nature from a 
lower to a higher condition, and that man and the spirit 
was the ultimate result of such development. She believed 
in the immortality of the life of every animated thing, and 
that change was written upon all things, annihilation upon 
none. She believed in the individual, conscious immortal- 
ity of man ; that the Creator has made no mistakes ; and 
that man alone of all animated nature desires to live here- 
after, and if that desire was not to be gratified it would not 
have been implanted in iiis breast. 

So believing. Death was to her a welcome and kind mes- 
senger to relieve her from lier material body which had 
served her for so many years and had perf'urmed the object of 
its organization. For her Death threw open the dour that 
she might enter upon a new state of eternally-cdiitiinK d 
progressive existence. 



192 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



>IILITAi:V KKlJUllL) OF OSWEGO CITV. 



Patrick Farrcll, private, 147th Regt. Ealialcil Sept., 1802. 

JuiniD O'Cuniior, priv. Enliplid May, ISCl ; re-inlM July 20, 1803. 

William Jenkins, private, UOtli Ki'gt. EnlieteJ July, ISO:). 

t'liarUrs HiU-y, private. Ma^s. Kegt. 

Olivur I'ulliii, private, 16th Cav. Kniitteil Dec. 28, 1803. 

JuKvph Allen, private, ICth Cav. EnliBlcl Jaii. &, 180J. 

John O'ISrien, private, 21th N. Y. Cav. Euliated Dec., 1S03. 

Anthony (irilBn, private, 117th Kegt. Eulisled .Sept., 1802; pro. to 

serg't; woun.Kil at Cold llnrhur; di?. April 9, 1883. 
Edward A. Davi^. private, 81st. Enlisted .\ug., 1801 ; rc-eDl'd twice; 

all through war. 
Williniu I. (iillctt, let serg't, 117th Kegt. Pro. to licut. and caplain, 

ISO I. 
Owen Ilendcrfon, private, ISJth Kegt. 
John l)urn», private, 50th N. Y. Eng. Enlisted 1804. 
Wni. 11. AlcMillen, private, 4th N. Y. Jl. Art. Enlisted Oct. R, 1801 ; 

ili.><. May, 1863, for disab. 
Rol.crt McMillcn, private, N. Y. Vet. Cav. Enl'd Aug. 1, 1803. 
David MeMillen. Enli.'ted Oct., 1861 : re-enl'd Nov., 1803, in N. Y. 

Vet. Cav. 
Franein MeElroy. Enlisted Nov., IS61 ; (J. M. Serg't in 4th N. Y. 

II. Art. 
Charles Van Villiey, private, 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; pro. 

to serg't ; wounded at llntehcr's Kun. 
George II. Peckhiun, iirivate. fitli H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1803. 
Joseph Wilson, private, 193d Kegt. Enl'd Feb. 28, 1S65. 
John Wilson, private, rj3d Kegt. Enl'd Feb. 28, 1865. 
Daviil Wilson, private, 147th Kegt. Enl'd Jan. 1, 1864. 
Alexander Penlield, jirivate, 24lh N. Y'. Enl'd April, 1861 ; served 

out tiuio; reenl'd; served out time in 147th Kegt. 
Pylvester R. Town, capt.. 184lh Kegt. Enl'd Aug., 1864. 
Kichard .S. Town, private, Islth Kegt. Enid Aug., 1864 ; pro. serg't. 
John J. Town, (irivBle. lS4lh Kegt. Enl'd Aug., 1864. 
James B. Penlield, Jirivate, 24th X. Y'. Vol. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; w'd 

at Cold Harbor. 
Mark Jebro.'privale, llflth Kegt. Enl'd IS63; w'd at Port Hudson. 
James Norman, private, 2ltt N. Y. Bat. Enl'd Sept., 1862. 
Neil Blackwood, private, 15th N. Y. Cav. Enl'd Aug., 1863. 
Wm. Illackwood, private, ISlth N. Y'. Enlisted Oct., 1864 ; w'd at 

Cedar Creek. 
Frederick Rathbun, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enl'd Jan., 1804. 
George Brown, jirivale, 16th Kegt. Enl'd Jan., 1865. 
James A. Doolittle, 1st lieut., Slst N. Y'. Enl'd Oct., 1801 ; trans, to 

brass band .Jan.. 1802. 
Parker O. Wright, private. 24th N. Y. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; lost an arm 

ul battle 2d Hull Hun. 
Frederick Turrill, private. Enl'd Aug., 1804; promoted 2d lieut., 

1804, in 184th Kegt.; aid to lien. Carr. 
John W. Denehfield, private, 110th N. Y. Enl'd Aug., 1862; pro. 1st 

serg't., April, 1801. 
George Richardson, Ist serg't, 2d III. L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1802 ; Deo. 
21 jiro. to 2d licut.; then Ist lieut.; was in fourteen battles with 
Sherman, from Tenn. to Georgia; pro. fur bravery on field. 
James Eggleston, private, navy. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
James Lyon, 1st licut., 1st N. Y. Cav. Enlisted March, 1862; pro. 

captain ; aid to Gen. Hatch. 
Fred. Walker, private, 12lh N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
Jules Deit7., private, I47lh Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1803. 
Henry Knapp, private, 24th Cav. Enlistcii Jan., 1804. 
Jared A. Smith, captain, Keg. .\rmy. 

Nathaniel A Wright, private, 2llh N. Y. Enlisted April. |si',l ; ,,ro. 
Ist serg't June, 1861; re-eul'd 147lli Kegt.; made capt. Sept. 23, 
I8C2; w'd at Gettysburg. 
John Chase, Corp., 24lh N. Y. Enl'd April, '61 ; pro. serg't Sept., '02. 
Harney Riley, private. 9th 11. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1803. 
Owen Kiley, corp., 1 17th Kcgl. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
Charles T. Rioliardsun, lieut.. 24th N. Y. Vol. Enlisted May, 1801. 
Delos Gary, capt., 1 17th Vol. Enl'd Sept., 1802 ; w'd at Gettysburg. 
Harvey D. Talcott. adj't, 1 lOlh Kegt. Enlisted July, 1802; resigne.l 

on account of sickness. 
Wm. Proud, Corp., 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1804. 



James McFay, private, 147th Kegt. 

William Pradt, private, 1 17th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1802. 

W. H. Pradt, private, 147th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1802. 

Hiram Bundy, private, N. Y. Art. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 

Chas. W. Vorse, private, 11th l'. S. Inf. Enlisted March, 18C5. 

Harris 0. Wilco.\, private, 184th Kegt. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1864. 

William M. Fuirtile, private. 181th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1804. 

Donte Pero, private, 9th N. Y. H. Art. Enlisted Jan. 10, 1804. 

Richard Maloney, private, Co. H, 16th U. S. Inf. 

James McKinney, private, 81st N. Y. Enlisted Jan., 1862, 

John Alahoney, jirivute, 16th U. S, Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1864. 

James E. Goble, private, 193d N. Y. Enlisted Jan., 1865. 

John Blackburn, navy. 

Joseph Shalkenback. captiin, 21th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Nov., 1863. 

Ernest .Shalkenback, drummer, 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

John G. .\llen, capt., 21th N. Y. Cav. Enl'd Jan., 1864, and resigned. 

Hugh Fitzsiuimons. private, 21st N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1863. 

Niel Illackwood, Jr.. private, I2th N. Y. Cav. Enl'd Aug. 15, 1802. 

Smith M. Thompson, private, regular army. 

Patrick Slatterly, lieut., 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1862; promoted 
captain, Jan., 1863; wounded at Gettysburg; discharged. 

John Fairman, (irivate, 24lh N. Y. Cav. Enlisted March 21, 1863; 
died in service at Petersburg, 1864, 

Edward Larrabie, private, I5th Cav, Enlisted June, 1803: died or 
killed at Petersburg. 

John Wetherby, Corp., 147th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1802; died 
from wounds received in service at Salisbury river. 

Alexander Dolferty, private, 25th N. Y. Vols. Enl'd Apr. 20, 1801 ; 
died from disease, May, 1865. 

Chas. Elilridge, private, 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died in 
service at Belle Isl.ind, Feb., 1804. 

Michael Jordan, private, 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1802; killed 
at Gettysburg, July 3, 1803. 

Peter Plant, private, llUth Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1802; died from 
wounds at Washington, .Aug., 1803. 

Jas. C. Cooper, private, 2llh N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Oct., 1801; died 

from disease at tJswego, Feb., 1863. 
John Eumpry, private, 147th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 

Francis Brown, private, 16tli U. S. Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1863. 

Wm. L. Yecklcy, lieut., 24th X. Y. Enlisted in 1801, and re-enlisted 

captain 193d, Co. I; served out time. 
John A. Y'eckley, sergeant, 24th X. Y'. Enlisted in 1861. 
John Hilibard, private, I47th Kegt. 
Joseph J. Bclanger, jirivatc, 15th N. Y. Cav. 
Ed.v Malclt, private, 81st Kegt. 
Frank Levy, jirivate, lUth Cav. 
Peter Levy, jirivate, 16th Cav. 
Peter .Anderson, jirivate: regiment not known. 
John Roxbury, jirivate. Died .Apr., 1865, at St. Louis. 
.Tosejih Budict, jirivate. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 
Michael .Meagher, private; regiment nut known. 
James 'ruiiia, private, 181st Kegt. Enlisted Sejil., 1803. 
Will. E. .Ayers, jirivate; regiment not known. 
Antoiiio Dilerm, jirivate, 24tli Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1861. 
lleury Polctt, private. Kith N. Y. Regt. Enlisted Feb., 1864. 
Johnson Smith, jirivate, 24th Cav. 
James Smith, jirivate, 2l>lh Cav. 

John llourigan, jirivate, 81st N. Y. Vols. Enlisted in 1862. 
James .McCormick, jirivate, 81st N. Y. Vuls. 
Jerry Hourigan, private, 21st X. Y. Battery. 
Patrick Hourigan, jirivate, 21st N. Y. Battery. 
Charles Chceiiey, Jirivate, M7th Kegt. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1863. 
Frederick Bateiniin, jirivate, 81st Regt. Enlisted 1862. 
Kilgene Lafayette, jirivate, 193d Kegt. 

Dennis Shauilian, [irivate, 5tl|h \. Y. Eng. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 
Josejih llickey, jirivate, 24lll Cav. 

John G. Claus, jirivate, 147th Kegt. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 
Joseph Lavick, jirivate, 24tli Cav. Enlisted Jan. 2, 1864. 
Archibald II. Preston, captain, 24th Kegt. Ke-enlisted Jan. 2, 1864 ; 

cajitain in 193d Kegt.; honorably dischargeil. 
Thomas Cole, private, 124lh Kegt. Enlisted 1864. 
Henry C. Jacobs, private, Co. H, llOtli Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
Wm. Bums, jirivnte, lOtli Regulars. Enlisted Jan., 1864. 
John .Mai'inloch. lieutenanl, 81st Kegt. Ke-enlisted Sept 27, 1803; 
eajilaili, I 17lh Regt. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



193 



Loon Anderson, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1863. 

Tliomas Pierce, private, Co. K, fCtli N. Y. Vuls. Knl'd Oct., 1864. 

Jdlin Byron, private, Slst Regt. Honorably di.«cliargeil. 

James Doyle, captain, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Ogdcn ISlouinficld, private. 

John W. Fish, cajitain, 193d Regt. 

Patrick Gary, lieut., 24th Regt. Enlisted 1862. 

Charles F. Lewis, orderly, 24th Regt. Served out his time; re-enl'd 
193d Regt., lieutenant. 

Qustavus Robinson, sergeant, 15th N. Y. Cav. 

John Davison, private, tilth Regt. 

John Halloran, private. 

Jaraes Taylor, sergeant, 147th Regt. 

Wni. E. Miller, private, Slst Regt. 

James Scruton, private, 6th N. \. 

Benson Shar]i, corporal, Co. D, 184th Regt. 

Kicrson Sharp, private, Co. D, ISlth Regt. 

Wallace W. Dean, private. 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1863 : pro- 
moted to corporal April, ISe.'i. 

Myron D. Dean, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Fob. 11, 1865. 

Chas. B. ILiyes, private, 181st Regt. Enliste.l Marcli, 1864. 

Ed. Snyder, sergeant, ISlth Regt. Enlisted Aug. IS, 1S64. 

Asel Jackson, private, 26th N. Y. Enlisted 1864. 

John Welch, private, 24th N. Y. 

Chas. C. Gibson, sergeant, 21st N. Y. Battery. Enlisted 1S62. 

John Harrington, private, 147th. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Thos. McGuire, private, lS4th. Enlisted Aug., 1S64. 

Alonzo Seeley, private, ICth U. S. Inf. Enlisted 1863. 

John Alkin, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1861. 

Peter Moran, sergeant, 110th N, Y. Enlisted Aug., IS63. 

Robert Study, corporal, 16th U. S. Inf. Eulisted Nov., 1863. 

Lewis Cutway, private, ISlth Regt. 

Charles Derosier, private, 9th N. Y. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864. 

Had. Barterne, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

Peter Barterne, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

James McGinn, private, 110th N. \. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Henry J. Mcratt, private, 9th N. Y. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Lewis Young, private, Slst N. Y. Enlisted Jan., 1864. 

John Danger, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1S64. 

Thos. Danger, musician, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1864. 

Martin Holleiisbeck, private, 110th N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Augustus Ilagenbach, private, Slst N. Y. Re-enl'd 12th N. Y. Art. 

William Ormsby, private, 21th N. Y. Re-enlisted March, 1S64. 

John Hamlin, private, 21st N. Y. Eulisted 1864. 

William Adams, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Robert Gittens, Jr., private, 110th N. Y. ; promoted twice. 

Leonard Hines, musician, 24th N. Y. Enlisted July, 1861. 

Augustus Berry, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1864. 

Henry Lcroy, private, Slst N. Y. Enlisted March, 1864. 

John MeMartin, private, 16th U. S. Inf. 

William Ormsbery, private, 110th N. Y. 

John Featberstone, private, 147tb N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

William Featberstone, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Charles Demon, private, Slst N. Y. Re-enl'd 16th U. S. Inf. 

Robert Dor.-i, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1S62. 

Joseph Gregwire, sergeant, Slst N. Y. Killed at Oold Harbor, 'Va. 

Henry H. Street, private, 110th N. Y. Died New Orleans Hospital. 

John Hamlin, private, Slst N. Y. Killed at Fair Oaks, Va. 

David Nichols, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Joseph Gadwood, private, 16th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted May, 1863. 

Prank Gadwood, private, 23d Mich. Eulisted August, 1863. 

Ale.vander Gadwood, private, 14th U. S. Inf. Enlistetl October, 1863. 

Lucius Culver, private, 1st N. Y. Art. Enlisted March, 1864. 

George B. Seoville, musician, 16tb V, S. Inf. 

William Schokensy, sergeant, 110th New York. 

Charles Cliff, i.rivate, ISlth N. Y. Enlisted August, 1864. 

AVilliam 0. Culver, private, 19th N. Y. Enlisted April, IS61. 

Frank Virginia, private, 147tb N. Y. Killed at Gettysburg. 

John I!. Audlin, private, 147th N. Y. In nine battles. 

.lohn H. Collins, captain's gig, U. S. Navy. 

Charles Goodwin, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted August, 1S62. 

Samuel Houstcm, cook, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1864. 

Peter W. Garvin, private, 193d N. Y. Enlisted .lunuary, 1865. 

William Turner, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Francis McGill, privat*, Slst N. Y. Eulisted October, 1862. 



Jaraca R. Kent, private, Slst N. Y. Re-enl'd 1864. 

John Thompson, private, N. Y. Cav. Prisoner at Andorsonville. 

Henry Thompson, private, December, 1863. 

Jeremiah Thompson, private, December, 1S63. 

Albert Jackson, private, 26th N. Y. Enlisted January, 1863. 

Robert Kent, ])rivate, Slst N. Y. Wounded at Fair Oaks. 

Peter Welch, private, 20th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1863; died 

January, 1865. 
Lewis Merion, private, 35th N. Y. Enlisted April, 1861. 
George L. Leno.\, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted September, 1862. 
Richard Dorsey, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Jan. 15, 1864. 
Albert D. Aycrs, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted February, 1864. 
Hiram Wiley, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted 1S64. 
Anthony Deno, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted December, 1863. 
Joseph Topaw, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted January, 1864. 
John Ryon, private, S4th New Y'ork. Enlisted September, 1864. 
Napoleon Merion, private, 9th New York Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 
John Ford, private, 5th N. Y. V. Killed at Yorktown. 
Charles Dyer, private. Enlisted July 27, 1S64. 
John W. Benton, sergeant, 15th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Feb., 1861. 
James Lilly, musician, 16th U. S. Inf. 

Edward Gallagher, private, 110th N. Y. Enlisted Aug , 1862. 
Noble T. Barnes, private, ISlth N. Y. Enlisted August, 1864. 
John Marsh, private, 110th N. Y. Enlisteil August, 1862. 
Warren Barnes, private, 2d N. Y. Art. Enlisted August, 1864. 
Lewis T. Tellers, private, UOtb N. Y. 
John Fenton, private, Slst N. Y. Enlisted August, 1862. 
William McGaB'rey, private, 5th N. Y. Art. 

Benton C. Barnes, private, 24th N. Y'. Re-enl'd Sept., 1S63; lost a leg. 
Francis Ricard, private. 16th U. S. Inf. 
Michael Mahonoy, drummer, 16th U. S. Inf. 
Edward Hughes, musician, 16th U. S. Inf. 
Theophilus Byron, private, 5th N. Y. Cav. 
Gilbert Kerlin, private, 184th N. Y'. Enlisted Scjit., 1S64. 
Joseph Jones, private. Slst N. Y. Enlisted 1861. 
James Kecuan, private, 16th U. S. Inf. 
Levi Fish, private, 16th U. S. Inf. 

Joseph Coppernall, private, llOih N. Y. Enlisted 1863. 
James II. Eastwood, sergeant, 21th N. Y. Cav. Died in hospital. 
Loren Barnes, private, Slst N. Y. Enlisted 1861. 
Andrew Dennis, private, 24th N. Y'. Cav. Killed at Gettysburg. 
Joseph Pirchey, private, 16th U. S. Inf. 
Henry L. Wallace, private, llOth N. Y. Enlisted 1862. 
Thomas McGann, private, 184th. Enlisted August, 1864. 
Thomas Conway, private, 147th N. Y. 
Michael O'llara, private; Navy. 
John O'Hara, private. Navy. 

Albert G. Hitchcock, private, 14th N. Y. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1862. 
David Shay, private, Slst N. Y. Enlisted 1861. 
Charles O'Connor, private, 77th Penn. Eulisted Dec, 1861. 
William Boyee, private, 147th N. Y'. Pro. to lieut.; in twenty-four 

regular battles. 
George W. IMillcr, private. 
John P. Miller, sergeant, 12th N. Y. Cav. 
Augustus Ambreeh, sergeant, 1st U. S. Art. 
John A. Judson, appointed A. A. A. Gen., 1st Brig., 1st Div., 1st 

Army Corps. Enlisted March, 1862. 
Thos. Moore, Jr., 1st sergt., Co. I, llOth N. Y. Enlisted August, 

1862; promoted 2d lieut. August, 1863; promoted to 1st lieut. 

May, 1864; disciiarged with regiment. 
Patrick McDonald, private, 110th New York. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
George W. Hammond, sergeant, 16tli United States Infantry. 
Henry Morgan, private, 16th U. S. Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1861. 
William Finnesey, private, 24th N. Y. C. Enlisted January, 1861. 
James G. Foot, private, Slst N. Y. Promoted three times; re-cni'd. 
John Foot, private, 61th New York. Enlisted 1863. 
John Sampson, private, 147th New York. Enlisted .\ugust, 1863. 
John Warner, private, 147th New York. 
John Driscoll, private, 16th United States Infantry. 
George Sylvester, corporal, 24th New York. Enlisted 1862. 
Benjamin Peterson, private, 20th New York Cav. Enl'd March, 1864. 
Andrew Coan, private, 147th New York. Enlisted September, 1S62. 
Oliver Leroy, private. 147th New York. Enlisted September, 1862. 
Patrick Welch, private, 21th New York. Enlisted June, 1861. 
•lames Naven, pri\'ate, 21th New York. Enlisted June, 1861. 



194 



IHSTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW Y015K. 



Tbos. Kenjon, prirato, 21tb New York. EDliatod Juno, 1861. 

Patrick Dcamond, priralo, 12tli \. Y. Car. EnlM AuguJt 5, 1862. 

Jiilin Lai'crn. corporal, I47ib New York. EnlislcJ Soptombcr, 18li2. 

Charli-it Uaymond, private, lOtb I'nitcd States Inriintry. 

Charles Lcvere, private, 16th United Slates Infantry. 

Edward (lardncr, sergeant, 86tb New York. l(e-enlisted. 

Francis Lyttlc. private. Enjjineer Corps. 

l!enry Finn, private, 24tb Cavalry. Enliiited Deeeinhor, 1863. 

George -Malott, private, 16th I'niled Stales Inf. Enl'd Dec., 1863. 

Francis Malott, .Ir., private, lAtb I'nited States Infantry. 

Jauieii Cluney, private, 24th New York Cnv. Enl'd December, *63, 

John Steele, private, 184th New York. Enlisted September, 1864. 

Oscar Knight, private, 20lh New York Cav. Enl'd September, '63. 

Elmer Knight, private, 20th .New York Cav. Enl'd Siptember, '63. 

John Kelley, private. 2d N. Y. II. .\rl. Enlisted January. 1864. 

David C. Tracey, private, 2Ut N. Y. Art. Enlii^ted October, 1862. 

Wm. L. Cornwell, private, 12th New York Cav. Promoted to sergt. 

James II. Tracey, private. IlOlh New York. Enlisted July, 1SC2. 

Kiehanl Emmons, private, 147lh New York. Enl'd August, 1862. 

William .Moore, Jr., sergt., 81st Now York. Copt. 20th N. Y. Colored 
Infantry. 

John II. McDowell, private, 184lh New York. Enl'd Sept. 4, 1864. 

Frank Leroy, private, 16tb Unitc'd Slates Infantry. 

John Leroy, Jr., private, 16tb United States Infantry. 

John Newton, Jr., private, Slst New York. AVounded at Fair Oaks. 

John llattigan. 1st lieutenant, 24tb New York. Promoted to captain. 

Edward Gaines, sergeant, 184th New York. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 

Peter Dowdle, private, 184th New York. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Thomas Karson, j>rivatc. 

Charles O'llura, private. 

Morris Derosia, private, ICth United Slates Infantry. 

James Duriint. private, 1171b New York. Enl'd September, 1862. 

Edwunl Hums, private, llith United Slates Inf. Enid Ajiril, 1 S64. 

Samuel N. Story, private, lOtb United .'States Infantry. 

Harvey N. Story, private, 16lh United Stales Infantry. 

William Dencber. private, 161b I'niled States Infantry, 

Cor. S. Gerow, private, 16tb United Slates Infantry. 

Cbauncey E. Vaughn, private, ISItb New York. 

Charles liosworlh, ])rivute, 24lh New York Cav. Enlisted 186.1. 

Erlwin Antb.iny. private, 184tb New York. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

JclTerson Goodman, corporal, I84lh New York. Enl'd Sept., 1864. 

Tbos. O'.Mc-eley. private, 14th United States Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1801. 

James II. Yeo, .Jr., private, 13.ld New York. 

Arthur lluckingham, private, 81st New York. .Served full time. 

Uoberl II. Spencer, private, 147th New York. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 

Ilellenden Hutchinson, 1st lieutenant, 21th New York. Enlisted May 
2, \X6\ ; promoted captain. 

Charles Robinson, sergeant, Uth N. Y. H. Art. Pro. to 2d liout. 

Theodore Uobinson, sergeant, 20tb New York Cavalry. 

Warren .M. Robinson, sergeant, 24lh New York Cavalry. 

John C. Chapman, captain, P. R. V. C. Enlisted .May S, 1S6I ; re- 
enlisted in the IGth United .States Infantry. 

Harvey J. .Morgan, private, llOtb New York. Promoted to sergt. 

Joseph Williams, private, 16th United State* Inf. Enl'd Aug., '63. 

Maurice I). Ilinnian, private, 184th New York. Enlisted Aug., '64. 

Calvin II. Hinman, private, 147tb New York. Pro. to ord. sergt. 

Alfred Blakesloy. private, 16lh United SUUes Inf. Enl'd Sept. 16, '03. 

Alvin H. Durke, ]>rivate, 24tb New York. Ke-enlisteil January 4, 
1861, in the 24th New York Cavalry. 

Alonzo G. Woodard, private, 147tb X. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 

James Tobin, (irivate. 81st N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1801. 

laincs Clark, private, 184th N. Y. Enlisted Se|.t. 0, 1864. 

r. P. Woodard, private, 110th N. Y. Enlisted Aug. 12. 1802. 

Tlarenee W. Dciilon, private, llOlh N. Y. : |irouiotcd 2d lieutenant. 

fames Kimball, Jr., sergeant, 24lh N. Y. Cav. 

ulicbael Finneran. private, 184lh N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 

George II. Dodge, private, 70lb .V. Y. Enlisted Aug. lit. 1803.' 

Jerome Pallcrs'in, private, 8ist N. Y. Enlisted July 3, 1802. 

.Morando Kellogg, privote, lith N. Y. Cav. ; promoted to sergeant. 

John Crawford, private. 

George E. Kellogg, private, 15th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1863. 

Jiibn Finneran, private, 14th U. S. Inf. Enlisled Dee., 1801. 

Henry Severance, corporal, 184th N. Y. Enlisteil Sept. 12, ISOI. 

. obn Doiinolly, orderly sergeant, 16lh U. S. Inf. 

Uoberl Cronley, private, lllllb N. Y. Enlisted .Vug.. IS02. 



William W. Hurlbnrt, private, 24lh N. T. Enlisted Hay, 1861. 
William S. Smith, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
John Loverieh, private, 184th N. Y. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1864. 
Albert .Severance, sergeant, I47th N. Y. Promoted 2d lieutenimt, was 

taken prisoner at liottysburg, and escaped. 
William Dickerson, captain, 184tb N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Wm. J. Gillet, ord. scrgL, 147tb N. Y. Pro. lieutcnaut, afterwards 

to captain. 
John MeCorlby. private, 184th N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Stephen A. Meaebam, private, IS4th N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Lewis Derosia, private, litb N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Doc., 1863. 
William Derosia, private, 184tb N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Paul Derosia. private, litb N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Sept., 1863. 
Lyman S. Coon, private, 184th \. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1863. 
William Cromack, private, 12lb N. Y. Cav. Enlisted 1862. 
John K. Vickery, private, 24th -V. Y. Cav. Enlisted 1864. 
Charles Ellis, private, 2d N. Y. H. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1861. 
Hiram .McNeil, j)rivate, 184th N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Nicholas Miltz, corporal, 81st N. Y. Pro. to lieut. in col'd reg. 
Thomas S. Colburn, private, 24th N. Y. Enlisted .\pril, 1861. 
Irvin W. Darrow, 1st lieutenant, IS4th N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Silas McNctt, musician, 147tb N. Y. Enlisled Sept., 1861. 
Charles Church, private, 24lh N. Y. Cav. Enlisted 1864. 
Christopher Navin, private, 24th N. Y. Enlisted June, 1862; was 

killed at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Jacob Clement, private, lOlh U. S. Inf. Killed at Chattanooga. 
James Lewis, private, 20th N. Y. Cav. Died at New Orleans. 
John Molt, private, 24tb N. Y. Killed at Hull Run, Aug., 1801. 
Edmund Deuprou. private, 9th N. Y. Art. Died at Washington. 
Alexander Derosia, private, Dih N. Y. Art. 
James F. Lerou, private, 147tb N. Y. Killed at Gettysburg. 
James Dooley, private, 147th N. Y. Died at Annapolis, Md. 
James H. Brayton, private, 1st N. Y. Lt. Art. 
Albert Finn, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Prisoner at Andcrsnnville; 

died soon after. 
Thomas W. Barrister, private, 1 I7ih N. Y. Killed at Gettysburg, 

July 2, 186.3. 
Lewis N. Newton, private, 8Ist N. Y. Killed at Cold Harbor. 
John I'arragan, private, 24lh N. Y. Enlisted Moy, 1801. 
William Rogers, private, 24th N. Y. Killed at Petersburg. 
Thomas Murphy, corporal, 147lh N. Y. Killed at Pctcrsborg. 
Thomas W. Vickers, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Dec., 1863. 
Orrin Ferguson, private, 110th N. Y. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
G. R. Wellington, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Died, Sept., 1864, in 

Andorsonvillo ]irison, from suffering. 
Addison L. Scott, 2d lieut., 1st N. Y. Enlisled Sept., 1861 ; pro. 

1st lieut. 
Albert Thomas, private, Hawkins Zouaves. Itc-enl'd 2'.Hh N. Y. 

Cav.; pro. to captain. 
Edward Wentworib, private, llflth N. Y. Vol. Enl'd Aug. 7, 1862. 
Wm. I. McKinlcy, captain, IDIth N. Y. Vol. Enlisled Sept., 1862; 

re-enl'd September, 1864, 184th N. Y. Vol. Pro. lieut. -col. 

■ Englelmrl, private, 147tb N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 

John Cassidy, private, 117th N. Y. V. Enlisted June, 1862; almost 

blind from exposure. 
Wm. II. Wentworth, private, lS4th N. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 
Melville Ervin, private, Scott 900. Enlisled Feb., 1864. 
Augustus M. Ervin, 2d lieut., Il7tb N. Y. V. Re-cnl'd ; pro. copt. j 

great credit for bravery. 
Edward Wenlworlb. private, ISSIh N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 
Edward Newkirk, private, 1st N. Y. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; pro. 

1st lieut. 
Thomas Lanagan, private, 1 I7tb N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
Judson A. Dickinson, 2d lieut., I47lh X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1862; 

pro. 1st licut. ; a prisoner for four hours. 
Ira E. Cole, private. 81st N. Y. V. Enlisled Sept., 1861. 
Peter .McCost, private. 16th N. Y. Reg. Enlisted Feb., 1805. 
James B. Myers, private, llOtb N. Y. X. Enlisted August, 1862. 
Nicholas Myers, (irivale, «tb N. Y. Art. Enlisled July, 1863. 
James S. Bowne, drummer, Slst N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
Elijah Bowne, drummer, 24th N. Y. V. Enl. May, 1861; rc-cnl'd 

August, 1804. 
Lewis Seiner. Was in the army, but when enlisted or discharged is 

not known. 
James B. Murdock, surgeon, 24lh N. V. V. Enlisted April, 1801. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTy, NEW YORK. 



195 



( Robert Oliver, Jr., 1 St Iieiit.,24ihN.Y.V. Enlisted May, 1861 ; pro. 

major to lieut.-col. 
Abraiiam Eiiielo. Particulars not known. 
Henry West. Particulars not known. 
Leonard Hawks. Particulars not known. 
J. B. Belsten. Particulars not known. 
James Bennett Particulars not known. 

Samuel M. Lipjiincott, private, 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 18154. 
Andrew J. Bockus, privjite, 2Jth N. Y. V. Enlisted May, ISOl ; re- 

enl'd Sept., ]S64, Ist licut. 
William Aiken, jirivatc, 147tli N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1S62; ten 

months .a prisoner. 
Jacob E. Fisher, private, Slst N. Y. V. Enlisted Dec., 1862. 
II. Arthur Cozzens, private, Co. B, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted April 21, 

1861. In battles Falmouth, Rap]»ahannoek Sta. ; wounded Grove- 
ton, Va., Aug. 29, '62: disch. surg. ccrtif. disability, May 1, '03. 
John S. Cozzcns, private, 21st Bat. Enlisted Jan., 1804; ]ironioted 

corporal J taken jirisoncr at Port Iludsuu; died at Andcrsunville 

jirison, June 29, lSfi4. 
Henry II. Cozzens, 1st lieut., 21st Bat. Enlisted Sept., 18C2 : died at 

Utiea, N. Y., Feb. 18, 18(>4, of disease contracted iluring siege 

of Port Hudson. 
S. Marvin Cozzens, private, Co. B, 24th Regt. Enl. Apr. 21, 1861 ; 

died at Washington, Sept. 14, 1862, of wounds received at (Jrove- 

ton, A'a. 
John D. O'Brien, captain, 24th X. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1861. 
Elbridge G. Blair, filer, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted June, 1861 ; rc-enfd 

Dec., 1863, private. 
Dudley Farling, adj't, 1 JTth N. Y. V. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; pro. major. 
John Southwiek. private, 110th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 
Russel Ramsdcl, bugler, Slst N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; trans. 

June, 1862, to 24th N. Y. Cav. 
Norman Ramsdel, Corp., 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 
Charles F. Rahan, private, 81st N. Y. V. Enlisted Se]it., 1861 ; re- 

enlisterl March, 1863, private. 
Daniel McSweeney, private, 2Ist N. Y. Art. Enlisted Se]>t., lSG2j 

ten months prisoner. 
John Danaker, private. Enlisted October, 1864. 
Patrick Danaker, private, I4nh N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 
F. C. Miller, capt., 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1861; iiromotcd 

colonel 147th N. Y. V. 
Daniel Driscol, private, 9th N. Y. Art. Enlisted January, 1864. 
James N. Root, private, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1861 ; pro- 
moted 1st lieut., 184th N. Y. V. 
David Lally, private, 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted September, 1802. 
William Lillis. jirivate, 193d N. Y. V. Enlisted January, 1805. 
Lawrence Kcef, private, 0th N. Y. Art. Enlisted January, 1864. 
Henry Williams, jirivate, 193d N. Y. V. Enlisted March, 1865. 
John Oarbet, priva'e, 4th X. Y. Art. Enlisted March, 1861. 
James McKinley. 1st lieut., 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862 j 

jiromoted to captain. 
Isaac W. Raven, )irivate, ISlth N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 
James H. Cuniming, private, 147th N. Y. V. Enliste 1 .Vugust. 1862. 
Miles Sullivan, private, 8th N. Y. V. Enlisted July, 1801 ; trans. 

24th Cor., Ut lieut. 
William D. Squires, private, ]47th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862 ; 

trans, to Invalid Corps. 
John C. Wilkes, private, 21st N. Y. Bat. Enlisted Nov., 1863. 
Charles D. Squires, private. 2tih N. Y. V. Enlisted Ajiril, 1801 ; re- 

enlisted March 39, 1865. 
Lewis Parmenter, private, 184th N. Y. Y. Enlisted August, 1804. 
John Gray, private, Slst N. Y. \. Enlisted Nov., 1861 ; transferred 

24th N. Y. Cav. 
John Conroy. Not known when be enlisteil. 

James W. Hopper, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Knlisted Dee., 1803. 
Adam WeJier, private, I47th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 
Edward Emmons, private, llHth X. Y. ^*. Enlisted August, 1862. 
Michael Fitzsimmons, private, 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., IS62. 
John Corcoran, private, 147th N. Y. Y. Enlisted August, 1862. 
John Hughes, private, 16th Regiment. Enlisted February, 1864. 
S.imuel Hall. Particulars unknown. 

Hersey liabcock, private, 10th N. Y. Regt. Enliste 1 February, 1865. 
Michael Gill, private, 12th N. V. Cav. Kn. .Aug., 1802 : jiro. to Ul lieut. 
John Gill, private, 147tli X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1.S62 ; pro to serg. 
Rieharil Lathn.|i, privat.-, I81lh .\. Y. V. Enlisted August. 1804. 



Phineas Snyder, private, 147th New Y^ork Volunteers. Enlisted 
Aug., 1862; transferred to navy in 1S64, " Ticonderoga." 

John O'Rafferty, private, 147th N.Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 

Thomas Tracy, private, 147th New Y'ork Volunteers. Enlisted Sep- 
tember, 1802; served seven years in State Militia. 

Daniel Quiglej^, private, Slst New York Volunteers. Enlisted Sep- 
tember, 1861 ; tranferred to the 10th United States Veterans. 

John Donovan, sergeant, 24th New York Vols. Enlisted May, 1861 ; 
promoted to 2d lieutenant, and afterwards to 1st lieutenant. 

Edward C. Gardner, private, 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Edwin H. Gardner, private, 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Robert Forester, private, 184th N. Y'. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Henry A. Castle, 2d lieut., 155th N. Y. V. Enl'd Oct., 1862; trans, 
to 164th N. Y'. v., priv. ; si.^ months in Salisbury prison. 

Edward McGrath, private, 110th N. Y. V. Enlisted July, 1862. 

James White, private, — Cavalry. Enlisted Ju!^', 1801 ; transferred 
to the 1st Illinois Artillery, October 12, 1864. 

Isaac Newell, private, 147th N. Y". V. Enlisted September, 1862. 

Warren Wing, private, 110th N. Y'. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 

James M. Crulius, private, Slst N. Y. V. Enlisted September, '61. 

Henry White, private, 12th N. Y'. V. Enlisted May, 1801; fourteen 
days in prison. 

George L. Hubbard, private, 110th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 

John McCoy, private, 24th N. Y'. Cav. Enlisted February, 1864; ho 
has never been heard from since he enlisted. 

Michael McCoy, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted July, 1803. 

Anthony Ashley, private, 24th N. Y'. Cav. Enlisted February, 1804. 

Albam Castimas, private, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted April, 1861. 

Charles Austin, drummer, 110th N. Y'. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 

Alonzo Coojier, 24th New Y''ork Vols. Particulars not known. 

Charles (Gallagher, 24th New Y'ork Vols. Particulars not known. 

John Gallagher, 184th New Y'ork Vols. Particulars not known. 

James H. Edwards, private, 147th New Y'ork Vols. Enl'd Sept., '61. 

James W. Gridley, private, 110th New Y'ork Vols. Enl'd Aug., '62. 

Cornelius B. Leonard, private, 94th New Y'ork Vols. Enl'd March, 
1862; re-enlisted Feb., 1864; si.x months in Salisbury prison. 

Albert Thomas, unknown, now cajitain 24th New Y'ork Cavalry. 

Oscar F. Adkins, private, lS4th New Y'ork Vols. Enl'd Sept., 1864. 

Edwin J. Anthony, Slst N Y. V. Further particulars not known. 

William Hurlbut, private, 110th N. Y'. V. Enlisted August, 1862; 
re-enlisted in the lS4tb Now Y'ork Vols., Aug., 1864; sergt. 

De Witt C. Curtiss, private, 24th New Y'ork Vols. Enl'd Mar., '61. 

Gale Kingsley, sergeant, 24th New Y'ork Vols. Enlisted March, 
1861 : promoted to 1st lieutenant. 

John McDowell, private, 1st N. Y'. Art. Enlisted February. 1864. 

Charles Hayes, landsman, gun-boat " Forest Rose." Enl'd .\ugust, 
1863 ; wound seriously impaii-ed his health, but not permanently. 

George Hoopman, private, 147th New York Vols. Enlisted August, 
1862; promoted to sergeant. 

William Elderbranf, private, lS4th N. Y'. V. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Alonzo A. Carson, private, 184th X. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Michael Gorman, private, 193d X. Y'. ^'. Enlisted ^larch, 1S65. 

John Kennedy, private, 24th N, Y. V. Enl'd Apr., 1861 ; re-cnl'd 
August, 1S04. 

Michael Dunn, able seaman, Cairo Navy. Enlisted 1801 ; rc-enlisted 
September, 1863, for one year. 

Jeremiah Dunn, private, 24th N. Y'. Inf. Enlisted September, 1861. 

Joab Willis, private, 9th H. Art. Enlisted April, 1864. 

Michael Sa.xton, private, 15th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted July, 1S03. 

Matthew Brown, private, 2;)d Iowa Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; pro- 
moted to quartermaster-sergeant and 1st lieutenant. 

Patrick J. Brown, private, I47th N. Y. Y'. Enlisted Sejit., 1S62 ; 
]>romoted to 1st sergeant, 2d lieutenant, and 1st lieutenant. 

Thomas Brown, corporal, 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted September, lS62j 
wounded inarm above olbow; jtermanent injury. 

George Archer, private, 24th N. Y'. Cav. Enlisted January, 1864. 

William A. Wyburn, sergeant, 147th N. Y'. Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1SC2; 
promoted to 1st and 2d lieutenants, and cajitain. 

Howard P. Wyburn, private, 1st N. Y'. Art. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Andrew J. Lamoree, jirivatc, lS4th N. Y. V. Inf. Enl'd Sejit., 1804. 

Michael Mincrhan, private, 21st Bat. N. Y'. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1803. 

Albert Rennule, sergeant, loth N. Y'. Cav. Eulisted Aug., 1863. 

William A. Rogers, sergeant, 184th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 
■ Jeremiah Harrigan, jirivate, Slst N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sejit., 1861. 

Corntlius Harrigan. navy. .Ian., 1865. Nothing further asoerlaitied. 



196 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Michael (inrman, private, 193(1 N. Y. Inr. Euliitcd March, 1865. 

Conrad Warner, private, U'lh N. Y. V. Knliiilol August, 18C2; killed 
at Octt^'itliuri;. 

Juieph Marruoii, private, IKIIh X. Y.V. Enlisted Sept., 18dl; died 
in Virginitu 

Kobert l)re,«ger, private, llOlh N. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1802; died 
at Baton Kouge. 

Maurice Vanhuskirk, private, 241 h X. Y. V. Enlisted Mav, ISGl; 
died in Virginia. 

Wlllinni I)iivio«. priv., I2lh Cnv. Enlisted Aug., 1.S82: died in N. C. 

Lurin L. Thorp, cnplnin, llOth Reg. Enlisted Dec., 1863; died at 
Baton Uouge. 

Henry Hninel, jirivute, 81sl Reg, Enlisted Dec., 1861 ; unknown. 

John .Maelikritii, priv., Slst Keg, Enlist'd Sept., 1861 ; died at Oswego. 

William Cullen. priv., 147(li Reg. Enlisted Aug., 1S62: die«l in Va. 

Edw.ard Turin, private. I I'tli Reg. Enlisted Aug., 1862; unknown. 

(.•harlfs li. (Jilbert. private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Sept., 1862; 
died nt BulTalo. 

John .McLend, priv., lOlh InT. Enl'd Feb., 1864: died nt Chattanooga. 

Ale.xander MeAnilily, private, 1 I7lli Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; killed 
nt Gettysburg. 

Thomas Saunders, private. 11th Conn. V. Enlisted June, 1863. 

William .Shandy, private, 12th X. Y. C. Enl'd Aug., IS62; re enl'd. 

Francis Shandy, priv., 4th Wis. Cav. Enlisted May, 1861 ; re-enlisted. 

Dudley Davenport, — V. S. Enlisted 1864 ; promoted to 1st lieut. 

Francis McGuirc, priv., 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1862. 

Daniel Harrington, private, 193d N. Y. Inf. Enlisted March, 1865. 

Thomas Roaehc, private, 21st Rat. X. Y. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

James Ilartigan, private, 193d X. Y. Inf. Enlisted March, 1865. 

Thomas Henderson, private, lllh V. S. Inf. Enlisted Dec., 1883. 

Alvin B. Cooper, private, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864: pro- 
muted sergeant. 

George Smiley, private, I5lh X. Y. Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

Thomas Smiley, jirivate, Isl X. Y. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

William McCarthy, landsman, " Colorado." Enlisted March, 1865. 

John Galavin. private, 147th X. Y. V. Enlisted August, IS62. 

Jeremiah Mnhoiiey, {irivate, 81st X. Y 
rc-enlisted January, 1864. 

Loyal Fryman, private, 1st U. S. C. C. 
motcd to sergeant. 

Patrick Kelley, 1st sergt., 19.'ld X. Y. V. Enlisted January, 1865. 

Thomas Brophy, private. Xo other records are accessible, 

Martin Burns, corporal, IS4th N.Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

George Smith, private, Slst X. Y. V. Inf. Enlisted October, 18(!I. 

James Smith, private, 8l8t X. Y.V. Inf. Enlisted Sejjiember, 1861. 

Thomas .McMiinnus, priv., 2d U. S. Art. Enlisted 1861 ; prom, sergt. 

George Miniack, private, 81st X. V. Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; dis- 
charged for disability. 

I'atrick Cushinan. ]irivale, 147th X.Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pro- 
moted sergt.; disuharged by order of War Department. 

Thomas Burns, corporal, I47lli X. Y.V. Enlisted .\ugu8t, 1862. 

John King, corporal, 81st X. Y. V. Enlisted Xovember, IS6I. 

Jeremiah -McCarthy, private, I47(h X. V. V. Furlbcr particulars not 
known. 

Richard Woodburne, private, 24th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; 
re-enlisted September, 1863, »th N. Y. Art. 

John Cooper, private, II 0th X. Y. Enlisted March, 1863. 

George Read, private, 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Llewellyn Foster, corporal, 184th N. Y. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Martin B. Campbell, private, II 0th N. Y. Enlisleil August, 1862; 
promoted to corporal, 

Jnmes Stewart, private, 24tb X. Y. Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1863 
inoted to sergeant. 

William Stewart, private, 81st X. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1861 
moted to sergeant ; re-enlisted January, IS61. 

Milo TclTl, drummer, I84lh X. Y. V. Enlisted August, |8«4. 

John Kiefe, private, 18 lib -N. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Milton ltu<b. private, 181th X. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Daniel Ilartigan, sergeant, 184th N. Y. Enlisleil .\ugnst, 1864. 

David W. Blair, private, 193d X. Y. Knlisled May, 1865; promoted 
to 1st sergeant. 

William Buck, private. 2llh X. Y. Inf. EiilistLMl April, 1801 ; pro- 
moted to sergeant. 

Martin B. Campbell, drummer, I lOlh N. V. Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; 
discharged lor disability. 



luf. Enlisted Sept., 1861; 
Enlisted March, 1S65 ; pro- 



pro- 
pro- 



Tbomaa J. Teiri,prir.,24tbN. Y. Enlisted 1861 ; discbg'd by order. 

Jeremiah Ilartigan, private, 147th X.Y. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis- 
charged for disability. 

Alfreil Harness, V. S. gun-boat "Mist." Eulistetl February, 1865. 

Patrick Calligan, private, 24lh X. Y. Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; re- 
enlisted in Isl X. Y. Art. January, 1864 ; discharged. 

John E. MeGrath, private, 16lh X. Y. Art. Enlisted Xov., 1883; 
discharged for disability. 

James Andrews, private, 35tb III. Enlisted Dccorabor, 1863. 

William H. Wenlworlh, private, 10th X. V. Enlisted Aug., 1864; 
WM drugged, and sold as substitute. 

Thomas Daly, gun-boat '• Cincinnati." Enlisted Dec, 1862; re-en- 
listed in 184th N. Y. V., Sept., 1864. 

Moses Daly, navy. No other facts in this case can bo obtained. 

Charles Darling, private, 32d X. Y. Inf. Enl'd .May, 1861 : prum'd 
to serg't ; heallh seriously impaired by exposure in service. 

.Michael .McMan. private. I47th N. Y. Enlisted Aug, 1862; discb. 
by order of Wor Department. 

Edward Body, " Pocahontas. " Enlisted .March, 1865. 

James Hennessey, ])rivate. Enlislel April, 1861 ; dis. for (Usability. 

Franklin Aylsworlh, private, I84'h X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 

Edward M. Paine, captain, 24lh N. V. Enlisted April, 1861 ; re-en- 
listed in lll6lh X. Y., August, 1872; promoted major, and then 
colonel ; was noted for great bravery. 

Emery Wilson, private, 184th X. Y. V. Enlisted August, 1864. 

George Wilson, private, 184lh N. Y. V. Enliatcd August, 1864. 

Albert Milross. private, U. S. Inf. Enlisted September, 1864. 

William Aggas. private, 81 si X. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; re-enlisted 
in the 24lh X. Y., Jan., 1864. 

John Quinlin, landsman, Xavy, "Montgomery." Enlisted 1864. 

Thomas l.ovelt, private, 35th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept., 18C1 ; rf- 
enlisted July, 1803, for three years. 

James M. Crolius, sorg't, 8Ist X. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1861. 

Josc|ih Watley, drummer, 8Ut N. Y. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; re enl'd 
Jan., 1864. 

Thomas Colburn, private, 24lh X. V. Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; re- 
enlisted Aug., 186 1. 

William Caley, private, 193d X. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1865. 

David Howard, jirivate, 110th X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Edgar I. Fryman, 1st serg't l'. S. Col. Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Jonas Hassop, private, 18 till X. Y. V. Enlisted .\ug., 1861. 

Cyrus D. Hubbard, serg't., Ilfllh N. Y. Inf. Enl'd July, 1802; dis. 
for disability. 

George X. Phillips, private, 8l8t X. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1861. 

Amos Read, private, 18jlb N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., I86(. 

Orange Cole, sergeant, 20th X. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Andrew Heiley, private. Enlisted .Aug., 1862. 

Frederick Burgundy, musician. Xothing more can be nseertuined 
in this case. 

Joseph Dcwhurst, private, 2d .\. V. Arlilkry. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; 
with loss of large toe on left fool. 

Daniel Donovan, private, 181th X. Y. V. Enlisted .\ug. 1864. 

Washington Stevens, serg't, llOlh N. V. V. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Page Stevens, corporal, 184th X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1804. 

William Morse, 1st sergt, 24lh N. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1861 ; pro. 
to 2d and 1st lieutenant; ro-cniistcd Aug., 1864. 

Orvillc Morse, sergeant, 24lh N. Y. V. Enlisted April, 1861 ; ro-cn- 
listod Aug., 1864; discharged. 

Curtis Cooper, private, llOlh X. V. V. Enlisted Aug., 1863.. 

William Burkliardt, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug , 1862. 

John McMan, private, 12lh X. Y. Cav. Enlisleil Aug., 186'i. 

John II. Coleman, private, I2lh X. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1.862. 

Edwin M. Slie]tard, midshipman, " Vincennes." Enlisted Nov., 1860 ; 
joined naval school at Annapolis, Md. 

.Mark Butlwell, private, 184lh X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 

James M. Hinies, private, 12th X. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Alanson Himes, private, 184th X. Y. V. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Henry V. Weeks, Jr., private, flih Ind. V. Enlisted April, 1801. 

Charles Pecvey, 2d lieut., 181th X. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1861: pro. 
to 1st lieut. 

Harvey A. Pelhom, private, 110th N. V. V. Enliatcd Aug., 1802. 

Clark C. Lewis, 1st serg'l, 110th X. Y. Enlisted July, 1862; pro. 
to lat lient. ; dis. for disability. 

tieorgo W. Gates, private, 8l8t X. Y. Enlisted .*^ept., 1861. 

Thomas Lusarge, private, 181th. Enlisted Uct., I86t. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



197 



James Wright, private, 21st Bat. Enlisted Dec., 186.3 j pro. corp. 

Abrain Vallinl, private, 1U:U1 Rcgt. Enlisted Jan., ISGo. 

David La Mor.a, priv., \nt €av. Enl'd July, 1861 ; rc-cnl'd Jan., 1864. 

William Hennessey, private, 184tl). Enlisted Aug., 1S61. 

Andrew Marshall, private, Slst. Unknown. 

Patriek Carl, private, 64tli Pa. Enlisted Sept., 1863. 

Joseph Chittney, private, 1st Kegt N. Y. L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; 
ro-enlisled Sept., 186.*i. 

Henry Wilber, private, 24th Regt. Enli.'stcd April, 1861. 

Thomas Keenan, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Peter Champion, private, 8Ist Regt. No other faets obtained. 

Frank Champion, private, L. Art., Bat. F. Enlisted 1863. 

William Champion, private, H. Art. Enlisted May, 1863. 

David Cliampion, private. Enlisted 1862 ; further facts not known. 

Eli Mallet, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

Napoleon Bertrand, private, 40th Regt. Enlisted Feb., 1865. 

George Santamo, private, 193d Regt. Enlisted March, 1865. 

Mason D. Farman, 2d serg't., 147th Regt. Enlisted July, 1862. 

Moulton F. Co.\, 4th Corp, 147th Regt. Enlisted July, 1862. 

James O'Grady, serg't, Slst Regt. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; re-enlisted 
Jan., 1864. 

James Kingsley, serg't, 147th Regt. Enlisted Oct., 1863 ; rc-enlistcd 
March, 1864. 

William Hart, private, llOth Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Burzille Pepper, private, 21st Art. Enlisted March, 1864. 

John Henry, private, lS4th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1864; promoted 
corporal, 1864. 

Leeth McCall, private, 193d Regt. Enlisted March, 1864; promoted 
sergeant, 1865. 

Alvin A. Bush, private, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Robert Fletcher, private, 24th Regt. Enlisted Feb., 1862. 

Donald McCall, priv., 3d N. Y. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1864; prom. 1S64. 

Thomas T. Read, private, Wm. Anderson. Enl'd July, 1863 ; trans- 
ferred 2d R. M. S. 

William H. Frink, private, 20th N. Y^. Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1863. 

William Reed, private, . Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Andrew Myers, drummer, 147th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Wm. Armstrong, priv., 16th Inf. Enl'd Dec, 1864 ; prom. Apr., 1865. 
' Adelbert J. Goit, sergeant, 20th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 

Timothy Sullivan, colonel, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted May, 1861. 

James Ells, Jr., private, N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862; transferred. 

Algernon S. Coe, sergeant, 147th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 

William P. Rathbone, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec., 1863 ; trans- 
ferred, Nov., 1864, Invalid Corps clerk. 

Charles A. M. Esles, sergeant, 16th Rcgt. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; pro- 
moted. May, 1864, captain. 

Benjamin F. Bailey, 2d lieut., 110th Regt. Enliste.l Aug., 1862. 

Charles G. Abbott, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 

Charles 11. Lewis, captain, IGth Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1861. 

Orrin M. Stevens, 2d lieutenant, 24th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; 
promoted 1st lieutenant ; prisoner four months. 

Mark Wadley, 2d sergeant, ISlth Regt. Enlisted Sept.. 1864. 

John Lapping, private, 24th Regt. Enlisted March, 1861 ; re-enl'd 
Dec., 1863, corporal ; has rebel ball in his breast. 

George Lapping, private, 1st N. Y, Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 

George S. Denton, company clerk, 110th Regt. Enl'd Aug., 1862. 

Geo. W. Wilson, master mate " Adela." Enlisted July, 1863; trans- 
ferred to ** Sagamon." 

William W. Allen, private, Slst Regt. Enlisted Oct., 1861. 

Henry A. Harmon, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

John Dunn, Jr., quartermaster, 184th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1S64. 

Thomas Singleton, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862; 
prisoner at Andersonville ten months. 

John Cosgrove, 2d corporal, 16th N. Y. Regt. Enlisted Feb., 1S04. 

George Hugunin, Ist lieut., 147th Regt. Enlisted Oct., 1862; promoted 
captain ; right lung hepatizod. 

William Whetham, private, 147th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862; trans- 
ferred to non-eommisaioned staif as principal musician. 

David Kelsoe, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 18G4. 

George Jacobs, private, 16th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

David W. Ilimes, private, llOth Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Walter Van Alstinc, private, 147th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
De Witt Phillips, private, lS4th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1803., 
Lewis G. Doolittle, private, lS4th Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1863. 

John .\llen, Jr., private, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 



Benj. I. Stone, private, 11th Bat. Enl'd Sept., 1862 ; prom. 1864. 
Barnard Garrett, private, 2d H. Art. Enlisted May, 1864. 
Hezekiah W. Whitney, private, 184th N. Y. Vols. Enl'd Sept., 1804. 
Mason Gallagher, chaplain, 24th Regt. Enlisted May, 1861. 
William F. Morell, 1st sergt., Slst N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sei)t., 1861 ; 

resigned in consequence of ill-health. 
Hiram Ilotaling, sergeant, 21st N. Y. Battery. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
Adelbert Allard, corporal. 184th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sejit., 1804. 
John F. Allard, private, 184th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Ellery Thompson, private, 2d N. Y. H. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864. 
Gilbert II. Stewart, sergeant, 81st N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; 

re-enlisted Aug., 1804. 
Samuel H. Brown, 1st lieut., 24th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted April, 1861 ; 

promoted captain May, 1802; re-enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Charles Hyde, private, lS7th N Y. Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862; re- 

enlistod, navy, 1863; re-enlisted, Feb., 1804. 
William Hyde, private, 16th Inf. Enlisted March, 1865. 
James H. Thompson, private, 16th Inf. Enlisted Nov., 1864. 
Ale.\ander F. Imlay, private, 24th Regt. Enlisted April, 1861. 
Edward McAllister. i)rivate, 24th N. Y. Batt. Enlisted Dee., 1.163. 
Michael Burke, private, 184th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
Patrick Burns, private, lS4th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sept., 1S64. 
Casamer Doud, private, 147th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
Bennett Fannan, priv.ate, 21st Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1803. 
Thomas Fannan, private, 21st Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863. 
Alexander Jacket, private, Slst N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sept., 1801; 

re-enlisted Slst. 
David Jacket, private, 16th Inf. Enlisted Aug.. 1863. 
Piter Fannan, private, U7th N. Y. Vols. Enlisted Sept., 1802; 

wounded hip and left arm. 
John D. Morgan, private, 14th U. S. Inf. Enlisted Feb., 1802 ; pro. 

Corp.; re-enl'd May, 1865; prisoner at Siilisbury seven months. 
Josiah Lenoy, serg't, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted March, 1861 ; rc-enl'd 

Dec, 1863; trans. M.ay, 1804. 
Thomas Lenoy, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted December, 1803. 
Loren Lenoy, com. serg't, 24th Cav. Enlisted December, 1803. 
Charles B. Crosby, private, 76th Regt. Enlisted September, 1803 ; 

trans, November, 1864, and also June, 1865. 
Martin F. Carlton, eapt., "Illinois." Trans.; re-enl'd Aug., 1864; 

navy. 
Lorenzo Carlton, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted June, 1863, 
Martin C. B. Himes, private, 21st N. Y. Bat. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
John K. Smith, jipyitte, Slst N. Y. V. Served two years. 
William H. H.^ues, private, 147th N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
Henry Eason-'master mate, bark *' Restless." Pro. acting ensign. 
Morgan Hill,' private, 147th N. Y'. V. Enlisted September, 1862; re- 
enl'd Sei^tembcr, 1864. 
William Hennessey, private, ISJth N. Y. V. Enlisted September, '64 ; 

pro. Corp. May, 1865. 
Chester Coon, Corp., 193d N. Y. V. Enlistel March, 1865. 
Charles Thompson, ord. serg't., 17th Mich. Enlisted June, 1801 ; ro- 

enl'd January, 1865. 
Charles Murdoch, musician, 2d Brig. Enlisted September, 1863. 
Thomas O'M.aloy, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted September, 1804. 
John Daley, private, Slst N. Y. V. Enlisted October, 1801. 
Michael Donovan, private. 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted March. 1865. 
John Iledglin, private, 184th Rcgt. Enlisted September, 1864. 
Leander Smith, jirivate, 184th Regt. Enlisted September, 1804. 
Thomas A. Smith, private, 24th Regt. Enlisted April, 1861 ; re-enl'd 

March, 1865. 
Herbert .Toice, private, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted January, 1864. 
Hyman Duteher, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted September, 1861. 
James McOready, private, 16th Regt. Enlisted February, 1804. 
Ora W. Biibcock, private I'J3d Regt. Enlisted March, 1865. 
Abram Vandish, private, 147th Regt. Enlisted September, 1802. 
Alvin E. Haskin, private, 14th V. S. Inf. Enlisted September, 1361 ; 

served si.xteen months; re-enl'd June, 1863. 
Abram R. Haskin, (irivate, 16th U. S. Inf. Enlisted February, 1864. 
Charles E. Ketehum, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted January, 1864; 

trans. May, 1804. 
Edward H. Clarke, private, ISlth N. Y. V. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 
William Burr, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted August, 1802 ; pro. 

com. serg't, serg't-major, 2d lieut. 
Reuben Eldred, private, 184th N. Y. V. Enlisted September, 1864. 
Rich. McGce, priv., 147th N. Y. Enl'd Aug., 1802; pro. serg't 1863. 



198 



UISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, ^E^V YOUK. 



Robert B. Ilubbpll, priratr, llOlh X. Y. EolislvJ August, 1^62. 
W. J. Auatin, bo>|>ilikl, llllli Kei;>. Kiilisteil July, 1^62. 
ThoiDM Fagan, private. Slat. Eulistcd ; died at Albany. 
Hiram Jamc!) Webster, terg't, 24tb Cav. Enliated Jauuary, ISS-t; 

died Yelluw IIuuBO. 
Jobn Marshall, prir., 2tth RcgL Enlisted ISCl ; killed at Bull Run. 
Albert F. Innian, private, 12th Cav. Enlisted August, 1M62; died at 

Newbem. 
Charles Burt, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted August, 1802; died 

at Cbarleiftuu. 
William U. lladsell, private, 12th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Sept, 1S62; 

died at Florence, S. C. 
Edwin II. t'latt, private, llOth Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; killed at 

Port Hudson; was shut by a sharpshooter. 
John Uarvey, private, 81st Regt. Enlisted; died at Oswego, N. Y. 
Albert N. Ames, private, Ist N. Y. Art. Pro. first to serg't-major 

2d lieul.. Bat. 2; let lieut., Bat. U; killed at Petersburg; was 

shot by a rebel sharpshooter. 
Edwin Staek, private, 81st N. Y. V. Enlisted; pro. to com. serg't, 

July, 18G2; ai^utant ; killed at Hilton Head. 
William Oliver, private, 2l9t But. L. A. Enlisted .\ugu8t, 18C2; died 

at Oswego. 
Joseph Hyde, private, H7th. Enlisted Sept., 18C2; died at Oswego. 
Silas K. Parsons, private, 147th N. Y. Enlisted August, iSli2; killed 

at battle of Wilderness. 
Nicholas Fonon, navy. Enlisted May, 1801; died at Sandy Hook; 

had served in navy two years and eight months, previous to en- 

listing in Artillery. 
Pelcg C. Letson, private. Slat Regt. Enlisted October, 1861 ; killed at 

Cold Harbor. 
Ira D. Carlton, private, Iowa Cav. Enlisted October, 1862 ; died at 

Hartsville, Mo. 
Edwin L. Everts, private, 110th Regt. Enlisted August, 1862; died 

at Tortuj;ns, Florida. 
John McAuibly, capt., 81st Regt. Enlisted August, 1861; killed in 

battle of Fair Oaks; was shut in first engagement of regiment. 
Joseph C. Wright. Particulars unknown ; died at Chicago. 
John P. Sabin, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1864; killed at 

Cedar Creek. 
John S. Kippin, private, M7th llcgt. Enlisted Aug., 1862; a letter 

from a comrade of the 4th .Michigan says that this person was 

killed in the last battle, nothing further is known concerning him. 
Thomas Lawton, private, Co. B, 8l8t Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861; pro. 

corporal; re-enlisted February, 1864. 
John A. Stroud, private, Co. H, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; 

promoted to corporal July, 1864. 
Ocorge W. Burryman, cn])t., Co. C, Blst Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; 

promoted to lieutenant, 
(jeorge II. Bradt, let lieut., 4th Mich. Bat. Enlisted Feb., 1862; 

beallh impaired. 
Henry 0. Williams, priv., Co. B, SIst Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1862; rc- 

cnlisled Jan., 1803. 
Charles Barnard, private, 2l8l Bat. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
David F. I.illis, priv., 38lh Inf. Enlisted May, 1801; dis. from 

hospital Feb., 1863; re-enlisted. 
Herbert Burt, drummer, Co. F, 184th. Enlisted Sept., 1S04. 
John h. Lynch, private, Co. A, 24th. Enlisted April, 1801. 
(jcorgo M. KnilKn, corp., Co. A, 2Jth. Enlisted April, 1801. 
Wm. F. Kuiffin, private, Co. A, 24th. Enlisted April, 1801. 
John Hilmau, private, Co. B, 24th Inf. Enlisted .Apr., 1801 ; corp. ; 

re-enTd, 1803, in Co. C, 24th Cav. ; wounded at 2d Bull Run. 
James A. McLean, priv., Co. C, 8l8t Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1801 ; hos- 
pital department. 
George Stuphel, private, Co. B, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1861. 
Daniel Thornton, private, Co. I, 21th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; 

re-enlisted Aug., 1863. 
Lewis II. Ookey, private, Co. 0, llOlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
Tho8. Kchue, Ist lieut., Co. I, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pro. 

to captain June, 1863; resigned. 
Hugh Moriarly, private, 24th N. Y. V. Enlisted May, 1801; killed 

at 2d battle of Bull Run. 
William H. Russ, j.rivate, Co. B, l,S4th. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 
Francis Morri,<. private, Co. — , 184lh. Enlisted .Sept., 1864. 
John Cody, priTnIo, Co. K, 147th. Enlisted Sept., 1862; trans, to 

Invalid Corps, Oct., 1864. 



Charles MeAuley, private, Co. F, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr, 1861 ; 

pro. to sergt. : re-enlisted in 184th Inf. 
Levcrett A. Fox, sergt., Co. I, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862: pro. 

to urderly, 1803. 
Royal E. Fox, private. Co. B, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr., 1861 : scrrcd 

time out: re-enlisted Jan., 1864. 
Charles Doshner, private, Co. A, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug.. 1862. 
Thomas Woods, corji., Co. A, 1 47th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802. 
Joseph Woods, sergt., Co. A. 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
Juhn l>ue, private, I84th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 
William Doe, private, 193d. Enlisted April, 1866. 
Joseph Young, private, Co. E, 24th Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1804. 
James Mowncy, private, rJ3d Inf. Enlisted March, 1865. 
Michael Kelly, private, Co. A, Slst. Enlisted Sept., 1862; re-enlisted 

Jan., 1864. 
David B. Taylor, private. Bat. F, Ist Art. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; 

promoted corporal and orilerly sergeant. 
Frank Murray, Jr., private, Co. C, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; 

promoted to corporal, .Sept., 1862. 
William U. Campbell, private, Cu. I, 147lh. Enlisted Sept., 1862. 
Michael Crimmons, private, 26th Bat. Enlisted Jan., 1803. 
Peter (junun, private, Co. B, 81st Inf. Kniisled Oct., 1862. 
Edward P. Allen, 2<1 lieut., Co. A, llUlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; 

pro. to Ist lieutenant Aug., 1803, and captain Oct., 1864. 
Williom H. Snyiler, private, Co. I. I47lh. Enlisle<l Sept., 1802. 
Thos. H. Knollin, bugler, 2l8l Bat. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
Alonzo D. Oakley, privale, Co. A. 24lh Cav. Enlisted Deo., 1803. 
Patrick Dolan, private, Co. B, 184lh. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 
(ieorge Watson, private, Co. F, 1st Cav. Enlisted July, I80I ; corp.; 

re-enlisted .Ian., 1804. 
Benjamin B. Cavalier, private, Co. I, lolh Cav. Enlisted Aug., '63. 
John E. Jacobs, private, Co. G, Hist Inf. Enlisted October 16, 1861 > 

corporal; sergeant; trans., 1863, to the 21st V. S. Cav. 
John Bragan, privale, Ist Bat. Enlisted Feb., 1863. 
F'rnnk Gill, privale, Co. A, 147th. Enlisted Jan., 1863. 
.lolin Fitzgibbous, private. Bat. — . Enlisted Jan., 1802. 
Jobn K. Smith, private, Co. B, 81st. Enlisted Aug., 1802. 
Francis I). Bradt, private, Co. A, 24th Inf. Eulisled April, 1801. 
John McCarthy, private, Co. K, 139th. Enlisted Nov., 1803. 
John L. Wood, sergeant, 2l8t Bat. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 
Victor Rockfcllow, private, Uth II. Art. Enlisted March, 1864. 
Willis E. Burnul, private, Co. F, IS4th. Enlisted Sept., 1804. 
William Scully, private, 147th. Enlisted Jan., 1863; woundeil in 

hip : discharged. 
William McQrath, private, Co. D, 184th Inf. Enlisteil Aug., 1864. 
John Carroll, priv., Co. B, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; prisoner 

Beven months. 
Edward Carroll, priv., Co. B, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pris- 
oner five months. 
George Cragg, ord. sergt., Co. I, 193d Inf. Enlisted March, 1865. 
James Kane, private, Co. D, 193d Inf. Enlisted March, 1866. 
Rodolpbus I). S. Tyler, 2d lieut., Co. D, 8l8t Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; 

promoted 1st lieut. and to captain 1802; wounded in arm. 
Patrick McGrath, private, Co. K, 147th Inf. Enlisted August, 1862. 
Joseph Dempscy, 2d lieut., Co. K, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; 

jirom. 1st lieut. and to capt. 1S04 ; wounded at Five Forks, Va. 
Edward Manning, priv., reg. nut known ; left Bulfalo. Enlisted 1801. 
Mike J. Farrell. private, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1801. 
Junathitn Ilatiley, priv., 2l8t Bat. Enlisted .\ug., 1802 : prom, gunner. 
John W. Anderson, private, Co. F, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; 

promoted corporal. 
William Kinney, corporal, Co. A, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; 

promoted 2d lieut. 
Wrn. Sullivan, priv., 147lh Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; prom.2d lieul. 
Peter Garahan, jirivate, Cavalry. Enlisted December, 1803. 
Thomas tiarahan, private. U)3d Inf. Enlisted April, 1866. 
Thomas Wa]k<T, private, 21st Cav. Enlisted January, 1863. 
George Ketchum, private. Bat. F, Ist Art. Enlisted Sept., 1801 ; pro- 

muteil Corp., let sergt.; re-enlisted Feb., 1864; now mail-carrier. 
Henry King, private, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, I86I. 
Alexander Fair, private, Slsl Inf. Enlisted September, 1861. 
Oliver Dubot, private, Co. K, 147th. Enlisted September, 1802. 
Alexander Champion (2d), priv. 81st Inf. Enlisted March, 1806. 
ChaHes Davis, private, 81st Inf. Enlisted March, 1862; re. enlisted. 
Frank Miller, private, Co. I, llOth Inf. Enlisted July, 1862. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



199 



Ferdinand Schilling, private, 184th. Enlisted Sept. ; transferred 

to the band. 

Lodowiek GuiEel, private, Co.D, 184th. Enlisted September, 1864. 

Thomas McGroth, private, Co. F, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1863. 

Michael Fagan, 1st sergt., Co. D, 193d. Enlisted March, 1865. 

Isaac G. Nelson, private, Co. F, 184lh. Enlisted August, 1864. 

Peter Conroy, private, Co. K, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861; re- 
enlisted January, 1864. 

Patrick Glynn, private, Co. L, 21st Cav. Enlisted January, 1864. 

Morris Pokcman, private, Co. K, Slst Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; re- 
enlisted January, 1864. 

Ambrose Marsaline, private, Co. K, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861. 

Michael Daley, private, Co. K, 147th. Enlisted August, 1862. 

John Boland, private, Co. B, 81st Inf. Enlisted September, 1861. 

Peter Wright, private, Co. G, 147th. Enlisted August, 1862. 

Thomas Glynn, sergeant, Co. K, 147th. Enlisted September, 1862. 

Alonzo Arden, private, Co. B, 81st Inf. Enlisted April, 1864; pro- 
moted corporal. 

Frederick Becksted, private, Co. B, Slst Inf. 
re-enlisted January, 1863; 2d sergeant, 

Charles Becksted, private, Co. B, Slst Inf. 
re-enlisted January, 1863; drum corps, 

Joseph Cigler, private, Co. A, Slst Inf. Enlisted February, 1863. 

Chas. Bradshaw, priv., Slst Inf. EnI'd Oct., 1861 ; rc-enl'd Apr, 1865. 

George Rosell, private, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862; prom, sergt. 

Silas ^Y. Litchfield, private, Co. G, Slst Inf. Enlisted Nov., 1861. 

William Sharpe, private, Co. G, 16th Cav. Enlisted May, 1863. 

Joseph Myers, private, Co. E, 158th Inf. Enlisted March, 1864. 

William H. Myers, priv., Co. K, 158th Inf. Enlisted November, 1863. 

John Nihoof, private, 21st Bat. Enlisted October, 1862. 

Levi Nihof, private, Co. I, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; re-enlisted 
in 21st Bat., January, 1864. 

Edward Ringwood, private, Co. F, Slst Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; re- 
enlisted 24th Cavalry. 

Ira Lookintelley, private, Co. II, Slst Inf. Enlisted October, 1861 ; rc- 
cnlisted in Slst Infantry. 



Enlisted October, 1861 ; 
Enlisted October, 1861; 



Henry E. Cheeney, private, 16th Engineers. Wounded; got fever in 

hospital; enlisted Jan., 1862; discharged; died at Oswego. 
Sylvester Stone, private, Slst Inf. Enlisted January, 1862; killed at 

Cold Harbor. 
William Blair, private, Slst Inf. Enlisted January, 1862. 
Levi Blair, priv., Slst Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1862 ; killed at Petersburg. 
Joseph Blair, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1863 ; shot on picket 

at Petersburg. 
James Campbell, private, 110th Inf. Enlisted August, 1862 ; died at 

Baton Rouge. 
Thomas Dolan, priv., 81 st Inf. Enlisfd Jan., 1862 ; kill'd at Fair Oaks. 
John Hand, sergeant, 24th Inf. Enlisfd Sept., 1862; killed at Bull 

Run. 
John Harvey, priv., 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; died at Oswego. 
William D. Brunot, corporal, 24th Inf. Enlisted April 26, 1861 ; died 

at Washington. 
John Hagerty, private, 21st Cav. Enlisted January, 1864; killed on 

picket duty, Shenandoah valley. 
Burtin Adkins, private, 34th Iowa Inf. Enlisted August, 1862 ; pro- 
moted to captain ; died at Fort Blakely, Ala. 
Jeremiah Farrcll, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1863; died at 

hospital, D. C. 
Joseph Walker, private, U7th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; killed at 

battle of Wilderness, Va. 
Florence Adkinson, private, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1864; missed 

at Petersburg; not heard from since. 
Jacob Grubb, private, 149th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; promoted 

corporal; died at Atlanta. 
Richard McGrath, private, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; promoted 

1st sergeant; killed at Weldon R. R., Va. 
Daniel Dailey, private, 146lh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died at New 

Orleans hospital. 
James D. Johnson, private, 53d 111. Enlisted 1861 ; killed in Tenn. 
John Dailey, priv., 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; killed at Petersb'g. 
John Green, private, 24th Inf. Enlisted Ajiril, 1861 ; transferred 

to a Buffalo regiment; not heard from since. 



HISTOEY OF THE TOWI^S. 



OSWEGO. 



This town was formed from ILiiiiiibal April 20, 1818. 
A |i:irt (if Graiihy v,'M amic.M^d May 20, 183G. It lies 
ii|ioii the sliore of Lake Ontario, upon tlic west .side of Os- 
we-^o river. Its surface i.s (lenerally rolling, ending in a 
bluff shore u[ion the lake. The streams are Eight- Mile, 
Kiee, Snake, and Minetto creeks. A fall in Oswego river, 
within the limits of this town, affords an abundance of 
water-power. The underlying rock is principally red sand- 
stone. The soil is a gravelly loam. Howldei-s and water- 
worn pebbles arc scattered over its surface, making it very 
stony in places. There arc si.xtecn school districts in the 
town. 

The first settlement was made by Asa Rice, from Con- 
necticut, in 1797, who came down the Oswego river and 
along the beach to lot No. 2, where he landed with liis 
family and erected a log or pole shanty just high enough 
to stand up in. Two or three families came in with Mr. 
Rice, but none of them remained during the winter, he 
(Mr. Rice) being the only ]icrmanent settler. Upon the 
completion of his shanty, which his friends assisted in 
building, he produced a small bottle of wine that had been 
well cared for, and proposed that the new home in the fore.st 
have its name, which was given and christened '• Union 
Village," which name it still retains. Mr. Rice found 
many hard.shi]is and privations to endure, it being late in 
the fall ; and winter setting in earlier than he expected they 
found themselves short of provisions, and an inlimt child of 
theirs actually .starved to death. 

In 1800 came Reuben Pi.xley, who purchased of Mr. 
Rice about fifty acres of land, remained a fi^w yeare, and 
finally sold to a Mr. Brace. Mr. Fixley's family suffered 
greatly for want of provisions, and he was obliged to hire a 
bhuksmith from Oswego to hunt game for him to keep his 
family from starving, which was easily supplied, there being 
plenty of deer and some bears in the vicinity. Daniel Burt 
settled in 1802; Nathan Nelson was an early settler, and a 
Mr. Beckwith settled in 1S04; Klcazer Perry in JSOy; 
Jonathan Buell (on lot 29) and Jacob Thorpe in 180G ; 
and Daniel Roliin.son in 1809. Nathan Drnry, from Mas- 
sachusetts, settled ou lot 30 about 1810, and it is .said that 
Mr. Drury, in order to raise a crop of corn, was obliged to 
keep watch and drive the bears from liis fields. Erastus 
Todd was one of the early settlers, and was the first on lot 
13, — Oswego Centre, or more familiarly known as Fitch's 
Cornere. Chauncy Coats, from Ma.ssaclinsettt, settled on 
lot 12 in 1814, and first lived in a log house covered with 
200 



ash bark. Mr. Coats wa.s a very athletic man, being six 
feet two and three-(|uartor inches in height, and was at that 
time Considered the strongest man in Oswego County, once 
lifting an iron j)ress, in Oswego village, weighing one thou- 
sand pounds, after all others had failed. Nathan Farnham, 
from Bennington, Vermont, settled on lot 2 in 1813, on the 
farm now owned by Mr. McCracken. Mr. Farnham made 
a purchase on lot No. 3 in 181ti, where he now resides, 
and is eighty-four years old, born December 24, 1792. 
Abraiu 51. Clark, from Connecticut, settled on lot No. 3 in 
181f), purchasing from time to time until his farm com- 
prised three hundred and thirty-seven acres. Land at that 
time was worth ten dollars per acre. Mr. Clark now re- 
sides on said lot, and is seventy -seven years of age. Selden 
P. Clark also settled on the same lot at the same time, 
where he now resides, and is seventy-four years of age. 
Daniel 11. Green is now a resident of the southeast corner 
of lot 3. Daniel Pease, from Massachusetts, settled on lot 
11 in 1813 or 1814. Levi and Alfred, sons of Daniel 
Pease, and grandsons of Asa Rice, naiv reside on lot 11. 
Later, on lot 11, came C. G. Park, about 1850, where he 
now resides. Sylvanus Bishop, from Onondaga county, on 
lot 4 in 1813. Lot 24 was settled in 1S15 or I.'^IG by Mr. 
John Griffin, who erected the first log house in this vicinity, 
which stood just north of where William Stephenson now 
resides. John Dunsm<ire, from Massachusotts, made a pur- 
chase of one hundred and thirty acres on the same lot in 
1825, — lot first owned by the Bleekers, of London (land 
speculators). Mr. Dunsmore was seven days coming from 
Otsego to this jilace, a distance of one hundred miles, 
making the journey with o.\-tcams, and sold one yoke upon 
his arrival for fifty-five dollars. Seymour Coe, Sr., from 
Massachusetts, later tiom Onondag-.i county, settled in Pa- 
lermo in 1818, aud removed to Oswego town in 1831 or 
1832, on lot 12. Since the above facts were collected Mr. 
Coc has ]ia.ssed away, in the ninetieth year of his age. 

Schuyler Worden, from ('ayuga county, was a pioneer on 
lot 29 (Minetto) about 1819. Mr. Worden states that it 
was all a wilderness at that time, there being no roads laid 
out except the fifth street and river road. Mr. Worden is 
yet living on said lot, and is seventy years old. 

Wm. J. Forbes was the first settler on lot 22, in 1818. 
Joseph Rice was a pioneer on lot 30 (" State's hundred.") 
No farm in this locality was .settled earlier. He and Arvin 
Rice cut the road through from Fulton, coming with a yoke 
of cattle, on the farm now owned bv Edwin W. Hunting- 




Resioence of ELI WILDEi 




LGo,Osv^tGo Co, N, Y. 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



201 



tou. Lot 36 was first owned by Francis _ Lent. Stephen 
Tilden, from Vermont, settled on lot !) in 1821, ou lauds 
now owned by Vincent Sabin and son and B. P. Dutcher. 
A Mr. Foster was a pioneer on lot 26, on lands now owned 
by John S. Furniss. Samuel Furnis.s made a purchase on 
said lot in 1832. John Ostrander settled in Oswego village, 
in 1828, near the first dam. At that time there were only 
a few families in what now comprises the populous city of 
Oswego, though many emigrant.s came in at this time. 
Ruloft" Dutcher, from Dover, Skaneateles county, w;is a 
millwright, and assisted in the building of the first mills at 
Oswego. Lot 31 was drawn by Joshua Foreman for ser- 
vices rendered in the Revolutionary war (as were nearly all 
the lots westward from the Oswego river by other soldiers), 
and subsequently purchased by a Mr. Collins, who owned 
it for many years, and finally gave it to his son, Lee Collins. 
Abel Wilder, from Madison county, purchased four hundred 
and fifty-seven acres, on lots 31 and 32, of Ansel Frost, 
in 1838. Mr. Eli Wilder, a son of Abel, now owns one 
hundred acres of the original purchase. On this lot, on 
Eight-5Iile creek, was erected, in a very early day, a saw- 
mill by William Lewis, which was rebuilt, in 1838, by Eli 
Wilder, and suliseijuently by other parties ; but, with de- 
creasing interests in the milling business, it failed to be 
cared for, and has long since gone down. 

David Gray, from Saratoga county, settled on lot 21 in 
1812. Wm. Moore and Paul Whittemore, from Onondaga 
valley, came at the same time. The first clearings and im- 
provements in this locality were made by them. There 
were no roads nor even marked trees to the village of 
Oswego. 

Silas Green, a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of 
Coventry, Rhode Island, settled on lot 38 — the northwest 
lot of the township — in 1824. It was later owned by Nor- 
man Green (son), who remained on said farm about forty- 
four years, and is now owned by Garrett Louis. 

On lot 84, among the early settlers, as early as 1817, 
were Cephas Weed, Jonathan and Justin Eastman. 

Lot 78, on lands now owned by W. H. Johnson, was 
settled by Job Perkins, Mr. Chambers, Ebenezer Perkins, 
Samuel Sanders, Anson Taylor, James Gillis, Jason Peck, 
and Heman Rice. 

On lot 76 were jMr. Godfrey, Godby, and Oswell as early 
as 1817. 

Elihu W. Gificjrd, from Washington county, New York, 
settled on lot 92 in 1812, and subsequently on lot 91, 
where ho died in 1848, on lands now owned by his heirs. 
Mr. Elihu Gifford ran and kept the mill built by Silas 
Crandall from 1813 to the time of his death. 

John Parkinson, from England, settled in Oswego town, 
on present farm of W. R. Worden, in 1833, clearing said 
farm. David D. Gray cleared a portion of lot 21, where 
]Mr. Parkinson now resides, in an early day. Lot 17 was 
undoubtedly settled by Rudolph Dutcher and a Mr. Tilden, 
in about 1817 or '18. Mr. Nathan Lewis states that these 
gentlemen were here when he came, which was in 1822, 
and had been for a few years. There was but little land 
cleared at tliat time. James Stevenson was owner of one 
hundred and eight acres on the northwest corner of said lot 
i.s early as 1822. The Cist hou.su built at Southwest Os- 
14 



wego was a log one in 1820. The first blacksmith was 
Stephen Cobb, about 1833 or 1834. The first store w;us 
kept by Asa Watson, in 1844 or 1845. 

The first frame house in Oswego town was built by Asa 
Rice, ou lot 2, about 1810, and a portion of this house, 
known as the Carson hou.se, is still standing. Mr. R. also 
built the first frame barn. 

The first brick house erected was by Daniel Robinson, 
about 1830 or 1835, on lot 9. Mr. R. had on his farm 
a clay-bed, and manufactured bricks for sale. Oswego town 
contains a number of clay-beds of considerable size, some 
of which are turned to practical account in the manufacture 
of bricks, there being some five or six yards in different 
parts of the town, all doing a good business ; for instance, 
the Fitch yard, at Oswego Centre, which manufactures 
five hundred thousand to one million bricks annually. 

Mr. Asa Rice sowed first wheat, cleared first ground, 
planted first crops, and set out first orchard, on lot 2, get- 
ting some trees in the vicinity of the fort, and bringing 
some down the river from Onondaga county. 

The first road in town was the river road from Oswego 
through to Minetto and Fulton, and surveyed in 1810 or 
1811. 

Wm. Moore was the first surveyor, and laid out the 
Fifth street road in 1813. Mr. Jesse Gray informs us that 
it was a terrible road, and, though the distance was only 
three miles, the first time he attempted to go to Oswego ho 
got lost and was obliged to stay in the woods overnight. 
Mr. G. settled on lot 14 in 1826, the pioneer of the lot 
being a Mr. Brown, about 1822. Mr. G. is now seventy- 
four j'ears old. 

The Hannibal road was very heavily timbered, and when 
it was surveyed the trees were felled cither way from the 
centre of the road, and the settlers had to travel around the 
stumps to get along. The bridges were made of logs. 

The first birth was Thomas Jefferson Rice, in 1801. 
The first marriage was Augustus Ford and Miss Rice, in 
1800. The first death was an infant child of Asa Rice, in 
1798. A later marriage was that of Montgomery Perry 
and Mohetabel Rice, about 1812. A later death was that 
of David Gray, June 6, 1813. 

UNION VILLAGE 

was named by Asa Rice, as before stated. It was on this 
lot that the first settlements west of the Oswego river were 
made, and very many improvements. Here was kept the 
first school by Susan Newell, in a little log cabin just south 
of the four corners, in 1813. 

The first school-house built was a frame one, in 1816, on 
the present site of the cobblestone school-house ; size, 
twenty by thirty feet. 

The first saw-mill was erected by Messrs. Rice & Brace, 
on Rice creek, about 1810 or 1811. The first flouring- 
mill was on same creek, in 1813, built by Samuel Farn- 
liam, and was destroyed by fire in 1869. There was also 
a tannery built in this vicinity by a man named Nelson, 
which was rather a primitive affair. A cloth -dressing 
establishment was erected on the same lot about 1825, by 
WiUet R. Willis. 

The first storo was kept by Mrs. Ncland, from Miissachu- 



202 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, .\i;\Y YOltK. 



Bctts. Till- Grsl tavt-rn was a li>^ building, abnul 1810. and 
liODiucl Austin waH thu piunoer landlord. It was siibsc- 
(|uc-ntly taken by Wm. Lewis, and later, about 1813, by 
JnciiVi Kavnor. Tlie ratt-s in llm.-ic davs witc two sliiliin^ 
for meals, a sixpencu fur liidL'in^. and whisky thrtt' eentt* {>or 
drink. 

The first blaeksniilli wa.s Artliiir Brace, and tlie shop 
built was by liiui at this place. First tarj»enter was Ches- 
ter IJrace. Mrs. Kice and her dauj;htcr did the weavin-; 
for the people of this loealitj'. There were no distilleries, 
but Mr. Kiee used to make what was known as im ihti/liii, 
made from honey, — a very sweet and pleasant drink. Our 
informant tells us that people u.scd to come from the village 
of Oswego to get " metheglin," and it being such a pleasant 
drink, they would get merry before the}' were aware of 
it, and would usually feel full as well or Ix^ttcr the second 
day. 

The first physician was Dr. Coe, from the eastern part of 
New York. The first mails were carried on foot by Mills 
Brace, once a week, from Oswego to Salina (now Syra- 
cuse). Later they were carried on lioi-scback by a Mr. 
Garrison. 

Union Village of to-day has one hotel, kept by Walter 
Phillips; a groccrj', by B. B. Bradway ; a large eider-mill, 
by Mr. Bradway, which was built by Mr. MollLson, about 
twenty years ago, and is doing a fine business ; one black- 
smith-shop, by N. K. Hammond ; and contains about 
twenty residences. 

TOWN OFFICIALS. 

The first town-meeting in Oswego town was held at the 
school-house in the village of t>swego, on Tuesday, May 5, 
1818, when the following officers were elected, viz., Eleazer 
Perry, supervisor; Wm. Dalloway, town clerk; Henry 
Eagle, Henry Everts, and Eleazer Perry, Jr., assessors; 
Nathan JIcNair, Wm. Fay, Jr., and Erastus Todd, com- 
missioners of highways ; Nathan McNair and EleaziT Perry, 
Jr., overseers of the poor; Asa ])udley, collector; Asa 
Dudley and John S. Newton, constables ; Alvin Bronson, 
Samuel B. Beach, and Jno. Moore, Jr., commissioners of 
common scluwis ; Walter Colton, Geo. Fisher, and AVm. 
Mwire, sehodl iii.spcctors ; Alvin Bron.son and Samuel B. 
Beach, commissioners of gospel lots. 

The succession of supervisors from 1820, to date, has 
l)cen as follows, viz., Jonathan Demming, ^Matthew Mc- 
Nair, 1821; Alvin Bronson, 1822-1824; M. McNair, 
1825-1830 inclusive; Geo. Fisher, 1831; Joel Turrill, 
1832; David P. Brewster, 1833; Jacob N. Boncsteel^ 
183-4-1S35; W. F. Allen, 1836-1837 ; Patrick H. Hard' 
1838; Walter W. White, 1839; M. McNair, 1840; AV. 
W. White, 1841 ; Daniel H. Marsh, 1842; Joel Turrill, 
1843; Jas. Piatt, 1844; Luther Wright, 1845; I^ander 
Babcock, 184G-1847; D. H. Campbell, 1848; Lewis A. 
Cole, 1850-1851 ; Silas Cushman, 1852-1854 ; John Car- 
penter, 1855-185C; Stanton S. Gillett, 1857-1858; John 
H. Mann, 1850; Simon G. Place. 18G0; John H. Mann, 
18G1-1802; Jno. S. Furniss, 18G3-18G5; Jno. H. Mann, 
18CC-1869; William J. Stark, 1870-1871 ; Thomas G. 
Thompson, 1872; John G. Warner. 1873 ; Ira L. Jones, 
1874; Lyman Coats, 1875 ; T. S. Brighani, 187G-1S77. 

Among the first town clerks were W. Dillaway, 1820- 



1821 ; Jonalhaii Demming, 1822; Edmund Hawks, 1823 
-1824; and Robert Cooley, 1S25-182G. List of justices 
from 1830 as follows, viz., Calvin Sheldon, Wm. G. Ad- 
kins, J. J. Fort, Jno. H. Lord, Wm. Lewis, Jr., S. 1). 
I'iereo, John M. Casey, Nathan Faruham, Curtis Sever- 
ance, J. M. Casey, John Praut, H. P. Dwight, Moses 
Whitney, D. S. Goddey. John M. Casey, Jas. M. Crolius, 
H. Gray, W. Goodenow, D. S. Colby, Stephen Colb, S. S. 
Gillett, John Carpenter, Harvey Gray, J. Pilling, L. A. 
Cole, M. S. Clark, N. K. Hammond, H.nry P. Fitch, D. 
D. Colby, S. S. Gillett, A. C. Mann, John Gordinear, D. 
D. Blodgeit, S. S. Gillett, B. B. Place, H. J. Cody, D. D. 
Colby, Jas. W. Brown, B. B. Place, H. P. Fitch, .D. D. 
Colby, J. W. Brown, H. P. Fitch, E. B. Colby, J. W. 
Brown, Le Roy Pease, and II. P. Fitch, in 1877. 

MINKTTO MKTUODIST EPISCOPAL CIIIRCII. 

On the 15th day of November, 1848, tlie male members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church congregated at the 
Dennis school-house, town of Oswego, with Rev. M. H. 
(Jaylord and Samuel L. Lent presiding, Abraham Fort 
secretary; and, pursuant to an act of the revised statutes, 
proceeded to organize the first society of the Methodist 
Ejiiscopal church of the town of Oswego, and the trustees 
Were as follows, viz., Mynard Grovesbeck, Daniel Scott, 
Robert Fulford, Abraham Fort, and Le Roy Burt. Among 
the first members of this society were George and Betsey 
Burcli, Mynard and Pheoba Grovesbeck, Samuel and 
Catherine Lent, Caroline Brown, Caroline Armstrong, Sally 
Dennis, Dibliy Rheubottom, Perry and Myra Cliase, Miss 
Everts, John and Eleanor Myers, Robert and Sarah Fulford, 
and Harry Miller and wife. Mr. Miller was one of the 
pioneers of this locality, and on Sabbath used to go from 
Oswego town to Fulton, by marked trees, to church ; he was 
also the first class-leader in this vicinity. The first meet- 
ings of this society were held in the above-named sehool- 
liou,se. The church, which is yet standing, was built in 
1840; cost, seven hundred dollars; size, thirty by forty; 
dedicated in the fall of 1840, by Rev. Hiram Maltison. 
Following are some of the officiating clergymen : Rev. 
Sniedley, Rev. Smith. Rev. Coupe, Rev. 0. Sijuire, C. L. 
Dunning, Revs. Plank, Lathrop, Nichols, White, Mxson, 
Wood, Allen, C. C. Beebe, and Charles Harris, present pastor. 
There has always been a Sunday-school connected with the 
church. Jonathan Buell was the first superintendent; 
present superintendent is Ira L. Jones; number of pujiils, 
si.xty ; volumes in library, one hundred and fifty. 

THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIURCII OF SOUTH- 
WEST OSWEliO 

was organized December 0, 1872, from the Oswego Centre 
circuit, which was set aside from the general circuit, includ- 
ing Hannibal, Sterling, etc., in 1859, and meetings were 
held at Minetto and Oswego Centre. At the organization 
of this church in 1872, the following persons were incor- 
porated as trustees, viz., James Wiltsc, Vincent Sabin, 
Benjamin P. Dutcher, John A. Taylor, 0. Barstow, E. A. 
Carnrite, and William E. Stevens. 

Some of the preachers in charge from 1850 are as fol- 
lows, viz., R. L. Frazier, George Plank, A. Shaw, D. Fur 



II 






Rcsio£NCL OF LEVI PEASE 




e#^'litf-|tffiW^ 



0, OswEM Count) , 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



203 



geson, A. J. CotrcU, F. A. O'Farrell, George C. Wood, 
Charles E. Beebc, W. F. Purrington, and T. L. Allen, 
present pastor. First cluirch edifice was erected in 187o, 
and dedicated February 4, 1874 ; it is a small brick building, 
finely finished, with belFry and bell. The size of the audi- 
torium is thirty by fifty feet, with a vestibule in front ten 
by twelve feet. It was finished under the supervision of 
Mr. P. M. Schoonmaker; has a seating capacity of two hun- 
dred. Salary of the clergy, five hundred dollars. The Union 
Sunday-school of this church was organized in 1874; its 
first superintendent was 0. Barstow, who has held the posi- 
tion ever since. lias a goodly number of pupil.s, and a 
voluminous library. 

THE B.iPTIST CHURCH OF SOUTHWEST OSWEGO 

was organized about 1852, with a membership of some 
thirty-five. The following are the names of early mem- 
bers : William Curtis, Stephen Cagg, C. G. Park, a Mr. 
Mcrvin, Jlrs. C. Dunsmore, and Mrs. Newell ; first stationed 
preacher was Ilev. Edward Lawton. Meetings were held 
two years in a wood-house (which was finished oif for the 
purpose), just south of 0. Barstow's store. Finst church 
building was erected in 18.54 ; a frame structure, size, thirty- 
four by sixty feet, and is still used for their place of wor- 
ship. The pastors are as follows, viz.. Rev. H. Powers, 
Isaac Butterfield, Rev. Morley, Rev. Mr. Parkhur.st, Wm. 
C. Corbin. Present pastor is Rev. W. C. Johnson. Pres- 
ent membership is about one hundred. Salary of clergy, 
four hundred dollars. First superintendent of Sunday- 
school was James McLean, next was John D. Andrews. 
Present superintendent is E. C. Pasko. Number of pupils, 
one hundred and eight ; number of volumes in library, one 
hundred and four. The first Sunday-school was organized 
about two years after the building was erected. 

Of the organization of the Grange society of Oswego town, 
we have as yet no account, although the history of the 
county grange will appear in the general history. Our 
historian for Oswego town was referred by several of its citi- 
zens to a Mr. Lockwood, present Master of one of the 
subordinate lodges, to get the records of the society, and 
after driving some four or five miles found Mr. Lockwood, 
who utterly refused to give any information or to condescend 
to refer him to any one who could give the desired informa- 
tion. Mr. Lockwood knows the history of the county, and 
don't deem it necessary for any of his fellow-citizens or 
future generations to liave any records of the past or present ; 
therefore, if we should fail to give the records of this 
society, the patrons will please pardon. 

OSWEGO TOWN AURICULTURAL AND nORTICULTURAL 
SOCIETY 

was chartered in 1870, and grew out of an organization 
known as the liiicui Village Farmers' club, which was 



organized March 13, 1869, with T. G. Thompson as presi- 
dent; D. R. Green, .secretary; J. S. Bishop, corresponding 
secretary ; and S. L. Parsons, treasurer. This organiza- 
tion started with only eight or ten members, and at present 
has a membership of one hundred and fifty. Present 
officers are as follows, viz., T. S. Brigham, president; D. 
R. Green, vice-president ; Fred. E. Stewart, secretary ; Le 
Roy Pease, treasurer. The members of the society saw 
the need of having some place suitable for their meetings, 
and, being an enterprising people, took hold of the matter; 
in 1870 they erected a fine town hall, and on June 23, 1870, 
they, as well as many from the city, congregated for dedica- 
tion .services. 

The hall is situated on the farm of T. G. Thompson, 
about three miles west of the city, in one of the most beauti- 
ful locations (hat could be chosen. The building, which 
is cruciform, was designed by Gardner Bros., of Oswego 
city, and built by D. P. McAuley, also of the city of 
Oswego. The main part, which is used as an audience- 
room for the regular meetings of the society, is thirty l)y 
forty-six feet, and the hall propei> is thirty by sixty-five fe<!t, 
with an ante-room, used as kitchen in festival time, ten by 
thirty feet, in the rear. It is ahso provided with dining- 
rooms, etc. 

The building is high, and well arranged for light and 
ventilation. It co.st two thou.sand dollars. The funds 
were raised by subscription, and paid for a.s soon as com- 
pleted. The inclosure in which it stands includes five or 
six acres, and is held by the town society under a perpetual 
lease. On the grounds is a fine half-mile track. The 
building, with " Old Glory" floating at the peak of its flag- 
staff, is a prominent object for miles around. 

MINETTO VILLAGE, 

on the Oswego river, four miles above Oswego, contains two 
stores, one hotel, post-oflSce,one church, one blacksmith-shop, 
and about twenty-five residences. Is a very pleasant place, 
having beautiful river scenery. Mrs. Betsy Pease kept the 
first tavern at this place as early as 1820. Messrs. Evert, 
Forbes, and Pease wore early settlers on the present site of 
Minetto village. About 1832 there was a grist-mill erected 
here; the builder's name was Samuel Taggott. About a mile 
down the river (on the river-road) from IMinetto is the 
brewing establishment of L. Brosemer, which does quite an 
extensive business in the line of ales. About one-half mile 
north and west from 0.swego Centre is the refining establish- 
ment of Griffin & Mott, which was started as a cider-mill 
in 18G2 by Mr. Grifl[in, who has kept increasing his facili- 
ties until his business has become quite ext(^nsive. He has a 
large four-story frame building, including the cellar, which 
is used for storing purposes. Manufactures from three 
thousand to four thousand barrels of cider annually. Re- 
fining the same, it is liandsomely bottled and shipped to 
all parts of the country. 



204 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



BTOCiiArHICAL SKETCHES. 



£3^ fC% 



vi 





NATll.^N I.KWIS. 



NATHAN LEWIS. 



MRS. NATIIA.N LEWIS. 



One of tlio oldest living setllcre of llie town of Oswego, 
both in date of settlement and age, is Nathan Lewis, son of 
H;iintiil and Esther Lewis, of Alliany eouiity, who was born 
October 27, 17Lt7. In ISO.'i the family moved to Madison 
county, and settled on a farm. The county was then com- 
paratively new, ami very sparsely settled ; neighbors were 
few, and social and educational advantages were limited. 
Nathan received such learning as the district school then 
afforded. At the age of twenty-one he eomnieneed life for 
himself by hiring out by the month and taking jobs at 
clearing land, and thus continued to work until the fall of 
1822, wlien ho removed to Oswego County, and in May 
following pureluLsed the farm now owned and occupied by 
Mr. Blodgett. Ho went to work with a will and cleared 
that farm in good style, and lived upon it until the spring 
of 18G4, when he sold it and removed to his present resi- 
dence. 

On the l.'Uh of January, 1824, he -was united by mar- 
riage to Mary Matui, by whom he had four children, of 
wlinni but one — .Marshall — survives, and he lives in Illinois. 
On (lie 10th of February, 18.'i2, Mrs. Lewis died, and on the 
18th of the following September he married again, this time 
choosing Lucinda JIaini, cousin of his first wife. Four 
children were born to ihoui, three of whom survive, namely, 
Mary, now the wife of Reuben Wearcs, lives in tho city of 
Oswego ; Esther, married, and residing in Providence, 
Rhode Island ; Lorelta A., now livis with her father. 
Mrs. Lewis died February 11, 187G, after living with her 
husband for forty-four years. She was a kind and affec- 
tionate wife, and a Ibnd and loving mother. 

Ilcnry S. Lewis, son of Nathan and Lucinda Lewis, was 



a member of Company II, One Hundred and Tenth Regi- 
ment, New York Volunteers, and died while serving his 
country at Raton Rouge, Louisiana, September 2, 1863, 
after one year's service in the army. 

Mr. Lewis has always been an industrious man. When 
he came into Oswego, fifty-five years ago, there was very 
little land cleared ; and willing hands and hearts of steel 
were re(|uired to fell the large timber that existed where 
now can be seen the pleasant farms and homes of comfort. 
It was then that 

" 'J'luv .sliunncd luit labor hIkii 'twiis iluP, 

Tlu\v wrtiught with right good will ; 
Ami for llio homes they won for them 

T hoir cliililren liliss them still. 
They lived not hermit lives, but oft 

In social converse met, 
And fires of love were kindled thou 

That burn on warmly yet. 
Oh, (ilensantly the stream of Ufa 

Pursued its constant flow, 
In the days when Ihry were |jioncers, 

Fifty-ijvc years ogo." 

By industry and good management Mr. Lewis has suc- 
ceeded in surrounding himsi'lf with the comforts and beauties 
of life ; and now, at the age of fourscore years, he enjoys 
the proceeds of a remarkably well-spent and laborious life. 
He has held various ofBces of trust iu his township, all of 
which he has filled to the satisfaction of the people, and 
with personal credit. Originally a Whig, he is now a Re- 
publican, having voted with that parly since its organiza- 
tion. He is very generally respected as a good citizen and 
an honest man. 



21 

S 



O 

r- 
J*- 

31 



5 
to 

to 









o 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



205 



ELI WILDER. 

The father and mother of Eli Wilder were natives of 
Massacliusetts. They emigrated to New York about the 
year 1810, and first settled at Hamilton, but soon after re- 
moved to the town of Sullivan, Madison county, whore they 
resided until 1838, when they removed to Oswego County, 
where they continued to reside until their death. Abel 
Wilder, the father, died in 1852, aged sixty -seven years, 
and his wife in 1877, aged eighty-seven years. Eli is the 
eldest of five children, — three sons and two daughters. 
He was born at Sullivan the 18th of December, 1816, and 
during his younger years attended the common schools of 
that period, and assisted on the farm and in the cooper-shop 
of his father until 1838, when the whole family removed 
to the town of Oswego. The old goutloman had previously 
purchased four hundred and fifty-seven acres of wild, uncul- 
tivated lands, at seventeen dollars per acre. Eli and his 
brothers continued with their father, and all worked together 
for about four years, when two of the sons took a portion of 
the farm and commenced to work for themselves, — Eli con- 
tinuing with the old gentleman until his death, in 1852, when 
he bought out the other heirs and succeeded to the old 
home. He afterwards bought out hi.s brothers, where he 
has continued to reside ever since. He has always pursued 
the occupation of a farmer, never engaging in speculation 
or uncertain projects, and the result is, he is to-day regarded 
as one of the reliable men of Oswego County. His farm at 
this time consists of one hundred and seventy-nine acres of 
rich, fertile soil, well adapted for grass, grain, and dairy. 

Eli Wilder was married to Betsey C. Fulmer, of the same 
town, in 1851. This union was a short one, as she only 
lived a little less than a year. In the year 1859 he was 
again married. The fruits of this union are four children : 
Catharine, who died at three years of age; Ida E., Mabel 
C, and Franklin E. The last three are living at home 
with the father. Mr. Wilder was again bereaved in the 
death of his companion, who died in 1874. Elsewhere in 
this work may be found a fine view of the residence and 
farm of Eli Wilder, with portraits of himself and deceased 
wife, — a monument to his memory, and an honor to his 
town. 



LEVI PEASE. 



Daniel Pease, one of the older representatives of this 
numerous family in the United States, w:is a native of IMas- 
sachusetts. At the age of twenty-one years he emigrated 
to tlie State of New York and settled near Oswego ; this was 
about the year 1814. 

He became engaged in farming, with which he was occu- 
pied all his life. lie was married at twenty two years of 
age to Miss Miriam Rice, of Oswego, the daughter of Asa 
Rice, the first settler in the town of Oswego (settled in the 
year 1797), outside of tlie post and fort of that jilace. 

Daniel Pea.se was the father of seven children, — four sons 
and three dauglitere, — of wliom Levi is the eldest. He was 
born in 181G, on the same farm now owned and occupied 
by the Pease family^ of Oswego ; lie was reared a farmer. 



assisting in the labors of the home farm and attending 
school until twenty years of age, when he commenced teach- 
ing school winters, and working on a farm summers, until 
thirty years of age. 

At the age of twenty-eight he purch;ised a part of the 
old home farm, which he has ever since retained and occu- 
pied as a home. In 1848 he was united in marriage with 
Mrs. Mary B. Rhoades, a daughter of Sylvanus Bishop, of 
Oswego. They have three children, — two sons and one 
daughter. 

Leroy, the eldest, is married, and owns and occupies a 
part of the home farm, on which he is erecting a very hand- 
some and substantial dwelling a few rods distant from his 
father's residence. 

Anna A., and Ira, the other children, are at home with 
the parents. 

The farm, which consists of eighty acres, is situated on 
an elevated ridge, and the soil is rich and fertile, well adapted 
to the production of the grains, grasses, and fruits for which 
this region is so justly celebrated. Mr. Pease and his son 
are more especially engaged in fruit-growing, principally 
apples, pears, and grapes, which under their intelligent 
management they have made very profitable. We present 
our readers elsewhere in these pages a fine view of their 
beautiful farm home, with the intervening landscape, and 
Ontario lake in the distance ; and this brief sketch of the 
family is a tribute of respect to the character and worth of 
this second generation of the pioneer settlers of Oswego 
County. 



MILITARY RECORD OF OSWEGO. 



Clark D. Amlcrson. calisteil in the 110th Rcgiiuout. 

Laurcnco Adkinson, cnlisteJ ia tho 21st Cavalry. 

Taul Allen, culisteil iu the ICtli Regiment, .January 5, 18 (U. 

Joseph AUis, enlisted in the IGth Kejirucnt, January a, 1804. 

George Archer, enlisted in the 2d Cavalry, January », 1S64. 

William Aggas, enlisted iu the 2d Cavalry, January 4, 1S64. 

William Alton, enlisted in Co. I, 25th Cavalry, December 31, 1863. 

William Ajipley, enlisted in Co. H, Slst Regiment, January 1, 18B1. 

William G. Angell, enl'd in Co. B, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1S64. 

Edwin J. Barstow, enlisted in Co. II, 110th Regiment. 

Samuel Burnside, enlisted in Co. H, 110th Beg't ; died at Baltimore. 

Robert Burnside. enlisted in Co. II, 110th Regiment; died. 

Orrin Batch, enlisted in Co. I, 14"tli Regiment. 

Ale.i:andcr Boorliea, enlisted in Gasper's Cavalry. 

Elmer P. Burt, enlisted in the 21st Bight Artillery, Deo. 2, 1863. 

Augustus Barbeau, enlisted in the 2-lth Cavalry. 

James Burns, enlisted in the 16th Regiment, January 5, 18G4. 

Hiram W. Barlow, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry, January 5, 1864. 

Frederick Beckshcet, enlisted in Co. B, Slst Regiment, Jan. 1, 1864. 

Daniel E. Becks, enlisted in Co. G, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1864.. 

Andrew B. Coyne, enlisted in Co. B, Slst Regiment, Jan. 1, 1864. 

Francis Benford, enlisted in Co. IS, Slst Regiment, Jan. 1, 1864. 

George Bell, enlislod iu Co. II, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1864. 

E. F. Barstow, enlisted in the llOlh Regiment, Aug. 10, 1S61 ; pro- 
moted to captain ; transferred to the TTlh Regiment. 

John S. Bishop, enlisted in the Slst Regiment, September, 1861 : dis- 
charged October, 1S62. 

Nelson Bishop, enl'd in the ISlth Reg,, Sept., 1S64; disch'd in 18G5. 

Sereuo Bishop, enl'd in the 110th Reg., Aug., 1S62: diseh'd in 1865. 

Augustus Brown, enl'd in the 184lh Reg., .Sept., 1864; diseh'd in 1865. 

Lewis J. (Culver, enlisted in Co, II, 110th Ilegimi-nt. 

Isaac Cole, enlisted iu Co. II, IlOth Regiment. 

John Calfthan, enlisted in Co. I, I4"th Kegiuienl. 

James II. Cummings, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 



2ii(; 



IIISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUMY, NEW YORK. 



Ruyal (,'hnac, CDlistcd in Oii!<|ier'ii Cnviilry. 

(leurgc Chiifc, cii)i»tett in l!afi|ii>r'8 Cuvnlry. 

Al»n Ci.lc, riilialcd in llii' LMtli Cnvnlry, December 2S, ISOI. 

John Clark, enlinteil in the Irtlli Uejfinient, Jsnimry 4, l(i«4. 

Sninuvl Cook, enlieUil in Co. 1), Ifitli Artillery. December 17, ISG4. 

Kugcnc E. CurDi«b, cnl'd in the 184lh KcgiiucnC, September 12, ]i>64, 

ait a eur|turul ; di^cbnrgcil in 18C6. 
Fred. II. Cary. enld in Ibe 1.14th llegl., Sept. 12, 1864; dis. in 1865. 
Orin Chase, cnli.ited in the Utb Heavy .\rtillery, .Innuary 4, 1864 ; 

prisoner for three raunthn; iliti<!harge4l in 1865. 
Abrnhnni S. lushnian, cnli>tcil in the 2 lib Kegiment, September, 1861 ; 

discharged in 1863. 
Cuurllunil C. Cushnmn, enlisted in Maine Arlillery, August, 1862; 

di.Hc*barged in Isftlt. 
A. Cbelney, eni'd in the Ifith Hegt.. Deo., I86.T; dincb'd in 1S6G. 
Armony Chulney, enlisted in the 1811b llegiuicnt, September 10, 1864 ; 

dischiirgi'd in 1865. 
Joseph Chetney, enlisted in the Ifilh Tnited .States Regulars, Dccem- 

Imt, 186^1; woundinj ; discharged in 1866. 
Charles Chetney, enlisted in the 24th Kegiment, May, 1861 ; re-enlisted 

in the lU4th Regiment: discharged in 1865. 
Jo.teph Chetney, enli:^te<l in the 21(h Regiment, May, 1861 ; wounded 

in the leg; rc-cnli.«led in the 121^*t Regt. : discharged l>cc., 1865. 
Krnest Cnll>y,cnli9leil in the 2llh Cavalry, August, 1861 ; re-enlisted 

in the 12tb New York Cavalry ; discharged in December, 186.i. 
Adonirnm I. Clark, enlisted in (he 184tb Regiment, Scjttcmber, 1864 ; 

died July 1, 1863. 
W. II. Diirrow, enlisted in Co II, llOlh Regimrnl. 
Daniel Devendorf, enlisted in Co. II, llOth Regiment. 
Daniel Donsmore, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 
*Iuhu Donahue, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 

James W. Decker, enlisted in Co. It, llflth Regiment, Dec. 31, 1861. 
Anthony Denow, enlisted in Co. B, I6th Infantry, Dec. 5, 1864. 
Abram Dean, enlisted in the 24tb Cavalry, January 4, 1864. 
Charles David, enlisted in Co. F, I8l8t Regiment, Jan. 17, 1864. 
James Doras, cnl'd in the 110th Regt., Aug., 1862; diseh'd in 1865. 
MatthetT Doras, enlisted in the I84th Regiment, September, 1S64; 

discharged in 1865. 
David F. Dunsmore. enlisted in the 2d Heavy Artillery, January 15, 

1864; discharged .March, 1865. 
Williuni Dclung, enlM in ibc 24lh Cav., Jan. 7. 1861 : dis. Dec, 1865. 
Rus.'iell Ellis, enlisted in Co. .A, 81st Regiment. 
James II. Eastwood, enlisted in the 21th Cavalry. 
Francis Eggleston, enlisted in the 241h Cavalry. * 

Horace It. Ensworlh, enlisleil in Co. li, 8lsl Regiment, Feb. 25, 1S64. 
Samuel (). Edwanls, enlisted in the 8th Wisconsin Regiment, August 

18,1861; rc-cnliste<l ; woumled ; ilischHrgcd in 1865. 
F. C. fMnards, enlisted in the 184th ReginienI, September 16, 1864; 

discharged in 1865. 
William Flack, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 
Harvey Keatherby, enlisted in the 15lh Cavalry. 
William Fay, enlisted August 4, 1863. 

William Frink, enlisted in Co. I, 2Dth Regiment, November 19, 1863. 
Levi Fulmer, enliste<l August 4, 1863. 
.lames I. Flynn, enlisled in the 24lh Cavalry. 
Jidin Fairman, enlisled in the 24th Cavalry. 
Michael Flynn, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry, December 24, 1864. 
Justin W. Ferriugton, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 
William Farnian, cnlistol in Co. II, 181st Regiment, Jan. 1, 1864. 
William Felhurly, enlisted in Co. D, I81sl Regiment. 
Oscar F. Fnnucison, enlisted in the Ulh .Vrlillery, January 26, 1861; 

died November II, 1863. 
John Flanegan, enlisted in the lOi'.d Regiment, February 10, 1865; 

discharged August, 1865. 
A. W. Fineaul, enlisled in the 184th Regiment, Sepleniber 16, 1S64; 

discharged in 1865. 
Ashley Fuller, enlisted in the llllh Regt., Aug. 8, 1802 ; dis. in 1863. 
Arthur GifTord, enlisted in Co. D, 81st Regiment. 
Charles (Jilberl, enlisted in Co. I, I 17lli Kegiment. 
William II. (iraves, enlisted in the 12lh Cavalry, 
.loscph .M. Iluuld, enlM in Co. t). 81st Regt., as Corp.. Feb. 24, 1863. 
John (iailaher. enlisted in the 21sl liallery. December 2.8, 1803. 
Morgan (Jreen, enliytud in Co. F, Isl Arlillery, December 26, 1863. 
William K. Core, enlisled in Ibe 24lh Cavalry, December 24, 186.3. 
John (larmly, enlisled in the IBIh KegimenI, January 4, 1863. 



Jofe].h tirijoire. enl'd in Co. D, 8lsl Regt., Jan. 1, 1863; re-enlisted. 

Michael (iilm<irc, enlisted in the lllth Regl., Sept., 1864; dis. in 1865. 

David llamblin, eolisteil in Co. H, IllHh Kegiment. 

John Harrigan, enlisted in Co. II, lluib Regiment. 

Daniel .M. Ilorlon, enlisted in Co. 0, UUlb Regiment. 

James Hall, enlisted in Co. G, llOlb Regiment. 

James C. Hall, enlisted in Cu. I, llOth KegimenI. 

Wenley C. Hall, enlisted in Co. I, IlUtli Regiment. 

Ransom Hiiniiigan, enlisted in Co. H, 18lst Regiment. 

Michael Hyde, enlisted in the 15th Cavalry. 

William Sergent Hardee, enlisled in Co. B, I5lh Cav., June 15, 1863. 

Albert Hiekok, enlisted in the 14th Regiment. 

lOdward Harding, enlisled in the 14lh Regiment. 

.Aironl Ilinkson, enlisled in Ibe 14lh Regiment. 

.'VITord Ilasken, inlisled in the I4th Rcginienl. 

William Hill, enlisled in the I3lb Heavy Arlillery, Dec. II. Is63. 

James lloppcn, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 

Krastus W. Haskin, enlisted in Co. L, loth Cavalry, Jan. 4, 1864. 

Henry Ilartgrove, enlistc<l in the 15lh Kegintenl. .lanuary 4, 1864. 

.Miel llarring. enlisted in Ihe 15tll Regiment, January 4, 1864. 

Hazekiel Hall, enlisted in Cu. D, 8l8t Regiment. Fob. 23, 1864. 

William Ilorlon, enlisled in Co. D, 147lb Regiment. 

James C. Hinman. enlisted in the Hllh .\rtillery, January 5, 1864; 
died July 5, 1864. 

William H. Hill, enlisled in the 24lh Cavalry, December 14, 1803; 
died Oclolier 3(1, 1804. 

Harrison Ilelnies, enl'd in Ihe 184th Regt., Aug. 10, 1804 ; dis. in 1865. 

James Hall, enl'il in Ihe llOlh Regt., Aug. 10, 1862; dis. Aug., 1865. 

Hulberl Hurtlius, enlisled in the I47th Regiment, .August, 1861 ; dis- 
charged May, 1875. 

Lemuel Hendryn, enlisled in the Slst Regiment, Scpleinber, 1801. 

Sherman Hollenbcck, enl'd in Ihe 24lh Cav., Jan., 1804 ; dis. in 1865. 

Richard llawley, enl'd in the lS4th Regt., Sept., 1804 ; dis. in 1865. 

Ransom Harrigan, enlisted in the llOtb Regiment, September 16, 
1864; di.<cbarged in 1865. 

Lewis R. Irwin, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 

John W. James, enlisted in Co. I, I47th Regiment. 

I'aiil Jones, enlisled in the lOlh Cavalry, August 4, 1803. 

William Jewelt, enlisted in Co, G, 81st Regiment, Feb. 24, 1864. 

William H. Jackson, enlisted -August 13, 1861. 

Williard Jackson, enlisled Augu.«t 22, 1864. 

Joseph Keller, enlisled in Co. H. llOlh Regiment. 

Herman Kingslcy, enlisted in Co. A, lldth Regiment. 

Charles F. Kline, enlisted in Co. G, 147th Regiment. 

Mareellus Knnpp, enlisted in Ihe 241b Cavalry. 

Jo.seph ('. Kellogg, enlisted in the lOlh Regiment, January 5, 1804. 

Anihony Lefcver, enlisted in Cu. I, 81st Regiment. 

James Lane, enlisled in Co. D, 181st KegimenI. 

Henry S. Lewis, enlisted in Co. II, lloih Kegiment. 

Peler Lapland, enlisled in Co. II, llOlh Regiment. 

John Le Roy, enlisted August, 1863. 

Charles Lavine. enlisled January I, 1864. 

Thomas Lawton, enlisled in Co. B, 18Ist Regiment. March 1, 1864. 

Charles E. Lawton, enlisled in Co. li, 81st Kegiment. March 1, 1864. 

Frank Lc Roy, enlisted in Co. B. Slst Regiment, January 1, 1864. 

John F. Le Roy, enlisled in Co. H, Slst Regiment, Feb. 21, 1864. 

Jas. C. Le Clare, enl'd in the 184lh Regt., Sept. 16, 1864; discharged 
iii 1865. 

Peler La I'lant, enlisted in Co. H, llOlh Regiment, August 15, 1802'' 
died at Port Hudson. 

S uel Mark, enlisted in Co. H, llOlh Regiment. 

William L. Morse, enlisted in Co. II. llotb Regiment. 

Cane P. Mahoney, enlisled in the I47lh Regiment. 

Ebencier Morse, enlisled in Co. 0, M7lli RogimenU 

Joseph .Monlec, enlisleil in Co. U, 147th Regiment. 

Frank .Morton, enlisled in Co. O, ]81sl Regiment, 1803. 

Justin .Morrell, enlisted in Co. D, 81st Regiment, December I, 1864. 

Joseph Monelt, enlisted in Co. D, 8l9t Regiment, January I, 1864. 

Robert MeCully, enlisled in Co. B, 81st Regiment, January 1, 1804. 

Joseph Marshall, enlisted in Co. It, 81sl Rcginienl, Dec. 1, 1804. 

Daniel Madden, enlisted in Co. O, 8l8t Regiment, January 1, 1864. 

James .MelJaw, enlisled in Co. B, 8I»t Regiment, January I, 186 I. 

Henry Martin, enlisled in Co. II, 8lsl KegimenI. 

Smith McCoy, enlisled in the M7lh Regiment, .August 23, 1S62; pro- 
muted to lieutenant; discharged Dceembcr, 1805. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



207 



Sylvester Mead, enlisted in the 8lst Rogiinont, November, ISfil j 

re enlisted March, 1864; discharged August, lS6j. 
Charles B. Miller, enlisted in the 21tli Cavalry, Doeember It, ISH.T ; 

died September .10, 1864. 
John B. Miller, enlisted in the IStth llegt., Sept., ISfit; dis. in 1865. 
Anthony W. Mcrriani, enlisted in tho IStfh Regiment, Sept. 16, 

1S64; discharged in 1865. 
Edward Moore, enlisted in the lS4th Regt., Sept., 1864: dis. in 1865. 
James II. Martin, enlisted in tho 184th Regiment, September 16, 

1864; discharged in 1865. 
James Maxwell, enlisted in the 184th Regiment, September 16, 186tj 

discharged in 1805. 
William P. Newell, enlisted in Co. H, 110th Regiment. 
Oeorgo Northrop, enlisted in Co. I, 110th Regiment. 
William II. Nichols, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
Lorenzo Northrop, enlisted in Co. D, Slst Regiment, Jan. 18, 1864. 
Charles Newell, enlisted in the 184th Regiment, September 16, 1864; 

discharged December, 1865. 
Austin Ostrander, cnl'd in the 184th Regt., Sept., 1864; dis. in 1865. 
John O'Brien, enlisted in Co. L, 20th Cavalry, Sept. 17, 1863. 
John O'llarron, enlisted in the 13th Heavy Artillery, Deo. 4, 1863. 
Michael O'Hara, enlisted in the 13th Heavy Artillery, Dec. 4, 1863. 
Edward T. O'Neal, enlisted in tho 16th Heavy Artillery. 
John O'Leary, enlisted in Co. G, Slst Regt. ; deserted Nov. 2, 1861. 
John Oswald, enlisted in Co. G, 8l5t Regiment; dis. May 28, 1862. 
Phillip Ostrander, enlisted in Co. G, 81st Regiment, as sergeant ; dis- 

ch.arged May 28, 1862. 
Laurence O'Kecfc, enlisted in Co. C, 9th Heavy Art, Dec. 30, 1863. 
H. A. Pclham, enlisted in Co. H, 110th Regiment. 
Daniel M. Peck, enlisted in Co. H, llOth Regiment. 
John N. Potter, enlisted in Co. II, 110th Regiment. 
Isaac M. Powell, enlisted in Co. H, 110th Regiment. 
Charles A. Phillips, enlisted as first lieutenant, Co. H. 
Voluey T. Pierce, enlisted in Co. (J, 147th Regiment; afterwards 

captain of Co. D. 
James Patterson, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
William I. Procter, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
Albert Place, enlisted in Co. B, 81st Regiment, January 1, 1864. 
Joseph Parent, substitute. 

Edward T. Pilling, enl'd in tho 16th Regt., Sept., 1864; dis. in 1865. 
Benjamin Potter, enlisted in the 104th Regiment, August, 1863; 

wounded, and transferred to navy. 
Samuel Peck, enl'd in the 184th Regt., Sept. 18, 1864 ; dis. in 1865. 
James V. Pierce, enlisted in the 147th Regiment, Sept. 23, 1862; 

second lieutenant; promoted to captain ; discharged in 1865. 
Simon G. Place, enl'd in the 147th Regt., Sept. 27, 1862; dis. in 1865. 
John Raymond, enlisted August 4, 1863. 
Clark Read, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
Warren Robinson, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
John Rnthbun, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 

Samuel J. Rodriek, enlisted in Co. G, 4th Heavy Artillery , Dec. 22. 
Julius Reinhart, enlisted in Co. F, 81st Regiment, Jan. 17, 1864. 
John C. Rowe, enlisted in the 2d Regiment, January, 1864 ; taken 

prisoner; discharged in 1865. 
John Robinson, enlisted in the 184th Regt., Sept., 1864; dis. in 1865. 
James A. Raulston, enlisted in the 24th Regiment, August, 1861 ; 

killed September 16, 1862. 
William C. Raulston, enlisted as captain ; promoted to colonel Slst 

Regiment, August, 1861 ; prisoner at Danville; killed. 
John Raulston, enlisted in the Slst Regiment, Aug., 1861 ; captain . 

pronuited to colonel; discharged March, 1865. 
George F. Raulston, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry, November 20, 1864 ; 

promoted to captain; <iiseh.arged in 1865. 
Geo. W. Stone, enlisted in Co. A, Slst Regiment. 
W. E. Stevens, enlisted in Co. II, llOth Itiginient. 
John Stevenson, enlisted in Co. H, llOlh Regt.; promoted to eapt. 
James Scars, enlisted in Co. B, 147th Regiment. 
Richard A. Schoonnmker, enlisteil in Co. G, 147th Regiment. 
Peter Shults, enlisted in Co. II, 147tli Regt.; killed at Gettysburg. 
Hiram Stuwell, enlisted in Co. G, 147th Regt.; killed at Gettysburg. 
Geo. W. Snell, enlisted in Co. G, 147th Regiment. 
John Smith, enlisted in Co. It, ]5lh Cavalry, June 20, 1863. 
William Stevens, enlisteil in the lllh Inl'anlry. 
Francis Smalhnan, enlisted in the 14tli Infantry. 
Edward Shea, enlisled in the 1 lib Ri'ginient. 



Albert Summers, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry, 
('harles Symco.x, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
AVilliam E. Sawyer, enlisted in Co. C, ilth II. Art., Dec. 30, 186-2. 
John Simon.s, enlisted in Co. C, 1st Light Artillery, Jan. 4, 1862. 
James Sully, enlisted in Co. G, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1862. 
William Shea, enlisted in Co. H, Slst Regiment, .lanuary 1, 1862. 
J. B. Stanton, enlisted in Co. H, Slst Regiment, February 24, 1862. 
Criss Stanton, enlisled in Co. H, Slst Regiment, February 24, 1862. 
John Smith, enlisted in Co. G, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1862. 
Albert A. Sabin, enlisted in the 184th Regiment, September 16, 1864 

discharged in 1865. 
William Stevens, enlisted in the llOth Regiment, August 27, 1862 

discharged in 1865. 
William II. Sweet, enlisted in the 1 84th Regiment, September 16, 1864 

discharged in 1S65. 
John Stevenson, enlisted in the 110th Regiment, Augu.st 26, 1862 

died August 12, 1863. 
Samuel Stevenson, enlisted in the llOth Regiment, Aug. 26, 1862 

died June 23, 1863. 
Joseph Stevenson, enlisted in the 11th Illinoia Cav.alry, January 15, 

1864: died January 31, 1865. 
John L. Simons, enlisted in the 1st Artillery, January 5, 1864 ; died 

November 2, 1864. 
Peter Shults, enlisted in the 147th Regiment, August 25, 1862; dis- 
charged July 1, 1863. 
Wm. E. Simmons, enl'd in the 24th Regt., Oct., 1861 ; dis. May, 1865. 
Jas. M. Simmons, enl'd in the 24th Regt., Oct., 18B1 ; dis. April, 1863. 
Emory Shults, enlisted March, 1864. 

Erwin Shults, enlisted in the 24th Regt., Apr., 1861 ; dis. May, 1863. 
Richard A. Shoemaker, enlisted in the 147th Regiment, August 23, 

1S62 ; promoted to sergeant ; discharged in 1865. 
James M. Timmerson, enlisted in Co. H, llOth Regiment, .\ugust 26, 

1862; died January 28, 1863. 
Saxton T.aylor, enlisted in Co. D, Slst Regiment. 
Edward Tiffany, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry. 
C. II. Thompson, enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cavalry, Deo. 21, 1863. 
Richard Titus, enlisted in Co. G, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1864. 
Oscar F. Timmerson, enlisted in the Ilth Artillery, January 26, 1862 ; 

died November, 1863. 
William Taggart, enl'd in the 184th Regt, Sept. 16, 1864; dis. in 1865. 
Frederick Teal, enlisted in the 21st Bat, Aug. 27, 1862; dis. in 1865. 
Patrick Timmons, enlisted in the lOth Indiana Regiment, .July, 1861 ; 

discharged in 1864. 
Wm. II. Vauetten, enlisted in Co. I, 147th Regiment. 
Silas Vergenia, enlisted in Co. D, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1862. 
Willis Van Buren, enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cavalry. 
AViiliam H. Vanctten, enlisted in the 147th Regiment, September, 

1862; wounded; discharged in 1865. 
Charles E. Vanctten, enlisted in the 2d Heavy Artillery, February, 

1864; discharged in 1865. 
William Woolworth, enlisted in Co. A, Slst Regiment; killed by 

cars, between Oswego .and Albany. 
George G. Warren, enlisted in Co. G, llOtb Regiment. 
Charles E. West, enlisted August 6, 1863. 
CJeorge Wicks, enlisted August 6, 1863. 
Thomas Weir, enlisted in tho 21st Battery, Light Artillery, December 

26; killed. 
William Wright, enlisted in the 24th Cav.ilry. 
Asa Wells, enlisted in the 24th Cavalry, December 28, 1803. 
George Wilson, enl'd in Co. C, 24th Cav., Jan. 6, 1864: dis. in 1865. 
John While, enlisted in the Slst Regiment, January 1, 1862. 
Stephen H. Wymonds, enlisled in Co. G, Slst Regiment. January 1. 
Riley Warner, enlisted in Co. H, Slst Regiment, January 1, 1802. 
James A. Wilsey, enlisted in the 27th Michigan, November, 1802; 

killeil August 14, 1863. 
W. ]). Wilsey, enlisted in the 23d Michigan Regiment, September, 

1862 ; discharged in 1865. 
Samuel G. Williamson, enlisted in the llOlb Regt, September, 1862; 

discharged in 1865. 
Alva II. Walker, enl'il in the 184lh Regt, Sept., 1864 ; dis. in 1865. 
Kmory Wilson, enl'd in the 184lli Regt, Sept, 1864 ; dis. in 1865. 
.\mes S. Weed, enlisted in the 24th KcgimenI, May, 1861; wonndcd; 

rc-enlisled in the 20th Cavalry; discharged in 1865. 
Charles Willis, enlisled in the 147th Regiment, September, 1802; 

transl'enid to Invalid Corps. 



RICHLAND. 



As llic tide of iniiui<rrntion rolled westward the territory 
Was ra]>idh' s^urviycd and civil divisions erected. In 1792 
the tcrritury embraced williin tlie |>re!fciit boundaries of tliis 
town coiiijiriM'd a portion of the old town of Wliilestown, 
Herkimer eotiiity. Mexico w;ls set off from Wliitestown 
Ajiril 1(1, IT'.IIi. Williamstown was formed I'mm Mexico 
March 24, 1804, and Kiehhnid was erected from AVilliams- 
towii Febmary 2(1, ISO", nine years prior to the organiza- 
tion of tl.-'Wefio County. 

It retained its original diuiension.s until 1817, when 
Orwell wa.s set off. It was airiiri reduced in area in 1825 
by the erection of Sandy Creek and Albion. In ISoti a 
jiart of Mexico was taken off, and a part set off to Orwell 
in 1844. It lies upon the shore of Lake Ontario, north of 
the centre of the county, and its surface is generally level, 
broken by several deep ravines. The principal streams are 
Salmon river. Deer and Sandstone creeks, and Trout brook. 

THE FIRST SETTLEMENT. 

" Though wo charge to-day with llcclncee, 
Though we ilri'ad lo-uiorroH'*8 sky, 
Tliorc's a iiu-hoieholy bwl'i-Iiiccs 
lu tlic name of days gouc by," 

To call up from the dim vista of the past incidents of 
more tlian three-ijuartcrs of a century ago, and place before 
tlie readers of today a glimpse of early scenes and actors, 
while it is attended with much difficulty, is a pleasing task, 
as there's a sweetness in the annals of days gone by. 

The first settlement of Hi. bland dates back to 1801, 
when Nathan Tuttle and Nathan Wilcor, from Canada, 
located at the mouth of Salmon river. Albert Bohannan 
settled during the same year at the mouth of Snake creek. 

lienjamin Winch settled near the mouth of Salmon 
river in 1801, where he remained a few years, and removed 
to the village of Pulaski. He was a surveyor, and assi.stcd 
in platting the original town. By the capsizing of a boat 
on the lake in 1804 a number were drowned, leaving Mr. 
AVincli the only adult male at Vera Cruz, now Texas. 
Conrad Rip.«on was an early settler at Port Ontario. The 
first settler at Brown's landing was a traj)per named Jacob 
Kllis, who came in 1805. Jonathan Hooker was a promi- 
nent jiioneer in that vicinity. He was the owner of a large 
jiart of its .ship])ing, and for many years officiated as justice 
of the peace. Morse Hooker, n son, now resides iu Sandy 
Creek. Brown's landing received its name from an early 
settler named Sylvester Brown. Joel Kllis, brother of 
Jacob, mentioned above, located in an early day on the farm 
now occupied by Mr. Jones. 

William Smith, a " down-easter," who divided his time 
between farming and fishing, was a [.ioin-er on the An.sel 
Brown fami. 



In the early days of this town, when fishing and boating 
were of |iar.ini(>unt importance to farming and cheese- 
making, lake captains were numerous, and prominent among 
the number was Captain John Yorec, who lived on the 
farm now occupied by Kdniond BrowTi. Mr. Jrniniison 
now owns the place where Benjamiii Winch .-icttled after 
leaving the village. I)aniel Brown located next to Winch, 
on jiremises now owned by Augustus Twichell. Mrs. 
Brown w;is a daughter of Benjamin Winch, and she, 
together with a sister, now resides in this town. Thaddeus 
Harmon was a pioneer on lands sul)sei|uently owned by his 
son James, ami now cieeupied by a grand.son, Calvin Har- 
mon. John Ingersoll and family located in the year 1804 
on lands now owned by T. W. Dixon, east of the village. 
I.-iaac Lehigh was an early settler, and met a melaneholy 
fate by being drowned in the river. On the Spring brook 
road, east of the village, Isaac Fellows, and a son named 
Lsaac, were pioneers. Moses Phillips was also an early 
siHtlor. North of Pulaski the early .settlers were Nathan 
Stoddard, Ezra Weed, Hamilton Meacham, and Daniel 
Sykes. Kphraim Brewster located east of the village as 
early as 18(t8, and sub.«ei(U(iitly moved to Jefferson county, 
where he now resides. Abram Bates early located in the 
Ingersoll settlement. The Frareys came from '\''ennont, 
and settled ea.st of the village. Stephen Wade located in 
the east partof the town in 18150. John Woods emigrated 
from the cast part of the State in an early day, and, coming 
into this town, erected a log house on j>remis<\s now owned 
by Ira Stewart. Ilis widow, now at the advanced age of 
over ninety years, resides with her son, George Woods, in 
Pulaski. Alexander Valentine and his s<m, Noble, early 
located on the farm now owned by Clement Wallace, who 
settled in the year 1840. The next clearing on that road 
was made by Abncr Hubbard, on lands now owned by Elder 
Moore. 

In about the year 1824 David Taylor came into the 
town and located on the farm that he now occupies. He 
raised a numerous family, and has one son now sto]iping in 
Europe. Mr. Taylor was conspicuous as a musician in the 
old training days. It was his delight to 

" Beat llu' shoi'p.'ikin, blow the fifo, 
Aud inarch in traiuin' orilcr." 

Luman Hough and a Mr. Stowell were early settlers in 
this part of the town. The latter was killed while raising 
a barn. Mr. Hough is now living in this town, and has 
officiated as poor-miistcr more than twenty years. 

The first clearing within the present boundaries of Rich- 
land was made by u Mr. Stimpson, on lands now owned by 
Mr. G. A. Fobes. 

A pioneer tavern, beiiriug the industrious appellation of 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



209 



the " Beehive," was a prominent stopping-place, which was 
located ou the farm now known as the Dewey farm. Nelson 
Dewey and Stephen Tinker were early settlers in this 
vicinity. A son of the latter, Wilson Tinker, resides in 
the town. Other early settlers were Hiel Richards, Joim 
C. Pride, and Isaiah Holmes. 

From the earliest days of international commerce to our 
own time the smuggling of goods into tlie ITnited States 
has been carried on, and many have been the " hair-breadth 
'scapes" from the " government oflfieer." During the war of 
1812 this hazardous bu.sincss was extensively engaged in 
by various persons along the lake ; but of the whole num- 
ber, none caused the officials so much annoyance as one 
Samuel McNett, an early settler in this town. lie was the 
owner of a little craft, and was constantly getting into 
trouble with the custom-house officers, who, after listening 
to his piteous story of poverty and ignorance, would send 
the poor boatman adrift, only to repeat his oft^toid story to 
other credulous officials into whose grasp he and his small 
bark next chanced to fall. On the road leading to Port 
Ontario, on the south side of the river, the first settlers, 
outside of the corporation of Pulaski, were Timothy Malt- 
by, Joseph Spaids, Samuel Vorce, Colonel Rufus Price, 
Ralph and Isaac Price, and Russel Ratlibone. On the 
State road south of Port Ontario, leading from Oswego to 
Saekett's Harbor, the first settler was a Mr. McFarlin ; D. H. 
Litts also early settled in that vicinity. At that point where 
the road crosses Grindstone creek William Fedder first 
settled, and about this time Benjamin Wright, of Rome, 
one of the surveyors of the town, built one of the first 
saw-mills. Walter Hewitt and a Mr. Page, and the Doug- 
lass family, consisting of John, Abel, and Sanford, early 
located near the town-line. 

A Revolutionary soldier named Bragdon located north of 
Port Ontario, where he died at an advanced age. His son, 
George Bragdon, resides on the old homestead. Other pio- 
neers in this vicinity were Joseph Carr, Daniel Pratt, and 
one Jluzzy. Levi Tryon was an early .settler on the lake- 
shore north of Port Ontario. 

A family of brothers, named Henry, Robert, and Hugh 
Gillespie, settled in an early day at what is known as Gilles- 
pie's mills, on Grindstone creek. Numerous descendants 
arc honored residents of the town. Henry Gillespie erected 
a grist- and saw-mill at this place. The Calkins family also 
located in this vicinity, and many representatives of the 
family are numbered among the inhabitants of Richland. 

One of the first taverns in the town was erected by Pliny 
Jones, one mile south of the village. His son, the vener- 
able Pliny H. Jones, resides on the old homestead. Israel 
Jones located on lands now occupied by a grandson, Charles 
E. Jones. A large family of Holmes located in and about 
Holmesville, where immerous descendants now reside. 
Other early settlors near Ilolm&sville were Salmon Erskine, 
Lewis Conant, Avery Griffen, Mr. Halsoy, and the Perry 
family. The Soult family settled at Daysville, and south 
of the village a family named Brown located. 

Captain Muzzy, a soldier of the Revolution, early located 
in this town, on the farm now occupied by Newton Tomp- 
son. Lieutenant Muzzy, a son of Captain Muzzj', wiis an 
officer in the war of 1812. He reared a large family of 



children. L. Reade Muzzy, a grandson, is editor and pro- 
prietor of the Puktski Democrat. 

THE CITY OF PORT ONTARIO. 

Some time prior to the year 1836, John L. Dickinson, 
Asa C. Dickinson, Elias Camp, and Colonel Robert Nichols 
organized what was called the Port Ontario Company. 
They conceived the idea that a city must soon spring u[) at 
the mouth of Salmon river, and immediately set about 
surveying a large tract, and laying it out into lots. It em- 
braced one hundred and twenty half-acre, and sixty-six 
five-acre lots. The embryo city was announced with a 
great flourish of trumpets, and its enterprising progenitors 
were sanguine in the belief that it would soon outstrip the 
then village of Oswego. Lots were sold at a large price ; 
the excitement continued, and in October, 1837, was issued 
the first copy of a good-sized pa2)er, called Tlte Fort Ontario 
Aurora, and was " printed for the publishers, by L. W. Cole, 
office, corner of Bridge and Pulaski streets." 

In number four of volume one, Mercy Clark informs the 
ladies of the " city" that she is prepared to execute mantua- 
making in all its branches. 0. E. Dwight tells the people 
that he is ready to do their painting ; while Libbeus Mar- 
shall announces that he will be happy to execute all orders 
in his business, which was cabinet-making. B. H. Corbin, 
familiarly known as " Uncle Ben," sounds his occupation 
in the following manner : 

" Come, honest farmers, ooe and all. 
And give old Uncle Ben a call ; 
All kinds of blacksmith-work I do, 
And the old maro and horse I shoe." 

The city had two hotels, " Port Ontario House" and 
" Selkirk House," one located in the First and the other in 
the Fourth ward. We find no Gamaliels of the law, but, 
doubtless, there were members of this harmless profession 
not far away, as a sherifi"'s sale is advertised. 

The great expectations of this city, however, were never 
realized. Oswego rapidly advanced, and but a few years 
only had elapsed when Port Ontario exhibited signs of de- 
cay, and now all that remains is a hotel, store, and a few 
houses. The waters of old Ontario wash the shore as of 
old, but the city, alas ! it never came. 

Many of the customs prevalent during the early settle- 
ments of the country have with the advance of civilization 
passed away, and are only remembered by old settlers as cus- 
toms " more honored in the breach than in the observance." 
It was the custom in those early days at the raising of a 
building, after all had become comfortably merry, to name 
the structure, and at the erection of the first church at 
Port Ontario the following couplet was composed by Azel 
Walworth : 

"Small church and tall steeple, 
Lying ]iricst and drunken people." 

Whether in consequence of this his Satanic majesty 
breathed a cur.se against it, as of old was uttered against 
the Cologne cathedral, nevertheless the fiict remains that 
no more work was ever done upon it, and the building was 
subsequently taken duwn and removed to Mexico. 



210 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John C. Pride was an early settler in this town ; lie 
came from Ot»';j:o county, and located on lots 77 and 78. 
He suWi|uently located cm the road leading from Salt 
I'oint to Holmesville. He was a leading citizen of the 
town, and officiated as supervisor for a period of thirteen 
years. 

Among the early settlers in what was then the town of 
Richland were five families of Meachaius, who came from 
A'crniiint. They .settled near thi.s village, in what is now 
Sandy Creek. One of the number, Jidui Mcacham, be- 
came a resident of Pulaski. Deacon Simon Meachani, who 
died in l'ula.ski a few yeai-s since, was one of this colony. 
Hi.s brother, Thomxs Standish .^Il•aeham, came soon after. 

Salmon river in an early day was celebrated as a fishing 
ground. At that period it seemed not to require all the 
artifice and ingenuity of man to secure the finny tribe, and 
although perhap.s no more sport attended "going a-fishiiig" 
then than now, certain it was that more fish were taken. 
Mr. Jeremiah A. Matbew?on relates that .salmon were in 
such abundance that two m 'ii " 8])earod" si.x hundred in a 
single night, and that himself and Charles A. Mathewson, 
in the fall of 1830, " speared" two hundred and thirty-four 
in four hours. Si.xty-three were caught by one "jack- 
light" lasting seventeen minutes ; one hundred taken pro- 
miscuously from the pile weighed fourteen hundred and 
seventy-five pounds, — an average of fourteen and three- 
quarter pounds each. Mr. M. has frequently ".speared" two 
at one stroke, and remembers at one time of spearing two 
that weighed forty-.si.x and one-half pounds. 

Kicliiand in ISIO is thus described by H. G. Spafford : 
" liiehland is a large tnwnship in the northwest angle of 
Oneida county, erected in 1807 from the west part of Red- 
field, fifty-five miles northwest of Utica. Rounded north 
by Jefterson county', east by Redfield and Wiliiamstown, 
south by Williamstown and Mexico, and west by Lake 
Ontario. At present this town comprises the townships 
named Campania, Longinus, Alkmaer, Rhadamant, and 
Richland, on the maps of the surveyor-general, with an area 
of about two hundred and eight square miles. The set- 
tlements are but of recent date, and the principal part is 
wholly wild. The whole jiopulation in 1810 was nine hun- 
dred and forty-.scvcn, and there were then one hundred and 
fifty-two .senatorial electors ; but the population is increasing, 
and the land is of pretty good quality in general, and much 
of it is very excellent. It is but moderately uneven, and 
ia very well watered. Salmon creek, a fine large stream 
that ri.scs in the soiitliwcst jiart of Lewis county, runs west 
across this tract to Lake Ontario, ijittle Sandy creek ri.ses 
in the north part and runs west al.so to the lake, as do some 
smaller streams that abound with fi>h of various kinds, and 
supply abundance of mill-scats. There is a road from 
Rome to the nioutli of Salmon creek, and one also north 
and Miiitli ibroiigh this town." 

CIVIL IIISTOUV. 

The first town-meeting in Richland was lulil at the 
hou.sc of K|iliraini Brewster, in 1S(I7, .-md the f'dlluwing 
])crsons were elected : 

Joseph Hurd, supervisor; William Hale, town clerk; 



George Harding, John Mesicham, Joseph Chase, a.sses!«irs ; 
I.saac Meaeham. Oershain Hale, oversi-crs of the poor; 
Simon .^leacham, Klias Howe, and Jimathan Rhodes, com- 
missioners of highways ; Elias Howe, collector for town- 
ships G, 10, and 11, or the north part of Richmond, Sandy 
Creek, Orwell and Boylston ; Pliny Jones, collector for 
townships 21 and 22, or south part of Richland and Albion ; 
Elias Howe, Pliny Jones, Justis St. John, constables; 
Asahel Hurd, Gersham Hale, and Joseph Chase, fence- 
viewers; George Harding, pound-master ; William Robin- 
son, Timothy Balch, Nathan W. Noyes, Eliiis Huwe, 
Ephraim Brewster, Gersham Hale, Timothy Kellogg, Jona- 
than Rhode.", Isaac Ijchigh, palh-ni:Lst<"rs. Joseph and 
Asahel Hurd, the Meachams, and Elias Howe, resided in 
the present town of Sandy Creek; William Hale, the clerk, 
in the village of Pulaski; Timothy Baleh and N. W. 
Noyes in Orwell ; and Jones, St. John, and Clia.se in 
Richland. 

The following is a li.st of the supervisors from the organi- 
zation of the town to 1878: Joseph Hurd, 1807-8; John 
C. Pride, 1809-10; Simon Meaeham, 1817-1!); John C. 
Pride, 1820-21 ; Simon Meaeham, 1822; John C. Pride, 
1S2H; Simon Meaeham, 1824-25; John C. Pride, lS2r>- 
26 ; Thomas C. Baker, 1827 ; Robert Gillespie, 1828-29 ; 
Isaac Stearns, 1830; Robert Gillespie, 1831-33; Isaac 
Stearns, 1834; L. D. Mansfield, 1835; Isiiac Stearns, 
1830; Robert Gillespie, 1837-38; M. \y. Mathews, 1839- 
41; Bradley Higgins, 1842-43; H. F. Noyes, 1844; A. 
Crandall, 1845-40; Caspar C. West, 1847 ; E. M. Hill, 
1848-51 ; H. F. Noyes, 1852; N. W. Wardwell, 1853; 
S. H. Mcacham, 1854; James A. Clark, 1855-50; John 
T. MeCarty, 1857-58; James A. Clark, 1859-00; Isaac 
Fellows, 1801-02; S. T. Gates, 1803-05; William II. 
Gray, 1800; G. T. Peckham, 1807-09; James M. Betts, 
1870; H. H. Lyman, 1871-72; William B. Dixon, 1873- 
70. 

Town clerks: William Hale, 1807-8; F. Curtiss, 1809 ; 
Simon Mcacham, 1810-16: Smith Dunlap, 1817; Silas 
Harmon, 1818-19; Hiram Hubbell, 1820-22; James A. 
Davis, 1823-24; E. C. Hart and M. Harmon, 1825; 
Allen Andrews, 1826; Hiram Hubbell, 1827-28; A. H. 
Stevens, 1829; John Dickinson, 1830; A. H. Stevens, 
1831 ; James M. Halt, 1832; Ira Allen, 18.33; W. W. 
Mathews, 1834; James A. Davis, 1835; John D. Lane, 
1830 ; George Gurlcy, 1837 ; E. W. Fox, 1838-39 ; E. S. 
Salisbury, 1840-41 ; H. N. Wright, 1842-43; Sidney M. 
Tucker, 1844; Henry Mitchell, 1845-47; Si.lney M. 
Tucker, 1848-51; Henry Mitchell, 1852; William II. 
Gray, 1853; D. B. Mcacham, 1854-55; Henry Mitchell, 
1850; D. B. .Meaeham, 1S57-03; Newell Wright, ISiM; 
John F. Box, 1805; Newell Wright, 1800-07; 11. II. 
Lyman, 1808-70; D. B. Meaeham, 1871-77. D. B. 
Meaeham has held the office nearly sixteen years. 

It will be noticed that two sujiervisors are credited lo 
1825, and two town clerk.s. Mr. Meaeham was elected 
sHjiervisor and Mr. Hart clerk in that year, and upon the 
erection of Sandy Creek the old town was left with these 
offices vaeimt, as bnlli men resided within the l)oundaries 
of the new town. Their places were supplied by John C. 
Pride and Milton Harmon. 



/: 




■-f»> 




/G/te^fWJOinr^ 



"-^ 



■^ 



cei:j^i?/I-.es HI- ci?.oss. 



Charles H. Crosb, son of Moulton Cross, was born 
in Hamilton, Madison county, January 1, 1807. lie was 
the eldest iu a family of fourteen children who came with 
his father iu 1814 to Pulaski. His father located upon a 
tract of land embracing three hundred acres four miles 
from the village of Pulaski. He was a miller, and also 
assisted in erecting numerous saw-mills in this vicinity. 
The subject of this sketch received the advantages of a 
common school education, and in the year 1827 entered 
into the busiiicss of surveying and conveyancing. He soon 
became proficient in surveying lands, and in 1850 was 
appointed agent of the " Pierpont Estate," representing 
about one hundred thousand acres of lands in the counties 
of Jefferson, Lewis, and Oswego, with the office at Pulaski. 

October 11, 1842, he united in marriage with Meliasa 
Lime, daughter of Gilbert Lane, born November 18, 1817. 



Their family has consisted of five children, four of whom 
are living, viz., Albert H., Gilbert L., Sylvia L., wife of 
John Shea, and Martha L., all residents of Pulaski. 

In all matters pertaining to the public welfare, Mr. Cross 
has ever manifested a lively interest. He assbted in (he 
organization, location, and construction of the Rome, Water- 
town and Ogdensburgh railroad, and also of the Syracuse 
Northern, and was a director in each. During the twenty- 
seven years of his administration m land agent he has 
settled thousands of families, and contributed largely to the 
general prosperity and development of the various towns. 
Though his duties have been arduous, and he has now 
reached the scriptural age of threescore and ten, he is 
possessed of much of the vigor and ambition of youth. 
He is a churchman and a communicant of the Episcopal 
church at Pulaski. Politically, he is a Democrat. 




CHA? H.CROSS' LAND OFFICE, PULASKI, N.Y. 



'>|,'J?1W.^^«1*II( 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



211 



PULASKI. 

Importance always attaches to those courageous spirits 
who leave their homes, and, threading their way into the 
wilderness, first erect the standard of civilization. To Ben- 
jamin Winch the honor is inscribed of being the first white 
.settler within the boundaries of the present thriving village 
of Pulaski. lie located in 1804, and erected the first tavern 
on the site now occupied by the Palmer House. It was a 
log .structure, but many a pioneer was cheered alike by his 
fireside, venison, and whisky. Mr. Winch subsequently 
sold the tavern to John Hoar, who was probably an itiner- 
ant, as nothing is known of him, who in turn disposed of it 
to J. A. Mathewson, a native of Scituate, Rhode Island, who 
settled in ISOtJ. A son, Jeremiah A. Mathewson, resides 
in the village, and is without doubt more fumili.ir with the 
history of this village and town than any person now living. 
Five families located in 1805, viz., William Smith, who 
lived in a rude shanty near the point at the crossing of the 
railroads : Daniel Stone, who occupied a log house on the 
site of the present residence of Lucian Jones, which was a 
partnership affair, one end being the hou.se of Jonathan 
Rhodes ; Rufus Fox located on the site now occupied by 
the Baptist church ; and Erastus Kellogg, a blacksmith, 
who.se house stood a few rods north of the Frond block, and 
was the first frame building erected in the village. 

Rufus Fox remained in the village a few years, and then 
located two miles up the river, at what is called Fox's 
bridge. A son, Justus Fox, died in this town at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty years. A son of Justus Fox, named 
Hiram, resides near the old homestead. Rufus and Thomas 
Bishop were also early settlers. John Jones came from 
Oneida county in 1808, and .still survives, at the age of 
eighty years. 

Settlement rapidly increased in 1810. In that year 
Captain John Meacham moved into the town, and occu- 
pied the Rhodes and Stone house, and opened the first 
store, which occupied the site of the present mercantile 
establi-shnieiit of C. R. Jones. Henry Patterson, a hatter, 
came with Mr. Meacham, and occupied a diminutive shop 
on what is now the east end of James A. Clark's lot. In 
1811, Silas Harmon became associated with Cajitain Mea- 
cham in the mercantile business, and this firm was soon 
succeeded by Milton Harmon, nephew of Silas. 

One of the greatest inconveniences experienced by the 
pioneers was the want of mills for grinding grain. Long 
and tedious journeys were made on horseback with a bag 
of corn, and the pestle and spring pole were resorted to. 
J. A. Mathewson built the first grist-mill in 1808, and in 
1810 the population of the village and town had so far in- 
creased that another grist-mill became one of the pre.--s- 
ing necessities of the flourishing settlement, and in that 
year he erected the second grist-mill, which stood on the 
site of the present box-factory of Charles Tollner. 

The settlement of this town had so far advanced with 
able-bodied men in 1812, that a company was raised, under 
Ca])tain John Meacham, which was twice called to the 
defense of Sackett's Harbor, and once to Oswego. 

During this year Hudson Tracy and John S. Davi.s set- 
tled. The latter was a prominent citizen, and ofVieiatcd as 



first sheriff of Oswego County. They built the fir.st carding- 
and fulling-mill. 

One of the early merchants was Thomas C. Baker. He 
occupied a prominent p(jsition among the business men of 
the county, and lias officiated as supervisor and county 
clerk. Mr. Baker still resides in the village, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty years. A daughter married D. A. 
King, Esq. 

Charles H. Cross, a native of Madison county. New 
York, settled here in the fall of 1814. He became con- 
nected with the land-office in 183G as a surveyor, and in 
1851 assumed control of one of the agencies of the Pierpont 
estate, and still officiates in that capacity. 

Other early merchants were as follows : Douglass & 
Watson, Allen & Halo, Hale & Smith, Baker & Praston, 
Jones & Clark, John T. McCarty, John H. Wells, J. Man- 
ning Hall, Newell Wright, Ralph French, Luther Allen, 
J(]hn L. Dickinson, James Wood. 

Other early settlers in the village were : Gersham Hale, 
Jehiel Weed and two sons Ezra and Joel, Jacob Weed and 
sons, Angus McFee, Henry IMitchell, Oliver Ramsdell, 
Joel Harmon, Amos Fellows. 

The first school in Pulaski was held in a building erected 
by J. A. Mathewson for a blacksmith-shop, near the south 
end of the Palmer House, and was taught liy Rebecca Cross, 
afterwards the wife of James Harmon. She was succeeded 
in the management of this primitive institution by Miss A. 
Hinman. Pliny Jones kept the next school, in the log house 
belonging to J. A. Mathcwfion. 

The first building erected solely for a school stood on the 
premises now owned by William Hill, and near the front 
gate leading to his residence. Two months afterwards this 
building was destroyed by fire, and .school was opened in a 
building owned by Mr. Bush, which occupied the site of the 
present residence of George W. Wood. Pliny Jones then 
opened his house for the accommodation of the school, 
where it was held during one winter, when a school-house 
was erected on the present site of the land-office. It was 
subsequently removed to the present site of the Baptist 
church. The next school building erected was of brick, on 
the ground now occu]iied by the Congregational church. 
This was subsequently taken down, and school opened in 
the old Congregational eluireh, which is now occupied as a 
graded school. 

The first court in Oswego County was held in Oswego in 
October, 181G, when a number of persons presented them- 
selves, and were admitted to the bar. This, however, was 
the only business tran.sacted, and the first court at which a 
jury was drawn was convened at Pulaski in February, 
1817. 

Three years after the first court was held in the county, 
the court-house in Pulaski was erected, and a tablet .set in 
the walls bearing the following inscription : " This building 
erected A.D. 1819. James Weed, builder; Simon Meacham, 
John S. Davis, Ebcnezer Young, building committee.'-' 
The old structure was rebuilt and enlarged in 1851), and is 
a comfortable and commodious edifice. 

E.VUI.V .\TT(IHi\KVS. 

In liie year 181(1, when the first court was held, Pulaski 



212 



HISTORY OF OS\YEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



had so far advanced that it re(|uircd no prophetic vision to 
discern thai it must soon become an important business 
viliajrc. At that early period as well as in our own time, 
tliere were — 

" r>i>ul>lful balances of rights ami wrongs. 
Ami weary lawyers willl endlcas tongues." 

The first Gamaliel of the law who raised his voice in 
Pulaski was Benjamin Winch, familiarly known as " Pa" 
Winch. He wius the fjraJiiate of no eollej;e or law school, 
neither had he sat under the tutelaj;e of a Livinjrstone or a 
Kent, but he was possessed of a vast amount of self-esteem, 
which, with a sprinkling of good judgment and common 
sense, aiused him to be eagerly sought after by the litigants 
of those earl}' days. 

The fir.st regular attorney in Puliwki was James A. Davis, 
who came from Oneida county. 

Chester Ilaydeii was a prominent pioneer attorney, and 
subsequently became one of the judges of Oswego County. 

Abram P. A'osburg came from the valley of the Mohawk. 
He was admitted at the (irst court held in the county. 

J. ^V. Heime practiced here a number of years, and 
removed to the west. He subsequently abandoned the law 
and entered the Baptist ministry. James J. Petitt and 
Harvey J. Harmon were al^o early practitioners. 

The present bar consists of the following : Hon. A. Z. 
McCarty, J. B. Watson, D. A. King, Hon. 8. C. Hunting- 
ton, J. W. Feiiton, Hon. N. B. Smith, Hon. John Preston, 
J. W. Slica, J. K. Brown, B. Paikhurst, and C. B. King. 

PIONEER PHYSICI.VXS. 

The first disciple of ^E.sculapius in this town was Dr. 
Porter, who came from Vermont and located in 1806. 

Isaac Whitmore was the first physician that settled with- 
in the present boundaries of the village. He came from 
Madi.son county in 1810, and located on the premises now 
occupied by Mr. llohman. 

Allen Andrews came soon after, and erected a portion of 
the house now occupied by Dr. J. N. Betts. 

Dr. Gridley settled in the village in about the year 1815, 
and resided on the site now occupied by the residence of 
D. A. King, Esq. Dr. H. F. Noyes subsequently came 
and occupied the same residence. 

The medical jirofession is at present ably represented by 
the following : F. S. Lowe, J. N. Betts, II. W. Caldwell, 
Ed. F. Kelly, A. S. Lowe. 

II. L. INGERSOLL & COMPANY'S BANK. 

This banking institution was established in 1854 as the 
Piiliu-tki bank, 11. L. Tngersoll president and S. R. Ingham 
(iLsliier. It was conducted under this name until 18()2, when 
it was changed to the name of II. L. Ingersoll & Company's 
bank, which it still retains. ^V. B. Dixon is present cashier. 
The business was established in a building now occupied by 
Henry Clark as a store on the east side of Jefferson street. 
About two years afterwards it was removed to the Tucker 
block, where it has since remained. The present prosperous 
condition of this institution is mainly due to the ])ei'sonal 
attention of Mr. R. L. Ingersoll, who has been connected 
with it since its organization. 



PULASKI NATIONAL BANK. 

J. A. Clark & Company's State bank was organized Sep- 
tember 1, 181)2, with J. A. Clark president and Charky A. 
Clark cashier. The Pulaski National bank was chartered 
July 31, 18G5, with Charles A. Clark president and James 
A. Clark cashier. The offices have not changed. Lewis J., 
son of J. A. Clark, was appointed assistjint cashier in 187-1. 
The bank has a capital of one hundred thou.sand dollars, 
and paid-up eajiital of fifty thousand dollars. This business 
was commenced in a building now occu|)ied by Mr. Forman. 
Their present banking building was erected in 1805, and 
was occupied by them in September of the same year. 

Pulaski Wiis incorporated in May, 1832, and at the first 
meeting held for the election of officers Judge Hubbell 
presided, and Hon. A. Z. MeCarty officiated xs clerk. 

The following officers were elected, viz. : Abtier French, 
president; Isaac H. Stearns, Hiram Hubbell, Benjamin H. 
Wright, and John H. Wells, trustees; John L. Dickinson, 
clerk ; Thomas C. Baker, John L. Dickinson, Casper C. 
West, assessors ; L. B. Cole, collector ; Isaac Whitmore, 
treasurer. 

The village was re-incorporated May 25, 1858. 

The present officers are as follows : Albert F. Betts, 
president ; Benjamin Pierce, John F. Box, Roswell C. 
Dickinson, Thomas Hall, trustees; E. Harmon, assessor; 
Elihu Bushnell, collector; William B. Dixon, treasurer; 
John Preston, clerk. 

A fire department was organized here in an early day, 
but no records are in existence showing the date of such 
organizalion. May 9, 18G5, the old company di.sbanded, 
and till! " Ringgold Fire Company, No. 1," wiis organized. 
The present officers are as follows : C. L. Myers, chief; J. 
N. Daly, president ; D. C. l>o>lge, vice-president; M. D. 
Bumpus, .secretary ; D. C. Mahaffy, treasurer ; S. T. Doane, 
janitor; George 0. Harmon, foreman ; Wm. II. Lester, Jr., 
assistant foreman. 

Much attention has been bestowed by the citizens of Pu- 
laski on the fire department, and it is now in good condi- 
tion. The company Inus a neat and substantial two-story 
brick engine-house, and the couneil-chamber is a model of 
neatness, surpassing in beauty of arrangement and elegance 
those of more pretentious towns. The department has two 
hand-engines in perfect order, a hose-cart, and about two 
hundred feet of hose. 

The following persons represent the business interests of 
to-day exee]it attorneys, physicians, and bankers, mentioned 
on a previous jiage : 

Paper-mill, Outerson & Cornell. 

Jioij/c-boartl jiiijxr-niill, Outerson & Lewis. 

Cliefse-factory, Walter Holmes. 

CiirtUngmachine, Stewart & Mahaffy. 

Block-fiictort/, Alcott & Son. 

PtdniiKj-mUl, R. L. Ingersoll. 

Gilst-milh, C. R. Campbell's, erected in 1838 by Henry 
Averill ; Dixon & Allen's, erected by A. Porter in 1852; 
James Harmon's, erected by Samuel and Hiram Cook in 
1845 ; A. W. Davis' " red mill," erected in 1836 by J. A. 
Mathcw.son and his son, Jeremiah A. Mathewson. 

Siriim miw-iiii/l, I>. A. Delano. 





O-yj 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



213 



Fuviidrt/ and machine-shop, Lorenzo Liug. 

Fiinilttirc indtnifactory, R. W. Box. 

Butter-tab and cheese-box factories, Davis & Clark, 
Byron Stark. 

Carriage-mamifactnrers, T. R. Ingersoll, J. H. Larabec, 
J. David, A. Sclu'ff. 

Sdiv-mill, L. Calkins. 

Fancy box factor!/, Charles Tollner. 

Dry-goods, C. R. Jones, H. B. Clark, Jones & Lane, G. 
W. Woods. 

Drugs, J. F. Box, G. W. Fuller, D. B. Mcacham & Son. 

Groceries, C. R. Jones, B. Pierce & Son, T\ Wallace, M. 
L. Hollis, M. Pierce & Son, T. Bumpus. 

Clothing, A. F. Betts, Wm. June, F. Frank, M. Levy. 

JIardicare, A. N. Beadle, C. R. Dickinson. 

Books, A. Meacham, J. Austin. 

Millinery, Miss A. Tifft, Miss L. F. Box, INIiss Dcgraw, 
Mrs. E. A. Foreman, Mrs. Slater, Mr. Falk. 

Furniture, R. W. Box. 

Boots and shoes, S. Mason, B. D. Salisbury. 

Jeicelers, W. Allen & Co., L. A. Gaylord, Mr. Davis. 

Harness-shop, J. Davison, Mr. Burton. 

Livery, L. M. Tyler, E. A. Foruian. 

Hotels, " Salmon River House," W. H. Gray, proprietor ; 
"Palmer House," S. A. Palmer, proprietor; " Blayo's 
Hotel," C. Mayo, proprietor. 

Saloons, E. L. Austin, W. Hemans, F. Wood. 

Station-agent, S. D. Moore. 

Montreal telegraph, G. H. Fuller, operator. 

Dominion telegraph, M. D. Bumpus, operator. 

The first post-office was established in Richland Janu- 
ary, 1817, and Henry White appointed postmaster. Or- 
ville Morrison was appointed in 1818 ; Hiram Hubbcll in 
1819; Daniel H. Fisk in 1842; Henry N. Wright in De- 
cember, 1844; Joseph T. Stevens in 1849; Benjamin 
Rhodes in 1851 ; Newell Wright in 1852. January 27, 
1853, the name of the office was changed to Pulaski, and 
Newell Wright continued as postmaster until July 14, 
1853, when William C. Hempstead was appointed. He 
was succeeded by Henry N. Wright in 185G. John B. 
Watson was appointed in 1861, and Henry N. ^Vright in 
1866. John B. Watson was reappointed in 1867, and 
still officiates in that capacity. 

MASONIC. 

Felluivship Lodge, No. 288. — The petition for a warrant 
to hold a lodge in the town of Richland, county of Oneida, 
to be called " Fellowship lodge," is dated March 28, a.d. 
1816, and signed as follows: Elias Howe, James Weed, 
James A. Thomp.son, Asahel Baker, Ebenezer Young, 
Reuben Peek, Luther Howe, Julius Whitmore, George 
Harding, John Yerrington, Newton Marsh, Joseph Hurd, 
Benjamin Covey, Jr., Nathan W. Noyes. 

The petition was recommended by Rising Sun lodge, No. 
228, Washington lodge. No. 256, and R. W. Grand 
Visitor, Joseph Enos, and was granted December 4, a.d. 
1816. 

Fellowship lodge, No. 288, was first convened September 
10, A.D. 1817. Its charter bore date June 5, a.d. 1817, 
with the names of Elias Howe, James Weed, and James 



A. Thompson inserted therein as W. M., S. and J. W.'s in 
the order named. 

Jeremiah A. Mathewson was the first Mason made, and 
it was at his house the lodge held its first communication. 
During its existence the lodge held one hundred and ninety- 
five communications, with an average attendance of forty- 
nine. It had nine difi'orent W. M.'s, viz., Elias Howe, 
elected September 10, a.d. 1817, December 19, 1817 ; 
Chester Hayden, December 9, 1818, December 13, 1820 ; 
John Davis, December 1, 1819 ; Luther Howe, December 
5, 1821, December 25, 1822 ; Peter Hinman, December 
17, 1823 ; Thomas C. Baker, December 1, 1824, December 
21, 1825, December 13, 1826; Abner French, November 
28, 1827, December 17, 1828, December 9, 1829 ; Oliver 
L. Ramsdell, December 29, 1830, December 14, 1831, 
December 5, 1832, December 25, 1833, December 10, 
1834 ; Joseph Avery, December 2, 1835. The last-men- 
tioned W. M. failed to become (jualificd to preside over a 
lodge for more than thirty years after his election. Re- 
turning to Pulaski to visit his friends, P. W.'s D. A. King, 
W. K. Combs, F. S. Low, Benj. Snow, and John M. Watson, 
of Pulaski lodge. No. 415, conferred the necessary quali- 
fications, when this pioneer of JIasonry returned to his 
western home content. 

The lodge had thirteen S. W.'s, viz., James Weed, 
elected September 10, a.d. 1817 ; James A. Thompson, 
December 19, 1817; John Davis, December 9, 1818; 
Luther Howe, December 1, 1819, December 29, 1830; 
Peter Hinman, December 13, 1820, December 5, 1821, 
December 25, 1822; T. C. Baker, December 17, 1823; 
James A. Davis, December 1, 1824; Chester Hayden, 
December 7, 1825; Abner French, December 13, 1826; 
Justus Fox, November 28, 1827, December 17, 1828; 
Wm. Hale, December 9, 1829; Joseph Avery, December 
14, 1831, December 5, 1832, December 25, 1S33, Decem- 
ber 10, 1834 ; Asa L. Dickinson, December 2, 1835. 

Sixteen J. W.'s respectively occupied the South, viz., 
James A. Thompson, elected September 10, ad. 1817; 
H. T. Harmon, December 19, 1817 ; Luther Howe, De- 
cember 9, 1818 ; Peter Hinman, December 1, 1819 ; Asa- 
hel Baker, December 30, 1820 ; Anson Maltby, December 
5, 1821, December 25, 1822; John C. Pride, December 
17, 1823 ; John Reynolds, December 21, 1824 ; Augustus 
Fellows, December 7, 1825; Justus Fox, December 13, 
1826 ; Ralph French, November 28, 1827 ; Wm. Hale, 
December 17, 1828 ; Oliver L. Ramsdell, December 9, 
1829 ; A. French, December 29, 1830, December 14, 1831 ; 
J. J. Kellogg, December 5, 1832, December 25, 1833; 
Pliny Jones, December 10, 1834 ; Oliver L. Ramsdell, 
December 2, 1835. 

Ten Treasurers were custodians of the lodge funds, viz., 
Asahel Baker, elected September 10, a.d. 1817, December 
5, 1821, December 25, 1822, December 17, 1823, Decem- 
ber 1, 1824; J. A. Mathewson, December 19, 1817, De- 
cember 9, 1818, December 1, 1819; Simon Meacham, 
December 13, 1820; Pliny Jones, December 7, t825, 
December 13, 1826; Wm. Hale, November 28, 1827; 
Isaac Fellows, December 17, 1828 ; Juseph Avery, Decem- 
ber 9, 1829 ; John J. Kellogg, December 29, 1830, De- 
cember 14, 1831 ; A. French, December 5, 1832, Decern- 



It 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



b.T 25, is:} J, Djoem'jar 10, 18 U ; Rilpli Frdiich, Decem- 
ber 2, 1835. 

Eleven Sjcretarias record-jil the lodge's proceedings, viz., 
H. White, electel September 10, -V.D. 1817; E. Younj:, 
iJjccmbcr ID, 1817; Smith Diinlup, December 9, 1818, 
December 10, 1819, December 13, 1820 ; T. C. Baker, 
December 5, 1821, December 25, 1822 ; J. A. Davis, De- 
cember 17, 1823; All-son iMiltby, December 1, 1824; 
Wm. Hale, December 7, 1825, December 13, 1826 ; Hiram 
Hubbell, November 28, 1827 ; A. C. Dickinson, December 
17, 1828; Henry (mi.'.s].ie, December 9, 1829, December 
29, 1830, December 14, 1831, December 5, 1832, Decem- 
ber 25, 18.33, December 10, 1834 ; Abnor French, Decem- 
ber 2, 1835. 

Tiie lodge held its communications at the house of J. A. 
Mathew.son from September 10, A.D. 1817, to January 22, 
A.I). 1818. It wa.s then removed to the house of E. Young, 
"and met till" May 10, 1821. At its last communication 
hold at this {)lace. Brother Young's account for room rent, 
candles, and rations was rendered. January 2, 1822, the 
lodge wa.s located at the house of S. Harmon. December 
27, 1824, it was removed to the residence of Anson Maltby. 
February 2, 182G, the lodge removed to Ma.sonic hall, located 
in the second story of the then called brick school-hcnise, 
which Wits situated on the grounds now occupied by the 
Congregational church. 

The lodge at different periods celebrated the anniversary 
of the St. John's. Jlay 21, A.I). 1823, a resolution was 
adopted " to celebrate the nest St. John's, and that there 
bo a committee of five to make such arrangements as shall 
be advised, and to give notice of the celebration in the 
Oswego papers. That Brothers O. Ilayden and Oliver 
Ayer, preachers of the gospel, be requested to deliver an 
address on said 24lh. That Brethren James A. Davis, 
T. C. Baker, John Wood, S. Dunlap be a committee for 
the above-set-forth business." 

So far as is known, but three members of the lodge are 
living, T. V. Baker, .\. French, and Joseph Avery. 

Its charter and one book of minutes are all that is pre- 
served of Fellowship lodge. No. 288. They are in pos- 
8e.s.si(in of Pulaski lodge, No. 415. Just one entry from 
the book, indicating the character of the noble men com- 
posing the lodge, may be quoted : 

"July 23, A.D. 1828. Lodge opened, and after some 
friendly conversation mutually given ami received, the lodge 
closed in good harmony. 

" IIlKAJI IIlHUKI.L, Sccicia )•!/." 

I'uliiskl Chiipter, No. 101. — The charter under which 
Pulaski chapter. No. 104, was instituted bears date Febru- 
ary .3, A.D. 1825. Worthy Companion Rev. Joshua Bradley 
was appointed II. Priest, Allen Andrews, King. Smith 
Dunlap, Scribe, of a chapter of Royal Arch Ma.sons, to be 
by virtue of said charter formed, constituted, and holden at 
the village of Pulaski, Oswego County. 

At ten o'clock a.m., Docenibcr 20, A.D. 1825, agreeable 
to previous arrangements, the brethren and companions of 
the chapter as.scmblcd at Masonic hall, and proceeded to 
elect the following ofhccrs, vi/.. : Rev. Jijslina Bradley, M. 
E. II. P.; Allen .Vndrtws, M. K. K.; Smith Dunlap, M. E. 
S. ; Jeremiah Fields, C. II. ; Joshua Roliinson, R. A. C. ; 



John Bjllin, P. S.; Henry Wed, M. of 3d V.; Isaac 
Kinney, M. of 2d V.; Alexander M. K.-nt, M. of 1st V. ; 
John Wood, Trcjis. ; T. C. Baker, Sec'y; John Gratton, 
Tyler. The chapti'r then adjnurni'd to the courthouse, 
when the officers elect were duly installed by G. II. P., 
Ezra Crozier, and D. II. P., S. Jonas. After the installa- 
tion services were concluded, the Rev. G. Chaplain delivered 
an appropriate address. A procession was then formed, which 
" moved" to the house of S. Harmon for dinner. After 
dinner, at half-p:ist four o'clock P..M.. returned to the h:UI. 

At this meeting the following names were " proposed for 
the four degrees," viz. : Brothers E. Young, A. Dudley, 
James Weed, Augustus Fellows, Isaac Fellows, John C. 
Pride, John BoUin, C. Ilayden, Win. Hale, Justus Fo.v, 
0. L. Ramsdell, and Jabez Meacham. 

December 12, .\.D. 1826, A. Andrews was elected M. E. 
II. P.; T. C. Baker, .M. E. K. ; O. h. lUmsdell, Scribe; 
Justus Fos, C. H. ; Luthur Howe, P. S. ; Peter Hinni.in, 
R. A. C. ; Augustus Fellows, M. of 3d V. ; Abnor French, 
M. of 2d V. ; Benjamin Gibbs, M. of 1st V. ; Wm, Hale, 
Sec'y ; John Wood, Trcxs. ; E. McMcUcn, Tyler. 

December 25, A.D. 1827, T. C. Baker was elected M. E. 
H. P. ; Isiiac Fellows, M. E. K. ; Allen Andrews, Scribe ; 
Luther Howe, C. II. ; O. L. Rimsdell, P. S. ; Justus Fo.x, 
R. A. C. ; Abner French, M. of 3d V. ; Benjamin Gibbs, 
M. of 2d V. ; Ralph French, M. of Ist V. ; Pliny Jones, 
Treas. ; Wm. Hale, Sec'y; J. W. Helme, C. 

December 24, A.D. 1828, Henry Weed Wits elected M. E. 
H. P. ; Allen Andrews, M. E. K. ; Justus Fos, Scribe ; 
Isaac Fellows, C. H. ; 0. L. Rurasdell, P. S. ; Augustus 
Fellows, R. A. C. ; Abner French, .M. of 3d V. ; Benja- 
min Gibbs, M. of 2d V. ; R. F. North, M. of 1st V. ; Pliny 
Jones, Treas. ; Wm. Hale, Sec'y ; Rev. P. Goodwin, Chap. 

The regular communications of the chapter were held on 
Tuesday, at three o'clock P..M., on or next preceding the 
first full moon in the months of December, March, June, 
and September. It held during its existence twenty-seven 
communications, and advanced fifty-one M. M.'s to the 
degrees of M. M., P. M., M. E. M., and R. A. M. It 
ceased to meet March 24, A.D. 1829. 

January 10, .\.D. 1826, the secretary, Juilge Wm. Hale, 
recorded the fact that " one-half dollar was received and ex- 
pended for refreshment." The charter and the minutes are 
in the pos.sc.ssion of Pulaski loilge, No. 415. 

Pulaski Loiltjc, No. 415. — The dispensation under which 
this lodge was instituted bears date August 11, A.D. 1856. 
The following names were inserted therein, viz. : W. K. 
Combs, F. L. Williams, A. II. Weed, Is;iac Fellows, Abner 
French, Augustus Day, M. Russell, S. B. Ingham, A. Tows- 
ley, and Norman Root. The first three were M. and W.'s 
in the order named. 

At its first communication N. Root was elected Treasurer, 
and A. Day, Secretary. D. A. King, F. S. Low, and J. A. 
Clark were the first applicants for membership. The lodge 
charter was granted Juno 10, A.D. 1857, with the names 
of Warren K. Combs, W. M. ; Don A. King, S. W. ; P. 
y\. Borland, J. W., inserted therein ; was received August 
I'.t, A.D. 1857, when the lodge was prom|)tly convened for 
the installation of its officers. At this communication 
Jamc.s A. Clark was elected Treasurer, and Jesse W. Cross, 







I^ES.of S.H.FELLOVfS, FULASKI,N.Y 




RES. of J. C-. & C.W. YfHITE, Richlano, Os^eoq Co. N- Y^ 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



215 



Secretary. The oflBcers were duly installed by W. L. H. 
Conklin, of Mexico, New York. 

The lodge has three hundred and fifteen names upon its 
rolls. It has lost hy death twenty-two members, by dis- 
mission and removals one hundred and eight, leaving its 
present membership one hundred and eighty-five. Septem- 
ber 21, A.D. lyG4, all the members residing within the 
jurisdiction of Sandy Creek withdrew from the lodge and 
instituted Sandy Creek lodge, No. 564. This accounts for 
the large loss of menibersliip by dismission. 

Ten different W. M.'s have presided over the lodge, viz., 
W. K. Combs, from its institution to December 16, A.V. 
1857, elected December 16, 1S63 ; P. M. Borland, Decem- 
ber 16, 1857 ; D. A. King, December 15, 1858, December 
21, 1859; Frank S. Low, December 19, 1860, December 
18, 1861, December 17, 1862 ; Benjamin Snow, December 
21, 1864, December 20, 1865; Daniel W. Grout, Decem- 
ber 19, 1866, December 18, 1867,. December 16, 1868, 
died December 21, 1868; John T. McCarty, January 6, 
1869; Smith E. Salisbury, December 15, 1869, December 
21, 1870 ; Wilson F. Purdy, December 20, 1871, Decem- 
ber 18, 1872, December 17, 1873, December 16, 1874, 
December 15, 1875; David C. Blahaffy, December 20, 
1876. Twelve S. W.'s have stood in the West, viz., F. L. 
Williams, from its institution to August 19, a.d. 1857; 
Don A. King, elected August 19, 1857; P. S. Low, De- 
cember 15, 1858, December 21, 1859; Benjamin Snow, 
December 19, 1860, Decejnber 18, 1861, December 17, 
1862; John T. McCarty, December 16, 186.3; D. W. 
Grout, December 21, 1864, December 20, 1865; Seneea 
D. Moore, December 19, 1866, December 18, 1867, De- 
cember 21, 1870, December 20, 1871, December 18, 1872, 
December 17, 1873 ; S. E. Sali-sbiiry, December 16, 1868 ; 
T. R. Ingersoll, December 15, 1869; H. H. Potter, De- 
cember 16, 1874; D. C. Mahaffy, December 15, 1875; 
Lewis J. Macy, December 20, 1876. Fifteen J. W.'s have 
officiated in the South, viz., Albert H. Weed, from its 
institution to August 19, a. d. 1857 ; P. M. Borland, elected 
August 19, 1857; Benjamin Snow, December 15, 1858, 
December 21, 1859 ; Henry Twitchell, December 19, 1860, 
December 18, 1861, December 17, 1862; D. W. Grout, 
December 16, 1863; S.D.Moore, December 21, 1864, 
December 20, 1865, December 15, 1869; J. Davidson, 
December 19, 1866 ; A. L. Williams, December 18, 1867 ; 
H. H. Potter, December 16, 1868 ; W. F. Purdy, Decem- 
ber 21, 1870; Orla Allen, December 20, 1871; N. A. 
Alsever, December 18, 1872; I). C. Jlahaffy, December 
17, 1873, December 10, 1874 ; L. J. Macy, December 15, 
1875 ; F. H. Mahaffy, December 20, 1876. 

The lodge has had five Treasurers, viz., Norman Root, 
elected August 23, a.d. 1856, served to August 19, 1857 ; 
James A. Clark, elected August 19, 1857, served to Decem- 
ber 19, 1860; William H. Gray, elected December 19, 
1860, served to December 21, 1870; Henry Twitchell, 
elected December 21, 1870, served to December 20, 1871|; 
T. R. Ingersoll, elected December 20, 1871, annually re- 
elected, and is now the present Treasurer. 

Six Secretaries have recorded the proceedings of the 
lodge, viz., Augustus Day, elected August 23, a.ix 1856, 
served to August 19, 1857 ; Jes.so W. Cross, elected Au- 



gust 19, 1857, served to December 15, 1858; Charles H. 
Cross, from December 15, 1858, to December 16, 1863; A. 
R. Angell, elected December 16, 1863, served to December 
21, 1864 ; E. C. Seeley, elected December 21, 1864, served to 
December 19, 1866 ; Benjamin Snow, elected December 19, 
1866, annually re-elected, and is now the present Secretary. 

The lodge Chaplains number ten, viz., Jules F. Billiard, 
appointed December 19, a.d. 1860; llev. P. B. Morrison, 
December 18, 1861, December 17, 1862 ; John Woodbury, 
December 16, 1863, December 21, 1864; Rev. F. H. 
Stanton, December 20, 1865, December 19, 1866, Decem- 
ber 18, 1867; Rev. S. J. Decker, December 16, 1868; 
Rev. R. C. Boyer, December 15, 1869, December 21, 
1870; L. R. Muzzy, December 20, 1871 ; E. H. Gaylord, 
December 18, 1872 ; Rev. William L. Tisdale, December 
17, 1873, December 16, 1874; Rev. James P. Foster, 
December 15, 1875, December 20, 1876. 

The lodge was incorporated under chapter 317, laws of 
1866, on the 6th of January, a.d. 1874. The first board 
of trustees were C. H. Cross, W. K. Combs, T. R. Ingersoll. 
December 16, 1874, S. D. Moore was elected in place of 
C. H. Cross. December 15, 1875, W. K. Combs, and 
December 20, 1876, T. R. Ingersoll, were re-elected. 

Since its institution the lodge has in no case omitted to 
hold its regular communications on the first and third 
Wednesday of every month. Financially, the lodge is 
established on a sound basis. It freely bestows its charities 
upon all needy craftsmen who apply, as well as upon its 
own members. The widows and orphans of deceased 
brethren are not neglected, but assisted. The feelings of 
the entire community towards the lodge are of a friendly 
character, and the time is near, even now is, when it is re- 
garded as an honor to be a Free and Accepted Mason, and 
a member of Pulaski lodge No. 415. 

PULASKI academy. 

The citizens of the village generally became very much 
interested in the education of its children and youth, 
and in the year 1853, through the exertions of Messrs. 
Charles H. Cross, Hiram Murdock, Anson R. Jones, George 
Gurley, Don A. King, Anson Maltby, Newton M. Ward- 
well, Samuel WoodruflF, and William H. Lester, an act of 
the legislature was passed consolidating parts of three school 
districts lying within the village into one district, to be 
known thereafter as the " Pulaski school district," empower- 
ing its board of trustees to establish and organize a classical 
school, to be known by the name of " the Pulaski academy." 

The above-named gentlemen, being the first trustees of 
said district, and ex-officio board of education, did as soon 
as practicable establish the Pulaski academy. In the .summer 
of 1855 it became subject to the visitation of the board 
of regents, in the same manner and to the same extent as 
though originally incorporated by them, and now enjoys all 
the benefits and advantages, and ranks among the best 
academies of the State. In April, 1854, the beautiful 
grounds on the bank of Salmon river, containing about 
one and thrce-f|uartcr acres, were secured and ]iurchased by 
said trustees, for the sum of five hundred dollars, then un- 
improved and nearly covered with a grove of chesnut-, 
oak-, and maple-trccs, upon which was erected the present 



210 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



stately structuro of lirick, c-ij;lity l>y lifty t'wt, three s-tories 
liigli, the two lower being tliirtueii feet high " in the cL'ar," 
and tlie third story ten feet. The estimated cost of tlie 
.sujierstrufture was eight tliiius;ind duliars, but owing to 
prudent and eeommiical management of the trustees and 
building committees, tlie s:ime wa5 completed at the actual 
cost of seven thousand one hundred and twenty-eight dol- 
lars aud ten cents.* 

The following were the building committee : George 
Gurley, An.son Mahby, Charles II. Cro.ss, Don A. King, 
Samuel Woodruff, Anson 15. Jones, D. C. Salisbury, John 
T. McCarty, and William II. Lester. William S. Carpen- 
ter, master-builder. 

The following sub-committees were appointed, viz. : 

Jlessrs. George Gurley, Samuel Woodruff, and Don A. 
King, to perfect and present a proper plan for the 
academy. 

Charles II. Cross, Samuel Woodruff", and William II. 
Lester, to prepare estimates of cost of labor and materials. 

Charles H. Cress and Don A. King, to contract for 
timber, sawoil lumber, sand, and stone. 

George Gurley and Don A. King, to contract for carpen- 
ter and joiner work. 

George Gurley and Anson R. Jones, to contract for 
lathing and plastering. 

Anson Maltby, general superintendent of laborers and 
erection of building. 

Early in May, 1854, the ground was first broken, and so 
harmoniously and expeditiously did the work progress, 
that on the Stli day of January, 1855, the building was 
aceejited and dedicated with ajijtropriate ceremonies ( termed 
a celebration), with the following order of exercises : 

1. Praj'er, by Rev. Andrew Oliver; 2. Music, by the 
choir; 3. Remarks, by the town superintendent; 4. Music, 
by the choir; 5. Address, by Hon. Henry N. Wright; 6. 
Singing, dedication ode; 7. Prayer, by Rev. L. Muzzy; 8. 
Renediction, by Rev. R. Houghton. 

The acaiiemy consists of two departments, male and 
female, with the following courses of study : academic, 
preparatory college course, and commercial. 

The officers of the academy have been as follows : 

1855 and 185G. — Stephen C. Miller, principal; Miss 
Frances Baker, preceptress ; Homer T. Fowler, James W. 
Fenton, assistants. 

1857 and 1858. — Henry ],. Lamb, jirincipal ; Miss 
Abba L. Green, preceptress; George L. Bragdon, assistant. 

1859. — Henry L. Lamb, princijial ; Miss Emma N. 
Beebee, jireceptress ; Jules F. Billiard, a.s.sistant. 

I860.— R. B. Van Patten, principal; Miss E. M. Des- 
brow, preceptress ; Jules F. Billiard, assistant. 

A. Hoose, principal; Miss E. M. Desbrow, preceptress; 
Jules F. Billiard, assistant. 

18G1. — Pulaski E. Smith, principal; Jliss Emma N. 
Beebee, preceptress ; Harvey H. Butterworth, assistant. 

18G2. — Same principal, same preceptress, Daniel D. 
Owen, assistant. 

* Cost of ncailciiiy, seven tliuiisiind iiml one hunilrcil ilulliirs: Int, 
libriirv. luiJ pliiliL^ojiliiiul niiiiunitii.", thiiieen liiiinlred and eiglitj-- 
llvo dulUirs : total, Lighl lliuiisaiwl Tixir hundred nnd cighly-five 
dollui ^. 



18G3. — Same principal, same assistant, Misses Lizzie P. 
Bush and Helen 31. Rice, preceptresses. 

1864. — Harvey II. Butterworth, principal; Miss Helen 
M. Rice, preceptrass ; Daniel D. Owen, assi.*tant. 

18G5. — Harvey H. Butterworth, Nehemiah White, M. 
B. Benton, J. W. Grant, principals; Mrs. II. H. Butter- 
worth, preceptress ; J. W. Quinby, assistant. 

ISGG, — Daniel D, Owen, principal ; Mrs. II, H. Butter- 
worth, preceptress ; Nathan B. Smith, assistant. 

1SG7. — Nathan B. Smith, principal; Miss Kate J. 
Brown, preceptress; J. H, Matti.son, a.ssistant. 

1868.— II. W. Congdon, principal; Miss Flora A. Pot- 
ter, preceptress ; E. W. Blanchard, jissistant. 

1869 and 1870. — Sebastian Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. 
Duffy, preceptress; B. F, Miller, a.ssistant. 

1871. — S. Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. Duffy, preceptress; 
W. Steele, assistant. 

1872. — S, Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. Duffy, preceptress; 
R, L, Keyser, assistant. 

1873. — S. Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. Duffy, preceptress; 
A. W. Arehiliald, assistant. 

1874 and 1875.— S. Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. Duffy, 
preceptress ; II. W. Hunt, assistant. 

1S7G. — S. Duffy, principal; Mrs. S. Duffy, preceptress; 
II. T. Iloyt, assistant. 

1877. — S. Duffy, princip.il; Mrs. S. Duffy, preceptress ; 
S. C. Huntington and F, Gilman, assistants. 

The average annual expense of the in.stitution, exclusive 
of repairs on buildings, ha.s been four thou.sand dollars. 

The officers of the respective boards of education from 
its organization to the present time are as follows : 

I'icsiileiils. — George Gurley served four years; Beman 
Broekway, two years; Sidney M. Tucker, one year; Chas. 
H. Cross, three years ; James N. Betts, eight years ; Geo. 
W. Woods, one year ; James Douglas, four years ; James 
W. Fenton, two years. 

Treasurers. — George Gurley served four years ; James 
A. Clark, twenty-one years. 

Sccrtlarics. — Don A. King served eight years ; Charles 
H. Cross, two years ; Lorenzo Ling, eight years ; Newton 
M. Thompson, one year; Benj, Snow, six years. 

Trustees. — George Gurley served four years ; Don A. 
King, twelve years; Newton M. Wardwell, one year; Jas. 
A. Clark, twenty-three years ; Andrew Z, McCarty, one 
year; Hiram M. Murdock, one year; Charles II, Cross, 
twelve years; Anson R. Jones, three years; Stephen C. 
Miller, thirteen years; John T. McCarty, five years; 
Alonzo R. Angell, four years; Frank S. Low, eleven 
years; Samuel Woodruff, four years; Adonirum Fisher, 
nine years; Benj. F, Rhodes, one year ; Gilbert A. Woods, 
twenty years ; William II. Lester, two years ; Beman 
Broekway, two years; Josephus C. Hatch, two years; 
James N. Betts, eighteen years ; Lorenzo Ling, ten years ; 
S. C. Huntington, twelve years; N. M. Thompson, one 
year; George T. Pcckham, eleven years; D, 0. KiiDwlton, 
four years; Sidney M, Tucker, four years; Jas, F, Davis, 
two years ; Jas. W. Fenton, .seven years ; Geo. W. Woods, 
nine years; R. C. Dickinson, threes-ears; Henry II, Lyman, 
one year ; Sewell T. Gates, two years ; James Douglas, nine 
years; Edwin II. 51 inot, two years; Benj. Snow, six years. 




THE FIRST CONOREGATIONAL CHURCH, PULASKI, N.Y. 



Ci.SBh. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



217 



Board of Eilacation, 1877. — James A. Clark, Gilbert 
A. Woods, Don A. King, James N. Betts, S. C. Hunting- 
ton, E. H. Minot, James W. Pcnton, Sewoll T. Gates, 
Benj. Snow. Jam&s W. Fenton, president; James A. 
Clark, treasurer; Benj. Snow, secretary. 

The academy has not been built up by endowments, yet 
its history shows a marked growth. The principal and the 
entire faculty are ably a.ssisted by the trustees in their 
laliors, and no pains or expense is spared to make this 
iuslitution '' rauk among the first in the land." 

PUL.^SIvI GRANGE 

was organized March 27, 1875, and the following officers 
were cho.sen : Newton M. Thompson, M. ; Olin S. Clark, 
O. ; C. R. Erskine, L. ; A. B. Trumbull, S. ; S. S. Jordan, 
A. S. ; A. N. Balsley, C. ; Clark Cule, T. ; A. J. Champ- 
ney, S. ; Arthur Alexander, G. K. ; Mrs. 0. S. Clark, C. ; 
Mrs. A. B. Trumbull, P. ; Miss Lois Clark, F. ; Mrs. C. 
R. Erskine, L. A. S. ; Olin S, Clark, Augustus Twitchcll, 
N. M. Thompson, Executive Committee. 

THE PRESS. 

The Pulaski Banner was established in April, 1830, by 
Nathan Randall, and continued by him until 1832, when it 
passed into the hands of A. A. Mathewson and G. G. 
Foster, who published it one year. It was issued by James 
Gedd until 1834, when it was suspended. In 183G it re- 
appeared as the Pulaski Advocate, and was published by 
Daniel Ayer until 1838, when it was sold to Mr. Dickinson 
and consolidated with the Port Ontario Aurora, and was 
issued under the name of the Advocate and Aurora. The 
name Aurora was dropped in the year 1810, and the Ad- 
vocate again passed into the hands of Daniel Ayer, by 
whom it was discontinued in 1842. 

In 1843 the Pulaski Courier was started by W. Winans 
and was issued by him until 1847, when A. A. Mathewson 
assumed conti'ol and changed its name to the Richland 
Courier. In 1850 J. C. Hatch purchased the establish- 
ment, and changed the name of the sheet to the Pulaski 
Democrat. It was published by him until 1855, when it 
was ])urchased by Stephen C. Miller, the principal of Pu- 
laski academy. His ownership continued until the time 
of his death in November, 18(59, when the paper came into 
the possession of L. Reade Muzzy, its present editor and 
proprietor. Since his purchase Mr. Muzzy has enlarged 
the sheet, added considerably to the office facilities by the 
introduction of steam and two power-pres.ses, and removed 
the establishment to new and more commodious ijuarters. 
The Democrat is an ably-etlited, independent journal, and 
justly merits its present prosperity. 

THE FIRST C0NGHEG.\TIO.V.VL CHURCH. 

The First Congregational church of Pulaski, New York, 
was organized as a church in Pawlet, Vermont, by the 
colony leaving that place for Richland, New York, before 
it.s departure. 

It consisted of nine members, viz., Thaddeus Harmon, 
John Meachafn, Levi Meacham, Joel Harmon, Simon 
Mcacham, Lucy Meacham, Olive Hail, Polly Meacham, 
Ruth HaruioD. 
15 



The society wa-s organized with the name of the First 
Congregational Society and Church of Richland January 
22, 1811. The meeting for this purpose was held by 
previous notice and in legal form at the house of Erastus 
Kellogg in said town, and the act of incorporation was 
legally consummated and papers filed in the county clerk's 
office February 25, 1811. The first trustees were Timothy 
Maltby, Silas Harmon, Rufus Pierce, John Meacham, Eras- 
tus Kellogg, Dr. Bloses R. Porter, and Simon Meacham. 

They met for worship at various private houses until the 
year 1817, when they occupied a school-house which was 
then located on the present site of the land-office, and was 
after a time removed to the present locality of the Baptist 
church. After the erection of the court-house, in 1819, 
the church and society held their services in that building. 
The first church edifice was erected in 1827, and com- 
pleted and dedicated in 1828. The dimensions of this 
building were thirty-eight feet by fifty-two feet, with a gal- 
lery surrounding three sides of the house. Its estiu)ated 
cost was about two thousand dollars. It was located on 
Church street, a little north and east of the present location 
of the same building, which is now occupied and used as a 
school-house. 

At the last church service hold in this building, July 9, 
1865, Rev. David Spear, of Rodman, preached, being then 
in his eighty-fifth year. He preached the first sermon 
after its erection, and administered the first communion 
service. 

Preparation was made for the erection of the present 
house of worship, located on the corner of Lake and Church 
streets, in 1865. 

It was completed in the spring of 1867, and dedicated 
April 24, 1867. Rev. Laurens P. Hickok, D.D., LL.D., 
president of Union college, preached the dedication sermon. 
The dimensions of this building on the foundation are 
seventy-sis feet by fifty-seven feet. The estimated cost is 
sixteen thousand dollars. The largest gift made towards the 
erection of this church edifice was fifteen hundred dollars, 
by Deacon Simon Meacham, whose name is identified with 
the early history ol" the church as a member of the church 
when first organized in Pawlot, Vermont, also one of its 
first deacons, and a member of the first board of trustees; 
a man of superior intellectual ability and unblemished 
Christian character. His portrait appears on the same 
page with the view of the church edifice in this work. 

The first pastor of the church, who accompanied the 
colony from Pawlet, Vermont, was Rev. Oliver Leavitt, 
who was iirdained and installed as pastor December 24, 
1811, and was dismissed August 27, 1818. During his 
pastorate forty-seven persons united by profession of faith, 
and ten united by letter. 

Rev. Oliver Ayer was installed February 20, 1822, and 
was dismissed April 12, 1826. During his pastorate 
thirty-four persons united by profession and fifteen by letter. 
Rev. George Freeman commenced labors December 7, 
1827, and was dismis.scd January 22, 1830. During this 
time ten persons united by profession and eighteen by 
letter. 

Rev. Ralph Riiliinson was installed pastor March 23, 
1830, and wa.s dismissed January 28, 1846. During his 



218 



IIISTOKV OK OSWKCO fOrNTY. NKW VOltK. 



pastorale of nearly MXleen years one liuniireil and nineteen 
persons united with tliu cliureh by profession and eighty- 
one by letter. 

Kev. Tlinnias Salmon eoninicneed labors Auf;\isl 2, 18-10, 
was installed as jiastor June 15, 1847, and died Deeeuiber 
4, 18r)4. During liis pastorate thirty-seven persons united 
by jirofession and forty by letter. 

l{ev. Kayette .Shejilierd con)nieneed labors May 19, 1855, 
and was disuiis.sed April HI, 1858, twenty-three persons 
uiiiling by |irof(Ssirin and twenty-three by letter. 

Kev. JiUeian West Clianey began liis labors October 10, 
1858, and was disnii.^sed November 10, 1864. During the 
period of his minislcrial labors eigliteen persons united by 
])roff.ssion and Iwcnty-lliree by letter. 

The present pastor, Kev. J. Douglas, commenced his 
labors December 1, 1864. Eighty-two persons have been 
added to the church under his labors thus far by profes.sion 
and twenty-three by letter. 

The first Sabbath school was organized in 1817 by 
Deacon Simon Meacham, and a library was organized in 
ISIH. The present su])erintendpnt is N. IJ. Smith, Esq. 

The board of trustees consi.sts of Deacon John Meacham, 
J. A. Clark, L. Ling, M. Pierce, and R. C. Dickinson. 

TIIK .VETIIODIST KI'ISCOI'.VL ClintClI. 

James Trumbull states that when he came into the town, 
in the year 1811, (lie Methodists in this vieinitv held .ser- 
vice at the house of John Jngcrsoll and in I'liny Jones' 
bar-room. There are no early records of this church pre- 
served, but the society was probably organized in 1813 or 
1814, and held meetings in tl)e school-hou.se until the erec- 
tion of the court-lu)Use, when that was occupied alternately 
by the religions societies. Among the first preaeiurs were 
I'alhers Calkins and Bibbings. 

The first church edifice was erected in 1832, on the site 
now oecu])icd by the residence of Charles Hubbard, on 
Salina street. 

The f'ollowing-nanii'd persons have at various times offi- 
ciated as pastors of the church, viz. : Revs. McNine, Fuller, 
Whiteonib, Cha]iin, G. C. Woodruff, Bodish, Hawkins, A. 
J. Vh.lps, Orlando C. Cole, William Jones, S. B. Croshier, 
Lemuel Clark, Thomas B. Shephard, J. H. Lamb, F. H. 
Santon, H. Skicl, William Watson, W. L. Ti.sdale, D. W. 
Thurston (sujiiily i, J. B. Longstreet, present pastor. 

'I'lie present trustees are : D. C. Dodge, S. Dickinson, 
C. R. Suydam, Olin Clark, F. Frank, .M. D. Cornwell, T. 
Hollis, B. H. Allen, T. I). Seymour. 

THE BAPTIST CllllKril. 

This church was organized in 182S. Previous to that 
time the Baptists in Pulaski and vicinity Inid been formed 
into a conference by the Rev. Nathaniel Gitteau. Mis 
labors as a preacher and pastor were very accej)table. He 
died in 1827. On the 17th of May, 1828, the conference 
met to consider tlie expediency of effect ing a jH'rmanent 
organization. They determined to do so with the concur- 
rence of a council of the neigliboring Jiaptist churches. 
This was called to meet at ten A.M. on the i)lh of June, at 
the court-house in the village of Pulaski. Tiie council 
convened at the appointed time, and was compo.se<l of the fol- 



j lowing deleg:ites: From the First Baptist church at Kicliland, 
Rev.s. Ferris and Holmes, with N. Powers, J. Holmes, and 

Hangs; from the Bapti.st church at New Haven, Rev. 

R. T. Smith, with Barzillai Snow, John (jratton.and Cvrus 
Sevcrencc ; from the Baptist church at Sandy Creek, Thos 
Gratton, Calvin Murray, and Jedediah Gratton ; from the 
First Bajitisl church at Ellisburgh, Rev. Tiinotliy Brewster, 
with B. Freeman. The conference appointed as its re|)re- 
scntatives Rev. Jason Ix>throp, T. C. Baker, Benjamin 
Snow, and Horace Phillips. 

The following jiersoiis also were present, and invited to 
participate in tiie labors of the council: Rev. (ianndiel 
Barnes, John and William Manwarring, from Mexico; H. 
B. Rounds, and David Carlisle, from Newjiort. 

The council voted to orgiinize a church, and it was ef- 
fected witli the following services of recognition : Rev. R. 
T.Smith preached the sermon from Luke xii. 32; Rev. 
Mr. Ferris gave the hand of fellowship, and T. Brewster 
gave the address to the members. The church at once chose 
T. C. Baker as clerk. 

On the 12th of July a nu'eting to eli-ct deacons was held, 
and choice Wiis made of Benjamin Snow and T. C. Baker. 
The following are the names of the ctmstituent members : 
Jason Lotlirop, Benjamin Snow, T. C. Baker, R. Clync, 
Eli Greene, Horace l'hilli]is, John Heiidrirk.son, Sylvester 
Hills, Oliver Allen, Mrs. Allen and daughter, Mrs. William 
Hale and daughter, Sibyl S. Baker, Lavina Snow, D.lla 
Doane, Bct.sy Jones, Polly llendrick.^on, Charlotte Wav, 
Amanda Weed, Susan Phillips, Lovina >L>acham. Ann 
Fellows. Cynthia Ba.ss, Eliza Bnigdon, and Fanny Man- 
warring. 

Steps for building a church were taken at a meeting held 
August 31, 1829, but it was the summer of 1834 before 
the edifice was ready for occupation. h\ the mean time 
•religious services continued to be held in the c(mrt-house. 
When the frame wsls put up, the pastor, Rev. Jes,sc Elliott, 
made a prayer. No other dedication services were held 
until several years later, when Rev. S. J. Decker was the 
pastor, and the cliureh was considerably eidarged and re- 
paired. The original location of the church has never been 
changed. It fronts the South Park adjoining the court- 
house. Rev. M. B. Comfort is the jircseiit pastor. J. W. 
Wood, A. S. Riclnirds, and Ephraim A vci ill are tlie deacons, 
and E. C. Bearilslcy the church elcrk. 

Since the organization of the church the fiillowing persons 
have served it as pastors, and in the order named : Ja.son 
Lothrop, Jesse Elliot, I. N. T. Tucker, C. B. Taylor, A. 
Webb, Charles Marxball, Thomas Bright, W. I. Crane, 
Lawson Muzzy, S. J. Decker, M. V. Wilson, (J. A. Ames, 
and M. B. Comfort. The exact term of service of each has 
not been obtaiiu'd, but it has varied considerably. The early 
pastorales were short as a ride, but for the past thirty-five 
years they liave averaged about five years, and .some have 
largely exceeded that length. 

The early ]iosition of this church on l\u: sul)j<'ct of 
temperance is deserving of notice here. So long ago as 
June 20, 1829, the following record was made: 

" Voted unanimously that this church do hereby resolve 
that each and every nienibcr refrain from the use of ardent 
spirits in any case except as a medicine." 




Residence Zf james n.beus, M.D. Pulaski, N.Y. 






Residence of DON A .KINO, PULASKI , N. Y. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



219 



It is believed that few churches at that early day held 
such just and advanced views on this important (juestion. 
The last report gave an enrolled membership of one hundred 
and ten. 

ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

St. James Church, Pulaski, w;is organized August 10, 
1846, Hon. Andrew Z. McCarty presiding at a meeting 
held for that purpose in the court-house. John David 
and Andrew Z. McCarty were elected wardens ; John Box, 
Jr., Daniel McCarty, Jerome B. Smith, Jo.seph T. Stevens, 
John A. Rhoades, Alden Crandall, Frey Lane, J. C. 
Rhoades were chosen vestrymen ; Rev. Edward De Zeng 
ministered here from some time in 1848 to April, 1849 ; 
Rev. Henry Stanley wa.s rector from April 22, 1849, to 
October 12, 1852 ; Rev. Gordon M. Bradley served the 
parish from January 1, 1853, to October of the same year; 
Rev. Andrew Oliver from July 9, 1854, to April 8, 1855; 
Rev. Joshua L. Harrison from about October 1, 1855, to 
April 1, 1856; Rev. Moses E. Wilson from December 1, 
1856, to December 1, 1857 ; supplied by visiting clergymen 
for three and a half years (especially Rev. William Paret, 
rector Zion church, Pierrepont Manor), and by lay reading 
by Mr. John David, senior warden ; Rev. Peter B. Morrison 
from June 16, 1861, to May 3, 1863; Rev. Milton B. 
Benton from August, 1863, to May, 1867 ; Rev. Gilbert 
B. Hayden from August 1, 1867, to Aug. 12, 1868 ; Rev. 
Robert C. Boyer from January 4, 1869, to February, 1871 ; 
Rev. J. H. Rowling from autumn of 1871, for nine months; 
Rev. W. II. Hopkins from January 1, 1873, to November, 
1874. During the frequent vacancies in the pastorate of 
this church, religious services were kept up by the lay 
reading of the late venerable John David, the founder and 
life-long senior warden of the parish. 

The present rector is the Rev. James P. Foster, who ac- 
cepted the rectorship May 1, 1875, and is still the incum- 
bent. Under his pastorate this church has added thirty 
families, two hundred individuals, and fifty communicants. 

During the two years of his ineumbeney there have been 
eighty baptisms and forty-eight confirmations. A parson.age 
has been paid for and the parish kept free from debt. Some 
of the first members of this church were John David and 
wife, Hon. A. Z. McCarty and family, of Pula.ski; Joseph 
T. Stevens, Daniel McCarty, of Wa.shington, D. C. ; Frey 
Lane and family, John T. McCarty and family, of Pulaski; 
D. 0. Knowlton, of Syracuse; R. L. Ingcrsoll and fiunil}', 
and Jules Billiard and family, of Pulaski. 

The church building was finished in 1850, and was con- 
secrated February 27, 1850, by the Right Reverend William 
H. De Lancey, bishop of western New York. It was at 
that time regarded a.s one of the prettiest chuidi edifices in 
the diocese. The cost of the building was two thousand 
five hundred dollars. It is thirty by ninety feet. The 
architect was Upjohn, of New York. 

The present oflScers are Stephen Mason and Charles H. 
Cross, wardens; John T. McCarty, Jules Billiard, William 
II. Hill, W. P. Outersou, A. J. Shelley, L. D. Potter, 
William H. Gray, Prof S. Duffy, vestrymen. The parish 
is indebted to the Hon. William C. Piurnpont, of J'ierre- 
jiont ]Manor, for the gift of five hundred dollars towards the 
church building, and one thousand dollai-s for-tlie parsonage. 



THE BAPTIST CHUKCn OF SOUTH RICHLAND. 

This church was organized on the 7th day of October, 
1817, by a council convened at the house of Colonel Robert 
Gillespie. Elder Enos Ferris became the first jiastor of the 
church October 11, 1817, and ofiiciated in that capacity 
during a number of years. 

The services of this early organization were held at various 
private houses until 1839; a church edifice was commenced 
and completed in the following year. The first service was 
held in tlie church April 11, 1840. There are no records 
of the church from which can be obtained the names of the 
different pastors who have been stationed here. We are 
only able to give the names of Elders Evering, M. V. Will- 
son, E. Crove, and Rev. T. G. Jones, the pre.sent pastor. 
The roll of membership numbers sixty-one. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OP SOUTH RICH- 
LAND. 

This church was organized in June, 1840, by Rev. G. C. 
Woodruff and Rev. Gardner Baker, with the following 
uienibers : Solomon and Betsey Erskine, Phuibe Erskine, 
Betsey Dickinson, Ilhoda Stewart, Sebern Dickiu.son and 
wife, George H. English and wife, Timothy Steel and wife, 
Levi Cary and wife, and Jonathan Sherwood and wife. 

Services were held in the school-house until 1858, when 
the present church edifice was dedicated by Rev. George 
Sawyer, presiding elder, and the pastor, Rev. J. H. Burnett. 
The building was erected at a cost of eight hundred dollars. 

At the organization of this church it was a part of the 
Pulaski circuit, and served by Rev. G. C. Woodruff in 
1842, and Rev. B. Holmes in 1843-44. In the latter year 
it was made a part of the Mexico circuit, and in 1845 Rev. 
O. Lathrop ofiiciated as pastor. Rev. 0. Squires was pastor 
in 1846-47, David B. Smith in 1848, Allen C. Castle in 
1849-50, and J. C. Smedley and D. Barnard in 1851. 

In 1851 it was made an independent charge. 

The following-named persons have served this church as 
pastors from its organization as an independent charge to the 
present time, embracing a period of twenty-six years, — 

Revs. William Peck, 1852; J. M. Hudson, 1853-54; 
David P. Knapp, 1855-56; J. H. Burnett, 1857-58; J. 
H. Buck, 1859-60 ; Allen C. Castle, 1861 ; A. Blackman, 
1862-63; M. T. Smedley, 1864-65; Zardis Kenyon, 1866; 
, J. W. McDonald, 1867; J. W. Simpson, 1868-70; L. R. 
Grant, 1871-72; S. Boyd, 1873-75. 

The church is at present in a prosperous condition, and 
is under the efficient management of Rev. George H. Van 
Vliet, who begau his pastoral labors in 1876. 

The present officers are as follows: Class-leaders, Charles 
Eiskine, John Tyler, Lyman Leonard, A. Brainard, Charles 
Hicks, an<l Robert Aird ; Stewards, 0. White, Robert 
Aird, Lyman Leonard, Frank Willis, and Henry Tyler ; 
Trustees, Robert Gates, Thomas Perry, and Martin Hess. 
The church membership numbers one hundred and eighteen 
in full connection, and twenty-four probationers. 

There is a Union church locatiid at Daysville, where a 
Methodist Episcopal church class of sixty-three members 
worship. This cla.ss belongs to the South Richmond charge. 
The size of the church edifice is twenty-four by thirty feet, 
aud it was erected at a cost of four hundred dollare. 



220 



IlISTOlli' OF OSWECiO COLNTY, NEW YOllK. 



The town of Rii-hluuJ embraces an area of 32,180 acres, 
anil the ass<•^«Jr's valiuitioii of real estate anl im-<ir|M>rateil 
cuinpaiiifs Ls $l,728,52r), and the ei|ualizeJ vuluutiun is 
Sl,<i40,(l80. The assessor's valuation of personal estate is 
$7;!,525. The total Kjualized valuation of real estate, 
incorporated companies, and personal estate, is 81,413,1)05. 

I'OriLATION. 

The po]iulation of Richland in IS-l.') was 3758; in 
185(1, 4071); in 1855, 4012; in 1800, 4128; in 18G5, 
4137 ; in 1870, 31)75 ; and in 1875, 4023. 



inOCiUAi'lllCAL SKETCHES. 



ROBERT LEROY INGKRSOLL. 

Robert L. Ingersoll is a native of New Berlin, Chenanjio 
county, where he was born June 5, ISllt. He came into 
the town of Alhiun with his father, Ebcnezcr Ingert^oll, in 
1830. Like many of the prominent and successful business 
men of to-day, Jlr. Inj^ersoll received the rudiments of his 
education at the district sdicjol, and allhou<.'h the educational 
advantai;(S of those earlj- days were meajp'e, still he suc- 
ceeded Well in his studies and subsei|uently entered the 
Mexico academy, where he pursued his studios with diligence 
and atteiitidn. and sui-coeded in ac(|uirin<r an education that 
■Well fitted him for his subseciuent succes-^ful business career. 
At the close of his school days he purchased " his time" of 
his father, — seven months for the sum of fifty dollars, — and 
commenced business for him.self. He formed a oojiartner- 
ship with Elijah Shuraway in the manufacture of carriages 
at Sandy Cieek, and subsc(|ii(Mitiy purchiuscd his partner's 
interest, and continued the business about five yeai-s, and 
then removed to the village of Pulaski and established a 
carriage-manufactory. He conducted this business until 
1872, when he disposed of it to Ingersoll & Suydam. 

In 1854 he established the I'ulaski bank and assumed 
its presidency, in which capacity he officiated until 1802, 
when the institution was di.seontinued. He then organized 
the R. L. Ingersoll & Co.'s bank, and has since been actively 
engaged in the banking business. 

In 1842 he united in ninrriagc with Caroline E. Clark, 
a native of Jefferson county. Their family consists of six 
children, viz., Leroy, George [)., Anna A., Frank D., Fred 
B., and Maud. George D. resides in this town ; Anini A., 
wife of Frank Diniock, resides in Quincy, Illinois; Frank 
1). in Michigan ; Fred 1$. in .*^t. Catharines, Canada ; Maud 
is unmarried. 

IMr. Ingersoll is a i)ositive character. While he is kind 
and considerate to those with whom he has business relations, 
still, when once determined upon a course, he never easts a 
backward glance, but pursues it to a successful termination. 
Though differing with many in vuritpus matters, they give 
him credit for honesty of jiurpo.se. The element of invin- 
cible determination is prominent in the character of Mr. 
Ingersoll. Though he has no petty controversies, still in 



his long business career he has become involved in heavy 
liligiuions, but never had a judgment entered against him. 
His line of conduct has been, — 

" Beware of entrance to a f|uarrel ; but, being in, bear't 
that th' ojiposed may beware of thee." 

His friends find in him a warm associate, and those with 
whom he may chance to be oppised a " foeman worthy of 
their steel." Politically he is a Democrat, and a vigorous 
and uncompromising ex]>onent of the ]irinciples of that 
party. Mr. Ingersoll is essentially a self-made man, and 
has through his own individual efforts become one of the 
substantial uieu of the county. 



CAI'TAIN lUA KOANE 

Wiis born June 10, 1807, in Litchfield, Herkimer county, 
New York. His father, John Doane, was a soldier in the 
Rcvolution;iry war; enlisteil immediately after the battle of 
Bunker Hill, and served during the war. He was a pris- 
oner eighteen months in a pri.son-ship in New York harbor. 
The parents moved i'roni Connecticut about 1798, and 
eventually settled in Litchtielil. Herkimer countv, New 
York. 

Their children were six sons and two daughters, four of 
whom arc surviving, viz.: Mrs. Olivia Mason, residing in 
Pulaski; Isaac, in Port Ontario; Harvey, in Michigan, and 
the subject of our sketch. 

Tlu' family moved to Orwell in May, 1S21. The father 
died January 9, 1831, the mother in 1845; both in 
Pulaski. 

Ca]itain Doane was married October 24, 1830, to Audria 
Vorce. Seven children were born to them, only two of 
whom are living: a son, Helon F., and daughter, Martha 
A., wife of L. D. Potter, son of John E. Potter. A son, 
Henry (!. Doane. was a member of the Tbiriy-fil'tli Regi- 
ment New York Volunteers, and died at Elmini, New York. 
His wife died June, 1853, and he was married to Julia 
Vorce January 22, 1S54, cousin of his first wife, and 
daughter of Colonel William Vorce. 

The early years of Captain Doane's life were spent as a 
farmer, about twelve years as a carpenter and joiner, the 
latter years as a merchant in Pulaski, and later still o]i<>ratiiig 
in timber lands. He has been called to fill various offices 
of ]]ublic trust : president of the village, collector, jailor, and 
under-sheriff, and inspector of customs in New York city, 
may be mentioned among them. 

A life-long Deunjcrat, Cajitain Doane voted for General 
Jaek.son and for the Democratic candidate at every jiresi- 
dential election since. He built the house he oceu|)ies in 
1805, and at the present time has retired from all active 
business, in the enjoyment of a competency, the result of 
years of hard labor, and the friendship and esteem of the 
entire community. 



JAMES N. BETTS, M.L>. 

Oswego County is noted for the proficiency and high 
standard of its medical men, and none occupy a more de- 





'/^^^' 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



221 



servedly popular position in the profession than Dr. James 
N. Betts, of Pulaski. A residence of nearly a quarter of 
a century there, during which time he has been in the 
active practice of liis ]iroi'e.ssion, ha.s fully donKinstrated his 
general wortli, and assinncJ him a consj)icunus jilacc on 
the pages of history. 

James N., sou of Silas and Janette (^Wheeler) Betts, was 
born in the town of Oxford, Chenango county, New York, 
April 2, 1822. He was tlie second of a family of four 
children, and remained a member of it until he completed 
his fourteenth year, when he left the paternal roof, and went 
out in ■' the wide, wide world" to do for himself, and since 
that time has relied entirely upon his own resources. He 
received an academic educaticjn, and before graduating had 
chosen his profession, — namely, that of a doctor. In order 
to meet the necessary expenses for the prosecution of his 
medical studies he was compelled to teach school for several 
years. He then entered the Worcester medical college, at 
Worcester, Massachusetts, and iiom there went to the Syra- 
cuse medical college, from which latter he graduated with 
honors. After graduating he was engaged in the manufac- 
ture of medicine, and at the same time published the Si/r- 
acuse Medical Juunml. 

In December, 1843, Dr. Betts was married to Miss Sarah 
M., daughter of Jesse Burrows, Esq., of Coventry, Che- 
nango county. New York. In 1855 he disposed of his 
property and business in Syracuse and removed to Pulaski, 
where he established himself in the practice of his profession, 
and ha.s since devoted his entire attention to it. He has 
been eminently successful. He holds diplomas from the 
Medical University of Philadelphia, from the Syracuse med- 
ical college, and from the Eclectic medical college of Cin- 
cinnati, Ohio. In 1875 he was strongly urged to accept 
the enviable position of the chair of surgery in the American 
medical college of St. Louis, Missouri, but his extensive 
practice, home standing, and business interests debarred 
him from accepting the honor, much to the disappointment 
of the faculty. 

The doctor has taken a deep interest in the educational 
affairs of Pulaski. He has been a member of the board of 
education since 1855, with the exception of one year, in 
which he was supervisor. In politics he is a Democrat of 
the good old Jeffersonian school. He is an earnest and con- 
sistent member of the political party whose principles he 
has espoused. 

The doctor ha.s three boys: the elder, Albert F., is a well- 
known merchant, at Pulaski; the second son, James H., is 
traveling ; whilst the younger, George W., has adopted the 
profession of his worthy father, and is now completing his 
medical education at the University of 3Iichigan, at Ann 
Arbor, connected with which is one of the best medical 
colleges in the country. 

Dr. Betts is a gentleman well and favorably known, and 
one who is very liighly rcspectiid and esteemed. He pos- 
sesses the necessary qualifications of the physician other 
tliau knowledge, — geniality of disposition, and firmness 
blended with kindness and conqiassion. In his domestic 
relations he is kind and affectionate, a good hu.-sband, father, 
and friend, and in every sense a worthy citizen. (^Sec illus- 
tration and portrait on aniither page.) 



DON A. KING. 

The subject of this sketch tracas his lineage back to the 
reign of Quoon Elizabeth, when John King, father of the 
original settler in this country, of the same fiunily, was 
secretary to that distinguished sovereign. A son, named Ed- 
ward, was a classmate of John Milton, and was a successful 
competitor with the illustrious poet for a class prize. He 
was subsequently drowned in the Irish sea, and commem- 
orated by Milton in the poem of " Lycidas." John King, 
the ancestor of the family in this country, settled in North- 
ampton, Massachusetts, in l(j5-l. He was from Northamp- 
tonshire, England. 

Don A. King, son of Henry King and Betsey Allen, was 
born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county, ]Mareh 27, 1820. His 
mother was a daughter of Joseph Allen, Esq., the first set- 
tler on " Pierrepont Manor." His father, Henry King, emi- 
grated from Southampton, Massachusetts, in the year 1806. 
The subject of this sketch early manifested a desire for a 
thorough education, and after pursuing a preparatory course 
of instruction entered Union college, and graduated with 
honor in 1844, in the class with Prof. Joy, of Columbia 
college. Governor Alex. H. Rice, William H. H. Moore, 
James C. Duane, U.S.A., also Generals Frederick and How- 
ard Townsend, of Albany. 

His affable manner and studious habits rendered him es- 
teemed among his associates, and he was elected a member 
of the " Phi Beta Kappa" society. 

At the close of his collegiate course he chose the profession 
of the law, and commenced his studies with a Mr. Blake, 
at Cold Spring, opposite West Point, and completed them 
with Hon. A. Z. MoCarty, in 1847, and on the 22d day of 
September in that year was admitted to the bar in the city 
of Poughkeepsie. In 1848 he united in marriage with 
Mary Baker, daughter of Thomas C. Baker, of Pulaski. 
Their family consists of four children, viz., Ella M., wife of 
the Rev. J. H. Wright, of Davenport, Delaware county, 
New York; Katharine D.; Charles B. ; and Sarah Frances. 
Charles B. is a graduate of Union college, and is practicing 
law with his father in Pulaski. 

In 1848 he formed a copartnership in the practice of law 
with Mr. McCarty, which existed until 1855. In 1855 he 
was appointed a director of the Pulaski bank, and officiated 
in that capacity until its dissolution. Upon the organization 
of R. L. Ingersoll & Co.'s bank he became a partner, and 
was attorney for the bank until 1876. 

While he has been actively engaged in the arduous duties 
of his profession, he has bestowed much time and attention 
upon educational matters, and was one of the incorporators 
of the Pulaski academy, and has done much towards con- 
tributing to its present prosperity. 

]Mr. King has never sought for political distinction, and 
although a life-long Democrat, one of the leading members 
of his party in the county, and a vigorous exponent of its 
principles, he has labored rather for that distinction at the 
bar which comes from years of earnest application, and 
justly merits the reputation of ranking among the best 
lawyers in this portion of the State. His affable and cour- 
teous manner, sound learning, good judgment, and candor 
have won for him in a remarkable degree the esteem and 
confidence of his filluw-cilizens. 



222 



HISTOUV or OSW'KCO COUNTY, NEW VOUK. 




WILLIAM 
Amonjr the prominent pioneers of Redfield townsliip were 
Eli and Charliilte (WcBt) Strong, parents of the subject of 
this sketch, who came from Connecticut about the 3'eiir 
1790. After rcniainin}: near!)' a (|uarter of a century in 
Redfield thev removed to the town of Orwell, and it was 
here that William was born, on the 12th of February, 1814. 
There were five children in tlie family, of which lie was the 
fourth. He res^ided with his father until he was twenty-one 
years old, when he purchased his father's farm, upon which 
he remained for thirty years. 

In 1844 he married Miss Chloe West, from Lee, Oneida 
county, New York, daughter of Ira and Lucy West, by 
whom he ]iad one child, Sarah, the wife of Orla Allen, Esq., 
of Pulaski. 

His father was postmaster of Orwell for twenty-four 



STUONli. 

years, and was a prominent man in his township gener- 
ally. In 1SG7 father and son removed to Pulaski, where 
his father died at the good old age of eighty-si.x ye:irs. He 
was an influential member of the Methodist Episcopal church 
at Orwell, which he assisted to erect. William .Strong re- 
ceived a good common-school education ; and lias since 
devoted his time to farming and the dairy business, and has 
been quite successful in both branches. Politically, he is a 
Democrat, and has held various township oflice.s, among 
others that of supervisor. Socially, he is a quiet, una.ssuming 
man, respected by the people of the community in which he 
resides. In character he is honest and upright, faithful in 
the discharge of every duty, and hajipy in his domestic 
relations. In fine, he is a good neighbor, a firm friend, 
and a worthy citizen. 




.\.\.^i;i, nnowN. 




Box &. BcTT's Block, jcffcrson st, PULASKI, s.r 




'^: ,.j!^ 





CaP^ ll^A DOANE. 




I^FjS.lffA DoANC- 



jW/fS./f^A Doanb:,(d£ceased.j 



:#■* 




Res of Cap^ IRA DOANEJorth St.. FffONTiNG-NomH PAffx PULASKI, N. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



22:j 



MILITARY RECORD OF RICHLAND. 



Elis J. Alpxandcr, ciilM in Co. B, llfltli N. Y. V.. Aug. 17, t8r.2; 

wounded at Port Hudson ; died July 2, ISG.'J. 
Robert Baird, enl'd in Co. B, 1 1 Otli N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862 ; battles at 

Port Hudson, Camp Bisland, and others; served three years; 

wust'rl out with regiment August 28, 1865. 
W. W. Alexander, enlisted in the IS4th Now YorI< Vols.. Sqit. .5, 1.861. 
S. .James Abiiott. enlisted in Co. C. 147tii New York V(jlunteers. 
Henry Abbott, enlisted in the gun-boat, Cliarlcston Harbor. 
John F. l!o.\, 2d licut, Co. A, 147th N. Y. V., enl'd Aug. 25, 1862; 

promoted 2d lieut. Jan. 5, 186.3; battle of Chaneellorsvillc; 

wounded at Gettysburg in left shoulder; arm amputated; dis- 
charged October 5, 1863. 
George W. Box, private, Co. C, 147th N. Y. V, ; enlisted .\ugust 12, 

1862; died in service September 23, 1863. 
David E. Bancroft, priv., Co. B, Uflth N. Y. V. ; enl'd Aug. 5, 1862 ; 

battles of Camp Bisland and Port Huilson ; served three years ; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Joseph W. Burr, priv., Co. C, 147th N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug. 21, 1862; 

battle of Chancellorsville ; killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. 
Aaron N. Burr, priv., Co. C, UTth N. Y. V. ; enl'd Aug. 21, 1862; 

battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Laurel Hill; wounded in 

left hand ; mustered out May 12, 186.5, 
Elisha Burr, Jr., ])rivate, Co. C, 147th N. Y. V. ; enlisted August 21, 

1862 ; teamster two years. 
Frank Baker, sergt., 37th N. Y. Inf.; enl'd Apr., 1862; in battle at 

Yorktown ; pro. to sergt. ; lionorably discharged. 
Lawrence Burns, priv., Co. B, 110th N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug, 6, 1862; in 

battles of Camp Bisland, Franklin, Port Hudson ; pro. to sergt. 

March 14, 1864; mustered out with regiment Aug. 28, 1865. 
Elisha D. Beardsley, priv., Co. B, 110th N. Y. V. ; enl'd Aug. 1, 1862. 
Frank M. Bently, priv., Co. B, llUth N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; 

battles of Franklin, Camp Bisland, Vermillion, and Port Hud- 
son ; mustered out with regiment Aug. 28, 1865. 
Lyman Brown, priv., Co. B, llOth N. Y. V. ; cul'd Aug. 1, 1862; 

mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Albert M. Beeman, priv.' 24th N. Y. V, ; enl'd M.ay, 1861 ; re-enl'd in 

Co. E, 18yth; appointed captain by county war committee. 
John E. Bently, priv., Co. E, ISDth N, Y, V.; enl'd Aug. 25, 1864. 
Emirell Bellhamer, substitute, enlisted September 17, 1864. 
Walter Buell, substitute, enlisted December 19, 1864. 
Eugene Bishop, private, Co. A, 1st Artillery. 

George Brown, private, 81st New York Vols,; enlisted Mar. 30, 1864. 
Winthrop D. Blair, priv., Co. I, 193d N. Y. V.; enl'd Apr. 6, 1865. 
J. Bradley Butler, lieut., Eng. Corps; killed on duty, June 21, 1863. 
Lewis Byron, priv., Co. A, I47th N. Y. V.; wounded .at Gettysburg. 
Gothup Barup, private, Co. E, 147th New York Volunteers. 
John Buck. 

Lester Bushuell, priv., Co. D, 20th.Cav. ; enlisted Aug. 19, 1863. 
II. George Barlow, enlisted December 21, 1864. 
John Burthen, priv., Co. K, 14th Heavy Artillery ; enlisted 1863. 
W. Jeff. Brockway, priv., Co. K, 81st N. Y. V.; enl'd Deo. 8, 1865. 
George Brown, 81st N. Y. V. ; enlisted December 30, 1863. 
Milton Brooks, priv., Co. E, lS9th N. Y. V'; enl'd Aug. 27, 1864. 
Daniel 11. Barnard, priv., Co. E, UUth N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug. 9, 1862; 

battle of Port Hudson ; pro. to sergt. .\pr., 1863 ; served three 

years; mustered out with regiment August 28, 1865. 
Freeman H. Cross, priv., Co. C, 147th N. Y. V.; eul'd Ang. 9, 1862 

served three years ; mustered out with the regiment. 
WillicCobb, priv., Co. G, 184th N. Y. V.; enlisted Aug. 311, 1864 

served ten months; mustered out with regiment. 
Royal D. Calkins, priv,, Co. E, 184th N. Y. V. ; enl'd Aug. 25, 1864 

served one year ; mustered out with regiment. 
Lucius B. Cole, priv., Co. G, 184th N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug. 26, 1 864 

served one year ; niustere<t out with regiment. 
John Calkins, priv., Co. G, lS4th N. Y. V. ; enlisted Aug. 24, 1864. 
Florence M. Calkins, Co. G, 184th N. Y. V.; enl'd Aug, 26, 1864, 
Alexander Champlin, 8Ist N. Y. V.; enlistoil March 15, 1804. 
James Cameron, priv., 1st Light .\rt.; enlisted March 15, 1864. 
John Cooper, private, 147th N. Y. V.; enlisted March 30, 18GI. 
Marcus A. Cory, jirivate; enlisted April 12, 1805. 
Allen L. Conant, priv,, ISIih N. V, V.; enlisted April 26, 1864. 



Lyman Clark, priv., 0». K, 94th N. Y. V.; died Aug. 15, 1862. 
Truman Comstock, priv., Co. D, 126th N. Y. V.; killed at Gettys- 
burg, July 2, 186.3. 
Joseph Clark, private, Co. E, 54th N, Y. V. : enlisted March IS. 
Adolbert Clark, private, t'o. C, 147th New Yrn-k Volunteers. 
Danford Clafflin, Co, B, 110th New York Volunteers. 
David Cronk, Co, C, 147th New York Volunteers. 
Oleu Clark, priv., 14th H. Art. ; dis. by reason of w'ds rec'd in battle. 
Milton Crocker, Bat. A, 1st Lt, Art. ; enlisted Doc. 28, 1864. 
Joseph Culwell, 16th U. S. Inf. ; enlisted Feb, 25, 1862. 
Morris S. Dunbar, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enl'd Aug. 7, 1862; in 

battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bcardslee, Caiva Croubin, and 

others; served three years ; honorably discharged. 
George P. Doane, priv., 181th Regt, Served one year ; mustered out 

with regiment. 
Hartwell Dunlap, priv., Co. E, IS'.llli Regt. Mastered out with regt. 
John.son Depuy, priv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 
Peter Dolly, priv., Co. G, 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 24, 1864. 
James Donnelly, private. Substitute for Geo, Piatt. 
John Doyle, priv., Co. A, yth Artillery. Enlisted February 24. 1864. 
James Dormity, priv., Co. A, 9th Artillery. Enlisted .Mar. 13, 1864. 
Frederick Doane, musician, 147th Regt. Enlisted March 12, 1864. 
Dennis Dcegan, priv., 147th Regiment. Enlisted March 29, 1864. 
George Dean, private, 184th Regiment. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Henry G. Doane, priv., Co. A, 35th Regt. Died June 18, 1861. 
Peter Dwight. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Searles Damon, Co. B, llt)th Regiment. 
Samuel l>oane, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 
Monroe A. Doane, Co. C, 147th Regiment. 
Charles Damon. Enlisted August, 1863, in the Invalid Corps. 
George W. Deane. Enlisted August30, 1864. 

Archibald Decory, priv., Co. C, 147th Regiiuent. Enlisted Aug., 1863. 
Cyrus Emery, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 
Alonzo Erskine, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 
Ralph Egglestun, Co. C, 147th Regiment. 
A. A. Fellows, capt., Co. B, llOth Regt. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1861, in 

the 39th 111. Vols. ; iu battles of Hancock and Winchester, Va. ; 

taken prisoner at Winchester; fifty-two days in Libby prison; 

dis. at Washington, May 22, 1862 ; while in the 110th was in 

battle of Catnp Bisland and sieges of Port Hudson, Fort Myers, 

and Natural Bridge, in Florida. 
James G. Fellows, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. In battles of Camp 

Bisland, Port Hudson, and others; mustered out July 11, 1865. 
Francis Filkins, priv., Co. G, 184th. Enlisted August 20, 1864. 
Delos Filkins, priv., Co. F, 1st Artillery. Enlisted Feb. 24, 1884. 
Peter Foruer, priv., 81st Regiment. 

James F. Froney, priv., 184th. Enlisted August 26, 1864. 
John R. Fender, priv. Enlisted April 12, 1805. 
Anthony Ferry, priv. Enlisted .\ugu8t 30, 1864. 
Anthony Filkins, priv., Co. E, 14th U. S. Inf. Died June 1, 1863. 
John S. Foreman, sergt., Co. K, 148th Reg. Died June 16, 1864, of 

wounds received at Cold Harbor. 
Andrew Fish, Co. E, 147th Regiment. 

C. Fairchild, Co. B, 24th Regiment. Enlisted February 25, 1863. 
Peter Foner, Slst Regiment. Enlisted March 15, 1863. 
John A. Finlay, 16th Infantry. Enlisted February 12, 1863. 
William H. Gardner, priv., Co. E, I89th Regt. Enl'd Aug. 27, 1864. 
Charles Gotham. Enlisted December 19, 1864. 
Franklin Graham, priv., Co. C, 50th Regt. Enlisted Sept. 10, ISO I ; 

served three years in Engineer Corps; re-enlisted February 1, 

1864 ; mustered out with regiment. 
George Gray, priv. Enlisted April 1,1865. 
Solon Greenwood, priv., 184th. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Wm, Goodrow, priv., 184th. Enlisted Augu.«t 29, 1804. 
Charles (iuernsey, priv., Co. C, 147th Regt. Killed June 4, 1861. at 

Cold Harbor. 
Ilczekiah Gilbert, priv., Co. A, lllth. Died June 11, 1865. 
Michael Guard, priv., 50th Engineers. Enlisted Feb. 13, 1863. 
David H. Holmes, priv., Co, B, 110th, Enl'.i Aug. 6, 1862; served 

three years; was in battles of Bisland, Pcu't Hudson, etc. 
Decader Harmon, mus., Co. K, 8Ist. Served three years; re-enlisted; 

mustered out with regiment August 30, 1865. 
Sylvanus Harris, sergt., Co. G, 2ah Regt. Enlisted Dec. 31, 18C3 ; 

was in battles of WiMei-ness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold 

Harbor, Pttershnrg, nr<I *f hatcher's Run, 



224 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COLNTV, NEW YORK. 



Jmiics lluliucs. Euliatcil Decvmber 19, ltiC4.* 

ClK'tlcr Ilarr, {iriratc. Eulidcd August 18, 1863. 

TlimiiM llardj, priv., Co. C, Isl Art. Ei.lislid iMarcli 31. 1S8I. 

Iiauicl llilliber. |>riTuli-, lS4lb Kcgimcnt. Enlisted Aug. 26, IStU. 

Nathan Iluliucii, private, lU3il Ucgiinent. Enlialed Ajiril 7, 186a. 

Aii«<.n ll"«g, private, Co. K, 81it Kcgimetit. 

(!e..ri;e M. iluven. priv., C". C, H7th Kegt. Died March 7, 1863. 

Degrosn llaiiiierr, priv., Co. C, 1 I7tb Kegt. Killed July 1, ise.t, at 

Oettyaburg. 
Eliai llaiiners, priv., Co. C, 147lh Rcgt. Died July 15, 18C3, of 

woundo received at (Jottysburg. 
Joseph Iliigar, priv., Co. K, Slst Kegt. Killed June 4, 1864, at Cold 

Harbor. 
John Howell, priv., Co. 0, 9l8t I'ennsylvania. Died April 1, 1862. 
Kelos I>. Holmes, priv., Co. 11, llUlh Uegt. Died M.ireb 1, 1864. 
Lorenzo W. Ilurlon, priv., Co. C, 147tb Kegt. Died Aug. 25, 1864, 

in rebel pri!>on. 
F.raslus U. Iloldridgc, priv., Co. C, 147lb Regt. 
Delnno D. Holli.°, private, Co. B, llUth Kegiuient. 
SylvanuB Holmes, Co. G, 24lh Cavalry. 
Thomas W. Henry, private. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Orson Ingersoll, priv., Co. ti, 184lh. Enlisted August 24, 1864. 
Isaue N. Ingersoll, priv., Co. E, 18«th. Enlisted August 26, 1.S64. 
Jesse A. Ingersoll, priv., Co. E, 14th I'. .S. Inf. Killed May 5, 1864, 

at Wiblerness. 
Franklin Ingersoll, priv., Co. E, 35th Wisconsin. Die.l Jan. 31, 1864. 
Eblridge W. Jones, priv., Co. U. 184lh Regt. Enl'd Aug. 24, 1864. 
A. D. W. Jones, sergt., Co. C, 147th Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 21. 1862; 

in battles of Gettysburg, Mile Run, Hay Market, Wilderness, 

Spottsylvania, Hatcher's Run, and others; wounded in tho groin 

at Spottsylvania. 
Charles H. Jones, priv., 81»t Regt. EnPd Sept. 4, 1 861 ; dis. May, 1863. 
Elbridge W. Jones, priv., 184tb Regt. Enlisted August, 1S64. 
Jnniett A. Jones, private, Co. U, 110th Regiment. 
Peter Kelly, private, Co. B, 110th Regiment. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862. 
Thomas W. Kearney, private, 117tb Regt. Enlisted March 31, 1864. 
Snniuel J. Kcelcr, private, 184th Regt. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Samuel Keller, private, I'lh Heavy Artillery. 
Thus. Keruan, private, 14th Heavy Artillery. 
Henry H. I.yman, 1st lieut. and adjt., 147lh Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 21, 

1862; in battles of Gettysburg, CbanccUorsvillc, Wilderness ; 

captured Slay 5, 1864: released March 1, 1865; )>romoted to 2d 

lieut., Co. C, I'eb. 24, 1863 ; to let lieut., Co. C, Jan. 8, 1864 ; to 

alj't., Jan. 17. 1S61. 
Frank S. Loomis, sergt., Co. D, 6th Car. Enlisted Sept. 25, 1862; 

in batllcs.of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsvillc, second Bull Run, 

West Point, Pottaw's Bridge, Malvern Hill, and others. 
0. I.nnipman, priv., Co. G, lH4lh Kegt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 
Joseph II. Lamb, priv., Co. I!, 1841h Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1864. 
liOuis Lagerden, private. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1864; substitute. 
John Larkin, priv., Co. A, 9(h Artillery. Enlisted March 15, 1864. 
Charles 1). I.athrop, priv., 8l8t Regt. Enliste.i March .11, 1864. 
Lucius Lcfever, priv., 193d Regt. Enlisted April 6, 1865. 
Addison Leadley, priv., ISllh Regt. Enlisted April 13, 1865. 
Seymour li. Moudy, priv., Co. E, Kith Art. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1802. 
Henry H. Moody, Corp., Co. E, loth Art. Enl'd Aug. 8, 1862; in 

battle of Petersburg. 
Delano O. Moody, priv., Co. 0, ISIth Regt. Enlisted August, 1864. 
A. N. Maltby, Ist sergt., Co. U, 184lh Regt. Enlislol Aug. 22, 1864; 

promoted from 2d sergt. to orderly Nov. I, 1864. 
Clric Z. Mallby, priv., Co. O, 184th Kegt. Enlisted Aug. 2.3, 1804. 
Judah Maey. |>rir., Co. I, 193d Kegt. Enlisted March 8, 1865. 
Theodore .Macy, private, Co. I, 193d Rcgt. Enlisted March 8, 1865. 
Stephen Monroe, priv., Co. E, 148tb Regt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1804. 
Oliver li. Mooncy, ])riv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 24, 1804. 
Henry M. Mason, priv., Co. 0, 184lh Regt. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1804. 
George Moon, priv., Co. O, 184th Regt. Enlisted August 24, 1864. 
M'in. Mundigo, priv. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1803 ; a substitute. 
Wm. Munderbaeh, priv. Enlisted .Aug. IS, 1863; a substitute. 
Henry Martin, priv., Co. A, 9th Art. Enlisted March 15, 1804. 
Henry McGrain, priv., Co. B, 181st Regt. Enlisted March 15, 1864. 
Edivard McFic, priv., 18llh Kegt. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1864. 
Andrew .Mosber. priv., 181th Kegl. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864. 
Henry Milton, priv., 184lh Regt. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1S6I ; substitute. 
Adclbert A. Mason, priv., 184lh Kegt. Enlisted September 1, 1804. 



Avery Mundigo, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted August, 1804. 
Charles H. McCarty, priv., Co. C, 147th Regt. Died May 4, 1863, 

at Chancellorsville, 
Merritt A. McChesncy, priv., Co. A, 147th Regt. Died Feb. 27, 

1863, at Belle Plain, Virginia. 
James M. Maxon, priv., Co. K, 81st Regt. Died November 11, 1862. 
Jas. M. McChesney, priv., Co. A, 17th V. S. Inf. Died in rebel prison. 
George H. Morton, navy. Died. 
Wm. .Mcl.elluu, Jr., priv., Co. A, 2d Art. Killed June 17, 1864, at 

Petersburg. 
Henry Mellcn. Enlisted August 25, 1863 ; quartermaster. 
Stephen .Monroe. Enlisted August 29, 1864. 
John Nagle. private. In battles t»f Port Hudson, Donclsonvillc, 

Cautp Itislantl, Sabin Cross-Roads, etc. 
John Nieulson, priv., Co. C, 147th Regt. Enl'd Ang. 26, 1863. 
George Nieolson, i)riv., Co. A, Ist Art. Enlisted March, 1864 ; 

wounded on picket duty ; died near Washington. 
Albert L. Nelson, priv., Co. B, llOih Regt. Enlisted Aug. 6, 186.'; 

in battles of Port Hudson, Franklin, Cuuifi Bislaud, Sabin Crose- 

Roads, and others. 
Merritt Noyce, Co. 0, 189th Regiment. Enlisted August 26, 1864. 
F. M. Nilcs, priv., 37th Regt. Enlisted May 2, 1801; wounded at 

batile of Fair Oaks, Virginia; discharged. 
Porter M. Niles, navy. Enlisted .September 1, 1804. 
Clerlanil Newton, priv., 9lh Cavalry. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1804. 
Charles Oliver. Enlisted December 19, 1864 ; substitute. 
George Omens, priv., 9tb Cavalry. Enlisted January 4, 1864. 
D. D. Owen, priv., 184th Kegt. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1804; promoted to 

1st lieut.; discharged with regiment. 
James T. Outterson, capt., 184th Kegt. Enlisted August, 1864. 
Chorles Prododeil, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enl'd Aug. 7, 1862; 

trans, to 1st La. Cav. ; mustered out July 13, 1865. 
Dwight I>. Porter, priv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1861 ; 

mustered out with regiment. 
David S. Princell. Enlisted December 19, 1864 : substitute. 
John Perry. Enlisted December 19, 1SG4; substitute. 
Lewis Pierce, priv., Co. A, 2d Art. Enlisted February 20. 1804. 
Leman Pierce, priv., Co. A, 2d Art. Enlisted February 20, 1864. 
Henry II. Phillips, ]>riv., Co. B. 8l3t Regt. Enlisted Mar. 28, 1864. 
Christmas Pill, jiriv., Co. I, 184th Regt. Enlisted August 8, 1864. 
W. A. Palnierton, priv., 2d Mich. Served three years ; honorably dis. 
Richard Phillips, i)riv., 184lh Regt. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
Francis N. Potter, priv., Co. F, 1st N. Y. .\rt. Died May I, 1804. 
Luke Potter, priv., Co. C, 147th Regt. Died February 12, 1803. 
Charles Pellingal, priv., Co. E, 110th Regt. Died July 3, 1803. 
George W. Potter, private, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 
Willard Parker, 141b Heavy .Artillery. 
Richard Pratt, 14th Heavy .Artillery. 
W. H. Paddock, Co. K, Sth Cavalry. 
Wm. Pierce, 2d Heavy Artillerj'. 

Wm. Person, lOtb Infantry. Enlisted March 28, 1804. 
George Philbriek, private, Co. C, 147th Regiment. 
Edward Parker, 1st lieutenant, Co. C, 147lh Regiment. 
Chandler Pike, IClli Infantry. Enlisted February 27, 1802. 
Randolph Ralhl.un, priv., Co. E, 189th Kegt. Enl'd Aag. 27, 1S04 ; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Charles G. Russell, priv., Co. E, lS9th Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 
John K. Russell. Enlisted December 19, 1804; a substitute. 
John A. Robbins, priv., 9th Cavalry. Enlisted January 4, 1864. 
Wm. Robbins, priv., Co. C, 147lh RegU Died May 11, 1S03; Madi- 
son battle. 
John A. Robbins, priv., Co. C, 147th Rcgt. Died March 20, 1864. 
James H. Russell, priv., Co. E, 4th Minnesota Regt. Killed Oct. i, 

1864, at Alluoua. 
Henry D. Rogers, serg., Co. B, 110th Regt. Died April 26, 1803. 
Richard Robbins, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Died October 7, 1863. 
Jesse Robbins. Enlisted August 10, 1863. 
James Robbins, Co. B, 147th Regiment. 
Hiram Russel, priv., Ist Light Artillery. 
James Reynolds, priv., Co. K, lloih Reg't. Enlisted Aug., 1863; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Thomas Salmon, priv., Co. H, 54th Inf. Enlisted Dec. 22, 1803 ; dia. 

for disability. 
Dexter Sampson, priv., Co. K, 81»t Regt. Enlisted Nov. 1, 1861 ; 

re-enlisted Jan. 1, 1804 ; in battles of Swift Creek, Pilot Hill, 




OSWEOO rALLS 

V/£W ON OSWEGO KIVER.NCAR FULJON,N.Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW Y'ORK. 



225 



Brury's BluflT, Cold Harbor, and others ; mustered out August 30, 

180S. 
Silas H. Seymour, priv., Co. E, ISyth. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1863; in 

battles Five Forks, Dabney's Mills, etc. 
Irving Sherman, jiriv., Co. G, 184lh Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1804; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Orgin Simpson. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1864; a substitute. 
Geo. Sherman. Enlisted December 19, 18G4 : a substitute. 
Kimball StockwcU. Enlisted December 19, 1864; asubstitute. 
Michael Stratton, priv., Co. A, 9th Art. Enlisted March 15, 1864. 
Charles B. Spencer, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted August 27, 1864. 
D. M. Spencer, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864. 
Geo. L. Sampson, priv., 14Sth Regt. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1804. 
John Short, priv., 42d Pa. Regt. Enlisted July 29, 1864. 
Garret D. Sweet, priv., Co. 1, 193d Regt. April 7, 1865. 
Emery Sampson, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; 

mustered out with regiment. 
James L. Smith, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1804. 
Reuben Salsbury, Corp., Bat. G, N. Y. Art. Killed Sept. 17, 1802, at 

Antietam. 
D. Aaron Spalsbury, priv., 94th. Killed Aug. 30, 1861, at Bull Run. 
Geo. W. Snow, priv., Co. A, 14th Brooklyn S. M. Died Jan. 20, 1862. 
Albert Stowell, priv., Co. C, 110th Regt. Died January 16, 1863. 
Erwin B. Sbedd, priv., Co. H, 1st N. Y. Art. Died March 12, 1865. 
James F. Salmon, navy. Died Feb. 25, 1864, on b'rd U. S. st. De Soto. 
Nahum Soules, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 

Joseph Stuljbs, 14th Heavy Artillery. Enlisted Dec. 21, 1863. 
Oren Stewart, priv., Co. C, 147th Regiment. 

Uudson Spalding, priv., 94th Regiment. Enlisted Jan., 1802 ; hon- 
orably discharged after three years' service. 
Robt. Sherman, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864. 
Ralph Sherman, Co. B, 110th Regiment. 
Thaddeus W. Tyler, priv., Co. E, 184th Regt. Enl'd Aug. 24, 1864 ; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Marshall Thompson, priv., 184(h Regt. Enlisted August 25, 1864. 
William Thompson, Co. C, 147th Regiment. 
Lafayette Taylor, private. Deserted. 
Henry Thomas, Co. K, 81st Regiment. 
Luke Tryon, let Artillery. 



John S. Wilcox, priv., Co. E, 189th. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; in bat- 
tles Hatcher's Run, Gravel Run, Five Forks ; served nine months ; 
honorably discharged. 

John M. Williams, priv. Enlisted May 10, 1801 ; in battles of Pitts- 
burg Landing, Stone River, Chickamauga ; mustered out .Tune, 
1864 ; re-enlisted ; mustered out with regiment. 

Wm. Webb, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862; in battle 
of Camp Bisland ; mustered out Apr. 18, 1864. 

Wm. H. Watkins, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1862; 
served three years; mustered out with regiment. 

Charles N. Walworth, priv., Co. B, 110th Regiment. Enlisted Aug., 
1802; discharged for phys. disability March 8, 1864. 

John Wilson, priv., Co. B, 110th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 2, 1862; in 
battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bisland; served 3 yrs ; hon. dis. 

Adelbert Warner, priv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; 
mustered out with regt. 

Wm. Walworth, priv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Mustered out with regt. 

B. M. Woodruff, priv., Co. E, 189th Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; 
mustered out with regiment. 

Sylvanus Wolcott, priv., Co. E, 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864 ; 
mustered out with regiment. 

Allen B. Wesoott, priv., Co. E, 189th Regt. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 

John Williams. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1864; a s\ibstitute. 

Hiram Willard. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1864; a substitute. 

Lewis Wood, priv., Co. A, 2d Art. Enlisted March 7, 1864. 

David J. White, priv., 147th Regt. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Alpheus West, priv., 184th. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 

Wm. Williams, priv., 184th Rcgt. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 

Simon P. Winon, priv., 184th Regt. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1864. 

Frank D. Weaver, priv., 193d Regt. Enlisted April 11, 1805. 

Samuel Wood, priv., 184th Rcgt. Enlisted August 30, 1864. 

Robert Wells, priv.. Cavalry. Died April 11, 1865. 

Martin A. Wilco.\, priv., Co. H, 161h Wis. Died Sept. 10, 1864. 

Edward AVhite, priv., Co. B, 105th Regt. Killed Aug. 30, 1801, at 
Bull Run. 

Wm. C. Weed, jiriv., Co. B, UOth Regt. Died April 21, 1803. 

Burton White, priv., Co. E, 147th Rcgt. Died May 20, 1863. 

John Wolcott, priv., 14th Heavy Artillery. 

Brown M. Woodworth, priv., 189th Regiment. 



■ i> > I i)Oi I <i II-. 



VOLISrEY. 



In March. 1806, a large tract of land was taken from 
the old town of Mexico (then belonging to Oneida county), 
known as the fourteenth, fifteenth, sixteenth, seventeenth, 
eighteenth, and twenty-fourth townships of Scriba's patent, 
including the present towns of Seriba, Volney, Palermo, 
and Schroeppel. This extensive territory, when formed 
into a town, was called Fredericksburgh, the original name 
of the seventeenth township, in honor of Mr. Scriba's .son, 
Frederick William. The fourteenth survey-township in- 
cluded the great part of the present town of Palermo, and 
was called Brugen. The fifteentli comprised the north part 
of the present town of Volney, and a narrow strip on tlie 
west side of Palermo. It was surveyed by Elijah Blake 
and Ebenezer Wright, in 1796, and called Mentz. The 
sixteenth, composed of the south part of Volney and west 
part of Schroeppel, was called Georgia, and was surveyed 
by Moses Wright, iu 1796. The seventeenth was called 
Fredericksburgh, and was surveyed ))y Benjamin Winch 
and Miles Doolittlc, in 1796. It was the largest township 



of the six above named, and included the south half of the 
present town of Seriba and the west third of Volney. The 
eighteenth survey township was called Oswego. It was 
surveyed by Elijah Blake, in 1794, and included that 
part of the present town of Seriba north of the base-line 
of Scriba's patent. The twenty-fourth township was called 
Erlang, and included the east part of Schroeppel, but the 
name of the surveyor we are not able to give. The two 
Wrights before named, Ebenezer and Moses, were cousins 
of Benjamin Wright, the chief surveyor of the patent. 
Ebenezer was a noted man in tlie history of the town, and 
will be noticed in the proper place. 

In April, 1811, the eighteenth township, with a part of 
the seventeenth, was formed into a town by itself, and 
called Seriba, after the patentee. At the same time, the 
name of Fredericksburgh was dropped, and the remaining 
territory was called Volney, in honor of the celebrated 
French philosopher of that name, who visited this locality 
in 1808. This gentleman, in making a voyage from 



226 



IIISTOUV OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YOUK. 



Montreal, encountered a terrible storm on the lake, by whieli 
he lost many of his piipers. and came near losing bis life. 

On arrivinj; at Oswej;o, he came direetly up the river to 
Oswepo falls, and put up with Noah A. Whitney for a few 
days, t«j re-write what he had lost, and recover from the 
effects of his jierilous journey. Mr. Whitney was so 
charmed with hia guest that, when the next town was to 
be named, he proposed that it .should be called Volnoy, and 
the sil<;<;estioti was adojited. In April, 183;i, Palermo and 
iSchroeppel were taken off, leaving Volney at its present 
size; with one hundred and seventy lots situated in three 
survcy-town.ships, — eighty-three in the filhjenth, forty-six 
in the seventeenth, and forty-one in the sixteenth. 

The town is watered by sevenil small streams, the largest 
of which is Black creek. This rise^ in the north part of 
the town, runs nurthwe.^t into the town of Xew Haven, then 
tiirough 8criba, afterwards back into Volney, and, finally, 
into the Oswego river near Battle island. The creek runs 
through two or three lakes, and luus several saw-mills upon 
it, of which we will mention Peek's, at Peck's Mills, Stone's, 
iu Scriba, and Van Buren's, near Oswego river. 

The second stream in sizj is Spafford's, which rises in 
the town of Schroeppel, runs nonhwosterly, on the east 
border of Fulton, and empties into the O.iwego river, just 
below the village. The six-mile creek rises near the centre 
of Volney, and runs .southeasterly, through the hamlet of 
Gilbert's Mills, into the Oneida river. Bell creek rises in 
town, and runs south past Hull's Corners into the six-mile 
creek, about two miles north of its mouth. 

The Oswego river is on tlie west border of the town for 
about ten miles, and furnishes an immense amount of water- 
power for manufacturing purposes. Prior to the completion 
of the Erie canal, the transportation by water between 
Schenectady and Oswego was only interrupted by a " carry- 
ing-place" of about one mile between the Mohawk river 
and Wood creek, near Homo, and the " portage" at Oswego 
falls, of about the .same distance. This portage, at an early 
day, caused the two celebrated places to grow up, called the 
" Upper Landing" and " Lower Landing." They were 
situated at the head and foot of the ra|)ids, about one mile 
opart, the present village of Fulton being about midway 
between the two places. 

FIRST 8ETTLKMENT. 

The first permanent settler of the present town of Volney 
was Daniel ^Listei-s, who located at the " Upper Landing" 
in 1798. He was a blacksmith by trade, and occupied a 
house near Bradstreet's fort. His business at the anvil 
could not have been very driving, as the settlers in the 
vicinity wore very scarce, only two or tliree families having 
Settled on the opposite side of the river the year previous. 
Mr. .^[a8tcrs made himself very conspicuous in one thing at 
leiist, the making of spear-head.s, for which be received the 
invariable price of one dollar each in silver. He was a con- 
stable of the great town of Mexico in 1800, and a path- 
master of the same town in 1803. 

He kept the first hotel williin the present town of Vol- 
ney as early as 1794. After a few years he moved to an 
island near Sackett's Harbor, and died there. 

The second .settler was Lawrence Van Valkenbnrgh, 



from Chatham, Columbia county. New York, familiarly 
called " the major," who located about two niili-s below the 
pr&sent village of Fulton, at what is now called the 
" Orchard Lock," iu 1795. His family consisted of him- 
.self, his wife, his son Abraham and hi.n wife, and a younger 
son named James. The latter was killed at Salina at an 
ejirly date, leaving no descendants. The former was the 
father of Colonel Ephniim Van Valkenburgh, late of Ful- 
ton, who was the first white child burn in town, in 179G. 
The Van Valkenburghs bought six hundred acres of laml, 
and built their house on the point, a little southwest of the 
" Orchard Lock." All that remains now to show where the 
bou.se stood is the cellar. 

The major kept a public-house here from about the first, 
this being a convenient stopping-place in going from Oswego 
to " Salt Point," and returning, Syracuse not being thought 
of at that time. 

The house above referred to was composed of three com- 
partments, the two extremes being built of logs, and the 

^ centre being a frame. The frame part was used for dances, 

i town-meetings, and other public gatherings. 

I The first town-meeting of Frederick.sburgh was held at 
tills bonse, and will be noticed in the proper place. Major 
Van Valkenburgh made this his permanent residence until 
his death, about 1828. 

His son Abraham Wiis quite a prominent man of the 
early times, having held various offices in the town of 
Mexico from 1798 until Fredericksburgh was formed, in 
1800. He was licensed to keep a |iublic-huuse as early as 
1797, as will be .seen by the following, which is a true 
copy of the original, now among the records of Mexico : 

"SiATK OK Xkw York, ^ 
"Hkrki.mer Cou.nty. )**■ 

" Be it remembered, that on tlie eighth day of June, in 
the year of our Lord one thousand .seven hundred and 
ninety-seven, Abraham Van Valkenburgh, of the town of 
Mexico, in the county aforesaid, innholder, came before oue 
John Meyer, Esi|., one of the justices assigned to keep the 
peace in and for said county, and acknowledged himself to 
be indebted unto the people of this State in the sum of fifty 
pounds lawful money of the said State, to be levied on his 
goods and chattels, lands and tenements, to the use of the 
people of said State, in case default shall be made, in the 
condition following: The condition of this recognizance is 
such that if the above-bounden Abraliam Van Valken- 
burgh, during the time he shall keep an inn or tavern, 
shall not keep a disorderly inn or tavern, or suffer or per- 
mit any cock-fighting, gaming, or playing with cards or 
dice, or kee]i any billiard-table or other gaming-table, or 
shutiie-board, within the inu or tavern by him to be kept, 
or within any out-house, yard, or garden thereunto belong- 
ing, then this recognizance to be void, otherwise to remain 
in full force and virtue. 

" Acknowledged before me June 8, 1797. 

" Joll.X MkVKR, Justice iif the jieacr." 

Mr. Meyer, who resided at Rotterdam (now Constantia), 
W!is the first supervisor of the town of Mexico, and was the 
fir.st jn<lie<' of the peace in what is now Oswego County. 




(^^tO-<^'-<^'^-<--^ C^^f-^^ 



»«-r^j-x^ 



HEOisT. iL.o'wvELL joHinsrsonsr. 



The subject of this sketch, from all that can ho gatliereJ from 
his associates in life, stood far up the scale in all that pertains to 
true manhood, respected and lionored by all who knew him. 
Judicious counsel to his fellow-men, a friend to the destitute, self- 
reliant, a modest aniliition, and althoujih a peer in society, yet 
gentlemanly in all his ways. 

IjOvwcU was the eldest son of Isaac and Dinah Johnson, and 
was horn in Gill, Franklin county, Massaehusctls, February 2o, 
1783 ; was a lineal descendant in the eighth generation of Wil- 
liam Johnson, who emigrated from the city of London, England, 
very soon after the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth, l(i2lf, 
and si'ttled in Charlestown, Massachusetts. lie was one of a 
family of twelve children, and as in the early days of the country's 
history means for jirocuring an edi^cation were very limited, he 
only received little instruction from books while a boy ; but the 
father and mother, by care and judicious use of the means at 
hand, secured to their children well-grounded moral habits, and 
laid the foundation for lives of culture and usefulness. 

So much did the desire for knowledge increase with the eldest 
son, that, while working on the anvil and at the forge, his book 
was before him, and this earnestness of purpose and self-depend- 
ence characterized his whole life. 

While quite a young man he acquired sufficient educaticm to 
teach school, and going to Iloosick, New York, engaged in teach- 
ing, ami during his leisure hours began the study of law, which 
afterward became his favorite theme. 

In the year Isi'.i he came to Oswego County, and after teach- 
ing one term of school at Mexico, bought a farm in the town of 
Volney (now Palermo), and commenced farming, and at the same 
time practiced as an attorney at the bar. lie was admitted to 
the bar of the Supreme Court of the State of New York in 1829. 

As a lawyer he manifested clearness of perception, sound com- 
mon sense, and indefatigable perseverance. He would no doubt 
have obtained a wide celebrity as a lawyer had not his increasing 



prosperity demanded his prineiiial attention. Was simple in his 
habits, abhorred laziness, and was intolerant of fraud ; energetic 
in business, prompt and remarkably e.xaet in the performance 
of his slightest promises. 

Never seeking a public office, yet he held severally the offices 
of County Superintendent of the Poor, Justice of the Peace, Super- 
visor, and As.sociate Judge of the Cuurt of Common Pleas. Was 
the first postmaster appointed in the town of Palermo, and held 
the office until he removed to Fulton, in the year 1839. 

One very marked feature of his life was the interest he al- 
ways took in securing the proper titles to lands to those who 
were about to lose them from some defect or other in their deeds 
from chartered companies. A Jelfersonian Democrat in politics, 
always firm in the support of the constitution and laws, yet differ- 
ing with some of his party on the subject of nmsters relative to 
their slaves. lie was very active as a politician, yet regarding 
principles as sacred and unyielding, but men changeable. In 
middle life he united with the Methodist Kpiscopal church, and 
continued a member of that body until his death, which took 
place August 12, l.SoO. His house being alwaysopen to strangers, 
he gave liberally for both church and school interest, and assisted 
others to obtain, through competent teachers, what he secured 
only by labor and privation. Ilis counsels were much sought by 
all who knew him, and in the village where he spent the meridian 
and eve of life was very highly respected. 

lie accumulated a large property by careful management, and 
at his death left it with his children, desiring only a plain slab of 
marble erected over his grave. He was twice married, both 
wives being of New England origin. By the first he had three 
children, viz.: Lovwell. SlierMmn, and Rebecca. By the second, 
who was a lineal <lcscendant of Edward Kawson, who was born 
ill Dorsetshire, Kngland, DU'), he had seven children, all dying 
in infancy e.Kcept Augusta and Willard Johnson. Accompanying 
will be found a biography of the son. 





6--L-€^>^^0 



HzoisT. AAriXjij^i?.iD cronisrsoiiT. 



The subject of this sketch is of New Enghind parentage, his 
fiither, Lovwoll Johuson, having been a native of the State of 
ftLissachiisetts. He was born in the town of Vohiey, Oswego 
County, on the 16th day of May, 1820. He attended common 
school at an early age, and subsequently was a student at Mexico 
Academy, Oswego County, and concluded his studies at Caze- 
novia Seminary at the age of fifteen years. 

In the year 1852 he engaged in the lake and canal transporta- 
tion business, residing at Fulton, New York, and continued it 
for about twelve years. Afterward he became a contractor, and 
completed several important works for the State and national 
governments, among which may be mentioned the improvement 
of the Mississippi River at Rock Island, and the construction of 
a lock in the Illinois River, which is probably the largest in the 
world, being three hundred and fifty feet long, seventy-five feet 
wide, and thirty feet high, and capable of accommodating twelve 
ordinary canal boats at once. He has successfully completed 
contracts which amount in the aggregate to fully five million of 
dollars. 

INIr. Johnson has always been a Democrat of the old school, 
and for many years he has been prominent in the councils of that 
party. 

During the rebellion he was classed as a War Democrat, and 
gave his infliience and means freely to tlie cause of the Union. 

In 18G2 he was elected to the Assembly without opposition, 
and co-operated heartily in all measures designed to sustain the 
national government in the contest which it was then waging 
against armed treason. Subsequently he served two years on the 
War Committee of Oswego County. He was also a member of 
the Board of Supervisors in tlie years 18G1 and 18G2. In 18C0 



he was a delegate to the memorable Charleston Convention, and 
was afterward also a delegate to the National Democratic Con- 
vention at Chicago, in 18G1, in New York in 18(38, and in Balti- 
more in 1872. During the five war years he was a member of 
the State Committee. It will thus be seen that Jlr. Johnson's 
political experience is extensive and varied, and there arc really 
few men in central New York whose counsel is held in greater 
estimation. 

He still holds to the political creed of his earlier years, and is 
very popular among the Democrats of Oswego, and indeed among 
men of both parties. 

jMr. Johnson is a man of modest, unassuming deportment, 
and seldom ever addresses the house, believing in action rather 
than words. 

He was successively elected a member of the State Legislature 
for the Second District of Oswego County for the years 1873, 
1874, and 1875. 

His large experience, ripe judgment, and active mind are of 
great value in the j)ractical work of legislation, and his seat is 
seldom unoceujjied during the session. 

He was married September 9, 1817, at the age of twenty- 
seven, to Miss Mary Ga.sper, daughter of Colonel John Gasper, 
of New England parentage. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson were 
born four children, viz. : Willard Rawson, Mary Paulino, John 
Lovwell, and Mary Augusta Johnson. Of these, the oldest son 
lived to the age of fourteen years, and died March 29, 18(!4 ; the 
eldest daughter only lived throe years, and died December 6, 
1855 ; the second son, John Lovwell, and the youngest daugliter, 
Miss Mary Augusta, live at home, in Fulton, New York. Mrs. 
Johnson died November 22, 1870. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



227 



Abram Van Valkenburgh was elected a constable of Mexico 
in 1798, and appointed a justice of the peace for Fredericks- 
burgh in 1810. After years of valuable service ho died at 
Salina. 

The third settler of the town was John Van Buren (a 
cousin of President Van Buren), vvlio came from Kinder- 
hook, and settled near Battle island in 1796. lie at first 
located on the west side of the falls, but soon after came to 
this side, and built a house near where his grandson Vol- 
kert now resides. Mr. Van Buren had five sons, viz., Peter, 
John, Jr., Jacob, Volkert, and David. 

The youngest, David, was born in this town in 1798, 
is still living, and is now the oldest resident. Peter was 
lialf-brother of the otliers, and was the fiither of John Van 
Buren, who lives near Bundy's Crossing. He held office 
before this town was formed, being a constable for Mexico 
in 1803-4. 

Jacob, the third son, married a daughter of Whitman 
Church, who came into town in 1809. Miss Church used 
to relate, in illustration of the difficulties attending the pur- 
suit of pleasure in the early days, that the first dance she 
ever attended was at Van Valkenburgh's, when the dancing 
music was no more nor less than the melodious voice of a 
colored woman, a servant of a neighbor named Peter Sharp. 

Volkert, the fourth son, lived near the old homestead, 
and many yeare ago owned a large tract of land, the grist- 
mill at Battle island, and a saw-mill on Black creek, near by. 

David, the youngest son, was born in the fall of 1798, 
as before stated. His first going to school was at the foot 
of Seneca hill, the teacher being Benjamin Robin.son, who 
began his labors there as early as 180-t. Young David 
afterwards went to school one summer in Van Valken- 
burgh's barn. A school-house was built a quarter of a 
mile south of " Orchard Lock" in 1810. Mr. Robinson 
was the teacher in both places, and in 1812 taught on the 
other side of the river. ' 

The fourth settler, John Waterhouse, located at the 
"Lower Landing'" in 1797, and died in 1799, his being 
the first death in town. His children were Nathaniel, 
John, Jr , Benjamin B., Artemisia, and Harriet. 

The eldest sun died in ISOO, and the other two moved 
to Indiana in 1837. In 1851, B. B. Waterhouse visited 
his old home, and related that in 1797 there was no house 
nor clearing on either side of the river between the falls 
and Three Rivers point. 

At this time there was a road or path from Van Valken- 
burgh's to the falls on the east side. It was a very poor 
one, as may well be supposed. 

The fifth settler, Ebenezer Wright (before mentioned as 
surveyor), located at the '• Lower Landing" in 1800, and 
was a prominent man of that period. He was appointed a 
justice of the peace for Mexico in 1 804, and for Fredericks- 
burgh in 1809, aud was the first and only supervisor of the 
latter town while it retained its first name, as will be shown 
hereaftur. When the town was changed to Volney, in 181 1, 
he was elected assessor at the first town-meeting. After 
this he moved to the west, and died there. 

Besides the settlers already named a man by the name 
of Darley located near the falls, and one John Hooper 
made his home in the vicinity prior to 1800. During this 



year a man by the name of Eaton, a native of Scotland, 
came hither in company with John Bakeman, and these 
two were the first to occupy Steen's location, their hut being 
near the corner of First and Oneida streets, in the present 
village of Fulton. They opened a quarry in the bank of 
the river for the purpose of getting out furnace hearths, 
but the quality of the rock not being well adapted for the 
purpose, they opened another quarry on Harper's location, 
which proved satisfoctory. Underwood & Bronson built 
a saw-mill the same year (1800) at the falls for Masters & 
Goodell, which was the first in this locality. 

In 1801 a blacksmith lived at the Lower Landing, by the 
name of John Masters, who afterwards moved to 0.swego. 
Cornelius H. Miller came to Oswego Falls in 1806, and 
settled on Steen's location, which is the north part of the 
present village of Fulton. He subsequently moved to the 
west side of the river, just north of the outlet of Lake Nea- 
tahwanta. 

The first grist-mill in the vicinity was built at the falls 
in 1808, by Joshua Forman, and was owned by the State. 
It had only one run of stone, and would probably grind the 
grain but little faster than a man would with a mortar and 
pestle. As late as 1817 it was the only one in all this 
region. Dr. Bissell and Noah A. Whitney came to the 
falls in 1807, and took charge of the mill. 

The former was the first physician in town, and was 
succeeded by Dr. Anson Fay in 1810. Mr. W'hitney was 
a very prominent man, and held many important offices. 
He was appointed justice of the peace for Fredericksburgh 
in 1809, being one of the first three in that town. The 
first was Samuel Tiffany, appointed in 1808, who lived at 
the foot of Seneca hill, north, and the second was Ebenezer 
Wright, appointed in 1809. 

Mr. Whitney was the first postmaster in town, having 
been appointed as such at Oswego Falls, in the autumn of 
1810. His first return to the post-office department, made 
January 1, 1811, was for the snug sum of eighty cents. 
Mr. Whitney was succeeded in the office, April 1, 1815, 
by James Lyon, who held it until February 14, 1829, when 
it was discontinued, being crowded out, as it were, by the 
Fulton post-office, which was established May 29, 1826, 
Lewis Falley as postmaster. The circumstances were as 
follows : 

In the early days the Upper Landing and Lower Landing 
were the only places of business in the vicinity. After a 
time buildings were erected and business was carried on be- 
tween the two landings, until in 1826 there was more of a 
village there than at either of the other two points. The 
whole locality, including both landings and both sides of 
the river, was called Oswego Falls. Mr. Lyon was post- 
master of Oswego Falls, his office being at the upper land- 
ing. 

The village people thought it ought to be kept where the 
most people were, and besought Mr. L. to remove it 
thither. This he refused to do. Then they petitioned for 
the establishment of another post-office, aud their request 
was granted by the government, the name of " Fulton" 
being given to the new office, in honor of the illustrious 
inventor of the steamboat. Of course the greater part of 
the business went to the village office. Mr. Lyon, .seeing 



228 



IITSTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



loo lute how llie affiiir was likely to turn out, removed his 
Oswego Falls (ifBcc to the village, locating it directly across 
the street from the other. But after a while he gave up 
the contest, the Oswego Fulls office was discontinued, and 
the name of Fulton was thenceforth bonie by the village, 
which was, in time, to incluile both the uj>per and lower 
landings. If Mr. L. had moved his office before the new 
one wa.s established, doubtlei'S the locality on the east side 
of the river would have been known as Oswego Falls to 
this day. 

We will !-ay further in regard to Mr. Lynn, that he came 
to the falls in 1813, and was interested with Mr. Forinan 
in the reservation, and in the tract on Harper's location. 
He also took charge of the mills, and entered into the for- 
warding business as a competitor of Brackett. He opened 
a .store soon after his arrival, was in trade for a number of 
years, and finally moved to Oswego.' 

Ichabod Brackett came to Oswego Falls in 1809, and 
Imilt a frame hou.se and barn on the knoll east of the resi- 
dence of the late C. G. Case. He entered into the forward- 
ing business, and had a shed for a warehouse, at the foot of 
Yelverton island. 

In 1S13 he built a good warehouse, and carried on the 
forwarding business for many years. Other persons who 
came to the Upper Landing before 1812 were John Hol- 
listcr, John Eno, Samuel Hyde, Joseph Easton, James 
Ea.ston, Alex. Campbell, Noah Rust, and Amos Foster. 

Mr. Jo.seph Easton was quite prominent as an office- 
holder, having been town clerk in 1S15. supervisor in 1817, 
and appointed a justice of the peace in 1815, '20, and '22, 
and elected in 1827 and '31. He was appointed a.ssociate 
judge of the common pleas in 1822, and again in 1828. 

He was from Pittsfield, Ma.s.saehusetts, and came into 
town in 1810. He built the little frame house, just east of 
the Lewis house, very early, and died there in 1832. 

Mr. Host wa.s the father of Richard, now living in Ful- 
ton, and settled in 1811, about where De Graw's new 
brick mansion now stands. Mr. Foster settled in 1810, 
near W. S. Nelson's present residence. 

We will now drop down to the Lower Landing and see 
who came there from 1800 to 1812. Samuel Holland, 
Is;iac Crocker, and Jeremiah Taylor settled there as early 
as 1810. 

The two former were in the mercantile business there in 
1811. Mr. Taylor kept a small .store about the .same time. 
The firm of Crocker k, Holland was afterwards changed to 
Holland & Falley. A young man by the name of Norman 
Hubbard w:is a clerk for both firms, — a promising young 
gentleman, who died in early life. Daniel Falley settled at 
this place in ISl.'i. He was the father of Jjcwis and Geo. 
F., men who acted prominent parts in the history of the 
town. Mr. Falley at one time owned a good share of the 
present village of Fulton, and was the first class-leader of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal church there in 1813. 

Peter Sharpe, one of the earliest pioneers of Oswego, 
located near Van Buren's about 1800. Peter Althouse 
settled near Orchard Lock in 1808. He was the father of 
a large family, among whom were Andrew, now living near 
the old homestead, and Peter, who resides in Granby. The 
former went t<i school with David Van Biircn, at Van Val- 



kenburgh's barn, and also at the first school-house. He is 
the second-oldest resident of the town. Whitman Church 
came from Kinderhook, New York, and loc;ited near \':in 
Buren's in 1S09. He was n gr.indfather of Carlon and 
Whitman Church, now residing at Fulton. 

Acciirditig to our best information, Mr. Church put up 
the second frame building in town. Shortly after its erec- 
tion, Mr. C., who kept a few sheep, undertook to protect 
them at night by herding them under one corner of the 
house. Wolves at that time were more numerous than 
sheep, and one night thoy crept under the hou.se and killed 
si.x or eight sheep without disturbing the family who slept 
overhead ! Mr. Van Buren called on Mr. Church the ne.\t 
morning before he was up and startled him with the abrupt 
question : " Hallo, neighbor! are you going to sleep all day 
and let the wolves kill all of your sheep ?" 

As early as ISOG four men came to what is now Volney 
Centre, and encamped for the night in Major Van Valken- 
burgh's hunting-shanty, just north of the corners, where 
they slept soundly, with the dcn.se forest all about them 
and the wild beasts for sentinels. 

In the morning they .selected thoir future homi!S and pre- 
pared to build their cabins. Their names were Gideon Sey- 
mour, Gideon Candce, William Dean, and Amos Bishop. 
Mr. Seymour kept the first hotel at that point; was elected 
assessor at the first town-meeting of Fredcricksburgh, in 
1807 ; was re-elected in 1808; died at Volney Centre in 
JIarch, 1817. Mr. Candee was appointed justice of the 
peace in 1810, and was one of the prominent men of the 
town. 

A curious incident is connected with the early life in 
Volney of the two gentlemen just named. In 1S08 the 
young people of Mexico wanted to get up a " log-house 
dance" at Calvin Tiffany's, about one and a half miles 
northeast of the present village, as Mr. T. had just opened 
a log tavern at that point. There was a rea.sonahle num- 
ber of young men in the vicinity', but very few girls. Sher- 
man Ilosmer, Nathaniel P. Easton, and a young miin named 
Hatch put their heads together to see about getting some 
girls from Oswego Falls. At first they proposed to take a 
boat at Vera Cruz (now Texas), go up the lake to Oswego, 
and then up the river to the falls ; but fearing the ladies 
to be invited might be afraid to go by water, they aban- 
doned that project to go on foot through the woods. They 
provi<lcd themselves with an axe and pocket-compa.ss, and 
started from David Eitston's, who lived about a mile and 
three-quarters north of Vermilion, taking a " bee-line," as 
they supposed, for the falls, and marking the trees its they 
went along. Before reaching that point, however, they 
came to a settlement, previously unknown to them, which 
proved to be what wivs aft<!rwards Volney Centre. 

Here they found three young women, two of them being 
hired girls of Mr. Seymour and Mr. Candee. These were 
promptly invited to walk at least fifteen miles to the dance, 
which thoy were very willing to do if their employers and 
parents would consent. The latter objected at fii-st, but 
finally concluded to let them go if they were willing to run 
the risk of the beai-s. So in the morning the three couples 
started through the woods for Easlon's, crossing brooks and 
marshes, the girls taking off their .shoes and stockings when 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEAV YORK. 



22!) 



water impeded their progress. They stopped at Eastoii's 
ovcruight, and the next day went on to Tiffany's and 
danced all the next night. The next forenoon they all canio 
back to Easton's and went to bed, and could not be aroused 
until the next morning. Then the young men escorted 
their companions home the same way they had come, stayed 
all night at Volney Centre, and returned the next day, 
making six days in all. Colonel Hosmer, one of the party, 
who died recently at the age of ninety-one, related the above 
incident to the writer about two years ago. 

The next settler near Volney Centre was Jesse Coe, who 
located on the E. M. Baldwin farm in 1808. lie was the 
father of Mrs. Ziba Kendall, of Fulton, and Charles Coe, 
of North Volney. John Bristol and his two brothers set- 
tled on what is now "Bristol hill" in 1810, and John 
Duren located near by the same year. Mr. John Bristol 
was a leading man, and held many official positions. lie 
was appointed a justice in 181-1, and again in 1817. He 
was commissioned the first postmaster of Volney. 

Roger Nelson, father of W. S. Nelson, settled on the 
present Wallace Gardner fiirm in 1811, but removed to the 
old Lutlier Wood farm in 1823. Captain Asa Whitney 
located a little east of the present village of Fulton about 
1810. He was a captain of militia in the war of 1812, 
and was present with his company at the engagement witli 
the British, May 5, 1814. 

A good portion of the men of Volney were in that 
company, and while the battle was raging tlieir wives, sis- 
ters, daughters, and sweethearts, becoming alarmed at the 
thunder of cannon as it rolled up the valley, hold a " grand 
council" to decide whether to flee to their old homes or re- 
main and brave it out. They decided to stay, and ere long 
their friends returned to them. 

Thomas Hubbard, of Hubbard's Corners, with his brother 
Ansel, came from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in 1811. The 
former is still living in town, and is a sprightly old man of 
eighty-seven, familiarly called "Uncle Tom." He came 
by way of Salina and Liverpool to the " Upper Landing," 
and thence to his first stopping-place, near C. B. Baldwin's. 
He remained there until early in 1812, when he removed 
to his present residence. His conveyance into town was an 
ox-sled, the snow being four feet deep on the level. In 
coming from Liverpool to the L^pper Landing, Mr. H. thinks 
he cut down as many as a hundred saplings to make way 
for his team. 

One afternoon during the first summer Jlr. Hubbard got 
lo.st while looking for his cattle. Night came on, the howl 
of a wolf was frequently heard, and Mr. Hubbard soon 
became aware that he w;is followed. After a while he came 
to a point he knew, and took a " bee-line" towards home, 
passing the house of Samuel Graham, who then lived where 
Esquire Rowlee now docs. Mr. Graham had just brought 
homo some nice sheep from Oneida county, and Hubbard 
advised him to put them in the barn, offering at the same 
time to help. Graham replied that he was not afraid of 
the wolves. That same night Uncle Tom's wolf came along 
and took one of Mr. Graham's best sheep for his supper. 

In early times the corn was often destroyed by " old 
Bruin." To check his ravages, Mr. Hubbard went on foot 
to Pliineas Chapin's, about two miles south of Jcnning.s' 



Corners, after a bear-trap, weighing sixty pounds, and brought 
it home on his back. He had the pleasure of catching two 
bears, the trap in one case being suspended on a tree seven 
feet from the ground. Blr. Hubbard was a hard-working 
pioneer, and has probably chopped and cleared more land 
than any other man now living in town. He was elected a 
justice of the peace in 1847, and served four years. 

Samuel and Richard Graham came from Paris, Oneida 
county, and settled near each other in 1811. The latter 
was the fathel' of Seth C. Graham, and located where his 
son now resides. He was one of the ofiScers elected at the 
first town-meeting of Volney in 1812. 

Oliver Burdick, father of Norman E. Burdick, came into 
town in 1810, and located near Simpson's Corners. He was 
elected assessor at the first town-meeting of Volney, was 
appointed a justice of the peace in 1813 and again in 1821 ; 
he was also appointed an associate judge of the common 
pleas the latter year. lie was elected supervisor in 1814, 
and was re-elected at various times, holding the ofiice in all 
seventeen years. Only one supervisor in the county ex- 
ceeded that time, which was Heni-y Williams, of Williams- 
town, who held it twenty-two years. Mr. Burdick was very 
economical in behalf of the town, which was doubtless the 
reason for his being kept in office so long. 

Jonathan Hooker settled opposite Burdick on the old 
Luther Wood place about 1810, and was one of the officers 
elected at the first town-meeting of Volney in 1812. He 
was appointed a justice of the peace in 1814 and 1820. 

James Parker settled near Drake's Corners in 1811, and 
voted at the first town-meeting of Volney in 1812. He is 
now living on the south shore of Lake Neatah, in Granby, 
at the age of eighty-nine, being the father of James Par- 
ker, Jr., of Oswego Falls, and Linus Parker, of Volney. 

Captain Joel Wright came from Columbia, Herkimer 
county, and located on the Allen Wood place in 1811. He 
was one of the few who went with Captain Whitney to 
Oswego in the war of 1812. After the war he received a 
commission as captain, by wliich title he was afterwards 
known. During all the latter part of his life his residence 
was at Hubbard's Corners. 

The Gaspers — John, Freeman, and Joseph — from Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts, took up their places in 1813. John 
subsequently kept a hotel at Volney, and another still later 
in Fulton. He is now living in Fulton, a sprightly old man 
of eighty-five. Freeman lived a long time just east of 
Hubbard's Corners, but feu- a few years past has resided at 
Fulton. Joseph, the youngo^t, delivered a Fourth of July 
oration in Jonathan Hooker's barn in 1814 or '15, that 
being the first effort of the kind in that localitj'. He died 
several years ago. 

Ira Ives came into town in ISl.'J, and is still living where 
ho first located. 

James Bundy settled just below the " Orchard Lock" in 
1810. His brother Elisha came soon after, and settled at 
" Bundy 's Cro.ssing," that name being derived from him. 
David Osborn and Eliphalet Trembly came from Albany 
and located near the " Orchard Lock" in 1813. 

Jasoii S. ^Lirkham, from Madison county, is another of 
the early settlers, a blacksmith by trade, who, by industry 
and economy, has acquired a competency. Simeon Coe 



2:'.o 



IIISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOHK. 



Buttled at Strong's Corners in 1812, and died in Palermo in 
1832. He was the fullier of Mrs. Cornelius Jliller, of 
Graiihy, and Mrs. Griswoid at North Volney. Jolui Ken- 
dall, father of Jacob and Otis Kendall, settled just east of 
Volney Centre in 1812. 

In 1811 three families located in the soudi ]iart of tlie 
town, then known as the " sLxiccnth township ;" those of Adiu 
Breed, Josiah Smith, and Alviti Wheelock. The first namtni 
was from Litchfield, Herkimer county, and .settfed on the 
fann now owned hy Mrs. I'arker. Hu held man}' town office.*, 
and finally moved to Three Rivers point. Mr. Smith came 
from the same town, and settled on the farm now owned by 
K. I'eekham. Harvey W. Smith, now one of the oldest 
rc-idents of the town, is one of his sons. 

31 r. Wheelock also cjime from Litchfield, and located on 
the farm now owned by L. B. Babcock. Abrani Bell came 
from Ma.'ssaehu.setts in 1813, and also settled iu the south 
part of the town. 

It would be impracticii'ilo in a mere fieneral sketch of a 
town so early settled as Vuhiey to mention individual set- 
tlers who came after the war of 1812, and, doubtless, the 
names of many who came before that era have escaped our 
research. 

Slaves were owned here a.s late as 181", and probably 
later. On the town records is the followin>; entry : 

" I certify that Bell, a neirro woman, a slave belon^xing 
to me, had a male child on the 27th ilay of July liLSt, whose 
name is Richard, or Dick. 

(Si-rned) -J.v.mks Lyon. 

" Vor.XKV,26lh February, 1SI7." 

The followinjr note to the above Wits also ]ilaeed on the 
records by Jo.seph Kastoii, town clerk : 

•' In order to save himself from incurring a penalty it 
became neces.sary for Mr. Lyon to have the above certificate 
recorded. An act for the gradual abolition of slavery was 
pa.s,sed by the legislature of this State in March, 1 799. Male 
children born after the act to be free at the age of tweuty- 
eighi years, and females at the age of twenty-five. In April, 
1S18, that act was modified, declaring such persons no 
longer slaves but servants of the owner of the mother, — the 
relation to be the .same as if such child had been bound by 
the overseer of the poor. It w;is jirovided by the twenty- 
second section of the same act that the person entitled to 
such service incurred a penalty of five dollars if he failed 
to furnish the city or town clerk with a certificate of the 
' name, age, and sex of such child_ within nine months after 
its birth." 

Fetcr Sharpe had one of these slaves, who furnished the 
music for the dance at V^m Valkeiiburgh's, as before nar- 
rated. The major's bou.se was the " liead((uarters," pre- 
vious to 1810, of all the country round about, whither the 
jicople came for dances, picnics, jollifications, and every- 
thing else c)f that sort, — the colored .servants furnisliing the 
music when nothing better could be obtained. 

The first town-meeting of Frederick.sbnrgh was held at 
the house of Major A'an Valkenburgb, at the •' Orchard 
Lock," in the s]>ring of 1807, and the following town 
officers were elected : Su])ervisor, Ebenezer Wright ; Town 
Clerk, Samuel Tiffany; Assessors, Gideon Seymour, Henry 



Everts, and Hiel Stone ; Overseers of the Poor, Lawrence 
\ an Valkenburgb and Asahel Bush ; Commi.ssioners of 
Highways, Abnim Van Valkenburgb, John Tyler, and 
Hiel Stone; Collector, Abram Van Valkenburgb; Consta- 
bles, Abram Van Valkenburgb and Jo.sejih F. Sweet ; 
Fence-viewers. Lawrence Van Valkenburgb, A.sahel Bush, 
John Tyler, William Burt, Joseph F. Sweet, and Elisha 
Whitney ; Pound-masters, I^awrence Van Valkenburgb and 
John Tyler. 

Tiffany, Everts, Stone, Bush, Tyler, Sweet, Burt, and 
Whitney lived in the pre-sent town of Scriba, — the others 
resided in what is now Volney. 

Ebenezcr Wright was re-elected in 1808-11, being the 
sole supervisor of Frederick.sburgh. 

The town clerks of Frcderieksburgh were Samuel Tif- 
fany, 1K(I7-<J; John Wnterhouse, ISlO-ll. 

The first town-moeling of Volney was held at the bouse 
of Major Van Valkenburgb, March 3, 1812, when the fol- 
lowing officers were elected : Supervisor, Samuel Holland ; 
Town Clerk, John Waterhouse ; Assessors, Ebenezcr 
Wright, Oliver Burdiek, and Stephen Gardner ; Poor-mas- 
ters, Samuel Holland and Gideon Candee ; Commissioners 
of Highways, I'liineas Cbapin, Jonathan Hooker, and Na- 
thaniel Foster ; Collector, Asa Whitney ; Constables, A.sa 
Whitney, Richanl M. Graham, and Joseph Sutton; Path- 
masters, Thomas \'ickery, Noah A. Whitney, Josiah Mey- 
ers, James Bundy, Gideon Seymour, Aaron Dodge, Syl- 
vanus Hopkins, Jonathan Hooker, and Richard M.Graham. 

Cbapin and Hopkins resided in the present town of Pa- 
lermo, Sutton and Vickery in the present town of Schroep- 
pcl. 

Town-meetings were held from 1807 to 1812, inclusive, 
at A'an Valkcnburgh's. In 1S13-11 at Amos Foster's. In 
1815 at Noah Rust's. From that time until 1830 they 
were held at Volney Centre; in the school-house until 1831 ; 
then at John Gasper's hotel till 1835, and at Jeremiah 
Hull's in 1831), at the .same place. In 1836, 1838, aud 
1840 at Hull's. In 1839 it was held at S. H. De Graw's, 
Fulton; in 1S3S and 1840 at Hull's again; in 1839, 
1841-45, 1847, 1851, and 1852 at John Gasper's hotel, 
Fulton. In 1848-50 at Elliott Harroun's, Fulton. In 
1853 ojiposite to Gasper's, and in 1854 at the engine- 
house. From 1855 to 1866 the meetings were held at 
Empire hall, after that time for three years at the engine- 
house, and since then at Salmon's hall. 

Siipen'isors. — Samuel Holland, 1812; Isaac Crocker, 
1813 and 1815; Oliver Burdiek, 1814, 1816, 1818-3(1, 
1834-35; Joseph Ea.ston, 1817; George F. Falley, 1831- 
33, 1843; Aaron G. Fish, 1836, 1840-41; Darius R. 
Bellows, 1837; Wm. Ingall, 183S-39; Peter II. Keller, 
1842, 1844; John Parker, 1845-46; Lovwell Johnson, 
1847-49 ; John J. Wolcitt, 1850, 1852-54, 1859 ; Ilinim 
H. Coals, 1851 ; A. C. Livingston, 1855 ; Samuel F. Ca.«c, 
1856-57; Wm. P. P. Woodin, 1858; Willard Johnson, 
1860-61; (jardner Wood, 1862-(i4; John H. Woodin, 
1863; Chauncey B. Hancock, 1865; Henry C. Howe, 
1866-67, 1869-70; Abraham Howe, 18t!8; J. Gilbert 
Benedict, 1871; Cb.arles J. DeGraw, 1872; Henry K. 
Nichols, 1873, 1876-77; George D. Foster, 1874; John 
W. Francis, 1875 ; in all, twenty seven. 




^'^ V 




Samull Hart. 



MrsSamucl Hart. 




AL.-.uLNCi or S.Hart, first strut , Tulton, tH^-VonK. 





Wm. D. Patterson. 



MrS.Wm.D. fATTERSON. 




l]ESIOCNC^ or V^U. D. PATTERSON, TULTON, Comiff 8'." ANO Onuoa STffEETS. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



231 



Tov^n Clcrl-s.- — John WntcrlKnisc, 1812 ; Jcrcniiali Tay- 
lor, 1813; Amos Bibliop, 1814; Joj^epli Easton, 1815-16; 
James Lj-on, 1817; Elisha Candee, 1818-22; Elijah 
Goodoll, 1823-26; Darius R. Bellows, 1827-32; Samuel 
Dean, 1833; Richard D. Hubbard, 1834-35; Hiram 
Bradway, 1836-40; James D. Lasher, 1841-42, 1844; 
John J. Wolcoft, 1843 ; Albert Taylor, 1845-48; Charles 
A. Dean, 1849; Andrew Hanna, 1850 ; Melvin F. Ste- 
phens, 1851 ; Richard E. Lusk, 1852; S. N. Dada,1853- 
54 ; Solon H. Clough, 1855 ; Wm. P. P. Woodin, 1856- 
57 ; Henry H. Haynes, 1858 ; Orville J. Jennings, 1859 ; 
William Andrews, 1860; Morris C. Highriter, 1861-62, 
1872-75; George Backus, 1863; Henry C. Howe, 1864- 
65; Charles H. David, 1866 ; Henry E. Nichols, 1867, 
1869-70; John C. Highriter, Jr., 1868; Arvin Rice, Jr., 
1871 ; Amos Youmans, 1876-77. 

Justices of the Peace. — Ebcnezer Wright; a resident of 
the present town of Volney, was appointed a justice for 
Mexico, in 1804. Those appointed for Fredericksburgh 
were Samuel Tiffany (of the present town of Scriba), 1808, 
Ebenezer Wright, and Noah A. Whitney, 1809 ; Abram 
Van Valkenburgh and Gideon Candee, 1810; John Dean 
and Joseph Whitney, 1811. The ju.stices appointed for 
Volney, with the time of their appointments, were as fol- 
lows : Isaac Crocker, 1813; Oliver Burdick, 1813-1821 ; 
John Dean and Joseph Whitney, 1814; John Bristol, 
1814 and 1816 ; Jonathan Hooker, 1814 and 1820; Jcseph 
Easton, 1815, 1820, 1822; Daniel Falley, 1815; King.s- 
bury E. Sanford, 1819 and 1821; Allen Gilbert, 1820; 
Elijah Goodell, 1820, 1823, and 1825; Henry Chapin, 
1823; Humphrey Dolbear, 1824; Leman Carrier, 1824; 
Adin Breed, 1826. When justices were made elective in 
1827, David Jennings was chosen for one year, Theodore 
F. Romeyn for two years, Jeremiah Hull for three years, 
Jd.seph Ea.ston for four years. Adin Breed was elected 
in 1828, Lovwell Johnson in 1829, Samuel BIcrry in 1830, 
Joseph Easton 1831, Walter Peck, 1832. Schroeppel 
and Palermo having been taken off in 1832, four justices 
were elected in 1833 : Adin Breed for one year, Kphraim 
Beardsley for two, Edward Baxter for throe, and Aaron G. 
Fish for four. Subse(iuent elections have been as follows : 
James Abrams, Jr., and Dariu.s A. Bellows in 1834; 
Ephraira Beardsley, 1835, 1839, 1843 ; Richard D. Hub- 
bard, 1836 ; A. G. Fi.sh, 1837 ; Robert Simpson, 1838 ; 
James Crombio, 1839, 1841, for four years ; Elbert Holmes, 
1840; John D. Stci.hens, 1842, 1845, 1849; Horace N. 
Gaylord, 1842, 1846, 1850, and 1858; John Forsyth, 
1844; Tliomas Hubbard, Jr., 1847; Hubbard Church, 
(vacancy), 1847 ; Lorenzo K. Rcnyon, 1848 ; John De Wolf, 
1851; 0. O. Shumway, 1852, 185(); Samuel Crombie, 
1853, 1857, 1861, 1869, 1873; R. Geo. Bassett, 1854, 
1S62, 1SG6, 1870, 1874; Freeman S. (iaspcr, 1855; P. 
W. Sijuires, 1859, 1867, 1871; William C Stephens, 
1860, 1865; Ovid V. Taft, 1863, 1875; Joseph Esmond, 
1864; E. S. Pardee, 1868; E. R. Huggins, 1872; Arvin 
Rice, Jr., 1876; Andrew Hanna, 1877; L. R. Chapel, 
1 877. Of the above-naiiud justices Oliver Burdick. Joseph 
Easton, and Lovwell Johnson were associate judges of the 
common pleas. Only two have served as justices of "ses- 
sions : R. G. Bassett in 1869 and 18TU, and F. W. Sciuires 



in 1875. William G. St. John served as collector of Vol- 
ney no less than twenty-two years between 1833 and 1874. 

POST- OFFICE.?. 

Oswego Falls. — This was established in the fall of 
1810, with Noah A. Whitney as postmaster. James Lyon 
succeeded Mr. Whitney April 1, 1815, and held the office 
until its discontinuance, February 14, 1829. 

Volney. — This was establislicd December 31, 1825, 
John Bristol being the first postmaster. Samuel Griswold 
was appointed April 22, 1830; Horace N. Gaylord, Ajiril 
25, 1835; Jeremiah Hull, January 29, 1841; Samuel 
Griswold, July 3, 1841 ; Stephen Pardee, July 19, 1845 ; 
Samuel Griswold, June 6, 1849 ; Jacob Piper, September 
15, 1853 ; George S. Babcock, January 3, 1859 ; Samuel 
Griswold, October 7, 1861 ; R. Geo. Bassett, October 21, 
1862 ; Dr. R. C. Baldwin. 

Fulton.— Established May 29, 1826, with Lewis Fal- 
ley as postmaster. M. Lindley Lee was appointed June 
22, 1841; Hiram Bradway, October 20, 1844; George 
Mitchell, June 23, 1849; Albert Taylor, April 9, 1853. 
The office was made a presidential one February 21, 1856, 
and Albert Taylor was re-appointed. William B. Shaw 
was appointed July 27, 1857 ; Allan C. Living.?ton, April 
17, 1861; Thomas W. Cbcsebro, March 13, 1871, and 
Charles T. Bennett, April 22, 1875. 

North Volney. — This office was established in Febru- 
ary, 1859, with John Campbell as postmaster, the first mail 
leaving the office February 19. F. W. Squires succeeded 
Mr. Campbell in October, 1801, and has held the office ever 
since. 

Inoall's Crossing. — Office established JIarcli 25, 
1870, with William F. lugall as postmaster. 

Bundy's Crossing. — This office was established in 1871, 
with Edward B. McCulloch as postmaster. These two last 
offices are on the Midland railroad. 

Mount Pleasant. — This office was established about 

1872, with Joel Wright as postmaster. It was discontinued 

in 187(). 

secret societies. 

Of these, outside of Fulton, there have been but three, 
which were divisions of Sons of Temperance, situated respec- 
tively at Volney Centre, at North Volney, and at Bundy's, 
in the northwest part of the town. Only the last-named is 
now in operation. 

merchants. 

The fir.st, outside of Fulton, was Elisha Candee, at Vol- 
ney Centre, in 1816. He was followed by Mr. Humeston, 
Almon Tucker, Samuel Griswold, H. N. Gaylord, Nathan 
Bailey, S. H. Merritt, Charles Coe, and Levi Chapel. Seth 
Tibballs built the brick store about 1826. It was soon 
after bought by Mr. Griswohi, who kept a store there for 
over thirty years. 

At North Volney the first store was opened about 1858 
by John Campbell, who remained about three years. He 
was followed in succession by Mr. O'Hara, Levi John.'ion, 
R. P. Hall, F. W. S(iuires, Henry Bowen, Josiah Derby, 
William Slierman, and A. 0. Davis, and he by Squires 
again, who is the present merchant. 

A store has been kept mar lUindy's Crossing for a long 



232 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



time, called "The Six-Mile grocer}-." It is now owned 
by E. B. McCulioek. 

A store was opened at Ilubbanl's Corners, by Josiah 
Derby, about 18G7. He was followed by Joel Wright, in 
1870. The store was clo.sed in the sprinj; of 1877. 

A canal grocery has also been kept at Battle island for 
a long time. 

HOTELS. 

The first, outside of Fulton, was kept, as has been stated, 
by the Van Valkenburghs, at the " Orchard Lock," in 
1797. The second was kept by Gideon Seyniour, at Vol- 
ney Centre, as early as 1809. He died in 1817, and his 
widow kept a public-house afterwards. Jdhn Gasper opened 
a tavern at the same point about 18i50, which he kept until 
1836. In 1836 Mr. Gasper wiis succeeded by Jeremiah 
Hull, from whum the hamlet of Hull's Corners takes its 
name. Mr. Hull kept the hotel for a number of years, 
beinj; succeeded in turn by George S. Babcock, George 
Brifigs, Wni. W. Rockafi'liow, and C. B. Ru.ss. It was 
burned about 1870, and has not been replaced. A hotel 
has been in operation for several years at Seneca Hill, 
being now owned by George Briggs. A public-house was 
kept at North Voliiey for a short time, about 1850, by 
Campbell & Stevens. There is no hotel now in town out- 
side of Fulton except at Seneca II ill. 

SCHOOLS. 

The first school-hou.sc was built near the site of the 
" Orchard Lock," in 1810. Benjamin I{obin.soii was the 
first teacher. Previous to this a man by the name of Mr. 
Donald had taught in Major Van Valkenburgh's house, 
Mr. Uobinsoii had also taught one term in the major's 
barn before the school-house was built. He continued to 
teach in town until 1812, when he went over into Granby. 
The second school-house w<is built at Volney Centre in 
1811 ; it stood a little cast of the site of the brick store. 
The second one at this point w;is built in 1820. It was 
seventy by thirty feet ; a very nice house for the early times. 
Mrs. Sally Dean, now living in Oswego, taught in the first 
or old school-house as early as 1815. The fii-st house was 
a frame building, although a very small one. Another 
was built at Hubbard's about 1817, and another on the 
four corners, near Josiah Hull's, half a mile north of Wm. 
Baldwin's. Another was erected about the same time in 
the south part of the town. Nearly all the first school- 
houses were built of logs, but occasionally there was a very 
small frame one. 

Of the early teachers but few are alive to tell the story 
of how teaching was done in " old times." Miss Elizabeth 
Biclimond (now Mrs. Thomas, and a resident of North 
Volney) came to this town from I'ittsfield, Massachusetts, 
about 1817, and taught school at Hubbard's Corners, Ful- 
ton, " the sixteenth," and near Josiah Hull's. Of her 
early pupils in this town nine afterwards became ministers 
of the gospel. Another of her scholars was Amos G. 
Hull, son of Josiah, who was at one time surrogate of this 
county, and is now a noted lawyer of New York city. 

The first school-house at North Volney was built of logs 
in 1825. The first frame one was erected in 1834, and the 
last one in 1866. For two years previous to 1825 a school 



was taught in a shanty about a mile east of Druce's Cor- 
ners, or North Volney. Of the i>arly teachers here is Mary 
Ann Sikes, who taught in the first frame school-house in 
1835. The school districts in town, including Fulton, have 
increased from two in 1811, to seventeen in 1876. 

DOCTORS. 

The first in town, outside of Fulton, were Drs. Cowan 
and Payne, at Volney Centre. They were succeeded by Dr. 
Ransom Howard, who was followed by I)r. .'Stephen Pardee, 
in 1831. Dr. Pardee went to Fulton in 1851. The next 
was Reuben C. Baldwin, who has practiced there since 
1851. Dr. Bradley was there a short time, about 1830. 
Dr. Rice, now of Haiuiibal, about 1851, fwr a short space. 

THE FIRST CONOREOATIONAL CUtTRCH OF VOLNEY 
was formed in June, 1812, being the fifth church in age in 
the county. The original members were Gideon Candee, 
John Kendall, Manda Kendall, Jos. Morgan, Eunice Mor- 
gan, Enoch Bristol, Sarah Bristol, William Dean, and Anna 
Dean. The first deacons were Gide<in Candee and .Sle]ihen 
Blake. The chorister was John Kendall. The first preachers 
were John Dunlap and David R, Dixon, missionaries. In 
1819 Rev. Oliver Leavitt was the pastor, and remained until 
1827. He was followed successively by Rev. Abel Cald- 
well, two years ; Rev. Oliver Eastman, two years ; and Rev. 
Truman Baldwin, one year. Rev. Martin Powell preached 
in 1834; Rev. Ileuian S. Cotton and Rev. B. Pipnd, in 
1835 (six months each); Rev. M. Stowe, in 1830; Rev. 
Julius Doane, in 1837, 1838, and 1839; Rev. Lemuel 
Dada, from 1840 to 1844 inclusive; Rev. Rus.scl Whiting, 
in 1845 and 181G ; Rev. Seth WiHiston,six months; Rev, 
Salmon Strong, in 1850. 

Rev. Jeremiah Petrie closed in May, 1856. He was fol- 
lowed by Rev. J. R. Bradnaek and Rev. Mr. Noye. Rev. 
P. W. Emons was in charge of the church from July, 
1861, to December, 1867, Mr, Petrie was then recalled, 
and served until February, 1872. Rev. David Henderson 
was the next pastor ; he was followed b}' Rev. Frank N. 
Greeley, who served from September, 1873, until December, 
1874. Rev. W. W. Warner preached during the next two 
years, and was succeeded by Rev. Melbourne May, the 
present pastor. 

Meetings were held in the school-house until the church 
edifice was built on '• Bristol Hill," in 1833. It.s cost was 
' about two thousand five hundred dollars. When the Pres- 
byterian church was formed at Fulton, in 1818, some of 
the members of this society joined that one, and in 1823 
((uite a number united with a church in Palermo. There 
are four hundred names on the church record from first to 
last, the present membership being aboutsixty. The present 
officers of the church society are as fnllows : Deacons, Henry 
W. Williams, Chaunccy Baldwin, and Robinson Yiiutig. 
Trustees, Jacob Kendall, Joiin J. Coit, and Chauneey 
Baldwin. The first Sabbath-school outside of Fulton was 
organized in the above society liy Mrs. Eunice Leavitt, in 
1820, with Samuel Morgan a.s assistant. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

meetings were first held in private houses. The earliest 
outside of Fulton were at the house of " Father Arnold," 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



233 



just south of Ives' Corners. Mr. Ai'nold and Ira Ives were 
then the leading members. This was a little before 1820. 
After a wliile meetings were held in different localities, 
until about 1843, when Volney was supplied by the circuit 
of Mexico or Gilbert's Mills. About this time a class was 
formed at Druce's Corners (now North Volney) by Rev. 
H. Kinsley, Russel Druce being the leader. After this the 
cla.ss-leaders were Peter Wise, 6. D. Sayles, J. M. Annis, 
Ira Campbell, Francis Flowers, I. N. Taplin, and L. N. 
Holden. The church edifice was built at North Volney in 
1859. The first trustees were G. D. Sayles, F. W. Squires, 
Francis Flowers, J. M. Annis, Sanford Partrick, Ira Camp- 
bell, and V. R. Griswold. The preachers since 1853 were 
George Foster, Silas Bull, David Stone, Freeman Hancock, 
Hiram Nichols, George Sawyer, S. De Lamater, William 
Peck, I. Turney, J. Smedley, B. Holmes, M. Thrasher, A. 
M. Rowe, William Witliam, A. N. Balsley, Frank Pierce, E. 
J. Clemens, and J. A. Co.sgrove. The first Sabbath-school 
at North Volney was organized in 1854, with Peter Wise 
as supei'intendent. 

The Second Methodist Epi-scopal church edifice of Vol- 
ney was built at Hubbard's Corners (now Mount Pleasant) 
in 187<l, and included the four cla.sses of Weed's, Hubbard's, 
Rowlee's, and Greenman's. This society of Mount Pleasant 
and also North Volney and Hawk's is included in the Vol- 
ney charge. The first-named point has preaching every 
Sabbath, and the last two every alternate; A Sabbath- 
school has been connected with the church at Mount Plea.s- 
ant from the first. There is a Methodist Protestant 
society at Bundy's, under the charge of the Onondaga 
conference. 

CEMETERIES. 

There are at least four in town, the oldest being at Vol- 
ney Centre. The oldest slab (red sandstone) is at the grave 
of Eunice, wife of Joseph Moss, who died in 1815. The 
oldest marble slab is at the grave of Gideon Seymour, who 
died early in 1817, at the age of thirty-five. The oldest 
stone in North Volney cemetery is at the grave of Mrs. 
. Walter Haynes, who died in 1829. The other cemeteries 
are at Hubbard's Corners and in the south part of the town. 

CHEI5SE-PACT0RIES. 

There are four in town: one at Volney Centre, one in the 
south part of town, one at Hubbard's Corners, and at Battle 
island. 

BRIDGES. 

The first of which we have any knowledge was built 
about 1814, just above the " Upper Landing," extending 
from the east side to Yelverton island, and thence to the 
west side. It was a toll-bridge, and one of the early toll- 
collectors was Mr. John Schenck, father of M. B. Schenek, 
and brother of William. 

The second bridge across the river, also a toll-bridge, was 
built iu 1826, and stood very near the present lower iron 
bridge in Fulton. It passed through many changes and 
repairs before being removed for a better one. 

The third one was built at the falls in 1840, mainly by 

Colonel Voorhees, of Lysander, Onondaga county, and stood 

about where the present iron bridge stands. The fourth is 

the present fine iron structure extending from Nelson's 

Hi 



mill to the Granby side of the river, and built in 1871. 
The fifth is also an iron bridge, six miles below Fulton, 
cro.ssing the river between Seneca hill and Minetto, and 
built in 1872. The sixth and last is likewise of iron, built 
at the falls the same year. The three bridges hist named 
cost from $18,000 to §21,000 each, the county paying one- 
third of the expense, and the towns of Volney, Granby, and 
Oswego one-third each, for the two upper ones, and Volney 
and Oswego one-third each for the lower one. 

The population of Volney, including Fulton, in 1850, 
was 5310 ; in 1860, 8040 ; in 1870, 6565 ; in 1875, 5775. 

VILLAGE OF FULTON. 

The early history of events occurring within the present 
corporate limits of Fulton has been given in the preceding 
excellent history of the town of Volney, written by F. W. 
Squires, Esq. The publishers .subjoin the following .sketch 
of later events and institutions in this prosperous village. 

Mr. William Schenck, who came to this village in 1812, 
states that twelve buildings were standing at that time 
within the present corporate limits of Fulton exclusive of 
the Upper and Lower Landings. 

The first building erected was on Oneida .street, and 
stood near the east end of the present Nelson mills. One 
of the first buildings in the village occupied the site of the 
present residence of Oliver French, on First street, and the 
other buildings were in that immediate vicinity, but their 
exact location is not known. 

The business of the village was confined to the Upper and 
Lower Landings until the year 1825, when, the legislature of 
the State having appropriated one hundred and sixty thou- 
sand dollars for the purpose of building the Oswego canal, 
the location of the present village pi'oper attracted the at- 
tention of various business men, and among them Lewis 
Falley, who became the first merchant, and occupied a 
building which stood on the present site of the Nelson coal 
ofiice. The next mercantile firm was Cady, Case & Co., 
who offered their wares in a building occup3'ing the present 
location of Howe's law-oflice. Other early nieicbants who 
located during 1825 and 1826 were Leonard, Whitaker, 
Douglass & Comstock, the Tousey Brothers, Oliver Bur- 
dick, John J. Wolcott, Chas. Tucker, and probably a few 
others whose names are not remembered. 

The corner-stone of the first lock on the Oswego canal 
was laid in this village, with Masonic ceremonies, July 4, 
1826, in the midst of a large concourse of people, the ad- 
dress being delivered by Hon. David P. Brew.stcr, of Os- 
wego. The Declaration of Independence was read by Peter 
Schenck, and the chaplain on the occasion was a Rev. Mr. 
Irwin, a Methodist clergyman. Hastings Curtis officiated 
as marshal of the day, and K. E. Sanford assistant. 

The completion of the canal, in 1828, ushered in an im- 
portant era in the history of Fulton, and from that time to 
the present it has kept abreast with the rapid progress of 
the county, and to-day is ranked among the more plea-sant 
and pro.sperous villages of which northern New York can 
so truthfully boast. 

THE FIRST CHARTER. 

In 1835 Fulton had so far increa.sed in population and 



2:m 



IIlSTOllY 01'' OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



im {.or I II nee lliiit it was deemed neeessary it should partake 
of the jirivilcfie.s and iiiiiiuitiitie.s of an iiicnriiorated village. 
C(iii.«i(|ueiill_v, on the 2!Uli day of A|iril, ls;!5, it was diar- 
lercd and its boundaries designated as follows : " Beginning 
at the southwest corner of the State reservation at Oswego 
Falls; thence along the south and east sides thereof to 
State street ; thence along the pulilie highway northeasterly 
to the four corners at the eastern tmundary of Steen's loca- 
tion ; thence along the line of said location to the north 
line thereof; thence west to the centre of the C>swego river ; 
thence along the centre of said river to the place of begin- 
ning." The boundaries have subse(|ucntly been enlarged 
at several diffrrent times. Aaron ("J. Fish was the first 
president of the village, and J. II. Woodiii is the present 
president. 

The fdlliiwing i(in.stilutc the present board of tru.stees : 
W. S. Nelson, Willaid Curtis, Hugh McKernun, M. F. 
Crahan, Myron Havens, and Prentice Younians. 

KARLY SCHOOLS. 

The {lionecrs of Fulton not only manifested a praise- 
worthy interest in religious matters, but the subject of edu- 
cation early claimed their attention, and in ISOO the first 
sclniul was taught by Artemisia Waterhouse, — subse(|uently 
Mrs. Brackett, — at what was then called the Lower Land- 
ing. A Mr. McDonald and Ebenezer Wright were early 
teachers on the " peninsula." 

In 1808, Asahel Bush, residing at Seneca Hill, employed 
Benjamin Kobin.son, of Onondaga county, to teach the 
school at a salary of sixteen dollars per month. He opened 
a scIkmiI in that neighborhood and continued it one year 
anil ibn^c uioiitbs. Among bis patrons are mentioned the 
names of Samuel Tiffany, the two Sharps, and Elisha 
Bundy, Sr. This primitive pedagogue ne.\t taught in a 
barn at Major Van Valkcnburgh's.on the peninsula, in 1810. 

Majiir Van Valkenburgb was much interested in educa- 
tional matters, and after the erection of the school-lnmse, 
which was mainly due to his individual efforts, Mr. Robin- 
son taught in the building about three 3'ears, and numbered 
among bis scholars John Volkert, Jacob and David Van 
Buren, Andrew, Betse}', Lydia, and Nicholas Altbouse. 

In 1811 a school-house was erected on Steen's location, 
which stood on the corner of First and Rochester streets, 
and was designed to accommodate the entire settlement ; 
the district was, however, subse(piently divided, each land- 
ing constituting a separate district. 

A Mr. Brockway taught a .■select school at the Upper 
Landing in 1828. The ]>rincijial patrons of the school 
were Juincs Lyon, I. Brackett, Van Dorn, and Jonathan 
Case. Among the pupils of that .school are mentioned the 
names of Charles G. Case, Edward Lyon, and Ann Ca.se, 
subsei|ucntly the wife of Dr. Jjce. 

In 1830 a select school wjis opened here by Daniel 
McEwen. It was very prosperous, and among its scholars 
were William 1'. Curtiss, Henry Kendall, Josiah Arnold, 
James F. Hubbard, Henry C. Moody, R. K. Sanford, 
Memory Case, S. F. Case, J. W. Pratt, Phebe Pratt, S. A. 
French, Cornelia K. Case, Elizabelli Hubbard, Sarah Wator- 
hou.se, Klizabelb Wright, 1). A. Curtiss, Cliarldtle Saunnons, 
Colic Thomikson, Thomas Mitchell, and .\oii .NlcEwen. 



In 1830 and 1831. Miss Gardner taught the district 
school at the Upper landing, and in 1831 she kept a select 
school, and in l,s:!3 ojiened a school on the corner of Oneida 
and Third streets. She is remembered as a lady of fine at- 
tainments. She subse<|Uently went as a mis-siouary to 
India, where she died. 

K.\I.I.KV SEMINARY. 

This institution was eommenecd in 1834 by Rev. Joliii 
Eastman, M.A., then ]>a.stor iif the Presbyterian ehunh of 
Fulton, and in 1831! was incorporated as the Fulton female 
seminary. The first trustees were John Eastman, A. G. 
Fish, Thomas R. Braylon, Jnbn E. Duttoii, George Salmon, 
M. Lindley Lee, Israel P. Knox, Chauncj- Belts, Henry 
Westfall, Henry Pearson, Samuel Merry, and Lemuel 
Dada. 

The regents of the University of the State of New York 
have supervised and bestowed upon it a share of the litera- 
ture fund since 1839. 

To promote the education of both sexes, its corporate 
title was changed Ajiril 11, 1842, to "The Fulton Acad- 
emy;" and, to extend still further its usefulness, was altered, 
April 11, 1849, to "The Falley Seminary of the Black 
River Conference." 

As the Hon. George F. Falley, deceased in June, 1847, 
had been its munificent patron fn)m its incorporation, and 
as bis widow. Mrs. Mebetable E. Falley, had donated four 
thousand dollars towards the erection of its large brick 
edifice, in 1849-50, the trustees desired it to perpetuate 
the name of tlie,se dnnors. 

The lot u|)on which the building was erected was the 
gift (if Culonel James L. Voorhees. 

In the year 18(59 the Rev. James Gilmour became the 
priiiei]ial of the school. Since that time he has been at its 
head, assisted by a corps of experienced teachers and pro- 
fessors. 

The present faculty is as follows : Rev. James Gilmour, 
A.M., principal ; Miss Julia Dimbleday, pieceptrcss ; Pro- 
fessor A. E. Chapman, teacher of cla.ssics ; Miss Jennie 
Palmentier, teacher of piaim ; Miss E. V. Gilmour, teacher 
of organ and (liaiio. 

The school still maintains its high character as a first- 
class educational institution, and furnishes a good home 
and tliiircmgh instruction to young ladies and gentlemen. 

TllK PRflSENT SCHOOLS. 

The village of Fult<pn is divided into two school districts, 
Nos. 1 and 2. The former embraces the south part, and 
the latter the north part of the village. The school build- 
ing belonging to district No. 1 is a two-story brick struc- 
ture. This .school is managed by one trustee, and employs 
three teachers. The present trustee is E. G. Rice, and the 
present teachers are Frank E. Simons, principal ; Augusta 
Easton, preceptress; Emnni Poole, as.sislant preceptress. 

District No. 2. — This district has two school buildings, 
one located on Fourth street, and the other on Ontario 
street. The district is under the management of a board 
consisting of three triisloes. 

Efforts have been made at different limes to unite the two 
districts and organize a union school, aud place it under the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



235 



general control and management of a board of education, but 
thus far the selieme has mot with no success. In the year 
1867, when the principal school building in district No. 2 was 
burned, a movement was started liaving this purpose in view, 
and upon this failing to consummate the union, district No. 2 
resolved to erect a suitable building for school purposes, and 
one that should reflect honor upon themselves as well as 
upon the village and county. The movement thus started 
resulted in the erection of the present fine building. It 
was erected in 1SG8 and 18G9, under the supervision of 
Messrs. J. J. Wolcott, Alanson Loomis, and W. B. Shaw, 
trustees. The structure is complete in all its aj)pointmonts, 
and is one of the finest and most substantial school build- 
ings in the State. The grounds and buildings cost thirty- 
five thousand dollars. 

The school was opened in 1869, with L. P. Stevens as 
principal. The following have served in that capacity, from 
the resignation of Mr. Stevens to the present time, viz. : 
Clayton Wells, Richard Smith, A. E. Tuttle, John Kelley, 
Mr. Buckingham, Robert Simp.son, W. H. Coats. 

The present board of trustees is conipo.sed of the follow- 
ing persons : Amos Youmans, Andrew Hanna, and H. H. 
Haynes. 

The present faculty is as follows : W. H. Coates, Princi- 
pal; M. L. Lawrence, Hattie T. Royce, Senior; A. E. Ball, 
A. Junior; E. J. Sissou, B. Junior; M. F. Ilighriter, C. 
Junior ; E. A. King, A. Primary ; E. L. Lasher, B. Pri- 
mary ; E. Howard, C. Primary. 

Ontario Street School. — E. J. Becker, Junior ; C. 
Spencer, Primary. 

The course of study pursued in these schools is one 
which experience has shown to be adapted to the wants of 
the largest number of pupils. They are now in a pros- 
perous condition, and justly merit the reputation they have 
attained of ranking among the best educational institutions 
of northern New York. 

THE MILLS AND M.\NIIF.\CTURES. 

The unsurpassed water-power afforded by the Oswego 
river at this point early attracted business men and capi- 
talists, and to-day Fulton ranks among the first manufac- 
turing villages in the State of New York. 

The Oswego river is an even-flowing stream, gathered 
up from the drainage of sis thousand square miles, in- 
cluding all the lakes of any considerable size in the western 
part of the State, except Chautauqua, which serve as vast 
reservoirs to garner the water in the rainy season and yield 
it up during the dry months. This peculiarity will be 
made apparent when it is stated that there is only about 
four feet variation between the extremes of high and low 
water. At this point the river is about two hundred and 
fifty yards wide, flowing over a rock bottom — bounded by 
high banks— and in a volume, as computt-d by State engi- 
neers, of one hundred and thirty thousand cubic feet per 
minute at low water. 

Within the corporation limits of Fulton, and about half 
a mile ajiart, are two stone dams, laid in cement, erected 
and maintained by the State for canal purpo.ses. Thus the 
entire stream, except a moiety necessary for purposes of 
navigation, can all be made available fiir the jinipiilsidii nf 



machinery twice over within the distance of less than a 
mile, whore there is in the aggregate a fall of thirty -eight 
feet. 

The Genesee Mills. — These mills were erected in 
1832, by Henry and Oliver French. They were burned in 
1852, and rebuilt by James N. Baker & Co., and the large 
addition Wiis made by W. S. Nelson & Co., the present 
proprietors, in 1867. These mills have ten run of stone, 
with a grinding capacity of one thousand barrels per day. 
The storage capacity of the elevator is one hundred thou- 
sand bushels, and the storage capacity of the mill is five 
thousand barrels of flour. The building is eighty by one 
hundred and fifty feet in size. Employ twenty men. 

Riverside Mills, erected in 1856, by H. H. and H. 
N. Gilbert, and known as the Oswego River mills. After 
the first year it was owned by Vannagenen & Gilbert. In 
about the year 1861 it burned down, and was rebuilt by 
H. H. Gilbert, and soon after named the Empire mills. 
It has since been owned in part by the following persons 
successively, viz. : H. N. Gilbert, Rufus Downs, I. A. 
Graves, D. M. Ferine, W. G. Gage, E. J. Carington, and 
F. A. Gage. An addition of nearly double the original 
size was added in 1871 by its present owners, W. G. Gage 
& Co., when it received the name of Riverside mills. 
These mills have six run of stone, with a capacity of three 
hundred barrels per day ; employ ten men. The elevator, 
in connection with the mill, has a storing capacity of 
seventy thousand bushels, and a receiving capacity of fifteen 
hundred bushels per hour. 

VoLNEY Mill, erected in 1858, by H. N. Gilbert, joint 
owner with John Van Buren and J. J. Wolcott, and run 
as a custom-mill. It has four run of stone. The mill at 
present is not in operation. 

Fulton Mills, erected in 1866, by Horace N. Gilbert, 
for the firm of Gilbert, Smith & Wright. Soon after it 
passed into the hands of Gilbert & Wright, and was con- 
ducted by them until 1871, when the firm became Ferine 
& Wright, the present proprietors. These mills have four 
run of stone, with a grinding capacity of two hundred bar- 
rels per day ; employ five men. The elevator in conneo- 
tion has a storage capacity of thirty thousand bushels, and 
a receiving capacity of fifteen hundred bushels per hour. 

St. Louis Mills, erected in 1867, by D. W. Gardner 
& L. C. Seymour, the present proprietors. These mills 
have five run of stone, with a grinding capacity of two 
hundred and fifty barrels per day; employ ten men. 

F.iRjiEii's Mills were crecti^d in 1868, by R. N. Holf 
& Co., and continued by them until 1876, when it came 
into the possession of the present firm, Jlessrs. Conger k 
Huff. Three run of stone, with a capacity of two hundred 
bushels per day ; employ four men. 

The Oswego River Mills, owned by Gilbert Brothers, 
located on the Oswego canal, is three stories in height and 
forty by eighty feet in size. The power is obtained fVoni 
across the street, from a large turbine-wheel, and conveyed 
by means of a wire cable running through the air. It con- 
tains four run of stone. In connection with this mill is an 
elevator, which not only does the work for this mill, but 
lifts the grain for the Farmer's mill and for the extensive 
St. Louis mills, Mtiil cDMVcvs it to their doors, a distance of 



236 



HISTORY OF OSWECO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



more than two liiindred loot. The jiropriitors, Messrs. H. 
N., N. II., ami A. G. (iiltxTt, are all jiraelical niillwright.-i, 
and have built fuur ol' the seven flciurin^-iuills in Fulton. 
The wnior nieinlier of the firm, Horace N. GilU>rt, caiuc 
to this villajre in lS5r).and lias since been actively enpi^ed 
iu advancing the niat<:-rial interests of Fulton, and is entitled 
to much credit for his indcfatifrable effort-s in aiding all 
mejisurcs desigiuil to benefit the milling interests. 

Taylor Ruothers & Co., manufacturers of planing 
and moulding knives, paper-mill engines, etc. — This enter- 
prise was started in 18GI, by W. K. Taylor, F. S. Taylor, 
and J. G. IJenediet, and was continued by them until 18(57, 
when Mr. F. 8. Taylor di.-ipo.S4.'d of his interest to the other 
members of the finn. It was managed by this firm until 
1872, when Mr. II. L. Taylor became a.ssociated with 
them, and the business is now conducted by W. E. Taylor, 
J. G. Benedict, and H. L. Taylor. The establishment em- 
ploys ten men, and the annual product of manufactured 
goods amounts to nearly thirty thousand dollars. 

Fulton Foundry and Maciiine-Shop, Frank Dilts, 
proprietor. — This foundry was established in 18G7 by Mr. 
Dilts, and the machine-shop by Jamts Mel)onough. In 
1870 the entire establishment came into the possession of 
the present proprietor. The value of the annual product 
ranges from ten to twenty thousand dollars. Kni|)liiys from 
seven to twenty men. Manufactures turbine-wheels, paper- 
mill engines, etc. 

Ross' Foundry .vnh .MArmNE-Siioi'. — This establish- 
ment was foumled in ISti!!, by John Iv Diitton, E. C. 
Cummings, R. K. Sanford, Sidney M. Smith, and J. G. 
Benedict. It was continued by this firm one year, when 
John E. Dulton disposed of his interest to Messrs. Sanford 
& Benedict. In 18G5 a further change was made, when 
Cummings & Benedict sold their shares to Mr. Sanfoid 
and W. R. Wa.sson, and the business was then conducted 
under the firm-name of Sanford & Was-son until 1868, 
when it was organized as a .stock company, with a capital 
of one hundred and fifty thousand doll; rs, under the name 
of the " Fulton .Maiiuraeliiring Company," E. P. Ross, 
president, W. C. Ruger, secretary, and R. K. Sanford, su- 
j)erinteiident. Mr. Sanford was soon after succeeded by 
William Wa-woiL The entire estal)lishm 'tit subsefpiently 
passed into the hands of E. P. Ross, and is now owned by 
him, and the business is conducted by E. W. Ross & Co. 
The business was started for tlie purpose of manufacturing 
the " Cummings Straw-Cutter," agricultural iniplenienis, 
etc. This is u large establishment, and is furnished with 
excellent roachincrj. 

1'lanis(!-Mill, James F. Ilerrick, proprietor. — This 
buililing was erected in 1870, and occupied as a machine- 
sliop until 1870, when it was changed to a planing-mill and 
bedstead-factory, and operated by A. T. & J. H. Loomis. 
It was conducted by them until alxiut 1875, when it went 
into the possession of L. Loomis, and is now owned by his 
estate. The mill is furni.shed with good machinery, and 
has a cjijiaeity lor jilaning twenty thousand feet of lumber 
per day. 

M.\s()N & Co.mpany's I'LANiNd-MiLL. — Mr. Mason 
.started a tub- and pailfactory in this village in about the 
year 1867. In 1S71 it w:ls destroyed by fire, and he then 



erected the present planing-mill, and in 1875 furnished it 
with tub and pail machinery. 

Paper-Mill. — This mill was erected in 1850 by Mon- 
rf>e & Ca.se. It subs«-(|uently came into the pti.swssion of 
R. H. Bullis, then Bcyam & Rullis, and when the fire 
occurred in 1871 it was owned by Beyau & Waugh. The 
mill was rebuilt by Mr. Van Alstync, and afterwards a 
portion ](a.ssed into the possession of Mr. Reed. It is now 
owned by Waugh & Hammond. 

In addition to the above there is a carriage-manufactory 
owned by R. II. Harris & Sou ; a carding-mill oiHjrated by 
<). J. Thayer; a siiw-mill owned by E. P. Ross; and two 
plaster-mills, one erected in 1850, now owned by E. P. 
Ross, and the other in 1865, and owned by Gage, Garlock 
&Co. 

THE EIRST NATIONAL B.VNK. 

This banking institution was organized as the Oswego 
River bank in the year 1855, with John J. Wolcott pres- 
ident, and D. W. Gardner cashier. January 19, 1865, it 
was reorganized as a National bank. M. Lindley Ijce was 
elected jiresident in 1870, and remained in that capacity 
until his death, which occurred in May, 1876. The office 
of president then remained vacant until January 9, 1877, 
when R. H. Tyler was duly elected to that position, and is 
the present incumbent. D. W. Gardner is the present 
cashier of the bank, and h;js officiated in that capacity since 
its inception in 1855. The bank was organized with a 
cajiital of one hundred and fourteen thousand five hundred 
dollars, and upon its reorganization as a National bank this 
cai)ital was increased to one hundred and fiOeen thousand 
dollars. June 21, 1877, it was reduced to fifty-seven thou- 
sand dollars. Present surplus, ten thousand dollars. 

THE citizens' NATIONAL BANK. 

In 1852 the charter and privileges of the Bank of 
Camden, Oneida county, were purchased and tniiisfcrred to 
Fulton, and organized as the Citizens' bank of Fulton, 
with a ca]iital of one hundred thousand dollars. The fol- 
lowing constituted the first board of directors, viz., Charles 
O. Case, Samuel Hart, Willard Johnson, R. C. Kenyon, S. 
N. Kenyon, II. H. Coats, George Grosvenor, George Sal- 
mon, T.'W. Chesebro, J. J. Wolcott, J. W. Pratt, J. H. 
Reynolds, and Edwin Rockwell. George Grosvenor, of 
Rome, was chosen Ciishier and manager of the bank, and 
occupied that position until 1857, when Amos II. Bradley 
was elected. In 1S62 the capital slock was increased to its 
])rcsent amount, one hundred and sixty-sis thousand one 
hundred dollars, and Samuel F. Case was chosen president. 
In .May, 1865, the bank was reorganized as a National 
bank. The offieei-s remained the s;ime under the new or- 
ganization niiiil .\prii 1, 1867, when Charles G. Case was 
elected ]>resident, and Samuel F. Ciise ea.shier, po.silions 
which they oceujiied until their deaths. Samuel F. died 
in July, 1869, and was succeeded by the present ca.shier, 
George M. Case, and Charles G. died in l)ecember, 1875, 
and was succeeded by the present president, Thomas W. 
Chesebro. 

FULTON SAVlNtiS HANK 

was incorporated March 29, 1871, with the following offi- 
cers: President, Sands N. Kenyon; Vice-Presidents, B. J. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NHW YORK. 



237 



Dyer, H. H. Merriam, Ira Carrier ; Attorney, B. S. Pardee ; 
Secretary, Abraham A. Howe ; Treasurer, C. G. Bacon. 

The following i.s the present board of tru.stces: Sands N. 
Kenyon, James H. Townsend, W. S. Nelson, J. W. Pratt, 
A. Dean, J. C. Wells, H. H. Merriam, B. J. Dyer, M. S. 
Kimball, Hiram Bradway, Atiraluim Howe, H. N. Soniers, 
Dr. S. Pardee, Calvin 0.sgood, Dr. C. G. Bacon, J. E. 
Harroun, Willard Johnson, George M. Case, William Dex- 
ter, Ira Carrier, W. D. Pattereon. 

The following changes have occurred in the offices of the 
bank, viz., Ira Carrier as vice-president vice H. H. Mer- 
riam ; Abraham A. Howe, secretary, vice Charles K. Howe ; 
S. N. Kenyon, treasurer, vice C. G. Bacon. 

THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

This department was organized April 10, 1857, with the 
following-named wardens: Dixon Van Valkenburgh, Abial 
T. Loomis, James Peyden, Thomas Reeves, Abial W. Laws, 
and John W. Knox. The department as at present organ- 
ized is composed of two engine companies and one hook- 
and-ladder company. The steamers have sixty men each, 
and the hook-and-ladder company forty men. 

The present members are C. M. Sabin, W. J. Watson, 
H. Jj. Taylor, and Robert Stowe. Present officers : Newel 
H. Gilbert, chief; George Calkins, first assistant chief; 
Henry E. Nichols, second assistant chief; S. B. Mead, 
secretary ; Henry A. Harris, treasurer and collector. 

The fire department of Fulton is an efficient organization, 
and reflects much credit upon the village. The steamers 
used by the department are tlie celebrated Button machine, 
considered by many superior to any other manufactured. 
The engine-house is eligibly located on the main street, and 
is furnished witli all the conveniences of a first-class depart- 
ment. 

SOCIETIES. 

HiiiAM Lodge, F. and A. M., was organized June 
14, 1849. The charter designated Samuel Dean, Master; 
Andrew B. Simonds, Senior Warden ; and W. R. Penfield, 
Junior Warden. The charter was given while Hon. John 
D. Willard was Master of the grand lodge. 

The present officers of the lodge are as follows : M. W. 
Danks, M. ; M. B. Buel, S. W. ; James Stevens, J. W. ; 
H. Bradway, Treas. ; H. L. Taylor, Sec; S. Parmeloe, 
S. D. ; J. Clark, J. W. ; C. Hart, S. M. of C. ; James 
Pearraan, J. M. of C. ; J. Sawyer, T. 

Fulton Chapter, No. 167, was instituted in about the 
year 1860. Stephen Pardee was the first High Priest ; 
Gaylord G. Goodell, King; and Wm. F. Ensign, S. 

The present officers of the chapter are as follows : S. 
Pardee, H. P. ; D. Pardee, K. ; J. Watson, S. ; M. W. 
Danks, C. of N. ; S. Parmelcc, P. S. ; M. B. Buel, R. A. 
C. ; C. D. Branch, M. of 3d V. ; J. Stevens, M. of 2d V. ; 
J. S. Ward, M. of 1st V. ; J. Sawyer, T. ; H. L. Taylor, 
Sec. ; H. Bradway, Treas. 

Ne-ah-tau-wan-ta Lodge, No. 245, I. 0. of 0. F., 
was instituted August II), 1870. The following were the 
charter-members, viz. : Geo. E. Williams, N. W. Otman, 
George C. Cooper, R. P. Alger, James F. Corric, John B. 
Corrie, W. J. Baker, Jones II. Case, Wm. H. Sisson. 

The present officers are as follows : N. Charnley, N. G. ; 



Fred. Keeler, V. G. ; George Clark, Sec. ; C. S. Rust, Per. 
Sec. ; James L. Parker, Treas. 

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 

the METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUROII. 

This locality was first visited by a preacher of the Metho- 
dist faith in 1SI»», when the Rev. Mr. Tuller, from Cort- 
land county, made a tour around the circuit to which this 
place belonged, and preached here on his way to Oswego, 
Mexico, Sandy Creek, and Sackett's Harbor. 

In September, 1811, this locality was visited by a Metho- 
dist minister, whose name is not known, who preached at 
the house of Noah Whitney. 

The first class was organized in 1813, by Rev. Mr. Bishop, 
of Sandy Creek, with the late Daniel Falley as leader. The 
members were as follows : Sirs. Elizabeth Falley, Mrs. 
Judge Mooney, Widow Hyde, Widow Van Waggenen, the 
mother of Frederick D. Van Waggenen, Miss Charlotte 
Jones, afterwards jNIrs. Jacob C. Thompson, and perhajis 
one or two others. 

In 1814 the class was occasionally visited by Rev. Mr. 
Gillett, and in the following year by Rev. George Gray, 
subsequently presiding elder and missionary to Oregon. 
He was followed, in 1816, by Rev. James Hazen, who was 
succeeded, in 1817, by Rev. Enoch Barnes. In 1818, 
Rev. Nathaniel Reeder was the circuit preacher, and Rev. 
Chandler Lambert occasionally held service. In 1818, a 
powerful revival of religion commenced, which continued 
until 1820, and the list of converts numbered four hundred. 
The Rev. Mr. Lambert also 'Supplied the church during 
1820 and 1821, and in the two following years it was 
supplied by Rev. Reuben A. Aylesworth. In the years 
1824 and 1825 the Rev. Mi-. Roach traveled the circuit, 
and occasionally preached at this place. 

April 26, 1826, the society was organized, by Rev. Alex- 
ander Irvine, under the name of the " First Society of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church of Volney," and George F. 
Falley, John Schenck, James Whitaker, John Waterhouse, 
Jacob C. Thompson, Daniel Falley, Joseph Easton, Julius 
Montague, and James Doolittle were chosen trustees. 

The first church edifice was erected in 1828, and Wm. 
Schenck, John Waterhouse, and John Easton were ap- 
pointed the building committee. The ground upon which 
the church is located was donated to the society by Nor- 
maiid Ilubbaid, with the condition that it must be per. 
petually used as the site of the Methodist Episcoj}al church. 
The edifice has been enlarged and improved twice since it was 
built, but most of the original walls are still standing and in 
use. Without doubt this was the first house of woiship 
erected by this denomination in Oswego County. The 
church was completed and occupied in the spring of 1S30. 

Fulton was made a separate station in July, 1829, and 
William W. Ilundell was appointed preacher. 

The following is a list of the pastors who have officiated 
for this society from that time to the present, viz. : Revs. 
William W. Rundell, 1830-31 ; Jonathan Worthing, 1832 ; 
David H. Kingsley, 1833 ; M. H. Gaylord, 1834 ; Wm. 
S. Bowdish, 1835-36; Luther Lee, 1837-38; C. W. 
Leet, 1839-40; Isaac Stone, 1841-42; Gardner Baker, 



238 



HLSTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



184:5-44; Aiza J. rii.li«, lS;4r)-4(); Charles L. Duiininf:, 
1847-48; Jdiii T. Ilewilt, 184'J-50; Harvey- E. Cliapin, 
1851 ; Charles H. Austin (supply), 1851 ; James Erwin, 
1852-53. 

In 1853 the churcli at Fulton was divided, and a second 
eliureli formed, the memb<'rs of which erected a small 
Ijuildinj; on the east side of Fourth street. The pastor of 
the first churcli in 1854 was Kev. M. D. (iiilett, and of the 
second cliurch, Rev. 0. M. Leg-ate. 

In 1855 Rev. M. D. Gilbert was returned as pastor of 
the first church ; and Rev. Lsiac L. HUnt, of the .second. 

In 185C Rev. J. 11. Lamhni.s was assi-rned as pastor of 
the first church, and Rev. I. L. Hunt rcajipointcil preacher 
of the second. 

. In 1857 Rev. A. Nichols was appointed pastor of the 
fiist, and Rev. Wm. X. Nind, of the second. In June, 
1857, the two churches were united, and Mr. Nichols was 
Returned as jiastor. He, however, did not enter upon his 
labors here, and his place was supplied by Rev. L. I). Fur- 
geson. 

Revs. Jackson C. Vandercook, 1850-00; Richard Red- 
head, ]S(;i-(;2; John D. Adani.s, lSi;:!-(i5; <). C. Cole, 
18C6 to April, 1867 ; R. C. Ilou-hton, from April, 18G7, to 
April, 1870; T. J. Ris.sell. 1870; Theron Cooper, 1S71- 
72; Albert L. York, 1873. 

The Rev. Mr. York was succeeded by Rev. Theron 
Cooper. Rev. II. M. Banforth succeeded Mr. Coojier, and 
is the present efficient pastor. 

THE PRESBYTEniAN CHUUCH. 

A preliminary meeting or session of this church was 
held in this villap' Juno 13, 18] 8, by the Rev. John Dun- 
lap, a missionary, and Elder Elijah Mann, of the North 
Granby church, and Elder James Crosby, of the church of 
A'oliicy, for the jiurpose of considering the feasibility of 
organizing a Presbyterian church. This meeting was held 
at the house of widow Perry, situated near the cascade. 
A number attended the meeting, and it was resolved to 
organize a church on the IblKiwing day; and in accordance 
with that resolution, on .June 14, 1818, it was organized in 
the storehouse at the Upper handing, with the following 
members: Margaret Falley, Anna Crosby, Mary Perry, 
Lucretia Perry, Margaret M. Tarbox, Harriet Fay, Jared 
Crosby, Job M. Perry, Milita French. Liicinda Robinson, 
May .Schenck, (!itty Walradt, Lovisa Wilson, Sarah Has- 
sett, Cyril Wilson, Dorcas Perry. 

Much interest was manifested in the new church, and 
within a month from it.s organization twelve children wiTe 
bajitizid by the Rev. D. I). Field, of Stockbridge, Mas.sa- 
chusetts, who visited the church as a missionary. The 
church was visited by Rev. J. Dunlap, as missionary, in 
1818, and by Rev. J. Davenport in 18i;t. March lit, 
1820, James Cro.sby j)resented a letter of dismission from 
the Presbyterian church of Volney certifying his regular 
standing as a member and ruling elder, and was reci^ived by 
this churcli in the .same capacity. He wa.s the first officer 
or ruling elder of the church, and officiated solely in that 
capacity until January 13, 1828, when Nathan Rowlee and 
Theodore Foster were ordained ruling elders. On the Kith 
day of July, 1827, the society was organized at a school- 



house in the town of (Jranby. and the following persons 
were chosen trustees: Arlcmns Leonard, Uushnell Carey, 
Freeman Hancock, N. B. Northrop, Theodore F. Romeyn, 
and Charles Conistock. It was '• Jiesufied. that this cbiirch 
and society be hereafter styled the Presbyterian church and 
society of Fulton and Granby." 

During the first nine years of the church it was visited 
by the following missionaries: Revs. John ])unlap. D. I). 
Field, John Davenport, Oliver I^cavitt, D. R. Dixon, and 
Oliver Eastman. Up to the close of the year 1827, the 
church had woi-shiped in a .school-house that stood near the 
Upper Landing, but in 1828 they changed their place of 
Worship to the school-house on the west side of the river, 
immediately west of the western terminus of the toll-bridge 
then spanning the river, and near the dwelling of the late 
Isaac Giddings. 

In 1828, Rev. Adam Miller, a licentiate from the Auburn 
theological seminary, officiated as supply for the church, and 
remained one year. 

At a session of the church held in 1 828 charges were 
presented against .several members for various ofTen.ses, one 
of which was for playing whist. The lady charged with 
this monstrous sin was cited to appear before the session, 
and " make jiublie coiife.s,sion of this fore-nirntioned sin of 
j)laying whi.sl ;" and the confession was accordingly made 
by one of the elders. As Judge Tyler remarks, " This was 
for the fin of playing whi.st !" 

During the year 1829 the church had no regular prejicher, 
but was occasionally visited by Revs. James Abel, Abel 
Caldwell, S. V. Bogue, E. J. Chapman, Martin Powell, and 
others. In 18.30, Rev. Martin Powell was employed as a 
stated sujiply, and continued his labors until .some time 
during the year 1832. 

April 30, 1832, the church was re-organized, under the 
name of " The First Presbyterian Society of Fulton and 
Granby," with the following trustees: Peter Schenck, Geo. 
Salmon, Jr., Elijah Mann, Edward Baxter, Freeman Han- 
cock, and Moses L. Lee. 

In 1833, the first church edifice was erected, built of 
wood, thirty by forty feet in size, and was located on the 
corner of Oneida and Second streets. This house of wor- 
ship was dedicated on the 8tli of November, 1833, by the 
Rev. R. W. Condit. Rev. lehabod A. Hart preached for 
the society in 1833. Rev. John Eastman eommeiieed 
preaching fiir the society Januaiy 20, 18;i4, and on the 
10th day of the following September was installed as the 
first pastor of the church, and remained until October 5, 
1837. He was succeeded by Rev. Seth Smalley, who offi- 
ciated as supply about one year, and wa.s followed by 
Rev. Wm. Fuller, who was installed on the 24th i)f April, 
1839, and served as pastor until April 20, 1841. The fol- 
lowing-named persons .served the ehureli occasionally until 
1842: Rev. Dr. Condit. a Mr. Looniis, and the Rev. S. 
Whaley. Mr. Whaley was employed as stated supply one 
year. Soon after the termination of Mr. Whaley "s engage- 
ment Rev. T. R. Town.seii(l became a stati'd supply, and 
officiated in that capacity until the following December, 
when he was c;illed to the ]iastiprate. He was installed 
during the winter, and continued his labors until the spring 
of 1851. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



239 



During the pastorate of Mr. Townsend the growth of the 
church had been so rapid tliat it became necessary to erect 
a more commodious edifice. IMeasures were at once adopted 
to build a new church, and on the 2d day of January, 11^4.5, 
the present church edifice was dedicated, the Rev. Dr. 
Hickok, then one of the professors in the tlieological semi- 
nary at Auburn, preacliing the sermon. At the conchi.sion 
of Mr. Townsend's labors the church was supplied a few 
months by Rev. S. E. Bishop. Rev. Edward Lord was 
installed as pastor February 10, 1852, and continued in 
the pa.storate thirteen years. He was absent in the army 
one year as chaplain of the One Hundred and Tenth Regi- 
ment, the pulpit being supplied in the moan time by T. B. 
Hudson, D.D. Soon after 1865 Rev. F. A. Spencer oc- 
cupied the pulpit six months. He was followed by Rev. 
Dr. Hopkins, senior professor in the Auburn theological 
seminary, who supplied the desk upon the Sabbath, Decem- 
ber, 1866, when Rev. C. J. Hutchins became pastor, and was 
installed June 12, 1867, and served until 1869. 

At the close of the labors of Mr. Hutchins, Rev. Mr. 
Clark, of Massachu-setts, supplied the pulpit two Sabbaths. 
Rev. A. C. Shaw, the present pastor, was installed in June 
or July, 1870. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

It is said that ministers of this denomination preached 
here as early as 1806, but the first church was organized 
in the autumn of 1817, at the house of the late Richurd 
Falley, Esq., with the following members, viz. : Richard 
Falley and wife, Bradford Dart and wife, Margaret Falley, 
and Hannah Fish. The first persons who united with this 
church by baptism were Rufus Cram and Zeriah Falley. 
It does not appear that this church ever had a settled 
pastor, or became incorporated as a religious society. The 
little band was occasionally supplied by Rev. Enoch Ferris, 
an old-fashioned preacher of Richland. After a few years, 
the place of worship was removed to the present town of 
Palermo. 

In 1827 a number of the members residing in the village 
united with others outside, and organized a new church. 
This meeting was held at the house of Doacon Timothy 
Wetmore, about three miles east of the village, and the 
persons constituting the new organization were as follows, 
viz. : Timothy Wetmore, Hannah Wetmore, Sanford Smith, 
Aaron G. Fish, Mrs. Lucy Ann Fish, Josiah Smith, Polly 
Smith, Zadok Thomas, Chloe Tlioma.s, Zeriah Sanford, 
Martha Baxter, and Betsey Gates. This church worshiped 
in the sixteenth school-house, and for five years had no 
settled pastor, but was supplied by various persons, among 
whom were Elders J. P. Evans, Judah Wright, and George 
Hill. In 1832, Rev. Asa Caldwell was settled as pastor, 
who served the church about two years, and was succeeded 
by Rev. Chas. Merritt, of Grauby, who in turn was followed 
by Elder Camp ; and during his pastorate the stated wor- 
ship was transferred to the " old red school-house," standing 
upon the corner of Second and Cayuga streets, in the vil- 
lage of Fulton. Here they worshiped four or five years, 
cxccptiug a few months, when msetings were held in the 
old Univer-salist church. Elder Camp was succeeded, after 
a brief interim, by Rev. T. A. Green, who SLM-ved the 
society one year. This church was without a legally in- 



corporated society until July 2, 1838, when a meeting was 
held in the distiict school-house, and the society was incor- 
porated with the following trustees: King.sford E. Sanford, 
Timothy Barnes, Joseph Sanford, M. Newell, James W. 
Tucker, J. C. Whitman, and Ephraim Beardsley. This 
organization was called the " First Baptist Society of Ful- 
ton." Rev. Peter Woodin became pastor of the church in 
1839, and served in that capacity six years. In 1841 a 
church edifice was begun, and in January of the following 
year was completed, at a cost of twenty-three hundred dol- 
lars. Mr. Woodin closed his pastorate in the spring of 
1845. 

Below is given a list of those who have served this church 
in the pastoral relation from 1845 to 1878, embracing a 
period of thirty-three years : Rev. L. Ranstead, three years ; 
Rev. C. B. Post, one year ; Rev. J. B. Simmons, six years.; 
Rev. S. W. Titus, eight years; Rev. G. R. Pierce, three 
years (Elder Woodin and Professor Yager, supplies, one 
year) ; Rev. E. J. Harrison, supply, .six months, pastor 
three months ; Rev. R. II. Ketchani, few months ; Rev. 
Chas. E. Smith, supply, ton months; Rev. J. F. Murphy, 
supply, nine months. 

Rev. George Baptiste wa-s called to the pastorate in 1872. 
After his resignation the pulpit was supplied by various 
per.sons until the present pastor. Rev. Wm. Ostler, assumed 
the charge. 

ZION CHURCH. 

This church was organized on the 22d day of June, 1835, 
by the Rev. John McCarty, then rector of Christ church, 
in the city of Oswego. 

The following persons were chosen ofiBcers of the church : 
Wardens, Anson Sackett and Zacharius Eddy ; Vestrymen, 
John C. Highriter, Robert Hubbell, Hiram D. Wheat, 
Norman Kellogg, Richard D. Hubbard, Elbert Holmes, 
John O'Niel, David H. Highriter. 

In 1836 measures were adopted for the erecting of a 
church edifice, and on the 6th day of August of that year 
the corner-stone was laid by Rev. Mr. McCarty, of Oswego, 
and in the ensuing year the structure was inclosed. The 
building committee was composed of Elbert Holmes, John 
C. Highriter, and David Highriter, who labored earnestly 
to accomplish the work. Captain John Wilson, a zealous 
communicant of the church, also rendered efficient aid, and 
wiis indefatigable in his efforts to accomplish the work. 

The first missii.inary who labored for the little parish Wiis 
Rev. George B. Engle, who came in 1838, having in charge 
at the same time the parish of West Granby and Baldwins- 
ville. After the close of Mr. Engle's labors, the parish 
w.ts without a rector until 1842, when the Rev. A. C. 
Treadway took the charge, and remained three years. He 
was .succeeded by Rev. 0. P. Holcomb, who officiated for 
three years, and was succeeded by Rev. (reorgc S. Porter, 
who labored one year. The church was without- a rector 
from the close of Mr. Porter's pastorate until April 26, 1849. 
Rev. Theodore M. Bishop then assumed the charge of the 
parish, and officiated until some time during the year 1857, 
embracing a period of eight years. 

Mr. Bishop was succeeded by Rev. William Atwell, who 
located in 1858, and continued one year. Rev. L. 1). Fiir- 
gesoii was then chosen as a supply, and served the church 



240 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



nearly two yearB. Durinj; the rectorship of Mr. Fur^cson 
St. Lukc'.s church, at West Graiihy, was consolidated nith 
Zion church. In the month of August, 18(U, the Rev. T. 
M. Hi.shop was recalled, and nfficiated ils rector about seven 
yc^rs. In ISOIt, Nathan F. Whiting, D.D., was chosen 
rector, and remained two years. The present rector, Rev. 
Edward Moyscss, entered upon his duties May 1, 1872. 

THE INIVERSALI8T CHtlRCll. 

I'ndcr the aujspices of the late Alfred Sahin, who was a 
firm believer in the doctrines of that cliurcli, the Rev. 
S. R. Smith, a Universalist preacher of Clinton, Oneida 
county, canio to the village in the year 1828, and preached 
in the scliiml-hou.se then standing on the " flats."' This 
was the first Universalist service held in Fulton. In 1881 
Rev. Matthew Bullard, a minister of this denomination, 
came to the village and preached about three months in 
the school-house that occupied the site of the present Free 
Methodist church. In 1832 the church was organized, 
and Rev. O. Wiston employed as pastor, and preached in 
the then Upper Landing school-hou.<e, on alternate Sabbaths 
for one year. .He was succeeded by Rev. John French, 
who officiated in the " red school-house," on the corner of 
Cayuga and Second streets. Rev. Charles Brown next 
became i)astor of the church, who remained one year, and 
was succeeded by Rev. T. C. Eaton, whose pastorate cm- 
braced a period of two years. It was during his labors 
that the society's first church edifice wa.s erected, on the 
west side of Second street. 

Mr. Eaton closed his engagement with the church in 
1847, and wits followed by the Rev. Walter Feck, who 
served the society one year. 

In the fall of 1841, Rev. .^Ir. Taylor, of Baldwinsville, 
became pastor of the church, and on the 11th day of 
October, 1841, the <'hurch was legally organized under the 
corporate name of tlie " First Universali.st Society of Ful- 
ton," at a meeting over which Messrs. Hubbard Cliurcli 
and Andrew B. Simons presided, and John D. Stephens 
acted as secretary. The trustees elected were John War- 
lock, Andrew B. Simons, Peter H. Keller. Mr. Taylor 
died in about three months after he assumed control of 
the charge, and was succeeded by Rev. R. O. Williams, 
who ofliciatod a few months, and was followed by Rev. 
William Sias, who preached one year. The next pastor 
setllcd over the church was Rev. L. M. Hawes, who served 
two years, and was succeeded by Nelson Brown, a supply, 
who remained until the latter ]iart of the year 1848. In 
1S4"J Rev. J. II. Tuttle was employed as pastor, and con- 
tinued for a ]perii>d of five years, and wa.s succeeded by Rev. 
fl. W. Skinner, who remained about six months. AfU'r 
Dr. Skinner the Rev. J. M. Bailey was the pjLstor of the 
church for about five years. In 185'J Rev. R. H. I'lilnian 
was chosen pastor, and the relation continued about eight 
years. During his pastorate the present substantial and 
coniinodious brick edifice was erected, the corner-stone of 
whieti was laid July Ui, 1S04, the address being delivered 
by Rev. Dr. Brooks, of New York. 

In May, 18()7, Rev. Mr. Pulnian tendered his resigna- 
tion, and he was succeeded in the pa.storate by Rev. C. B. 
Ivombard, who remained one year. The church Wius with- 



out a pa.stor until September, 1SC8. when Rev. E. K. San- 
born became a suj>ply, and served the church about six 
months. After Mr. Sanborn left the village, the pulpit 
was again vat-ant until August 1, 1S6II, when Rev. L. M. 
Rice was employed as paster and labored two years. From 
July, 1871, until October, 1873, the pulpit was generally 
vacant. In the early part of the latter year Rev. (), K. 
Cro.sby was employed as pastor of tlie church. The next 
[lastor was Rev. E. Jacobs, who w;is succeeded by the 
present pastor. Rev. Allen I'. Folsom. 

THE WESI.EYAN CHUnCH. 

This churcli was formed by eight jicrsons, memlK-rs of the 
Methodist Epi.scopal Church, who wilhdrew from that organ- 
ization on the 24th day of April, 1843, fonning themselves 
into a new church that sliould be " free from the evils of 
slavery." The following were the first members, viz. : 
William Wright, Isaac Schenck, Sylvester Bennett, Thomas 
W. Chescbro, Ilcnry C. Moody, James Parker, Jr., Charles 
G. Case, and John W. Arnold. Mr. Thomas W. Chesebro 
was appointed its first .steward, and Rev. P. R. Sawyer was 
appointed first pastor; and at a meeting of the society held 
at the "white school-house" it was resolved "that the 
church formed ,\]iril 22 be considered the ' true Wes- 
leyan church in Fulton.' ' This new ehurch, loe;ited on the 
corner of Second and Rochester streets, was ready for occu- 
pancy in the year 1844, and w:ls occupied by them while the 
church existed. The church was legally organized April 
G, 1844, with the following persons as trustees, viz. : Syl- 
vester Bennett, Thomas W. Chesebro, Charles G. Case, H. 
C. Moody, James Parker, Jr., and William Wright. The 
following persons served the church as pastors from 1844 
until its dis.solution : Revs. Mr. Sawyer, P. M. Way, M. 
Finch, Lynden King, Schuyler Hoes, Henry Benson, Lu- 
ther Lee, John T. Hewitt, and S. B. Loomis. 

CHURCH OF THE IM.M.\Ci:i,.\TE CONCEPTION. 

The first services held by the Calholic-s of Fulton was in 
about the year 1850, when Father Kelley, then pa.stor of a 
church in the city of Oswego, gjithered together fifteen or 
twenty followers of the church of Rome, in an old mud- 
colored house, and tlien and there formed the nucleus of 
the present large and influential congregation. From that 
time until 1 8.")4 Father Kelley occasionally ccli'bratcd ma.ss 
with tlie liltliM-liunh, .service being held at Mr. !>oiinelly's, 
also over a store in First street, and subsequently in I'ond's 
liall. 

In January, 18.")4, the chun-li had become materially 
strengthened by the accession of .several Catholic families, 
and it wils deemed expedient to have a priest of its own, 
and accordingly the Rev. James Smith was appointed by 
the bishop of Albany to take charge of the flock-. 

The church continued their worship in Pond's hall about 
two years, wiicn they removed into Empire hall, which 
occupied the .site of the Midland depot. Here they re- 
mained about two years, when tlu'V ]mrcha.sed (he premises 
located on the corner of Third and Rochester streets, for- 
merly occupied by the Fulton female seminary. The old 
seminary building was fitted up as a place of worship, and 
in about 1858 it was consecrated to the .service of God by 




lOENce or MRS.L.£.LOOMIS,toR;i'^&.LiricSTs, FULTON, N.Y 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



241 



the bishop of Albany, now Archbishop McClosky. The 
building has since been enlarged and improved, and is a 
commodious and substantial structure. 

The .society has grown from a feeble band to a large and 

influential church organization, and its present prosperity 

I is mainly due to Father Smith, who has labored earnestly 

in its behalf nearly a quarter of a century. The church is 

now under the control of Father Mehan. 

THE FREE METHODIST CHURCH. 

This ecclesiastical body first organized a class, June 15, 
1869, on the Chittenango camp ground, which was com- 
posed of the following persons : Alexander Wise, Mary A. 
Wise, Emma Hill, Sarah Graham, and Harriet Briggs, all 
of whom were former members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church of Fulton. 

Mr. Wise was chosen class-leader, and the old red school- 
house at the Upper Landing was soon after fitted for a place 
of worship, and in the forenoon of July 4, 1SG9, the house 
was dedicated by the Rev. Mr. Selby. In the afternoon 
" he preached and greatly disturbed the devil in the park," 
as the record reads, and in the evening oiEciated in the 
school-house, at which time the church was organized. 
Five days thereafter Rev. C. H. Southworth, of the Sus- 
quehanna conference of the Free Methodist Church, was 
appointed their first pastor. 

September 16, 1869, the society was organized under the 
corporate name of the " Free Methodi.st Church of Ful- 
ton," with William Jenkins, Alexander Wise, and William 
W. Hill as the first board of trustees. On the night of 
July 3, 1870, the church building was destroyed by fire. 
Rev. C. H. Southworth served the church faithfully, and 
in October, 1870, was succeeded by his son. Rev. William 
Southworth. January 5, 1871, a new chapel was dedicated. 
The Rov. Mr. Southworth was succeeded in 1872 by Rev. 
Z. Osborn. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Whifiin. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



L. E. LOOMIS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Winchester 
county, Connecticut, March 19, 1808. Ho was the fourth 
son of Abiel Loomis, and a lineal descendant in the seventh 
generation of Joseph Loomis, who was born about the year 
1590, and was a woolen-draper in Braintree, Essex county, 
England. Sailed from London April 11, 16158, in the ship 
"Susan and Ellen," and anived at Boston July 17, 1638. 
He brought with him five sons and three daughters. 

His father died when he was only eleven years old, leav- 
ing a wife and .six children in possession of his property, 
which consisted of a tannery and the homestead. 

At the age of eighteen he joined his brother Abiel in 
New York city, and engaged with him in the hide and 
leather trade, soon after engaging in business for him.sclf, 
at No. 7 Ferry street, remaining there in trade for-, some 
fifteen years, and was successful. 



In the year 1841 he returned to Connecticut to his old 
home, and there found his mother, who died the same year. 
May 15, 1841. In the year 1842, November 2, he 
married Miss Emcline Camp, daughter of Moses Camp, of 
New England birth and of English descent. In the year 
1845 he, with his wife and two children, Harriet and 
Loyd, removed from Connecticut and settled in the village 
of Fulton, entering the firm as a partner with Messrs. 
Salmon & Fallcy, in the hide and leather trade. 

He remained in this firm for a few years, and after Mr. 
Falley's death and Mr. Salmon's retiring from it, he took 
into partnership with him his brother Alanson, and con- 
tinued as a firm until the year 1854, when he gave up his 
connection with the business to his brother, after which 
time, until his death, April 27, 1876, he was only con- 
nected with such business in Fulton as necessity required. 
Though not engaged in active business during the last 
twenty years of his life, he took a lively interest in what 
was transpiring around him. He was a man of careful 
judgment, a safe adviser, and a trusted friend. As a busi- 
ness man in the early days of his life in Fulton, he stood 
among the first, and was esteemed and highly respected not 
only for those traits of character which made him a leading 
citizen, but as well for the high and pure integrity which 
marked his dealings with other men. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Loomis were born five children, viz., 
Harriet, Loyd, Huldah, Mary, and Emma. Loyd enlisted 
in the One Hundred and Tenth Regiment New York In- 
fantry, in 1862, continued in the service as clerk of the 
regiment for one year, and died of fever at Baton Rouge, 
Louisiana, 1863. 

Harriet married Daniel Perkins, an attorney of East 
Saginaw, Michigan, 1869, and resides in that place. Hul- 
dah married Rev. J E. Richards, of the Congregational 
church, and resides at St. John, Michigan. They have two 
children, — Anne and Florence. Mary resides at home in 
Fulton, New York, and cares for her widowed mother, who 
is now in her fifty-ninth year. Emma married Mortimer 
Roe, of Cincinnati, Ohio, and resides there ; have one 
daughter, named Mary. 

In politics Mr. L E. Loomis was a Republican, taking 
an active part in political matters in his early life, but in 
his latter days paid little attention to such matters except 
to cast his vote iu his party's interest. 



JOHN H. DTSTIN. 

The subject of this sketch was born in New Haven 
county, Connecticut, March 17, 1813. He w:is the son 
of Joseph Distin, a native of Connecticut, and grandson 
of Joseph Distin, who, because he was not the eldest son 
and could not inherit his father's estate, emigrated from 
England, enlisting on board a British man-of-war, to America 
during the Revolutionary war, and served until its close, 
but always in sympathy with the Americans. At the close 
of the war he sei-lled in Connecticut, having married a Miss 
Parker, whose father was compi^lled to board him and five 
others by the Briti.sh. 



242 



UISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTI, NEW YORK. 



His father removed from Connecticut with his wife and 
four eliildron, and settled in Greene county, New York, 
in 1H13, lx)ught a farm and settled on it, but was unsuc- 
cessful. 

At the age of twelve years, John II., third child, came 
with hi.s father to Oneida county, his father carrying on 
his trade of wagon-making, and continuing in that bu.siness 
until 1S56. The son, at the age of twenty-four, and in the 
year 1835, came to the town of Volney, Oswego County, 
and settled, after four years, upon lot 6-. buying ninety-six 
acres, upon which were some improvements, where he now 
resides, surrounded with the result of a life of labor and 
toil. 

At the age of twenty-six, October 12, 1839, he married 
Mrs. Harriet Markham, widow of the late Charles H. Mark- 
ham, and daughter of Rev. Thomas Iluhhard, of Connecti- 
cut, of English descent. To Mr. and Jlrs. Distin were 
born three children, viz. : Harriet E., Josephine A., and 
John W. Distin. All are living. 

Harriet E. mairicd Captain Henry H. Hubbard, an en- 
listed soldier of the war of 18G1, and who served until its 
close, being in some fourteen battles. His health became 
impaired, 6nally, through fatigue and privation, never re- 
ceiving only a slight wound in the heel during the entire 
time. He died June 23, 18G8. His widow, having a large 
experience as a teacher before she was married, has, since 
the death of her husband, resumc<l that profe.ssion. She is 
a graduate of the Albany Normal school. She had one 
daughter, Jessie G., who died March 20, 1874, aged five 
years. 

Jo.sephine A. niarriivl Hanfonl Lindslcy, of Fulton, and 
now lives in Jersey City. They have two children living, 
— Clarence ?>. and a baby, — -two having died, named Edson 
H. and Orville E. 

John W. married Miss Elizabeth T. Kellogg, daughter 
of Erastus W. Kellogg, of the town of Volney, December 
7, 1869. They have one daughter, llhoda E., now in her 
fifth year. The mother died April 20, 1874. John W. 
married fi)r his second wife Miss Sarah J. Van Valken- 
burgh, daughter of Solomon Van \'alkenburgh, of the town 
of Volney. 

John W. Distin, before he was eighteen years old, en- 
listed in the war of the Rebellion, in 1864, and served until 
the close nf the war ; was in tlu; battle of Cedar Creek, 
belonged to Company A, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth 
regiment, New York State Voluntcci's, under Major-Genera] 
1*. H. Sheridan, commanding department Shenandoah Val- 
ley, and was regularly discharged. 

John H. Distin united with the Methodist Episcopal 
church at the age of thirty-four years, taking an active 
part as a mend)er of that body in church and Sunday- 
school work, always contributing for the support of church 
and school. His wife united with the same church at 
the early age of fifteen years, and now, in her seventy- 
second year, remains steadfiLst to its principles, having 
given great care in the moral and religious instruction of 
her chililrcn. 

He is numbered among the men of iiitogtity and upright- 
ness of character of his town. Originally a Democrat, 
upon the formation of the Republican party he became a 



member of that party, and remains steadfast to its principles 
and platform. He is now in his sixty-fifth year, having 
been a farmer and dairyman from his first .settlement in the 
town. An engraving of his residence and surroundings 
will he found on another page of this work, under the por- 
traits of himself and wife. His father and mother remained 
in Oneida county until the year IS.'jf!, and since that time 
have been cared for by their son John H. at his home. 
The father died i»t the age of eighty-two years, and in the 
year 18(i5, and his mother at the age of ninety-two, and in 
the year 1875. 



ELIAS THOMAS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer county. 
New York, in the year 1802. His father was of New 
England parentage, being born in the State of Connecticut, 
and of English descent. The occupation of his father was 
that of a farmer, and, having a large family of eleven chil- 
dren, he taught all his sons the secret for obtaining wealth, 
as in after-years they grew up, and each by economy and 
perseverance became successful business men, accumulating 
large properties. 

Elias Thomas was the fourth son, and at the age of 
twenty-five years came to the town of Volney ( now Schroep- 
pel) and settled on lots 12 and 2G, buying one hundred 
and forty-four acres of land, and chopped and cleared the 
most of it himself In the year 1827 he married Miss 
Electa Griflitli, daughter of IJarnabas Griffith, of Herkimer 
county, whose parentage was also English. She came to 
this new county the next year after he did, and began the 
hardy ta.sk with him of cutting out of the unbroken forest 
a home. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas were horn Calvin Monroe, 
Electa Jane, Burr E., and Esther Thomas. Of these chil- 
dren both sons are dead, Calvin Monroe dying at the age 
of twenty-four ycai-s, and Burr E. dying at the age of 
thirty-four years. Electa Jane married Dr. G. W. Snider, 
of Scriba Cornei-s, and Esther married J. J. Coit, a farmer, 
who resides in the town of Volney. 

As soon as he had his land sufficiently cleared he began 
to keep a dairy, making butter and cheese, and from that 
time has been engaged more or less in this work, keeping 
at times as high as one hundred cows, i)aying particular at- 
tention to thoroughbred stock. Fortunate in business, he 
has accumulalod a large property, and now lives at the age 
of seventy-four years to enjoy the fruits of his toil, and 
look back upon a life of labor, yet of plea-sure. 

At the age of twenty-five years he united with the Bap- 
tist church, having at a very early age given his heart to 
God, and at the same time his wife united with the church, 
and both from that time to the prc!<ent have remained firm 
members of that body, not only devoting their lime and 
talent to the work, but iussisling very liberally in supporting 
missionary enterprise and building churches and schools in 
the vicinity where they reside ; and to such families belong 
the honor of our fine church edifiee-s, the establishment of 
schools, and the present state of society. 



I 





Zlias Thomas . 



MrsIlias Thomas. 




/ffS/OENCf or ELIAS THOMAS, Volnev Center, Oswego Cojy. 



:-*» -^^ 





RESIDENCE ol' Dn.CHAfiLES &. BACON, Ho33 Oh(ioa.^i , iuliun, Ati/v -owh 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



243 



He was connected with the militia of the State as lieu- 
tenant first, mid afterwards as captain. 

In politics he is a Republican, dating back to the old 
Whig party for his first interest in political matters, having 
held several offices of responsibility and trust in the town 
where he resides, and was commissioner in its early days, 
and assisted in laying out nearly all of the roiilds in it. 

He stood among the first to join the temperance cause, 
refusing first to furnish liquor in the erection of a barn, 
as was customary in those days, but gave them luncheon 
instead. Such examples of consistency of principle and 
opposition to custom are infrequent, but have characterized 
the life of Elias Thomas, who is now spending the eve of 
life at an honorable old age. 



CHARLES G. BACON, M.D. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Trenton, Oneida 
county. New York, October 20, 1814. He was the son of 
Hcnian Bacon, a native of the same county. His grand- 
father was of New England birth and of English descent, 
and at the close of the Revolutionary war had removed 
from Massachusetts and settled in Whitestown, New York, 
having lost a right arm through an injury received in his 
right hand in the battle of Bunker Hill. 

The grandfather died suddenly on the 4th of July, aged 
ninety years ; and oii that day was preparing to visit an 
old comrade of the Revolution, Mr. Gun, who was .sick, 
and died the same day, and also intended to attend the 
annual celebration of the birth of independence, so heartily 
observed at that time. 

In 1815, Heman Bacon, with his wife and son Charles 
(being the eldest), removed to the then far west, Steuben 
county, where he and his family sufl^ered for several years 
with malarial diseases. In the year 1822 the family re- 
turned to Oneida county, and settled at Remsen, and began 
clearing off the original forest from their farm and making 
the land tillable. 

Here the subject of this memoir worked with his father 
and two of his brothers. He, however, improved the ad- 
vantages of the district school, and received very much in- 
struction from his father, who was a scholar for his day. It 
was at this time that he conceived the idea of leading a pro- 
fessional life, but, on account of the limited means of bis 
father (for parents had pecuniary interests in their children 
in those days), lie jnircha.sed his time from the age of fifteen 
of his father, and with endurance, ambition, and economy, 
characteristic of many of the boys of his day, he worked at 
low wages by the month on a farm summers, and spent his 
winters in school at the best institutions of learning within 
his reach, at times doing chores for his board, until he was 
enabled to engage as a teacher in some of the most promi- 
nent schools of Ontario and Onondaga counties. He was 
a student in the Russia academy, Herkimer county, Steuben 
academy, and Syracuse high schools. 

When twenty-three years of ago he gave his entire time 
to the study of medicine and surgery, and was a student of 



Dr. N. R. Tefft, of Onondaga, who, having charge of the 
county poor-house, gave his student superior advantages in 
the practical part of his studies. 

In 1840 he attended the Albany medical college, and 
received in 1841 a license from the New York State medi- 
cal society to practice medicine and surgery. The same 
year he entered the office of Drs. Clary & Smith, of Syra- 
cuse, but remained only a few months, and during the same 
year came to Fulton, Oswego County, and entered upon the 
practice of his profession, where he still remains, having, 
through a term of thirty-six years, been quite successful 
in his profession and a prominent member of society, but 
has accumulated very little property. An engraving of his 
residence, under his portrait, will be found on another page 
of this work. 

Self-reliant through life, charitable to those in need of his 
services yet struggling in poverty, always ready to engage 
in any enterprise looking to the educational or religious 
interests of society, Dr. Bacon is to-day classed among the 
representative men of the medical fraternity. 

In 1842 he became a member of the Oswego County 
medical society, and the same year he received a commis- 
sion from Wm. H. Seward, governor of the State, as hos- 
pital surgeon, with rank as major, in the Forty-third brigade 
of infantry of the State of New York. 

In 1850 attended the university and college of physicians 
and surgeons of New York. In 1858 was made permanent 
member of the New York medical society, after serving four 
years as a delegate of the Oswego County medical society, 
acting as its president in 1859. In 1855 he was made a 
permanent member of the American medical association. 
Through the recommendation of the New York State medi- 
cal society he received the degree of M.D. from the regents 
of the university of the State of New York in 1861, and 
in the year 1874 received the degree of M.D. from the 
medical department of the Union university at Albany, 
New York. 

In the year 1843, May 18, he married Miss Mary M. 
Whitaker, daughter of the late James Whitaker, who was 
one of the pioneer merchants of the village of Fulton. 
They have two sons and one daughter. One of the sons is 
a practicing physician and surgeon, the other is a merchant 
in Fulton village. 

Early in life Dr. Bacon became a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church, and still retains his membership 
with that body, always taking a very active part in church 
and Sunday-school work, and contributing liberally to the 
support of those interests. 

He has never sought political preferment, but has been 
largely connected with offices whose interests were devoted 
to educational matters, one, in particular, as trustee of Falley 
seminary since its establishment for over twenty years, and 
also as school commissioner. 

He is now in his sixty-third year, and still in the active 
duties of life, honored and respected by all who know him. 



U4 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW VoKK. 






IKA CAURIKK. 



MRS. I II A CARUIKK. 



IRA CARRIER. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Lenox, Berkshire 
county, Miissachiisetts, Auijust 18, 180(i. He was the son 
of Levi Carrier, a native of Miiliiletown, Connecticut, and 
grandson of Israel Carrier, whose fatlicr emijrrated from 
Etif^hind, and settled in .Middletown, Conneclicut, about the 
year 1742. His mother Wiis al.^o of Kiij^lish descent. Ira 
Carrier was the youngest son and .sixth child of a family of 
eight children. Ili.s elder brother came to the town of Vol- 
ney, Oswego County, in tlie year 1810, but Ira did not re- 
move to tliis county until he was twenty-five years old, and 
in the year IS.'il. He was reared ujion a farm, and re- 
mained witli liis fithcr until he came to the town of Vol- 
ney. He first settled on lot No. 41, sixteenth township, 
buying seventy-five acres, afterwards buying one hundred 
and .scventy-tive acres more, a large part of which he 
chopped and cleared of its original forest, and erected fitie, 
commodious buildings, an engraving of which will be seen 
on the opp(isite page of this work, showing in place of the 
rude strnclure of half a century ago a fine brick residence, 
anil in place of the original forest-trees fruit-bearing and 
ornamental trees, and fields under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, depicting clearly progressive prosperity. 

At the age of twenty-three, and before leaving Massa- 
chusetts, he married Mi.ss MaryettSeai-s, daughter of Luther 
Sears, of Lenox, Berkshire county, Ma.s.sacliusclts,and whose 
forefathers were among the earliest scttlei-s of the New Eng- 
land States, emigrating from England in the year 1620, and 
on board the ship " Mayflower." 

He only received a common school education, but his 
success as a business man has established for him a reputa- 
tion which classes him among the first in the financial cir- 
cle in the village of Fulton. Hi' became one of the original 
stockiiolders of the Oswego River bank at Fulton, now the 
First National bank, and is still counected with the same. 



In politics. Ira Carrier is a Democrat, casting liis first 
vote for president of the United Slates for General Jack.soii. 
He never neglected bnsine.ss to gain notnriety in political 
fields, but has been held in high esteem by his ti^wnsiuen, 
and held .several imporlanl town oflices. He has contrib- 
uted liberally for the suii]iort of education, and gave his 
children the highest advant^iges that the Falley seminary 
offered. 

At the age of twenty he joined the Congregational 
church, his wife uniting at the same time, at the age of 
seventeen, but on coming to Volney IkhIi united with the 
Presbyterian society of the village of Fulton, and have since 
been active members of that body, giving of their means 
for the support of the cause of religion and the general in- 
terests of society. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Carrier were born three children, viz., 
Levi, Luther, and Luther S. Carrier. Luther died in in- 
fancy. Lutlicr S., at the age of twenty-five, married Miss 
Helen Smith, of Volney township, and daughter of H. W. 
Smith. He died at the age of tweiity-.scven. in the ve;ir 
1872, Oelober 22. 

Levi Carrier mariied Mi.ss Elvira Blakeman, of Volnoy 
township, and is a farmer in the town of Scliroejipel, Oswego 
County. They were nuirried in ihe year 185.'), and have 
one child, named Anna Cornelia. He is among the repre- 
sentative men of his town, and is the piis.sc.s.sor of a fine 
farm under a high state of cultivation, upon which he lias 
erected a commodious brick residence, and barns of large 
jiroportions. 

The Carrier family stand prominently identified with the 
best interests of society wherever known. 

In the year 1S7I, Ira Carrier removed to the village of 
Fulton, where he imw resides, lonking to the end of liles 
journey iis only a lit lie way. 



OOLONEL JOHN GASPEB, 
Now in his seventy-fifth year, 
was bom in Ashtord, Windham 
county, Connecticut, where he 
resided with hia parents until 
three years old. The family 
removed to Berkshire county, 
Massachusetts, in the year 1795, 
and there remained for some 
eighteen years, when the father 
died, leaving a widow and five 
children, viz., Joseph, John, 
Freeman, Joel, and Mary, who 
migrated to and settled in Os- 
wego County, New York (then 
called Oneida county), in the 
year 1813. 

John Ga.sper, the subject of 
this sketch, at once bought one 
hundred and ten acres of land, 
and began to clear oflF the 
orginal forest, and, altogether, 
chopped and cleared some sixty 
acres. 

In 1815, he married Miss 
.Paulina Canfield, daughter of Thomas Canficld, formerly of 
Mxssai-husetts. 

Twelve children were born to the first Mrs. Gasper; of these 
four are now livinf;, — Mrs. JIartlia Roon, Fulton; Mrs. Helen 
Foster, Canandaigua; Mrs. Josephine Cheney, San Francisco, 
California, and Raymond Gasper, Pittsburgh, Pa. 




r\.' 




Col. John Gasper . 



In the year 1818, he sold his 
farm and started a hotel at Vol- 
ney Centre, where all the town 
business wa-s done, remaining in 
this locality until about 1830, 
When the town of Volney was 
divided, he came to the village 
of Fulton, and kept a hotel for 
thirty years ; and, during the 
entire period of his hotel life, 
ranked among those noble, 
generous-minded pioneers who 
knew how to sympathize with 
the needy and care for the desti- 
tute. A life-long Democrat, true 
to the Constitution of his coun- 
try. Acting as sergeant of the 
militia under Major Carr, he, in 
1813, assisted in defending the 
village of Oswego from the at- 
tacks of the British, and the 
next year at Henderson Harbor, 
Jeflferson county ; .ifterwarda 
he ranked as captain, forming 
the company and equipping it 
at his own expense ; he soon after became lieutenant-colonel, then 
colonel, which title he still retains. His wife died July, 1874. 

In the year 1875, he, at the age of eighty-two, married Miss 
Lucy M. Griswold, daughter of the late Reverend Samuel Gris- 
woKl, an Episcopal clergyman, who shares with him the enjoy- 
ments of a pleasant old age. 





MRS JOHN GASPER. 



MRS. JOHN G-ASPCR. 

D£CtASlO 



HISTOKY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



245 




IRA IVES. 



was the tenth child of John and Fhebo Ivos, and a lineal 
descendant of William Ives, who eame from England some 
two centuries ago and settled in New Y'ork, — there being 
twelve children in his fathei-'s family, and he supporting 
them by the labor of his hands as a carpenter and joiner. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Wallinnford, New 
Haven county, Connecticut, July 16, 1791. Wlien only 
twenty-one years of age lie came to Pittsfield, Ma.ssachu- 
setts, and after remaining there a short time removed to the 
town of Volney, Oswego County (then Oneida county), in 
tlie year 1812, and bought a timber lot on lot G6. He 
kept this only four years, and bought another timber lot of 
fifty-five acres near by the former, with oidy a log hou.se 
and small clearing. This was chopped and cleared by him, 
and subseijuent additions of ninety and forty acres, also 
mostly cleared of their original forests. 

Like all other of the early pioneers in the history of 
the county, he endured privations, and encountered every 
obstacle incident to the early settlement of the country; and 
he relates that at one time, on account of the frost killing 
the corn the year before, many children starved to death, 
after living for some time upon berries, leaves, and roots, and 
what could be obtained, he himself working four days for 
one-half bushel of poor corn, which he kept to feed his 
children upon, living himself upon milk and greens for the 
space of three weeks, chopping during the same time. At 
the age of twentj'-three years he married Miss Hannah 
Richmond, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, daughter of Abiath 
Richmond, January 13, 1818, at New Lebanon, New Y'^ork. 
Of this marriage were born seven children, viz., John, 
Sarah, Andrus, Chauncey, Lewis, Geo. G., and Ira P. Ives. 
Of these all are now living except Lewis, who died at the 
age of twenty-nine, in the year 1854. 

Hand in hand he and his faithful wife labored to bxing 
up their children, teaching them how to labor and the neccs- 




MRS. IRA IVES. 



IRA IVES 



sity of industry, giving each one an opportunity of receiving 
the foundation of an English education. The mother, al- 
ways consistent in her views of right and wrong, was very 
careful in the early training of her children, instructing them 
in what would make them good members of society. She 
united with the Methodist Episcopal church when about 
twenty-four years old, and was afterwards baptized, and as 
long as she was able, and for more than forty years, took 
an active part in doing all she could to promote the inter- 
ests of religion in the vicinity. She died November 22, 
1873. 

Early in life, and before he became of age, he united 
with the Methodist Episcopal church, and in after-years 
took a very active part in not only church but Sunday- 
school work, being class-leader, steward, and Sunday-school 
superintendent at the same time. He contributed liberally 
towards builduig four dilFerent churches, and for the support 
of the gospel. 

Belonging to the old Whig party in early life, he natu- 
rally joined the Republican party upon its formation, op- 
posed the bondage of men, firm to the principles of the 
constitution and laws of his country, having voted for over 
sixty years, casting his first vote for president of the United 
States in the year 1812. 

Ira Ives, like many of the early pioneers, by his industry 
and economy many years ago had accumulated a large 
property, and after distributing liberally to each of his 
children is still in possession of sufficient for his earthly 
wants. He now resides with his youngest son, Ira P. Ives, 
who owns the original farm first settled by his father upon 
coming to Volney township, and, as he now reaches the eve 
of life, an honorable old age, in his eighty-sixth year, he 
has placed himself iu the hands of a kind son and daughter- 
in-law, who contribute to his comfort and happiness in his 
declining years. 



246 



lllSTUllV UF OSWEGO COUM'V, SEW lOKK. 




i-i^^ 




I -. 





THOMAS IlUIIIiARD. 



MIIS. TIKlMAS llUBBAKr). 



THOMAS liriiHARD. 



Anion;; Oswc^id ('(iiiiit)'s jiidiiriT |ir(miiiiciit iiK'ii.aiiil llu" 
oldest settler in the town of V'olney, is Tiioni;i.s Iluljljurd, 
now in liis ei,L'hty-eij:litli year, and residing on the farm 
cleared by his own hands, be-iitniini; in the year 1812. He 
is the son of Rev. Thoni;is Hulibard, of Connecticut, of 
En;,rlish descent, and who married Miss Lneretia Kiuibly, 
whose forefathers were also of English origin. His father 
had twelve children, of whom he was the fourth child. 
When the family w;Ui small they removed to New Durham, 
New York, where the subject of this sketch was born, in 
tlic year IT'JO. The father soon removed again to Ma.s.sa- 
chusctts, and followed the business of a tanner and currier. 

After some twenty years, the son came to ramden. New 
York, but remaining only nine months, removed to Oswego 
County (then called Oneida county) in the year 1811, and 
settled in the course of the year upon lots t>4 and 05, 15th 
townshi]!, where he now resides .surrounded with the result 
of his ambition and toil. Before leaving Massachusett.s he 
married Miss Charilla (laylord, daughter of Ira Gaylord, 
of Connecticut, of Knglish di'sccnt, in the year 1811. Of 
this marriage were born Thomas M , Ira G., Mary Ann, 
George W., and Catherine A. Hubbard. 

Of these children all are living e.vcept JIary Ann. who 
died January, 1875. The mother of these children, afier a 
life of toil and hardshi|i coincident wllh the I'arlv history of 
the county, devoted to the full welfare of ber family, careful 
in the religious instruction of her children and the highest 
moral training, lived to an advanced age, seeing her ofrs])ring 
grow up to mature years and become respectable members 
of society. She died in the year 18G3, at the age of 
seventy-three years. 

Coming into the county the year before the beginning; 
of the lute war of 1812, he stood a minute-man at home at 
6rst, and afkerwards assisted in defending Henderson's 
harbor against the attacks of the British Afterwards lie 
assisted Colonel Gasper in forming a new comjiany of light 
iiifintry, and ranked fii-st as ensign, then as lieutenant. 



and afterwards as captain, taking an active part in military 
matters until bis age releiLse<l him from such duties. 

During his whole life he followcil the occupation of a 
farmer, and in his day chojiped and cleared some two hun- 
dred acres of timber land, — a record of labor that few in 
the history of the county have, and probably not another 
in this county. Wiih a constitution strong and vigorous 
at first, he has. by well-grounded habits, i-etained the vigor 
of youth to his present time, and, at his advanced age, 
stands as erect as a bov, and promises many years of 
life. 

As early as 1817 he connected himself with the Method- 
ist Epi.seopal church, remaining a memlu'r of that body 
until 18lil. He always contributed largely to the building 
of churches and the encouragement of education in the 
vicinity, — assisting in the erection of the first log school- 
house in his neighborhood. A Jetfersonian Democrat of 
the old school, he never took a very active |)art in politics, 
but at all times used the ballot with consideration, looking 
rather to luciLsures than to men. 

In the year 18G4 be married Mrs. Keeler, widow of the 
late Horace S. Keeler, and daughter of Rev. Charles L. 
Webb, of Lafayette, Onondaga county, whose parents were 
of English descent. Although younger in years, she shares 
his toil and contributes to the happiness of an lionorable 
old age. On the pages of history few have a record of so 
many years as Thomas Hubbard ; a life of labor, yet 
crowned with prosperity. 

The .sons, catching the ambition and zeal of the father, 
are all successful busine.-is men. Thomas .M. is a farmer 
near (Jrand Haven, Michigan, and a clerL'yman of the 
Methodist Epi.seopal church. Ira G. is a farmer in Elkhart, 
Indiana, and has accumulate<l a large jiroperty. George 
W., the third son, resides in the tow^n of his birth and near 
his father, aixl is a farmer anil miu<on. Catharine A. Hub- 
bard married Mr. Hiram L. Hart, formerly a merchant, but 
now a farmer near Oswego city. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



247 





WALTER WILBER. 



MRS. WALTER WILBER. 



WALTER WILBER. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Greene county, 
New Yurie, at Coxsackie, March 4, 17U5. Ho was the 
son of John Wiibor, a native of Dutchess county, New 
York, and grandson of Christopher Wilber, of New Eng- 
hind parentage, and whose forefatliers are supposed to have 
emigrated to America from England at an early day. Of 
his father's family there were seven children, viz., Mittie, 
Christopher, Walter, Elizabeth, Sarah, Hannah, and John. 
These children, like nearly all in the early history of our 
country, had very limited opportunities ibr obtaining an 
education. 

When Walter was twelve years old his mother died, — his 
father dying in the year 1803, four years before her death, 
— leaving the children orphans. Walter, at the age of thir- 
teen, went to learn the clothier's trade, but stayed only one 
year ; then lived with his uncle on a farm for four years, 
and learned the harness trade during the next four years. 
At the age of nineteen he was drafted to serve in the war 
of 1812, and, under Captains Noble and Baker, assisted in 
defending the frontier of Long Island against the attacks 
of the British. At the close of the war he was honorably 
discharged, and is now among the few living old men as 
pensioners of that war. 

At the age of twenty-two — January 12, 1817 — he mar^ 
ried Miss Rhoda Stevens, daughter of Reuben Stevens, of 
New England birth (Connecticut"), and a lineal descendant 
of one of two brothers wlio emigrated from England and 
settled in Connecticut about the time of the landing of the 
Pilgrims. 

He followed farming and worked at the harness trade 
until the year 1837, when he, his wife, and eight chil- 
dren — viz., Sarah, John, William, Edward, Reuben, 
Walter T., Mary F., and Christopher C. — removed from 
Greene county and settled in the town of New Haven, Os- 
wego County, and after two years located a timber-lot of 
fifty-three acres, chopped and cleared off the original forest 
from most of it, and resided there until the year 1869, when 
he came to the town of Yolney, near Volney Centre, where 
he now resides with his wife, — he in his eighty-third year, 
and she in her seventy-fifth year. After removing to New 
Haven township two more children were born, viz., Ira and 



Rhoda Ann. All of the children are living except two. 
John enlisted in the late rebellion, and served two years, — ■ 
then re-enlisted, and in the battle of Cold Harbor was shot. 
Rhoda Ann died at the age of three years. 

Sarah married Caleb Carr ; are farmers ; reside in the 
town of Scriba, and have five children, — Mary Jane, Sarah, 
Edward, Albert, and Clarence. 

William married Miss Orilla Green for his first wife ; 
resides in the town of Scriba ; have one daughter, named 
Emma. His wife dying, he married for his second wife 
Miss Elizabeth Fox. 

Edward married Miss Lucina Cook; have two children, 
viz., Addie and Walter; and reside in Fulton. 

Reuben married Miss I'hebe Hartson ; have four chil- 
dren, viz., Rhoda Ann, Ida, Frederick, and Carrie; and 
reside in Michigan. 

Walter T. married Miss Arville Parkhurst ; have three 
children, viz., Charles, Jessie, and Bertha; reside in the 
town of Volney. 

Mary F. married Seeber Keller; had three children, viz., 
Walter J., Byron S., and Josio. She is now a widow, and 
resides in Fulton. 

Christopher C. married Miss Rose Lester ; have one 
child, George ; and reside in Jersey City. 

Ira married Arville Pollock ; have four children, viz., 
Nellie, Carrie, Frederick, and Robert. They reside in the 
city of Syracuse. 

Walter Wilber has been a life-long Democrat, and identi- 
fied with his party as one of its old land-marks. 

His wife united with the Christian church when oidy 
nineteen years of age, but now is a member of the Congre- 
gationalist church. 

Walter Will)er has always supported church and schiml 
interests, and contributed liberally fur all interests looking 
to the advancement of the education of the rising genera- 
tion, and now, almost at the end of life's journey, — ^having 
lived to see fo\ir generations of his own family, — he is able 
to look back through over three-f|uarters of a century, and 
see the various changes in our country's history during that 
time. He is among the rejiresentative pioneere in the 
State, as well ;ts in the county of Oswego. 



248 



UISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YOllK. 




TIMiiTllV J'KATT. 



.MKS. JlMliTllV Pit A IT. 



TIMOTHY rUATT 



ranks anionjr tlic iirniiiiiiciit pimiopr men of Oswepi ("ouiity, 
beiii^of Wel.sli extraction, and dL'sccndod from one of three 
brutlicrs who, at a very early day, settled in the State of 
Vermont. Caleb Pratt, father of Tinjotliy, fought in the 
battle of Bennington during the Revolutionary war, but 
being accidentally wounded with a scythe by a man sitting 
by the roadside, wa.s unable to take further part in his 
country's cause for freedom. Caleb Pratt, in 1792, re- 
moved from Vermont, and settled in the town of Manlius, 
Onondaga County, and engaged in the occupation of farm- 
ing, lie married Miss Loly Lewis, daughter of Nicholas 
Lewis, of English parentage, about the year 1783. Of a 
family of eight children, Timothy was the eldest son, and 
was born in the year 1790, and is, therefore, now in his 
eighty-seventh year. 

In the j'car 1814 he married Miss Hannah Raynor, 
daughter of James Raynor, of Pompey, New York, and 
formerly of Long Island. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Pratt were born four children, viz. : 
Phebe Ann, John W., Charles L., and Maria Jane. The 
last of these died in tlu? year 1854. lie followed the busi- 
ness of farming while he resided in Onondaga county. In 
the year 1833 he. with his family, removed to the town of 
Volney, Oswego County (having during the previous four 
years lived in Madison county), erected a grist-mill, and 



commenced iho milling business. The country was new 
and covered with timber, and business very light in that 
direction. He first st;irted the manufacture of linseed 
oil, engaged largely in sawing, and turned out about one 
million feet of lumber ]icr year. He also carried on an 
extensive business for an early day in boating and boat- 
building, tran.sporting flour from Oswego and salt from 
Syracuse to Albany. He was one of a few of the enter- 
prising busines,s men of the early days of the county, and 
generally successful in business, accumulated (piite a large 
property; after distributing among his children liberally, he 
hiis sufficient for his old age. In very early life lie, at the 
age of tiflecn years, united with the Methodist Episco|ml 
church, and from that time has contributed liberally, not 
only to his own, but for other churches. lie was one of 
the leading donors to the Falley .seminary, and officiated as 
its superintendent for six years. Occupying a prominent 
jMisition in financial circles, he has been connected as director 
of the Citizens' National bank of Fulton for the last twenty 
years. 

His son, John W. Pratt, is among the most enterprising 
business men of the day, and resides in Fulton, New York. 
An engraving of his residence will be seen on tlie op- 
posite jiage of this work, under the portraits of himself 
and wife. 





^ ^ |>W»eW>*1"" 



JohnW. Pratt. 



Mrs. John W. Fratt. 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



249 




AARON 



FISH. 



AARON 

Still living in the village of Fulton, New York, and 
aniiing its early pioneers and prominent men, is Aaron G. 
Fish, now in his cighty-tliii-J year, and almost through his 
entire life so closely associated with the gniwth and pros- 
perity of that part of the county that a brief sketch of 
his history will be welcome to many who will peruse the 
history of Oswego County after he has gone to his long 
rest. 

He was the son of Aaron and Anna Fish, of English 
descent, and born in Groton, New London, Connecticut, 
July 24, 1794. While only seven years of age his father 
removed to Mas.sachusetts with his family, consisting of 
himself, wife, and eleven children, lie being the sixth child. 
His father being a poor man, and surrounded by a large 
family, by his labor as a tailor was very much limited in 
means to give them an early education, barely struggling 
along and snp|)lying the neces.saries of life. 

Remaining in Ma.ssachu.setts for fifteen years, the mother 
dying in that State in the year 1814, the father, with one 
daughter and his son, Aaron G. Fish, came to Fulton, New 
York, in the year 1817. Afterwards another daughter — 
Mrs. Eliza Spencer — removed to this county. 

Aariiii (j.. upon reaching Fulton, at once leased the New 
Y(irk S. mills and carried on the businass of m.anufaeturiiig 
flour for the next five years. Purchasing some machinery, 
he began manufacturing woolen fabrics, at which business 
h<- continued for some twenty-eight years, and a ]iart of thi.s 
time carried on farming on one hundred acres of land where 
a )iart of the village of Fulton is now located. He again 
engaged in the manufacture of fluur, but m.tre extensively, 
in the Volney mills, wholestiling his fluur. In this enter- 
l>rise ho was unsuccessful at the end nf about five years. 
Having been appointed superintendent of the Oswego canal 
by the canal board, in the year 1847, he gave the work al- 
niost his entire attention for the two years he held the 
oflice. Being rising fifty years of age, the balance of the 
time he h:is been able to do busine.s.s during his life he has 
engagi'd in farming and also the manufacture of cloth. 

A liCe-liMig D'niocrat, he took an active part in matlere 
17 



MRS, AAliON G. FISH. 

G. FISH. 

of town and county. Held high in the estimation of his 
party, he was several times elected to offices of responsi- 
bility and trust, being supervisor for some five years, and 
justice of the peace and police justice for twenty years. 
Going to the polls to cast his first vote in the year 1815, 
he has not neglected this important duty of every Ameri- 
can citizen, but continued regularly, casting his last vote in 
the village of Fulton, in the spring of 1877, of which he 
was the first president. He was appointed loan commis- 
sioner for Oswego County, for one term, by Governor 
Marcy. Not disregarding the jilace of the dead, he always 
took a great interest in beautitying the grounds, and has 
done very much to add to the interest now to be .seen in 
visiting the Mount Adna cemetery. 

Quite early in life, in 1820, Enoch Ferris, engaged in 
missionary work in this county, baptized him, and he es- 
poused the Baptist faith, continuing the balance of his life 
a member of tliat body, always assisting liberally to secure 
to others what he thought he him.self po.^se.ssed, and always 
largely interested in the education of the youth of the 
country. In June, before he removed to Oswego County, 
he was married to Miss Lucy Ann Philips, of Westfield, 
Mas,sachusetts, and daughter of Ebcr Fhelps, of English 
descent. Of this marriage were born Lucy Ann, Eber 
Phelps, Lucy Ann, Eliza, Harriet L., and Andrew Jack.son 
Fish. Of these children two have died, — the eldest and 
youngest, — viz., Lucy Ann and Andrew .lackson. 

The mother, having espoused the cause of Christianity 
at the same time as her husband, remains still a member of 
the Baptist church, and is now in her eighty -second year. 
Firmly believing in a future reward, she very carefully 
taught her children le.s.sons of morality and of the necessity 
of a life of purity. She still lives to .see the fruits of her 
in.structiini, and her children respected and prominent 
members of society, the daughters living in the same village 
with their parents, admini.slering to their wants as their 
sun sets in the western horizon, and the only surviving son 
being a Ibrwarding merchant in New York city and a suc- 
cessful liusiness man. 



i5i) 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 




LYM AN PATTEUSUN. 



Tlie sulijcct of this sketch was Iwin at Castleton, Rut- 
land county, VeniKiiit, cm JIarth 28, l";i4, beiiij; llie 
gevL'iitli son of a family of eleven eliildren. His fatlier, 
David Patterson, was a lineal descciKlaiit of Sliuliael Patter- 
son, who emi-rrated fmni EiiL'laml aliont four years before 
llie eoninienec ineiit of tlic Krvolutionaiy war. and served 
seven years in that war. His mother was of Irish de.scent, 
from the Heath family, who eniij^rated to this eountry in 
an early day. His father was a tinmr liy trade, and on 
aceount of having .so ]arf,'e a family was olili<:ed to leave his 
ehililren to depend ujion theni.selves at early ages. 

Lynjan I'atterson, at the age of twenty-one years, mar- 
ried Miss Almira Tutlle, daughter of Josejdi Tuttle, of 
English de.seent. The next year he, with his wife and one 
child, removed from Vermont and settled in the town of 
Volney, Oswego County, having been eighteen days on the 
road, traveling with an ox-team, and when lie arrived had 
eighteen cents in money. 

Coming liere in tlie year 181 G, he settled near Fulton 
village, wiiere he ]iurelin.sed seventy acres of timber-land, 
anil began elearing off the forest. 

When a boy he learned the art of painting, and as .soon 
as the peopli! beeann> sullieiently able to have buildings put 
up good enongli. he resumed his old trade, jiainting the 
first house in the now thriving village ol' Pulton. 

In the year 1S:^4, having sold his f'anii, he removed to 
Fulton, wiierc he has since reside<i, following tlie business 
of a painter, ami at the same time carrying on farming as 
long as his age would iiermit. 

He is now in his eighty-fifth year, and still possesses the 
activity of a much younger man. Always tempiTale in his 
habits, by judicious management and economy he accumu- 
lated jiroperty sufiieient for his support and comfort through 



life. He .'■tands among the living pioneers of Oswego 
County. 

In the year 182G he and his wife united with the 
Methodi.-it Episcopal church of Fulton. II is wife, two 
years after, died. He has continued a member of that 
body to the present time, always contributing for the build- 
ing of churches and the sup|iort of education ; willing to 
assist others to receive what he could only obtain by priva- 
tion and endurance. 

In the year ISliO he married Miss Graty Perkins, and of 
this marriage was born one son, Sylvanus, who lived to be 
about thirty-seven years of age, and died 1872. This wife 
died in the year ISriC. In the year 18;!8 he again married, 
talking for his third wife Miss Polly Jeffers. Of this mar- 
riage was born one son, Orson, who was drowned at the 
age of six years, in the year 1848. 

The children of the first family were Almira, George II., 
and William I). Patterson. All of them are now living. 
Almira resides in Jer.sey City, having married Mr. Ellis 
Eddy, and has three children. George H. resides in Ful- 
ton, and has three children ; and William D. Patterson, 
who married Mis-* Adelia L. Keeler, has three children, 
Ilaltic A., Helen L., and William 11., all residing at home, 
in the village of Fulton, and wiiose residence is shown upon 
the opposite jiage. 

In politics l/vmaii Patterson is a Democrat, and always 
stood firm to the principles of his party. Coining into the 
county as one of its first .settlers, he has lived to see the 
original forests cleared off, the improvement in agriculture, 
and the rude log cabins supplanted with fine residences 
surrounded with lawn and shrub, and now resides with his 
son, William I>. Patterson, whose family contributes to liis 
ha}>pines8 and comfort in his old age. 





HOLSry'riUSBAIiU. 



Mrs. Holset Hubbard- 



Among the pioneers of Oswego County was Holsey 
Hubbard, ninth child of a family of twelve children of Rev. 
Thomas Hubbard, of Connecticut. He was born in Pitts- 
field, Massachusetts, December 4, 1801, his father having 
removed to that State previous to Holsey's birth, and after 
having spent some time in New Durham, New York. His 
father followed the business of a tanner and currier, spend- 
ing the most of his time during the winter months as a 
minister of the gospel. 

In the year 1818, Rev. Thomas Hubbard, with the balance 
of his family (not already removed), came and settled in 
Oswego County, in the town of Volney, settling first near 
Hubbard's Corners. Lived in Fulton until the completion 
of the canal in 1830, and then settled on a farm near Ful- 
ton with his sou Holsey. The farm is now owned by his 
granddaughter, Mrs. Julia B. Nichols, who bought the 
shares of the heirs of her father's estate. 

Holsey Hubbard was seventeen years old when he came 
to the town of Volney ; learned shoemaking from his father, 
and worked at his trade until the year 1830. 

At the age of twenty-four, and in the year 1826, he 
married Miss Rachel Hugunin, daughter of Abram Hugu- 
nin, of Montgomery county, town of Root, whose wife was 
own cousin of JIartin Van Buren, one of the presidents of 
the United States. 

Holsey's father lived with him on the farm until his 
death, on January 7, 1850, having lived to be eighty-six 
years of age, and was ordained a deacon in the Methodist 
Episcopal church, in the year 1806, by Francb Asbury, the 
first American Methodist bishop. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Holsey Hubbard were born six children, 
viz., Horace Holsey, Lucretia K., Thomas J., Leonard H., 



Eber G., and Julia B. Hubbard. All are living except 
Leonard H., who died in 1863, aged thirty years. 

Horace H. resides in San Francisco, is unmarried, and 
is a practicing physician, standing high in his profession. 

Lucretia K. married George V. Wolvin ; resides in the 
town of Hannibal ; has one child, named George Holsey. 

Thomas J. is in charge of a mine in California, and is 
unmarried. 

Eber G. married Miss Grace Newman for his second wife, 
having previously married Mrs. Mary Ann Birdseye, who 
died in 1874. He resides in the village of Fulton. 

Julia B. man-ied Clark Nichols, of Bladisou county, New 
York, son of William Nichols, of American birth, April, 
1873. They are farmers, and in remembrance of kind 
parents place an engraving of the father and a biography 
of his life upon the pages of history, in remembrance of one 
of Oswego County's representative pioneer men. 

Holsey Hubbard united with the Methodist Episcopal 
church in 1853. His wife united with the same church in 
1820, when she was only nineteen years of age. She was 
very careful in the religious instruction of her children, was 
an example of pure, intelligent womanhood, and seemed to 
live a life unspotted before the world, honored and respected. 
She died in her seventy-fourth year, in the year 1875. 

In politics he was originally a Democrat, but upon the 
formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, remaining 
firm to its principles until his death. He was a warm sup- 
porter of school and church interests, and contributed lib- 
erally for its support. Being denied the advantages of a 
common-school education while young, he gave his children 
as good an opportunity as his means would afford. 

He died May 5, 1875, being in his seventy-third year. 



HISTORY OF 0SWP:G0 COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



251 




WILLIAM INllELL. 




WILLIAM INGELL. 



P 



The subject of this sketch w;is born in the town of 

Cliester, HampJen county, Massachusetts, September 16, 

1792. He was the son of Seth Ingell, of English descent, 

and his great-grandfather wiis of English birth, having 

« Immigrated from England, in the vear 1020, on board the 

i -^'Mayflower." 

William was the sixth child and fourth son of a family 
of seven children, and lived at home with his father, who 
was a farmer by occupation, until he was twenty-three 
years of age. At the age of twenty-one lie married Miss 
Esther Whittemore, of New England birth and of English 
and Scotch descent, in the year 1813, April 20, with whom 
he lived in wedded life upwards of sixty years. In the 
year 1815 he came alone to the town of Volne}', Oswego 
County, bought one hundred and fifty acres of timber- 
land, cut the first stick of timber, built a log house, and 
cleared a small piece of land. In the fall of that year he 
returned to JIassachusetts, and remained with his wife until 
spring, when he, his wife, and infant daughter came and 
settled permanently upon his new farm, itself being and 
surrounded by an almost trackless wilderness. For a. 
number of years subse()uent to this, and during his early 
life, he was active in the administration of the affairs of his 
town, and held successively nearly all the offices in the gift 
of the people. 

All these respon.sibilities were discharged with unwaver- 
ing fidelity, and during all his long and active life the 
confidence of his fellow-citizens was never betrayed by a 
single intentional wrong act. 

There were born to JNIr. and Mrs. Ingell seven children, 
viz. : Sophia, William F., Mary C, Isaac Newton, Egbert 
N., Edson D., and Lydia A. Ingell. 

Sophia married Hiram Parker, of Herkimer county. New 
York. They have three children, — Theodore II., Edward 
N., and Minerva S. Parker. All are living. The mother 
died 18-14, April 20. 

William F. married .Miss Minerva Parker, daughter of 
Patten and Sarah Parker, of Oswego County, in the year 
1840. Her great-grandfather was of Scottish birth, and, 
emigrating from Scotland, settled in the town of Argyle, 
Washington county. New York. 

They have one daughter, named Florence Adell, who 



married W. H. Garloek, of Monroe county, and now resides 
in Dayton, Ohio. 

William P. resides upon the farm first settled upon by 
his father, and has erected fine buildings, and it is now one 
of the oldest-settled places in the town, with ornamental 
trees of large growth, and fruit-bearing trees of over half a 
century's growth, placed there by the hands of his father. 

Mary C. married James M. Chesbro, of the town of 
Volney, in the year 183G. He was son of Joseph Chesbro, 
of Connecticut, who came to Oswego County about 1816, 
and was among the pioneers of this town. They followed 
the occupation of farming for a while, and removed to the 
village of Fulton, where they now reside. 

Isaac Newton, Egbert N., and Edson D. died in infancy. 
Lydia A. married E. N. Carrier, of Oswego County, in the 
year 1850. He was the son of Harvey Carrier, a native of 
Massachusetts, and settled in the town of Volney about 
1817, and was numbered among the representative men of 
his town. Have two children, — William II. and Leman J. 
They are farmers, and now live in Phcenix. 

About the year 1835, William Ingell united with the 
Methodist Episcopal church at Fulton, his wife connecting 
herself with the church at the same time. He remained 
a steadfast member of that body, contributing for its sup- 
port up to the time of his death, which took place at his 
old homestead June 19, 1873, aged eighty-one years. The 
wife and mother is still living, having been spared to see 
four generations of her own family, and is now in her 
eighty-sixth year, quite .strong and healthy, looking down 
life's journey almost to the end. She resides with her 
children, who desire to remember their father and mother 
as among the pioneers of the county, by engravings of their 
portraits on the jiages of the history of the county to which 
they so much contributed. 

In politics, William Ingell was originally a Whig, but 
subse((uently became a Democrat opposed to slavery, and 
stood firm for the Union during its years of peril. His 
son, William F., enlisted in the service in 1861, and con- 
tinued until its close. 

Those who knew William Ingell best will cherish his 
memory as a faithful husband, a kind father, and a worthy, 
useful, and highly-esteemed citizen. 



252 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




ISAAC .MAKKIIAM. 



JASON S. MARKHAJI. 



Tlie .subject of this .sketch was born in the town of Mad- 
iw)n, in Madison county, -Maj- (i, 1814. Ho was the sou of 
Isiiac Marklianijwlio was born in Great Baningtou. Connecti- 
cut, in tlic year ITStl, and was a lineal descendant of Abijah 
Markliani, wlio euiiirrated witli his brotlier William from 
Enjilanil i he coniin;.' from Liveri)ool and the brotlier from 
Sheffield I. and settled in Ho.stoii in the year lt>27, and en-" 
pijied larjiely in the shipping b«.sine.ss, and assisted in 
buildinji tiie first wharf and first storeliouse in that city. 

I.saac Markbani was a farmer by occu|iation, and at the 
age of sevenleiii removed to Oneida eonntv, and after a few 
years removed to Madison county, and remained until the 
year ISll!, wlien he removed to tin.' town of Volney, Os- 
wego County, and .settled on lot (j!5, buying the entire lot. 
lie was married in Madi.S(]n county to Jli.ss Susan Howard, 
daughter of Ebenezcr Howard, wlujse forefathers settled in 
Bridgewater, Mas.sacliu.selts, in the year U(32, being of 
English birtli. She was born in the year 177li. There 
Were thirteen children of this family, of whom the subject 
of this skcteii was the eighth child. He was only two 
years ohl when his father removed to Oswego County, 
and remained at home with his I'ather until he was sixteen 
years olil, and w»'nt to Oswego and learned the trade of 
blacksmilhing, working on the first steamboat ("United 
Stales') run on Lake Ontario, which upon its completion on 
its Hr.st trip went on a pleasure or trial trip. Jason S., being 
entitled to ten berths as second engineer of the boat, invited 
ten of tiie olilest men of the town of \^>lncy to accompany 
him on the e.xcursiiin. He, at the age of twenty-four, re- 
turned to Madison county, working at his trade there for 
some ten years, and in 1848 came back to Oswego County, 
bought three hundred acres of tiuiber-land ami built a .saw- 
mill, cleared gi large part of it, and has since that time dealt 
largely in real estate. His father was one of the pioneers 
of tlic town. Always active in business, very few have 
such a record of labor its he, having chopped and cleared 
over three luindrcil acres of land. He died January 9, 
185'J. His wife died in 18;{2. Catehing the s[>irit"and 
energy of the father, Jason S. has been numbered anmng 
the representative men of his town. Beginning with no as- 
sistance but his own hands, he now ranks financiallv among 
th(! first men of his town. .\n incident of his early life 
which may be int<'rcsling to his ofi'spring is related by him- 



self, as follows : when eight years old he went after tlie 
cows, was lost in the woods, and remained all night, and 
during the night was surrounded by the wolves as he cud- 
dled down by the side of one of the eows. Fortunately, a 
bear came and drove away the wolves, but seemed bound to 
secure the )irey for himself; but the daring of Jason, by 
breaking sticks aroun<l trees and rattling the cow-bell, some- 
how intimidated the bear, luitil he finally reached home 
safely about ten o'clock ne.\t day. 

A second incident related by him is as follows: wliile a 
boy he started on a horse with a bag of corn through the 
Woods to Oswego Fails to Fallev's mill to get it gripund. find- 
ing his way only by marki'd trees. While at the mill be saw 
a school of salnmn in the race, and notifying .^Ir. Falley and 
^Ir. Clute (an old fisherman) of the fact, tlu-y all proceeded 
to the spot and caught twelve barrels of fish, Jason getting 
for his share one large salmon, weighing some twenty-five 
poutids, which he carried home in one end of his bag and 
his meal in the other. 

Before leaving Madison county, at the age of twenty-nine 
and in the year 184:5, he married Miss Harriet Itisley, 
daughter of Hleazer Uisley, of Ohio, whose forefathei-s wi-re 
of English biitli. To Mr. ami Mrs. .\larkham were born five 
children: Emma, Charles S., Helen H., Estella, and Isabella 
Markham. All are alivi; except Emma, who died at the 
age of eighteen, September It), 18lil. 

Charles S. married .Miss .\hnary Waugh ; have three 
children, and live near his father. 

Helen K. married .Mr. Monroe Skeels; have one daughter, 
and reside in the town of Volney. Estella married .\Ir. 
James Jones, and resides in the town of Scriba. Isabella, 
youngest daughter, resides at home and is unmarried. 

Jason S. Markham united with the Methodist Epi.scopal 
church when twenty-one years old, and remained a member 
of that biiily until tin: ]irc.sent time. He has taken the leail 
in his vicinity in the Imilding of ehnrehcs and schools, and 
sup]iorted liberally all interests looking to the advancement 
of education and the establishment of good society. 

In politics, he is a Uepublican, having formerly be- 
longed to the Barn-burner parly. Never t«kes a very 
active part in jiolitical mattei-s, but u.ses his vote with 
consideration. 

He is now in his sixty-fourth year, having spent a life of 
activity and usefulness, honored and respected by all who 
know him. 




JASON SMAfiKHAM. 



Mrs.JasonS.Markham. 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



253 





KREEiMAN GASPER. 



MRS. FREEMAN GASPER. 



FREEMAN GASPER. 



The subject uf this sketch was born in Ashfoid, Wind- 
ham cuunty, Connecticut, November 10, 1794. He was 
the son of Joseph Gasper, of French parentage, who married 
Miss Eunice Stanley, of Jlnglish descent, in the year 1789. 
The fatl'.er removed to Berkshire county, Massachusetts, 
when Freeman was only one year old, and in tlie year 
1795, and there remained some seventeen years, when the 
father died, at the age of fifty, leaving a widow and five 
children, viz. : Joseph, John, Freeman, Joel, and Mary. 
About one year afttr the death of the father the mother 
and children removed to Oswego County, New York (then 
called Oneida county), then an almost trackless wilderness. 
This was in the year 1813. With his brothers he bought 
one hundred and ten acres of timber-land, and began clear- 
ing off the forest and making the land tillable, enduring all 
the hardships common to pioneer life. By economy and 
perseverance he, in the course of a few years, became 
quite forehanded, and began to see the fruits of his toil and 
endurance. 

When twenty-three years of age, and in the year 1817, 
he married Mi.ss Betsy Tuttlo, daughter of Joseph Tuttle, 
of New England parentage. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Gasper wore born three children, viz. : 
Sophia, Freeman Stanley, and Lois Ann. 

Of th&se the eldest, Sophia, died at the age of sixteen. 

The .son was formerly a farmer, but now resides in the 
village of Fulton. He married Miss Sarah Beardslcy, 
daughter of Ephraim Beardsley, of the town of Volney, in 
the year 1841. They have two children, Joseph and Flor- 
ence. Both children are living. 

Lois Ann married John Van Buren, a shipper of 
Oswego city, in the year 1843. He died November 17, 
1870. 

They had six chiMren, viz. : Lois Ann, Freeman L., 
Anna S., John IL, Irwin, and Frank 1. All ofthe.se chil- 
dren are dead except Frank L John H. was drowned in 



the canal at Fulton, July 27, 187G. He was a promising 
young man of culture and refinement, and was thirty-two 
year.i old. 

At quite an early day, some fifty-eight years ago. Free- 
man Gasper and his wife uuited with the Methodist Epis- 
copal church at Hubbard's Corners (now Jlount Pleasant), 
a small band of Christians of only sixteen members. 

With true Puritan courage they often went twenty miles 
to attend meeting, were active members of the church, and 
at a very early day started a union Sunday-school in that 
vicinit3'. He officiated as Sunday-school superintendent, 
steward, and class-leader during the same day and for the 
same church, never tiring in the toil of his Master from 
that time until the date of this brief sketch of his life, 
1877. He has always thrown his doors open to the wander- 
ing, looked after the needy, and labored earnestly for the 
good of his fellow-men. 

His wife, after a life of care and anxiety looking after 
the moral and religious instruction of her children, lived to 
sec them become respectable members of society, and died 
August 24, 1870, honored by all who knew her. 

Freeman Gasper has been a farmer by occupation during 
his active days of life, and now, in his eighty-third year, 
lives retired in the village of Fulton with his daughter, 
Mrs. L. A. Van Buren, who cares for him in his old age, 
and as the sun of life hides itself in the horizon of life's 
jiiuruey. 

In polities he is a Democrat. In middle life took an 
active part in political matters. He was always opposed 
to human bondage, and stood firm to support the govern- 
ment in her years of peril. Being too old to encounter the 
duties of military life, he encouraged a grandson to fight 
for his country s cause. 

Freeman Gasper is numbered among the representative 
pidtierr men of Oswego County, and now enjoys an honor- 
able and righteous old age. 



254 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



SAMUEL HART. 

The subject of lliis pkotcli was born in the villaj^e of 
Hi;_'lih:ildeii, county of Kent, Eughind, October 30, 1806. 
lie i.s tlie vounfiest 8on of Thomas and I,;elilia Hart, who liad 
four children, viz. : Mary, James, EHzabeth C., and Samuel. 

IHs father was a potter by trade, and not in circumstances 
to afford his children tlie ojiportunities of a common-.^chcM)! 
education, and Samuel's education from books has been only 
what he could gain in connection with his daily work. Ilis 
father died about the year 1838, his mother dying about 
five years before, lie lived at home until he was eighteen 
years of age, learning with his father the pottery business. 
He then spent some throe years learning the mason trade 
with his brollicr-in-law, John Cleaver. In the year 1828 
he embarked for America, and landed first at Albany, 28th 
of June, not being permitted to land at New York on ac- 
count of a contagious disease among the passengers on ship- 
board. He soon left Albany and came to Oswego, and re- 
mained there four years, working at the mason trade. He 
then came to Fulton in the year 1832, and with his brother, 
who had emigrated two years before, built a pottery, and 
began the manufacture of stoneware. At the end of eight 
years he bouglit his brother's share of the property, and 
from that time until the jtrcscnt has continued the business 
on the same site, an engraving of which, with his beautiful 
residence and surroundings on the right bank of the Oswego 
river, will be seen on another page of this work under the 
portraits of himself and wife. 

Upon reaching Albany, he found he had only a few dol- 
lars, but by well-disciplined habits of economy and industry, 
and natural executive ability, he has accumulated a fine 
property, and, by increasing prosperity, ranks among the 
wealthiest of the village of Fulton. 

At the age of twenty-eight, and in the year 1834, he 
married Miss Ann Hill, born in Kent county, England, 
December 7, 181G. Of this marriage were born two chil- 
dren, viz. : liSetitia Ann and Samuel George. The first 
married John .\. Seribiicr, who died. She afterwards mar- 
ried Richard Rolfe, and now resides in Iowa. Samuel 
George married Annette Monroe, and resides in the city 
of Syracuse. 

His first wife died 1839, and he niarrie<I, in 1840, Miss 
Cornelia Beard, of Volney. Of this marriage one child 
wiiH born, named Lueelia Maria, who married Ira R. Car- 
rier, and lives in the town of N'olney. 

He lost his second wife in 1842, and married for his third 
wife, 1843, JIi.ss Miranda TafV, of New England birth and 
of English descent, anil who.se forefathers came from Eng- 
land and settled firat in Uxbridge, Massachu.«etts, about two 
hundred years ago. She was born 29th of February, 1816. 
Of this marriage were born seven children, viz. : Angelina 
Vienna, Alcena Miranda, Thomas Stephen, Mary Susan, 
a twin sister, the boy d^ing in infancy, Charles Addison, 
and Elwin Erskine. The eldest son died in infancy. 

The eldest daughter married Joseph W. Foster, and re- 
sides in Humboldt, Iowa. 

Alcena Miranda married George I. Lazier, and resides 
in Pictou, Providence of Ontario. Mary Su.san married 
James E. Rarkcr, and resides in Humboldt, Iowa. 



The ]a.st two sons are carrying on business with their 
father in Fiillim, New York, and reside at liome. 

In the year 1852 lie united with the Baptist church at 
Fulton, New York, but in a year severed his connection 
with that church and united with the old-.sehool Raptist 
church at I'alenno, and hits since remained a member of 
the same. His wife is a member of the same church, hav- 
ing been connected with religious interests since she was 
twenty-four years of age. 

In politics, Samuel Hart is a Republican, never neglecting 
business to giiin prominence in pulitieal matters. 

Samuel Hart is classed among the .self-made representa- 
tive men of his village, is honored and respected by all who 
are connected with him in any business tnuisaetimis, and 
ready to eneonnige all enterprises looking to the advance- 
ment of good society around him. 

He has lived to see four generations in his own family, 
and is now in his seventy -first year. 



F. W. SQUIRES. 

Francis W. Sijuircs was born in Lebanon, Madison 
county, New York, October 22. 1820. 

In the spring of 1838, he moved, with his father. Pierce 
Squires, to Martinsburgh, Lewis county, where he worked 
on a dairy-farm in summer, and attended school in winter, 
until his majority. 




P. W. Sl^l lltKS, 

In the winter of 1840-41, he went to the academy at 
Martin.sburgh village ; walking two and a half miles every 
night and morning, in his zeal to acquire an (nluciition. 

In the spring of 1S4C, Mr. Squires changecl his residence 
to New Haven, Oswego County, and, in the winter of 
1848—49, taught school in the district in which he lived. 
On the 9th of October, 1S.")1, he w;ls united in marriage to 
Mi.ss Sarah R. Rice, of New Haven, and, in the spring of 



M'/ 



f 



HON. EAJTSOM H, TTLEE, 
Not only prominently identified 
witli the bar of Oswego County, 
but also with the legal history of 
the Empire State, is the subject of 
this sketch. A brief outline of 
his life, so long connected with the 
interests of society, demands a 
place in this history. 

He was the son of Peter and 
Eunice Tyler, who 'were both of 
New J]ngland birth, — the former 
born in Worcester county, Massa- 
clmsctts, and the latter a native of 
Alstead, New Hampshire, — and 
whose ancestors emigrated from 
England in the early part of the 
seventeenth century. He was born 
in Leyden, Franklin county, Mas- ;. , 

saehusetts, November 18, 1815. 
When only tliree years of age his 
father removed from Massachu- 
setts, and came to the town of 
New Haven, Oswego County, New 
York, and settled as a farmer with 
his family. 

From this time until Ransom 
was sixteen years of age he worked 
on the farm with his father, but 
enjoyed the advantages of a good 
district school during the winter months, 
desire for an education become that his parents, perceiving 
this, gave him the full advantages of the academy at Mexico, 
in obtaining not only an English but a classical education; and 
ill 1853 Hamilton college conferred upon him the degree of 
" master of arts." 

In the winter of 1836 he came to Fulton Village and took 
charge of the principal public school, and the same year began 
the study of the law ; since which time he has made Fulton 
his home, and has devoted a large part of his time to his pro- 
fession as a lawyer. He early became notably prominent as 
an attorney, and, having been admitted to practice in all of the 
courts of the State in 1840, he, in the year 1844, was ap- 
pointed master in chancery, and continued in that oflBce until 
it was superseded by the constitution of the State. He was 
first appointed district attorney of Oswego County in 1S4G, 
and the next year elected to the oSice, and held it until 1851. 

In the year 1851 he was elected county judge, and at the 
end of the first term re-elected to the same office, which closed 
in the year 1858. 

For one year, including the presidential campaign of 185G, 
he rendered gratuitous service as editor of the Oswego Counfy 
Gazette, sustaining the election and subsequent administration 
of President Buchanan. He became the Democratic candi- 
date for representative in Congress in 1858, but, his party being 
largely in the minority in the district, he was defeated. 

Firmly attached to the Democratic party and its pirinciples 
until 1861, he at that time strongly supported the administra- 
tion of President Lincoln to put down the Rebellion, and has 
since acted in the main with the Republican party. 





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So eager did his 



Jc^^-, 



While young he had a desire 
for military renown, and early ac- 
cepted an inferior office, but was 
regularly promoted until he was 
appointed brigadier-general, which 
latter office he held for four years, 
resigning in 1858. 

Judge Tyler has been largely 
identified with the newspaper and 
periodical press as a writer. He 
in 1860 completed the writing of 
a book entitled "The Bible and 
Social Reform," which had an ex- 
tensive sale, and was very favora- 
bly noticed by the press of the 
United States. 

He is also the author of six law 
books published by William Gould 
& Son, of Albany, viz., " A Trea- 
tise on American Ecclesiastical 
Law," published in 1866; "Com- 
mentaries on the Laws of Inflincy 
and Coverture," published in 1 868 ; 
" A Treatise on the Remedy of 
Ejectment and the Law of Adverse 
Enjoyment," published in 1870 ; 
" A Treatise on the Law of Usury, 
Pawns or Pledges, and Maritime 
Loans," published in 1872; "A 
Treatise on the Law of Boundaries 
and Fences and Window-Lights," published in 1874; and 
lastly, "A Treatise on the Law of Fixtures," published in 
1877. These books have all had a large sale, both in this 
country and in England, and are regarded as standard works. 
His first marriage was to Miss Nancy D. Cadwell, of Car- 
thage, Jefferson county, with whom he lived only four years, 
she dying at the age of twenty-six. Two years after he mar- 
ried IMiss Mary E. Douglas, of Westfield, Massachusetts, 
daughter of the late Captain Charles Douglas, and grand- 
daughter of the late Blajor Thomas Douglas, who was a pay- 
master in the Revolutionary war, and a lineal descendant of 
the celebrated clan of that name in the Highlands of Scotland. 
Many years ago Judge Tyler had by economy and prudence 
accumulated, mostly by the practice of his profession, a fine 
property, and in the later years of his life has spent much time 
and money in visiting not only nearly all the States of his own 
country but the countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. 

Some tw'cnty years ago he united with the Presbyterian 
church at Fulton, and has since been a member of that body, 
and taken a part in its councils at home, and represented his 
presbytery in the general assembly of the churches. Always 
taking a deep interest in the building up of good society, he 
has been a constant supporter of the spread of the Bible at 
home and in foreign countries, has acted as president of the 
Oswego County Bible society for seven difierent years, and 
as trustee of Fallcy seminary for a long period. 

Such arc a few of the incidents in the life of one of Oswego 
County's prominent men, connected as he has been for a period 
of over forty years with the best interests of society in that 
county. 




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\ 





Dr. Ransom Howard. 



:>i!ff S.Ransom Howard. 



Kansom Howard, M.D., the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Windsor, Massachusetts, March 7, 1793. He 
was the son of John Howard, whose ancestors were among 
tlic early settlers of the New England States, and embarked'^ 
on the " M_a;^o _wer'' fo r America, in the year 1620.'^*^ • 

His father was a i'armer, and unable to give his chil- 
dren any advantages above the common school. It was 
so with Ransom, who, self-reliant, paved his way to ])romi- 
nencc as a medical man by his own exertions, and also 
became a master of the French, Latin, and Greek lan- 
guages, in the study of which he spent very much of his 
time. 

At an early age he came witli his father to Sangerfield, 
Oneida county, and remained there until he was about 
twenty-.seven years of age, when lie came to Oswego County 
and commenced the pi'acticc of medicine, first at Volncy 
Centre, where he continued, with the exception of six years 
spent at Gilbertville, during his professional career. 

He received his medical instruction from Dr. White, a 
man of high reputation, with whom he studied. At the 
age of thirt}' he married Miss Eliza Johnson, daughter of 
James John.son, of iNIassachusctts, whose forefathers were of 
English descent. To Mr. and Mrs. Howard were born fiur 
children, viz. : Silence, Elizabeth, William Burr, and Itan- 
som. Of these. Hansom was drowned, at the age of five 
years, at Gilbertville. Silence married Profes.sor A. R. 
Benton, a man of high reputation as a scholar, ex-chancellor 
iif Lincoln university, Nebraska, and at present professor 
in the Northwestern Christian university, at Indianapolis. 
They have three children, Grace Eliza, JIattic, and Howard. 
J'^lizabeth married Albert A. IJurfey, of this county, a 
I'armer, and now looks after and cares for her mother in her 
declining years, — she being in her seventy-sixth year. 
William Burr married Mi.ss Lucy Mary Ilinman, of this 
town, whose lather w^is one of the first settlers in the town 
of Volney. Tiiey liave five children, viz. : Libbie 3Iay, 
Ozander, BeTiton, Burr, and Mira. 

At the age of thirty Mrs. Dr. Howard united with the 
Presbyterian church at Bristol Hill, and has since remained 



a member of that body. Her example before her children 
has been such as to leave an impress of the value of morality 
and virtue upon their minds, which has resulted in their 
becoming respectable members of society and connected 
with church interests. Dr. Howard was indefatigable as a 
medical man, was among the pioneers of his profession in 
the town, and ranked among the fir,st. His ambition was so 
great, and the hardships he was called upon to endure as an 
early practitioner so severe, that his health gave way and 
his constitution became undermined while only fifty years of 
age, and for the next twenty years he was obliged to leave 
his large practice for others. He gave much attention to 
the education of his children, and placed in tlieir possession 
the boon of priceless value, by the best opportunities tJuit 
the schools of this vicinity could afford. His son William 
Burr is held in high estimation by his fellow-men, having 
held the office of school commissioner one term, and re- 
ceived the nomination from the Democratic party of the 
assembly district, on two different occasions, to represent it 
in the State legislature. 

Dr. Howard lived to the age of seventy-one years, and 
died in the year LSG4. Possessed of an excellent physi(|ue, 
he not only gained eminence as a medical practitioner in 
Oswego and other counties, but, what is less notorious, yet 
generally true, he was a man of fine intellectual taste, and 
possessed of an unquenchable thirst after knowledge. Apart 
from his professional study, he was a great student of lan- 
guages and general literature, and even in his advanced 
life was eager to master the German language as he had the 
French. Such intellectual tastes at an advanced age are 
rare, and remind one of tjie elder Cato, who began the study 
of Greek in his old age ; and ho, like the old Roman, was 
remarkable I'ur the simplicity of his life and the fewness of 
his wants. Though living without ostentation or sclf-a.sser- 
tion, his influence was great in his region. Tiiis was gained 
without the arts men usually empioj', but by t!ie simple 
power of a pun; life and grand personality. He wa.s an 
illustrious exam]ile of that native force and character found 
in the struggle of fortune, life, and effect. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



255 



1853, again changed his place of abode ; going to North 
Volney, where he has since resided. 

In the spring of 1859, he was elected a justice of the 
peace, and was re-elected in 1867, and again in 1871 ; 
serving in all twelve years. He was elected a justice of 
sessions of Oswego County in the fall of 1874, and served 
one year. He was commissioned postmaster at North 
Volney in October, 18C1, and still holds that position. 

Mr. Squires' first wife died March 8, 1860, leaving 
three children ; another, the eldest, having died the fall 
before. On the 2'Jth of August, 1875, he married his 
present wife, previously Mrs. Maria L. Coe. 

During the war for the Union he enlisted in Company 
A, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth New York Infantry, 
and served as clerk of the company. 

For the last three years he has devoted much time to the 
subject of local history, having visited every town in the 
county to .search the records, collect data, etc. His diligence 
and accuracy are well known. The sketches of Volney and 
New Haven in this work are from his pen, besides which 
he has furni.shed us with much other valuable infurniatiou. 



MILITARY RECORD OF VOLNEY. 



Tioeiili/- Fourth Regiment, Iiifnutry. — Orville J. Jennings, captain, Co. 

E. Enlisted Apr. 18,1861; promoted on organization of CO.; 

was in battles of 3d Bull Run, Falmouth, Rappahannock Station, 

Fredericksburg, and ChauccUorsville ; discharged at end of term 

of two years. 

Albert Taj'Ior, capt., Co. H. Enlisted May 17, 1861 ; was in battles 

of Falmouth, Rappahannock Station, Cedar Mountain, and 2d 

Bull Run : rc-cnlisted in Co. A, 24th Cav., Doc. 28, l.SG.'i ; pro. to 

major Dec, 1864 ; in battles of Cold Harbor, before Petersburg, 

and under Sheridan at Lee's surrender ; dis. June 26, 1865. 

Wilbur F. Taylor, sergt., Co. H. Enlisted May 17, 1861 ; in battles 

of Falmouth, Cedar Mountain, and 2d Bull Run ; killed Aug. 

311, 1862. 

Charles A. Taylor, sergt., Co. II. Enlisted May 17, 1861 ; in battles 

of Falmouth, Rappahannock Station, Cedar Mountain, and 2d 

Bull Run; dis. at end of term; re-enlisted in the 24th Cav., 

Dec. 28, 1863; pro. to 1st lieut. on organization of regt. ; in 

battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, before Petersburg, and at 

Lee's surrender; dis. June 26, 1865. 

Norman G. Cooper, 2d lieut., Co. E. Enlisted May 4, 1861 : was in 

battles of Rajipahannock Station, Gainesville, 2d Bull Run, and 

Chancellorsville ; dis. in 1863. 

Charles N. Tiffany, private, Co. P. Enlisted May 2, 1861; was in 

battle of Catlett Station ; dis. Dec. 20, 1862, for injuries received 

in service ; re-enlisted, private, in Co. D, 193d ; dis. .lune 16, 1865. 

Lewis Sherman, Co. H. Enlisted May 10, 1861 ; in battles of 2d Bull 

Run and Chancellorsville; dis. May 29, 1863. 
Lorenzo D. Cooper, Co. E. Enlisted May 12, 1861 ; dis. for disab'y, 

Aug. 27, 1861 ; re-enlisted in 1862 ; dis. Feb. 3, 1864. 
Truman Snow, Co. A. Enlisted April 19, 1861 ; in battles of Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, and 2d Bull Run ; dis. Jan. 2, 1863 ; 
re-enlisted, Corp., Veteran Reserve Corps, Feb. 14, 1865. 
Thomas Gofield, Co. E. Enlisted May 6, 1861 ; discharged for disa- 
bility May, 1862 ; re-enlisted in Co. A, 12th Cav.; discharged 
March 8, 1864. 
Francis Seymour, Co. E. Enlisted ^lay 1, 1861 ; dis. for disability 

Sept. 1, 1861. 
Michael Keefe, Co. F. Enlisted April 27, 1861 ; in battles of 2d 
Bull Run, Fredericksburg, South Mountain ; wouniled, and dis- 
chargeil June 1, 1863; re-enlisted, Corp., Co. F, 15th Cav., June, 
1864 : in battles of Lynchburg and AViuchester, and at Lee's 
surrender; discharged June 27, 1865. 



Henry Knapp, Co. E. Enlisted May 6, 1861 ; dis. for disability 
Aug., 1861 ; re-enlisted as corp., Co. A, 24th Cav., Dec. 4, 1863 ; 
In battles of Wilderness and Cold Harbor; taken prisoner, and 
died at Anderstrnvillc, July 31, 1864. 
James McDonald, Co. I. Enlisted May 5, 1801 ; in battle of 2d Bull 
Run ; dis. June 1, 1863 ; re-enlisted in Co. I, 15th Cav,, Jan. 2, 
1864; in battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and before Peters- 
burg, where he was wounded; dis. Aug. 9, 1865, with regt. 
Alfred La Port, Co. E. Enlisted April 21. 1861; in battles of Fred- 
ericksburg, Chancellorsville, 2d Bull Run; wounded; discharged 
May 29, 1863. 
William Sherman, Co. 11. Enl'd May 9, '61 ; killed at 2d Bull Run. 
Abram C. Scrivcr, sergt.-maj. Enlisted May 9,1861; iu battles of 

Fredericksburg, 2d Bull Run, and Antietam. 
William Piatt, Co. G. Enlisted April 29, 1861 ; in battles of Fal- 
mouth, 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville; dis. 
July 1, 1863 ; re-enlisted Co. G, 24th Cav., June 4, 1864; in bat- 
tles before Petersburg, Weldon Railroad, and Five Forks; dis- 
charged Aug. 4, 1865. 
Patrick Fleming, sergt., Co. F. Enlisted May 6, 1861 ; was in battles 
of 2d Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville; 
dis. M.ay 13, 1863 ; re-enlisted, 2d lieut., Co. A, 24th Cav., 
Dec. 15, 1863; in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold 
Harbor, and Petersburg; killed at Weldon Railroad, in January, 
1865. 
James Fleming, Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1861 ; in battles of 2d Bull 
Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville; dis. May 
13, 1863; re-cnlisted, private, Co. A, Hancock's 5th Inf. Corps, 
Jan., 1865. 
Silas Horton, musician, Co. 11. Enlisted Dee. 24, 1864 ; in battles of 
2d Ball Run, Fredericksburg, and .\ntietam ; dis. May 29, 1863. 
M. D. Smith, musician, Co. E. Enlisted May 4, 1861 ; dis. for disa- 
bility ; re-enlisted Jan. 4, 1864, in Co. E, 24th Cav.; and dis. 
with regt. July 19,1865. 
Francis Cullcn, private. Co. H. Enlisted June 29, 1861 : in battles 
of Harper's Ferry, South Mountain, and Antietam; mortally 
wounded at Fredericksburg, and died and was buried near there. 
Marcus A. Corey, Ist lieut., Co. E. Enlisted June 29, 1861 ; in bat- 
tles of 2d Bull Run, H.arpcr's Ferry, Antietam, and Fredericks- 
burg ; wounded ; re-cnlisted in Co. A, 24th Cav. ; in battles of 
Cold Harbor, Wilderness, and before Petersburg ; discharged. 
Harvey Dubois, Co. B. Enlisted May 17, 1861; dis. May 29, 1863; 

re-enlisted in Co. B, ]84th, Aug. 20, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Herman Trask. Enlisted 1861 ; dis. for disability; re-enlisted in Co. 

F, 81st Regt.; served 9 months; dis. with regt. 
Lorcn Austin, Co. C. Enlisted Nov. 3(1, 1863; was in battles of 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and wounded before Petersburg, a ball 
passing through bis left eye; dis. June 15, 1865. 
George Simpson, sergt., Co. 11. Enlisted May 15, 1861 ; died of dis- 
ease in service, May 20, 1862, and buried at Falmouth, Va, • 
Henry Kinne, Co. H. Enlisted May 17, 1S61 ; in battles of Freder- 
icksburg, 2d Bull Run, Antietam, South Mountain, and others; 
was wounded, and dis. at end of term. 
Michael Fitz Gibbons, Co. B. Enlisted Ajiril 1, 18;')1 ; was in battles 
of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Culpepper, twenty-nine in all ; 
re-eulisted, Corp., Co. F, 16th, Feb. 7, 1863. 
Nelson Banwormer, Co. B. Enlisted Apr. 16, 1861; in several bat- 
tles, and killed in 2d Bull Run. 
John Greenbush, Co. H. Enlisted April, 1861; in front of Rich- 
mond; dis. Aug., 1865. 
Orlando Cole, Co. B. Enlisted April 27, 1861 ; served out time; re- 
enlisted, Co. A, Sept. 3, 1864 ; served ten months. 
Benjamin Hart. Enlisted .April, 1861 ; in a number of battles, and 
wounded in 2d Bull Run in legs ; returned, and died Nov. 24, '62. 
Harvey Bundy, Co. B. Enl'il .\pr. 2,5, 1861 ; killed in 1st Bull Run. 
Nelson Burgess, Co. E. Enl'd Dec, '61 ; dis. for deafness Feb., '62. 
Samuel E. Rice, Corp., Co. D. Enl'd .\pr., '01 ; killed in 2d Bull Run. 
William Fredenburgh, Co. H. Enid May 8, '61 ; killed at 2d Bull Run. 
Charles U. Owen, Co. It. Enlisted May 11, 1861: dis. for disab'y ; 
re-enlisted in Co. C, 117th, May 3, 1863; in battles of Drury's 
Bluff, Cold Harbor, and in front of Petersburg. 
Michael Sheridan, Co. E. Enlisted Apr., 1861 ; iu b:ittles of Fred- 
ericksburg and 2d Bull Run. 
Frederick Stanton, Co. II. Enlisted May, 1861 ; served three months ; 
discharged. 



25G 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



l>bili|i A. Ellil, Co. E. Koliatod Mny S, 1861 ; in CbaDccllorgville 

mill Bull Hun balilcfi. 
Will. II. Toinpkiiiy. Co. K. Knlintcil Nuv. 0. 1SG1 ; served his time, 

anil ri' enlislcil in the 21tli Cur., Sept. '."J, lsn3 : dit. Juno 20, 'C&. 
Benjamin M. Kllir. eorp., Cu. E. Knlihted April, ISCI : in battles 

uf 2il Itiill Run, Antii-taiii, Cliniicellursville : dip. Miiy 21*, 'O.'t. 
Truman C. Musber, fergt., Co. K. Kniistvd May, 1S5I ; in battles of 

2d Hull ltun,.\ntietuin,aud Cbaneelloriville: dis. May 2!l, 1865; 

rc-enIM, Bcrgt., in Co. K, isiib : dis. July 23, ISCi. 
Morrison A. Kandull, Co, II. Knl'd -Miiy 17, 1S6I : die. niter eighteen 

moulha: re-enl'd Co. D, Heavy .\rt., June 22, 1XC3: in battles 

Cold Harbor, Petersburg: dis. l-'^Oo, 
Sylvester Tucker, killi-d at IJeliysliurg. 
Cyrus Mead, Co. II. Knl'd .May 17, ISSI : in battles 2d Bull Run, 

Antielam, and Fredericktiburg ; dis. May 2'J, '()3 : re-enl'd a sergL 
James Sanders, Co. II. Knl'il May 7, 1.><0I : in battles 2d Bull Run, 

Antielam: rc-enl'd 1S84 : dis. July III, I.SO.'). 
Henry Cnndce, Co. II. Knl'd May H, '61 : di.«. for disability July 5, '62. 
John Johnson, Co. K. EnI'd Moy 7, ISUI ; in bailies of Weldon R. 

R., and before Petersburg: dis. May 211, 1863: re-inl'd in loth 

Cavolry : was at Lee's surrender. 
Charles Husted, Co. H. Knl'd Mny 9, 1861 : dis. fur disability May 

5, '6J; rc-oni'd in 147lh, April 22, '62: lost right hand in battle. 
James Ayers, Cu. E. Enlisted April, 1861 : killed at 2d Bull Run, 

Aug. :!0, 1861. 
James K. Corrcy, private, Co. E. EnI'd July, "61 : ilis. for disability 

May 23, 1862: re-enli»led, scrgt., 14th Heavy Art. 
Robert F. Correy, Co. E. Eiilisled May, 1861 ; in 2d Bull Run and 

Fredcrieksburg: dis. .May 211, 1863. 
Sidney M. Ottman, jirivate, t^o. II. Enlisted April, IS6I : died of 

wounds at 2d Bull Run, July "lO, 1863. 
Raymond Jasper, Co. A. EnI'd Sept., IS6I : dis. .May, IS02. 
John Elliolt. Enlisted May, 1861 ; died at Syracuse. 
Rii-liard I.. Hill, 1st lieut. Enli'tcd .May, IS6I. 
Ten Kyck 0. Pauling, 2d lieut., Co. E. 
Ei-jlity-ltiii lti(jlmriii.—1. bwight Stowe, capt., Co. F. EnI'd .\ug. 10, 

1861 : in battle of Fair Oaks : wounded ; resigned July 26. 1862. 
Joseph M. Gould, sergt., Co. G. Knl'd Sept. 14, 1861 : in battles of 

Seven Pines. Fair llaks, ,\nlietani, Fredericksburg: dis. Feb. 23, 

1861 ; rc-enl'd same day ; in battle of Cold Harbor ; killed before 

Petersburg. 
Samuel W. Dunham, Corp.. Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1861 ; in battles 

of Seven Pines, Antietuin, p>edericksburg : rc-ciilisted same co., 

Sept. 17, 1864 : in three battles after re-enlistment. 
John E. Smith, Co. F. EnI'd Dec. 24, 1861 : in battles of Fair Oaks, 

Seven Pines, Malvern Hill, and Antietam ; dis. Jan. 1, 1864: re- 

cnl'd same day ; in battles before Petersburg, Swift Creek, and 

Drnry's Bluff. 
William S. Bennett, sergt., Co. B. EnI'd Sept. 13, 1861 ; dis. March 

29, '62, for disability ; re-cnl'd in Co. B, 15th Cav., in July, 1863 ; 

was in battles of Monucacy, Frederick City, Five Forks, and 

Weldon R. R. 
John Ashley, Co. B. Enlisted March 29, 1864; dis. Aug. 31, 1865. 
George Juno, private, Co. B. EnI'd March 18,1861: in battles of 

Drury'sBlulT, Cold Harbor, and before Petersb'g; dis. Aug. 31, '65. 
Daniel C. Ri.x, capt., Co. It. EnI'd Deo., 1861, as 2d lieut.: pro. to 

1st lieut. after battle of Fair Oaks, and to oapt. after Gettysburg; 

killed at Chapin's Farm. 
Martin Wright. Enlisted Dec , 1861 : in battles of Fair Oaks, Seven 

Pines, and .Antielam; rc-enlisled Jan. 1, 1863; dis. in 1865. 
Thomas Ncele, Co. F. EnI'd Nov. 16, '62 : dis. for disab. June I9,'6.3. 
Otis Pitcher, Co. F. Enlisted Oct II, 1861 ; in battles of Fair Oaks 

and Williamsburg; dis. Oct. 26, 1864. 
Henry Hill, color-sergt., Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1861 : in battles 

of Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, and Antictjim ; re- 
enl'd in same co., June I, 1864 ; in four other battles ; dis. Aug. 

31, 1865. 
Martin Wells, Co. F. Knl'd Sept. 12, 1861 ; in battles of White Oak 

Swamp, Yorktown, Williamsburg, and Seven Pines; reported 

killed Njv., 1863. 
Selah Taylor, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1861 ; iu batllcs of Wilder- 
ness and Cold Harbor; dis. to rc-enlisi .Inn. 1, 1861 : trans, to 

Invalid (.'orps. 
Saxton Storrs Taylor, Co. F. Knl'd July 12, 1862; in battles of the 

Wilderness and Petersburg; dis. with regiment. 



John F. Dc Forest, capt., Co. F. EnI'd Sept. 23, 1861 ; pro. lo lieuL 
on organization, and to capt. in 1863; in battle of Fair Oaks and 
several others; resigned in 1864. 

James Croinbie, sergt., Co. F. Enlisted i^ept. 10, 1861 ; in battle of 
Fair Oaks and several skirmishes; trans, to Vet. Reserve Corps, 
Aug. 17, 1863; dis. Sept. 19, 1864. 

Henry Sharp, 2il lieut., Co. F. EnI'd Sept. 10, '61 ; seriously wounded 
at Fair Oaks ; afterwards pro. to capt. 21st Regl. col, troops. 

James W. Dyer, Co. F. EnI'd Oct. 2, 1861 ; wounded at Cold Har- 
bor, and died of wounds at .\lexaiidria, Va,, July 17, 1864. 

Norwood R. Dyer, Co. F. EnI'd Oct. 3, 1861; dis. Oct. 29, 1862, for 
disability. 

Lewis N. Holdcn, sergt., Co. F. EnI'd Sept. 16, 1861 ; in battles of 
- Seven Pines and Fair Oaks ; wounded on picket: dis. Aug. 1, '62. 

Henry .M. Sheldnn. Co. C. Knl'd Sept. 16. 1861 ; served nine nionlbs; 
discharged for disability. 

Frederick Johnson, Co. F. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1861 ; wounded in the 
shoulder in battle of Fair Oaks; dis. Oct. 6, 1862. 

Isaac W. Bunn, Corp., Co. F. Enlisted Aug., 1.S61 ; killed in battle 
of CobI Harbor, June 3, 1861, and burioil on the field. 

Edward Bunn, Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1861 ; in bullies of Swift 
Creek, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg: dis. Sept. 16, 1864. 

John Hugunin, Corp., Co. A. Enlisted Oct. lii, 1861 ; in battles of 
Yorktown and Seven Pines; dis. Dec. 21, 1863 ; rc-cniistcd in 
same CO. Jan. 1, '64; in battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and 
shot in front of Petersburg, Aug. 22, 1864. 

Daniel C. Calkins, Co. F. EnI'd Sept. 23, 1861 : in bailies of Seven 
Pines, White Oak i^wamp, and .Malvern Hill: dis. September 20, 
1804. 

John Wilber, Co. B. EnI'd Dec. 15, 1801 ; in battles of Seven Pines, 
Fair Oak.«, and siege of Charleston ; dis. March 5, 1861 : re-en- 
listed March 5, 1864, in same co. ; in battle of Wilderness, and 
killed al Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864. 

Martin Chesbro, ]irivale, Co. F. Enlisted Sept., 1861; dis. for dis- 
ability .March, 1863. 

Geo. B. Coats, drummer, Co. F. EnI'd Sept., 1801 : in battle of 2d 
Bull Run : killed at battle of South Mountain, Sept., 1862. 

Christopher Wilber. Co. D. Enlisted Dec. 10, 1861 ; dis. for disab'y 
June, 1862. 

Frank London, Co. B. Enlisted Sept., 1S61. 

Lorenzo U. Kcnyon, Co. <i. Enlisted 1861 ; in batllcs of Fair Oaks, 
White Oak .Swamp, and Malvern Hill; dis. Nov., 1865. 

John D. Kay, sergt., Co. L. EnI'd Sept. 10, 1861 ; in siege of York- 
town and battle of Fair Oaks : dis. Oct. 15, 1862: re-enlisted in 
same CO. Jan. 1, '01 ; in battles of Ft. Harrison and Appomattox. 

Geo. W. Gates, Co. D. Enlisted Sept. 12, 1861: was in siege of 
Yorktown and battle of Fair Oaks; discharged Oct. 15, 1862; 
rc-enl'd in Co. F. 94lh Regl., Jan. 4, 1804 ; dis. Oct. 15, 1865. 

Charles H. Kendall, Co. F. Enlisted April, 1864; in battle of Cold 
Harbor, and supposed to be killed there. 

William H. Hurl, Co. D. Enlisted Nov., 1861 ; discharged in 1863. 

Alonr.o Ilulburt, Co. D. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861; in battle of Fair 
Oaks: discharged July 29, 1865. 

James W. Newman, Co. F. Enlisted Jan., 1802; re-cnlisted in same 
regt. : killed Sept. 30, 1864. 

Samuel P. Newman, Co. F. Enlisted Dec, 1863 ; in battle of Drury's 
Bluff. 

Frank Lcroy, Co. B. Enlisted Oct., 1861 : in buttle of Fair Oaks; 
dis. .Ian. 5, 1863 ; rc-enl'd in same co. ; lost his left arm in action. 

One lltiiitliril iimt Tinih /I'ljiiiiiiii. — John Sawyer, cupt., Co. E. En- 
listed Aug. 25, 1861; discharged Aug. 5, 1863, for disability; 
afterwards servcil with Christian Commission. 

Vnlorous Rnndall, Isl lieut., Co. A. EnI'd Aug. 6, 1861 : was in bat- 
tles of Camp Bislund and Franklin : killed at Port Hudson. 

Abnon Wood. 2d lieut., Co. A. Eiil'd Aug., 1862; was in several 
battles, and died at Hrunswiek Bay, La., of wounds received at 
battle of Franklin, .May 26, 1863. 

Rudolph Van Vulkciiburgh, Isl lieut., Co. A. Was in battles of Camp 
l{i.«lnnd ond Port Hudson: dis. with regt. Aug. 25, 1865. 

Edward Lord, chaplain of regt. Knli.«teil .\ug. 19, 1862: resigned 
Aug. 19, 1S63. 

Allan C. Livingston, surg. EnI'd July 29, '02: resig'd Jan. 16, '84. 

Oliver .N. Bartlcit, sergt., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 0,1862; in battles 
Camp Ilislund, Vermilion Bayou, uiid Port Hudson: wounded; 
discharged Aug. 27, 1804. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



257 



Loyd A. Loomis, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 17, 1862 ; at siege of Port Hud- 
son ; died at Baton Rouge hoppital, Aug. 24, IS04. 
Nicholns Lester, corp., Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 7, 18C2 ; was in battles of 
Camp Bisland, Franklin, and Port Hudson; discharged with 
rcgt. Aug. 27, 1805. 
George W. Knnpp, private, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1SG2; in battles 
of Vermilion Bayou, Franklin, and Port Hudson ; discharged 
with regiment. 
Edward Harvey. Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 9, 1862 ; was in battles of Camp 

Bisland, Vermilion, and Port Hudson ; discharged with rcgt. 
Franklin A. Bucll, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 7. 1862; in battles of Camp 

Bishind and Port Hudson ; discharged Aug. 27, 1865, 
Geo. Cornelius, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 4, 1862 ; dis. Aug. 27, 1865. 
William Lasher, private, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862 ; dis. for disab. 

Aug. :i, lS6;i. 
Samuel Smith, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 2. 1862; in battles of Camp Bia 

land and Port Hudson; discharged Aug. 27, 1862. 
Thomas H. Lake, drum-major. Enl'd Aug. 1, 1862; dis. by general 
order No. 126, but retained in service until Mar. 10, 1863; re- 
enlisted Mar, 11, Co. C; discharged Jan. II. 1865. 
George E. Abby, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; dis. Aug. 27, 1865. 
Andrew Patrick, Co. I. Enl'd Aug, 4, 1862; in battles Camp Bis- 
land and Port Hudson; discharged Aug. 27, 1865. 
Silon Dudcry, Co. I. Enlisted Aug., 1862; wiis in battles of Camp 
Bisland and Port Hudson; discharged for disability Jan., 1865 ; 
re-cnlisted in 16th Regt. Inf., Feb., 1865. 
Thomas Howard. Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 4, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Chiiuncey Kidney, Co, A. Enl'd Aug. 25, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland and Port Hudson; died at Port Hudson, Aug. 18, 186.1, 
of chronic diarrhoea. 
Daniel McCarthy, Co. A. Enl'd Sept. 3, 1864; disch. with regt, 
Henry L. Hinckly, Co. A, Enl'd Aug. 17, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland and Port Hudson; promoted to capt. of colored troops, 
Samuel P. Storms, 2d lieut., Co, A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; pro. 2d 

lieut. and trans, to Engineer corps; discharged June 20, 1864. 
Brainerd M, Pratt, Ucut.-col. Promoted to capt. at organization of 
regt.; was in battles of Camp Bisland and Port Hudson; pro. 
lieut.-col. of 2d Louisiana Engineer corps; detailed as supt. of 
contrabanils. 
Josiah Cootor, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 14, 1862 ; in battles of Camp Bis- 
land and Port Hudson; dis. for disab'y Aug. 11, 1863; re-unl'd 
in Co. D, 193d, April 1, 1865. 
John Dyer, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; was in l)attles of (.'amp Bis- 
land and Port Hudson: discharged with regt. 
Jefferson Perkins, eorp., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862; in battles 

Ciimp Bisland, Vermilion Bayou, Port Hudson ; dis. with regt. 
John D. Buell, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 5, 1862; disch. fur disab., April 

11. 1862. 
John Howe. Co. A. Enlisted Aug, 4, 1862: in battles of Camp Bis- 
land, Pleajiant Hill, and Port Hudson; diseh. Aug. 28, 1865, 
Ovid Sceley, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862; was in expedition of 

Sabine river; discharged for disability, Feb, 1, 1866. 
Anuis L. Stearns, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; in battles of Camp 

Bisland and Port Hudson; discharged Aug. 28, 1S65. 
Henry D. Wells, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland, Vermilion Bayou, and Purt Hudson; disch. for disab., 
April. 1864. 
Richard Latham, Co. A. Enli.'^tcd Aug. 6, 1862; in battle of Camj) 

Bisland; discharged for disability, April 16, 1863. 
Barney Ferguson, Co. A, Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland and Port Hudson; disch. with regiment, Aug. 28, 1865. 
Frederick G. Ferguson, musician, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862: disch. 

with regiment. 
John Vrcland, Co. I. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; in battles of Camp 

Bisland, Port Hudson ; discharged with regiment. 
B. C. Johnson, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1862 ; disch. with regiment. 
Henry Goodjon, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 24, 1862; with regiment in 

two battles of Camp Bisland, Port Hudson; disch. with regt. 
Abel B. Mncy, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862; in the two battles 

above named; discharged with regiment. 
Clinton Hezekiah Sago. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland and siege of Port Hudson ; promoted colonel Fob. 5, 
1863; resigned Dec. 14, 1863. 
John B. Taylor, Co. I. Enlisted July 27, 1862; at siege of Port 
Hudson; discharged with regiment. 



James L. Parker, sergeant, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; promoted 

to 1st sergeant in battle of Port Hudson; disch. with regiment. 

Peter Fnrguson, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862; was in battles of 

Camp Bisland and Port Hudson ; died at Tortugas, and buried 

there, Dec. 14, 1864. 

Cyrus D. Stebbins, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; in two battles; disch. 

with regiment. 
Joseph W. Foster, clerk of Co. A. In three battles; promoted cap- 
tain, 96th Regiment colored troops, in 1863. 
Zenas Emory, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862 ; in battles of Camp Bisland, 

Franklin, Port Hudson, Vermilion Bayou; disch. Aug., 1865. 
Charles H. Lee, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; was in three battles, 

and died of yellow fever at Key West, July 12, 1864. 
Edward Jlorrison Smith, Co. G. Enlisted Aug. 11, 1862; was in four 

battles; discharged Sept. 4, 1865. 
Charles Chesbro, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1862; was jn battles of 
Port Hudson, Vermilion, and Camp Bisland ; disch. Sept. 4, 1865. 
Harrison Skeeles, corp., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 21, 1862 ; at siege of Port 
Hudson; prom, to corp., May 11, 1864; disch. Sept. 4, 1864; re- 
enlisted in Co. A, 184th, Aug. 22, 1864; disch. with regiment. 
John C. Skeeles, Co. I. Enl'd Feb. 16, 1864; served 7 months; disch. 
Hiram S. Baldwin, corp., Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 9, 1862; was in battles 
before Port Hudson, Vermilion, and Camp Bisland; disch. with 
regiment. 
Joseph B. Butler. 2d lieut. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862, as engineer; killed 

while on engineer duty, June 21, 1863. 
AVilliam Jones, priv., Co. A. Enl'd July 29, 1862; at siege of Port 

Hudson; discharged with regiment. 
Rozelle Berry, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1862; in battle of Port Hud- 
son ; discharged with regiment. 
Francis Bcnaway, Co. I. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862; in battle of Port 

Hudson ; discharged with regiment. 
Jas. E. Stanton, Co. D. Enl'd Aug. 11, 1862; disch. with regiment. 
Samuel W. Nettlcton, Co. A. Enlisted July, 1862; discharged for 

disability, Jan. 24, 1865. 
James C. Jones, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 26, 1862; was in battles of Camp 

Bisland, Carrion Crow; discharged Aug. 9, 1865. 

Henry Wilson, corp., Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 5, 1862; was in battles of 

Camp Bisland, Carrion Crow, Port Hudson: died of fever, Aug. 

27, 1804. 

Wm. Nightingale, sergt., Co. I. Was in four battles; dis. with regt. 

Edward M. Moody, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; in battle of Carrion 

Crow; discharged with regiment. 
Geo, H. C. Taft, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1S62: promoted sergeant; 

discharged with regiment. 
Daniel A. Hersey, corp., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, IS62 ; in battles of 
Camp Bisland, Port Hudson, and Brashear City : disch. with regt. 
Chas. Perry, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; in battles of Camp Bis- 
land, Carrion Crow, and Port Hudson ; disch. with regiment. 
Jacob Van Camp, Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; disch. June 20, 1865. 
Almon Hutciiins, private, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 7, 1862; in three 

battles; discharged with regiment. 
Edward Waugh, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 7, 1862; in battles of Camp 
Bisland, Carrion Crow, and Port Hudson ; disch. with regiment. 
John Waugh, Co. A. Enlisted Sept., 1864; disch. with regiment. 
James Waugh, Co. A. Enlisted Sept., 1864; disch. with regiment. 
Chas. A. Aycrs, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; disch. with regiment. 
Jos. W. Warner, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; disch. Aug. 2, 1865. 
John Bennett, Co. I. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862; disch. June 9, 1865. 
Cyrus W. Hitchcock. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; disch. for disab., 1863. 
Geo. W. Allen, hospital steward. Enl'd Aug. 6, 1862; in battles of 

Camp Bisland, Franklin, Vermilion, and Port Hudson. 
Alfred H. Fox, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862 ; died of disease, Aug. 

8, 1863, at New Orleans. 
Richard Cranden, Co. E. Enl'd 1862; in three battles: disch. with 

regiment. 
James Cromley, 1st sergeant, Co. A. 

One Iluutlred and Forttf- Seventh Reijimcnt. — Geo. A. Sisson, captain, 
Co. D. Enlisted Aug, 8, 1862; promoted 1st lieut. at organiza- 
tion, and captain Feb. 24, 1863; was in battle of Chancclloraville, 
and died three tlays after. 
Richard Esmond, major by brevet. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1H62 ; promoted 
sergt. -major Oct, 8, 1863 ; Ist lieut., Fob. 4, 1864; captain. May 
21, 1864; anil major, Ajir. 1, 1865 ; was in battles of Fredericks- 
burg, Chaneellorsvillo, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Laurel Hill, 



258 



niSTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cold Harbor, Petcnborg, Fire Forks, and Lre't aiirrender : discb. 
June 19, 1S«5. 

Gilbert Van Du!<en, 2il licut., Co. 1>. F.nliated Aug., 1882 : in battle of 
Cbancellorsvillo ; killrtl at Octtr^burg. 

Robert \V. ,Scott, Co. D. GnlisleJ Aug. 21, 1S62; in l>atllci= of Wil- 
dornc«« and twenty others; at Lcc'a surrender; discharged June 
7, I.tfia. 

Wni. II. Wat-ion, sergoani, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 2(1, ISI12; in battles 
of Mint* Uun ami Lnurol Hill; wounded; ilii'ch. May 1.1, IS(i5« 

Chaunccy H. Booth, eorp., Co. D. Enl'd Aug. 2.1, 1802: in battles of 
Cbancellorsville and (iellysburg: taken priBonor July 24, I8|>6. 

Stephen 8. Hortcn, sorgt., Co. A. Knl'd Sept. 6, l.><('>2: in battles of 
Wilderness, Spotlsylvanin, Cold Harbor, and before Petersburg: 
discharged Feb. 1.3, 18115. 

Amos D. Fuller, corporal, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1862: died at 
Camp Morris, Nov. 1, 1S(12, and buried at Fulton. 

Ale^anJer Iluletl, captain, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1802; resigned 
soon after. 

John B. Sicrnburgh, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1802 ; discharged Feb., 
18B3, for disability. 

I>avid Slay, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 2.1, 1862; died of typhoid fever 
at Falmouth, Va., June 11, 180,1. 

Cyrus E. Brown, corporal, Co. 1). Enlisted Aug. 22, 1802; in battles 
of Wilderness, Clmncellorsville. and others; severely woundctl 
at ticttyeburg: discharged June 2.1, 180j. 

Loren K. Clark, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1802; wns in hospital 
most of the time: discharged for disability, Sept. 2.>, istilt. 

Abiathur Clark, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1802; was in battles of 
Chnncellorsville, tiettysburg; was wounded at battles of NVildor- 
ness. alsoat Hatcher's Run; ilischargcil May 111. 1S05. 

George L. Woods, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 22. IS(12 : in battle of Chan- 
cellorjiville: soon after transferred to Invalid Corps. 

Panlon Raymond, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. II, 1S62; served a short 
time : left. 

Loomis Myrick,Co. E. Enlisted Aug. II, 1862 ; in battles of Wilder- 
ness, Cold Harbor, Hatcher's Run, and several others : discharged 
June, 1S65. 

Ilenry Trask, corporal, Co. U. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862; was in bat- 
tles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Weldon R. R., etc, seventeen in 
all ; discharged June 7. 1805. 

Filch Fondo. Co. I). Enlisted Aug. 20, 1802; in battles of Wilder- 
ness, Weldon R. R. ; taken prisoner Juno 22, 1804 ; starved to 
death at Andersonville, October 2, 1804. 

Erwin Fonda, corporal, Co. I). Enlisted August 25, 1802 ; in battles 
of Wilderness. Cbancellorsville, Hatcher's Run ; slightly wounded 
in first ; discharged June 20, 1805. 

Williiiin H. Cook, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1802 ; transf. to Bnt. I,, 
1st N. V. Art.; discharged on oceount of broken leg, Sept. 12, 
1863. 

Nathan Rowlee, corporal, Co. A. Enlisloil Aug, 21, 1802; died of 
chronic iliurrh<i>a Dec. 22, 1802; body brought homo and buried 
nt Hubbard's Corners. 

Joseph W. Distin, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1802 ; in several battles ; 
killed at Gettysburg. July 1, ISO;t. 

Alfred Austin, sergt., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1802 : taken pri.^'oncr 
at tiettysburg: starvecl to death at .Andersonville, June, 1804. 

John K. Church, Co. O. Urafled Aug. 14, 180.1 ; at battles of Wildor- 
uess, Petersburg, Lee's surremler; discharged July 3, lsli5. 

Benton Holbrook, Co. G. Drafted Aug. 14, 1801; in battles of the 
Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvauia; wounded at Hatcher's 
Run; discharged July 3, 1805. 

Grove H. Dutton, sergt., Co. I). Enlisteil Sept. 5, 1802; in buttles of 
AV'ilderness, Spottsylvania, Gravelly Run; severely wounded at 
Gettysburg; dischargeil June 20, 1805. 

John S. Butler. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1802: killed in battle of Gettys- 
burg, July I. 1801. 

George Wa.-hburn, Co. I). Enlisted Aug. 27, 1802; disch. for dis- 
ability, January 10, 1803. 

George W. Briggs, sergt., Co. O. Enlisted Sept. 21, 1802; in Hatcher's 
Run battle; <lischargeil Juno 20, 1805. 

Augustus Juno, Co. G. Enlisted Aug. 19, 1802; in battles of Wilder- 
ness, Fredericksb'rg, Gettysb'rg, etc., 12 in all ; disch. June 3, '05. 

John E. Perry, Co. 11. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1802: disch. July 14, '03. 

Norman Crafts, Co. G. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1802; in battles of Cban- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg; discharged June 29, 1805. 



Wyatt I.. Brown. Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1862 ; in baltlcs of Fred- 
erii-ksburg, Cbancellorsville, Gettysburg, fourteen in all: dis- 
charged June 17. 1805. 

William Ellis, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 7, 1802 ; was in fourteen battles; 
Gettysburg, Petersburg; discharged June 0, 1805. 

Charles G. Elmer, Co. A. Enlisted Aug., 1802; dis. for disability, '6.1. 

William Back, Co. G. Enlisted Aug., 1802; wounded in battle oi 
Gettysburg: died July 1, 1803; buried there. 

John J. Bonn, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 23, 1862; in battles of Chan- 
cellorsville, Gettysburg, Weldon R. R. : disch. June 20, 1865. 

George Oliver, Co. D. Enlisted Aug., 1S02; in battles of Chanocl- 
lorsville, Gettysburg; dischargeil June, 1865. 

Rudolph Hollenback. Enlisted 1802: disch. fur disability, 186.V 

Justus Carvcy, Co. D. Enlisted Sept. «, 1862; died April 2.1, 1863, 
of sickness contracted in the service. 

E. Uart Frank, corporal, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1862; in battles 
of Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Petersburg. 

Peter Perry, private. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862 ; in battles of Fredericks- 
burg, 2d Bull Run, Petersburg: dischargeil in June, 1865. 

Leonard Fargo, Co. C. Enlisted Aug. 23. 1862; disch. for disability, 
January, 1804. 

Dennis Connolly, Co. D. Enlisted Aug., 1862; in battle of Gettys- 
burg: discharged in June, 1865. 

Frank Robinson, Co. D. Enlisted Aug., 1862; re-enlisted in 1st N. 
Y. Art., Co. G, Feb., 1805; discharged July 7, 1865. 

John Clegg, Co. B. Enlisted Aug. 20, IS02; in battles of Cbancel- 
lorsville, Mine 'Bun. Wilderness, Spottsylvauia, tJettysburg, 
Laurel Hill, Weldon R. R., surrender of Lee; disch. June 8, '65. 

Charles Backus, sergt., Co. I). Enlisteil Aug., 1862; was in 2d Bull 
Run. Getlysb'g ; died at Annapolis, Sept. 23, '03: buried at Fulton. 

John X. .Mestler, Co. B. Enlisted .\ug. 25, 1802: in battles of Chan- 
eellorsville, Gettysburg. Mine Run: discharged June 8, 1805, 

Edward Tapping, corporal, Co. D. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1802; in bat- 
tles of Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spottsylvauia, 
Laurel Hill, Cold Harbor, South Anna; lost right leg at charge 
of Petersb'g, June 18. 1804; died in hos|», at Phil'a of smallpox. 

One Hundrtd niul Eitjhlif'/nttrth liftfliiiriil. — .loci S. Palmer, captain 
Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 19, 1864 ; in battle of Cedar Creek, Get. 19, 
1804; wounded; discharged May 13, 1865. 

John Sheridan, captain, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864; discharged 
July II, 1865. 

John W. Francis, 1st lieut., Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864; dis- 
chargeil July 15, 1865. 

Leonard .S. Carter, 2d lieut., Co. K. Enlisted Aug. 2.8, 1864; dis- 
charged June 3, 1805. 

Marcus L. Beach. 2d lieut., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1804 : in battle 
of Cedar Creek ; discharged with regiment. 

David N. .Scntt. 1st sergt., Co. A. Enlisted July 29, 1864: 2d lieut. 
after battle of Cedar Creek : disch. with regiment. 

Francis W. Sciuircs, clerk of Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1804: dis- 
charged at Washington, D. C, June 2, 1805. 

Charles C. Rice, sergt., Co. A. Enlisted Aug., 1864 ; at Cedar Creek 
battle; discharged with regiment. 

Charles R. Smith, musician, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1804 ; in battle 
of Cedar Creek: discharged June 27, 1805. 

Henry Sonthwortb, priv., Co. C. Enlisted Aug., 1804 : dis. July, 1805. 

Eli .Marbtt, priv.. Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1804 : disch. July 10, '65. 

John Stewart, priv., Co. A. Enlisted ."^ept. 4, '04 ; disch. July 8, '65. 

John W. Barrett. Co. K. Enlisted Sept. 6, 1864 : dis. June 29, 1865. 

James Victory, Co. A. Enlisted August 22, 1861; in Cedar Creek 
battle: dis. with regt. 

Silas Witbey, Co. E. Enlisted Sept., 1864. 

William Jenkins, eorp., Co. A. Enlisted .\ugust 22, 1862; in battle 
of Cedar Creek : dis. with regt. 

Ovid Socloy. Ro-cnl'd from I lUth, Aug. 30, 1804, in Co. E ; dis. with 
regt. 

Squire N. Patterson, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864; dis. with 
regt., June 29, 1865. 

John 11. Witbey, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. .1, 1804 ; died at Harrison's 
Landing, Nov. 19, 1804. 

Arthur W. Emerick, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1804; in battle Cedar 
Creek; dis. with regt. 

Wilbur R. Emory, C". E. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1804: dis. with regt. 

Franklin Collins, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1804 ; w'd severely in 
battle of Cedar Creek; dis. May 22, 1865. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



259 



Samuel Howard, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1864 ; in liattlc of Cedar 

Crock ; dis. with regt. 
Harvey Dubois. Re-cnl'd from 24th N. Y., August 29, 1864. 
Wm. W. McDougall, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1864; in battles of 

Cedar Creek ; dis. with regt. 
Albert E. Clark, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Henry Ilalc, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 24, 1864; w'd at Cednr Creek, 

Oct. 19; brought home; died Nov. 14, 1864. 
George W. Parker, musician, Co. A, Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864; at 

Cedar Creek battle ; dis. with regt. 
Joseph S. Gasper, Corp., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1864 ; in battle of 

Cedar Creek; dis. with regt. 
Joel P. Streeter, Co. G. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1864; dis. wilh regt. 
Alvinza Scarles, Co. A. Enlisted August 19, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Francis Skeel, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Monroe .Skcel, Co. A. Enlisted August 22, 1864 : in battle of Cedar 

Creek ; dis. with regt. 
Alonzo B. Rowlee, Co. A. Pro. to 1st sergt. ; dis. with regt. 
Virgil Rowke, Corp., Co. A. Enlisted August 16, 1864; in battle of 

Cedar Creek ; dis. with regt. 
Anson J. Osborn, Co. A. Enlisted August 22, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
Charles Hewitt, Co. A. Enlisted August 24, 1864; dis. with regt. 
De Witt ILall, Co. D. Enlisted August 18, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
John P. Coe, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864; in battle of Cedar 

Creek; w'd in leg; dis. with regt. 
Dwight Parkhurst, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864 ; w'd at battle 

of Cedar Creek ; died at Martinsburg; buried there. 
Otis J. Allen, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Amos L. Coon, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864 ; in Cedar Creek 

battle; dis. with regt. 
Hiram Sherman, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864; taken sick and 

died at Bolivar Heights, Dec. 15, 1864; buried there. 
Caswell Sherman, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, I8G4; at Cedar Creek 

battle; dis. with regt. 
Lewis H. Drake, Co. A. Enlisted August 21, 1864; at Cedar Creek 

battle ; dis. with regt. 
Stephen S. Hoibrook, Co. I. Enlisted August, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Reuben Wilber. Re-eul'd from 26th N. Y., Co. B, into Co. I, 184th, 

August 3U, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Ira Foster, Co. E. Enlisted August 28, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Christopher Springer, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1,S64; was in battle 

of Cedar Creek ; died of disease, Nov. 16, 1864. 
Orlando Cole, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
George B. Kellogg, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. .3, 1864; dis. May 15, '65. 
Levi Harris, Co. A. Enlisted August 23, 1864; died of disease con- 
tracted in the army, Nov. 21, 1864; buried at AVinchester. 
John W. Distin, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 13, 1864; in battle of Cedar 

Creek ; dis. with regt. 
Seth Kelsey, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864; dis. with regt. 
George Bailey, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1864; severely w'd in battle 

of Odar Creek; crippled for life; dis. in July, 1865. 
Elihu Sheldon, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Job Bahcock, Co. A. Enlisted August, 1864; w'd at Cedar Creek; 

died at McClellan hospital, Phila. ; body sent home. 
James Morrtiw, sergt., Co. A. Enlisted August 1, IS64: in battle of 

Cellar Creek ; dis. with regt., -lune 29, 1865. 
Morris B. Buel, sergt., Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Joseph Norton, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864: dis. with regt. 
Frederick Appenzellar, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864 ; in battle of 

t^'odar Creek; dis. with regt. 
William C. Newton, serg., Co. E. Enl'd Aug. 22, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
Cassius Newton, Co. E. Enlisted August 27, 1864; dis. with regt. 
AVilliara Blak^man, sergt., Co. K. Enl'd Aug. 25, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
Charles R. Ellis, corp., Co. K. Enl'd Sept. 5, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Charles S. Elmer, Co. A. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. with regt. 
CharlesA. Wilson, Co. E. Enl'd August 28, 1864; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Joseph C. Norton, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864 ; dis. with regt. 
Thomas G. Pool, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 28, 1864; dis. June 29, 1S65. 
Truman C. Moshor. Re-enl'd from 24th Inf. ; enlisted in I84th as 

sergt.; dis. with regt. 
George M. Ward, Co. A. Enlisted .\ugust 6, 1864 : in battle of Cedar 

Creek ; tlis. with regt. 
Andrew W. Fish, corp., Co. A. Enl'd Aug. 6, ISlit ; w'd in buttle of 
Cedar Creek: ilied of wounds at Baltimore, Nov. 19, "1864; 

brou'ht home. 



Benjamin F. Jenkins, Corp., Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864 ; in battle 

of Cedar Creek; dis. Oct. 19, 1864. 
W. Averell, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1864; Jan. 26, 1865. 
Carlos McKay, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864; dis. with regt. 
William Hutton, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 4, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Benny M. Buel, sergt., Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; diseh. June 

27, 1865. 
John Bisnet, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Amos Youmans, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864 ; in battle of Cedar 

Creek ; dis. with regt. 
Marcus B. Warner, Co. K. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1864; dis. with regt. 
Eber G. C. Rice, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864 ; carpenter; disch. 

July 12, lSli5. 
John W. Barrett, Co. K. Enlisted Sept. 6, 1864; dis. with regt, 
Peter Smith, Co. A. Enl'd July 29, 1864; in battle of Cedar Creek. 
Ethan B. Carley, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864; dis. June 29, 1865. 
James K. Randall, corp., Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 13, 1864; dis. June 

29. 1865. 
Jeremiah Bennett. Jr., corp., Co. A. Enlisted August 19, 1864; in 

battle of Cedar Creek ; dis. with regt. 
John F. O'Ncil, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 4, 1863; in battle Cold 

Harbor: dis. Aug. 12, 1864: reenl'd in Co. E, 184th Regt., Aug. 

12, 1864; dis. July 12, 1864. 
Scott's Nine Hundred. — La Grange F. Moore, 2d lieut. Enl'd Sept. 5, 

1862 : in battles before Petersburg and at Ajtpomattox : dis. July 
1, 1865. 

Reuben Bradshaw, Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 5, '62 ; dis. March 24, '63. 

Morris C. Highriter, Co. B. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1862 : dis. June 12, '65. 

James Conley, sergt., Co. F. Enlisted Jan. 18, 1862 ; dis. Jan. 19, '65. 

Daniel Murphy. Enlisted Dec, '61 ; died at Washington, Feb, 14, '64. 

Loren/.o D. Cooper, Co. H. Enlisted Jan. 31,1862; dis. Feb. 3, 1864, 
for re-enl'mt in Uth Cav.; had previously enl'd private, Co. E, 
24th Inf., May 12, 1861; dis. Aug. 27, 1861, for disability. 

James Snyder, Co. H. Enlisted Jan. 10, 1862 ; dis. for disab'y. May 1, 

1863 ; rem'd to Michigan, and re-enl'd in co. that took Jeff Davis. 
Joseph C. Kenyon, major. Enlisted March, 1862; resigned in 1864. 
Henry Morton. Enl'd J.in. 3, 1862; dis. March 3, 1863, on account 

of injury received in service. 
Fourth Henry Artillcri/.—'Newton Taplin, Co. C. Enl'd Oct. 22, '61 ; 

in battles of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Wilderness, and in front 

of Petersburg ; discharged Oct. 22, 1864. 
George Van Wormer, Co. C. Enlisted Oct. 23, 1861 ; was in battles of 

Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Weldon R. R. ; dis. 

Oct. 24, 1864. 
Charles Van Wonncr. Co. C. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; was in battles of 

Spottsylvania, Wilderness, and Cold Harbor; taken prisoner at 

Reams' Station; died Oct. 23, 1865. starved to death at Ander- 

sonville. 
Rensselaer Drake, Corp., Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1862 ; in battle in 

front of Petersburg; died at Alexandria, Va., Dec. 10, 1864. 
Oscar Spencer. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861 ; dis. for disab'y, March, 1862. 
William Rolsen, sergt., Co. C. Enlisted Oct., 1861 : in battles of the 

regiment and discharged with it. 
Fi/ln-nluth Jii/„iilr;/.—John B. Chase, Co. E. Enl'd Sept. 22, 1861; 

wounded at Antictam, and dis. for disability resulting therefnim ; 

re-enl'd in 24th Cav., Dec. 17, 1863 ; wounded before Petersburg, 

June 17, 1864; died at Washington, July 9, 1864. 
Stephen Buck, Co. E. Enl'd Sept. 25, 1861 ; dis. to re-enlist in same 

regt. in 1863 ; in battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettys- 
burg, Wilderness, and Petersburg ; taken prisoner. 
Cyrus BueH, Co. B. Enlisted Sept. 25, 1861 ; died at Washington, 

Nov. 30, 1862. 
George Wilson, sergt., Co. E. Enlisted Oct. 2, 1861. 
Wyman Cook, Co. E. Enl'd Oct. 4, '61 ; dis. for disab'y. May 10, '62. 
Wm. E. Cook. Co. E. Enl'd Oct. 4, '61 ; dis. for disab'y, Feb. U, '63. 
Albert D. Cook, Co. E. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861 ; soon disch.arged. 
Reuben Sherman, sergt., Co. B. Enl'd Dec. 21, 1863 : was in battles 

of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and sever.al others ; "taken prisoner 

at Petersburg; in Andersonvillc prison ten months; dis. May 

16, 1865. 
Jas. H. Flowers, Co. B. Enlisted Oct. 19. 1861 ; died Feb., 1862. 
Wm. II. Coe, Co. B. Enlisted Oct. 19, 1861 ; re-enlisted in 12th Cav., 

Co. B, Aug. IS, 1862; in three battles; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Chas. Calkins, Co. E. Enl'd Oct. II, '61 : dis. for disab'y, July I0,'63. 
Tyler Wilber, Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 5, 18C1 ; in seven davs' battle 



260 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in froDt of Biohmond, Oettyaburg, Antietam, foartecn in sll ; rc- 
enlisted in 8th Veterans, Co. F. 
Oliver Mosher. Enliatod .Si-pt., 1862; transf. to U. 8. Cavalry. 
Mitctlltineon: — Edwin B. Aliboy, musician, Co. II, 24tli Cav. Enl'd 
Dec. 21, 1863; wn» in Ijnitlos of Cold Harbor, .*«i)otlsylvftnia, and 
before Petersburg; dis. Juno 26, 1865. 
William Carr, Co. D, iOth Inf. EnlM Aug. 2. '61 ; dis. Oct. 18, 1862. 
Wiu. Ladd, Co. I, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 4, 1864 ; wii» in battles Cold 
Harbor, Wilderncs^s, Spottsylvuiiia, and before Petersburg ; dis- 
charged June 19, I860. 
Marcus A. Corey, 1st lieut., 24th Cav., Co. A. EnlM Jan. 2, 1864; 

in battles of Cold Harbor, Wilderness, and before Petersburg. 
James P. Dunham, C.i. I), .iiith Engineers Eul'd .-^epl. 10, 1S61 ; in 
battles i>f Fredericksburg and Chanoollorsville ; dis. for disab'y. 
Newton H. Fuller, Bnttcry F, Isl Light Art. Enid Sept. 12, 1861 ; in 
battles of .Slatersvillc and West Point : dis.; re-enl'd same regt. 
Garducr I). tJould, sergt.. Battery V, .Id Light Art. Enl'd Jan., 1S64 : 
at siege of Charleston, .S. C. : discharged July, 186j. 
' Mcram D. .Smith, 24lh Cav. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864 ; discharged July 
19, 1866; was in 24th Inf. 
Daniel Warner, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd .\ug. 15, IS62; was in bat- 
tles of Tarboru' and Plymouth; woundeil ; taken prisoner, and 
died at Andcrsonville prison in Oct., 1864. 
George M. Butler, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enlisted Deo. 25, 186.3: died of 

disease, March 28. 1864 
Thomas Leslie, 1st lieut., Co. I, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 3, 1864 ; in 
battles of .Spottsylvania, Wilderness, Cold Harbor; discharged 
July 1, 1865. 
Christopher Cook, Co. I, 64th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 186.1 ; taken prisoner 

Oct. 14, 1863: died at Andcrsonville about July. Is64. 
Charles A. Osborn, Co. A, 24lh Cav. Enl'd Dec. 15. 1863; in battles 
of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Poplar Grove; 
discharged July 19, 1865. 
Charles C. Hoblcn, corp., Baltery 0, 1st Light Art. Enl'd Aug. 27, 
1863; in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvaniu, unci Petersburg; 
discharged June 21, 1865. 
John F. Holden, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. is, l.siVI ; in battles of 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, nntl before Petersburg; 
discharged Aug. I'J, 1865. 
William Waters, Co. L, 24th Cav. Enid Jan. 17. \M\\: in bailies of 
Cold Harbor. Spottsylvania, an<l Petersburg; lost left eye: dis- 
charged Dec. 1S84. 
Edward L. Lewis, capt., Co. C, 27th Inf. Enl'd Apr.. 1861 ; dis. Aug. 
4, 1861; rc-enl'd cap!., Co. E, lliyth Inf., Aug., 1862; rcsigiieil 
Feb. 15. 1864. 
Charles II. .'^pcnccr. 2d lieut., Co. 1>. lOlh Cav. Enl'd Aug. 23, 1862 ; 
dis. Itec. 36, 1863; re-enl'd quart. -mast, sergt., same regt.. Dee. 
31, 1S63; discharged July I, 1865. 
David Osborn, sergt., Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862; in 

battle of Tarboro'; discharged July 111, 1865. 

Stephen Laishley, sergt., Co. B, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 20, 1862; in 

battles Tarboro', Rock Uun, Kochclle Creek ; dis. July ID, 1865. 

John .Candors, Co. A, 12th Cnv. Enl'd Aug. 20, 1862; in battle of 

Plymouth, N. C; taken pris.,nnd d. at Andersonville, Sept. 24, '64. 

James Sweet, Bat. F, 1st Light Art. Enl'd Dec, '63 ; dis. June 20, '65. 

Daniel W. Fox. private, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 7, 1864; in 

battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and before Petersburg, 

where he was killed, Jan. 17, 1865. 

Joseph Sweet, Battery F, 1st Light Art. Enl'd Dec, 1803; died on 

furlough, winter of 1864-65. 
Joseph Guyalt, Baltery H, Ist Light .\rt. Enlisted Dco.,*1863; dis- 
charged June 20, 1865. 
Joseph Church, Battery F, Ist Light ,\rt. Enl'd in LSOl ; rc-enl'd; 

in battle of While House, Va. 
George L. Wright, Co. H. 0th II. Art. Enl'd Jan. 3. 1863; in battle 

of Cold Harbor; died at City Point, June 20, 1864. 
Edward Wright, Co. A, 24lh Cav. Enl'd Dec. », 1863; in battle of 
Grove ChuTch and before Petersburg; discharged July 10, 1805. 
William Covillc, Co. II, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 15. 1861; discharged 

June 26, 1865. 
Edward Osborn, Co. B, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 21, 1862; was in bat- 
tles of Tarboro' and Uocky Itun: discharged July 10, 1865. 
Franklin La Duke, Co. I, 24(h Cav. Enl'd Jan. 4, 1S64; in battles 
of Wilderness. Spott.sylvania, and Pelersburg; d. at City Point. 
Marcus Southworth,Co. E, 24th Cav. Enl'd Deo. 31, 1863; in battles 



of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and before Peters- 
burg ; discharged July I, 1805. 
Gardner S. Perry, Co. D. 50th Engineers. Enl'd Aug. 21, 1861 ; in 
battle of Fredericksburg; dis. Feb. 14, 1864; re-enlisted in same 
regt., and discharged Juno, 1865. 
Benjamin Perry, Co. D, 50th Engineers. Enlisted Dec., 1863; dis- 
charged June 13, 1865. 
Michael .Murphy, Co. C. 12th Inf. Enlisted Apr. 20, 1861 ; killed in 
battle of 1st Bull Kun, July 19, 1861, being the first inan killcil 
from this town. 
Eugene Drummond, private, Co. H, 48th Inf. Enlisted March 8, 

1865; dis. Sept. I, 1865. 
Roswell P. Taylor, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 13, 1862; in battle 

of Tarboro'; taken prisoner; died at Annapolis. Aug. 4, 1863. 
Storrs E. Heath, Co. F, 75th Inf. Enl'd Oct. 16, 1801 ; was in battle 
with gun-boats; dis. Aug. 3, 1803; re-cnl'd in Co, A, 184th Kegt., 
Aug. 22, 1804; promoted to sergt. in battle of Cedar Creek; 
discharged with regt. 
Daniel Broughlon, Co. B, 12tb Cav. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862 ; in battle 

of Tarboro', N. C; dis., July 19, 1865, with reg't. 
Henry Knapp, Corp., Co. A, 24lh Cav. Enlisted Dec. 4, 1863 ; in 
battles of Wilderness and Cold Harbor; taken prisoner, and died 
at Andcrsonville, July 31, 1864. Had enlisted iu Co. E, 24lh Inf., 
May 0, 1801, and been discharged Aug., 1861. 
Charles Kuapp, Co. K, 15th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1862; in battles 
of Piedmont, New Market; taken prisoner at Mentbcrg, kept at 
Andcrsonville several months. 
William F. Ingall, Co. A, 12th Cav. Detailed to hospital sorvico ; 

dis. with regt. July 3, 1865. 
James Fo.\, 2d 11. Art. Enlisted March 4, 1804. No record. 
Joseph Clock. Co. A, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864 ; in battles of 
Wiblerness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg; dis. .^ug. 
22, 1865. 
Lewis Bush, Co. F, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Dec. 17, 1863; dis. June 20, '65. 
John W. Van Valkenburgli, capt., Co. D, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 20, 
1863: in battles of Tarboro', Washington, and Newbern, N. C. ; 
resigned in 1865. 
James A. Heaton, corp., Co. A. Enlisted Dec. 9, 1863: in battles of 
.spottsylvania, Colil Harbor, and Peterslturg ; dis. June 26, 1865. 
Ephraim Morin, 2d lieut., Co. D, 12lh Cav. Enlisle.l Aug. 21, 1862; 
in battle of Tarboro', X. C. : taken prisoner, and ilied in Charles- 
ton, .S. C, prison. 
Henry J. Dunhain, Co, D, 50th Engineers. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1861 ; 
dis. for disability in fall of 1862, and re-enlisted in Co. A, 24th 
Cnv., and died on furlough.* Feb. 14, 1865. 
Eber Hubbard, Co. A, 12lh Cav. Enlisted Sept., 1802 ; in battles of 

Tarboro". Kingston, and Newborn: dis. July 19, 1805. 
Oscar Hart, Co. D, 5l>Ib Engineers. Enlisted in 1801 ; in battles of 
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg: ro-cnlifltcd in 
5th Veteran Keservo after serving first term. 
Abial W. Laws, sergt., Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1802; in 
battles of Tarboro", Washington, and Five Forks, \. C.\ prom'd 
commissary sergt.: dis. July 19, 1865. 
Eli C. Scrier, Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted September 0, 1802: di.sch. 

Dec, 1802, for disability. 
David M. Calkins, Co. 11, llUh Inf. Enlisted Aug. 17, 1864; in 
battle of Weblon Uailroad: in front of Petersburg: taken prisoner 
at South Side Uailroad: dis. June 16, 1865. 
John L. Gates, Co. 1), 193d Inf. Enl'il .March 16, 1865. 
Loren Austin, 24th Cav. Enlisted Nov. 30, 1863: in battles of Wil- 
derness and Cold Harbor: wouniled before Petersburg by a ball 
passing through his left eye; dis. June 15, 1865. 
Hiram Knde, Co. B. I2lh Cav. Enlisted Aug. 18, 18(12; killed in 

battle of Tarboro', N. C, July 20, 1863. 
George W. .McDougnll, private, llth Art. Enlisted April 18, 1864; 
re. enl'il in Co. A, 20th Cav., Sept. 21, 1864 : dis. Juno 17, 1865. 
Edward Gibbons, Co. B, 16th. Enlisted Feb. 7, 1865. 
William Fitx Gibbons, sorgt., Co. B, lOth. Enlisted Feb. 17, 1864; 

in battles of Murfreesboro', Chattanooga. Atlanta, and others. 
Asa Andrews, Co. K, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863 ; in battle 

of Cold Harbor: dis. May 18, 1865. 
Abram Hanchet, Co. A, 24th Cav. Knlislod Jan. I, 1864; in battles 
of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North .Anna, and Petersburg ; dis. 
July, l.sOi. 
llusea Faster, Co. A, 24lh Cnv. Enlisted Dec. 7, 1803; in battles 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



261 



of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, and Petersburg ; 

wounded at Dinwiddle Court-House; dis. June 18, 1865. 
William Rocklellow, sergt., Co. II, 185th. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1864; 

in battles of Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, and Lee's surrender; 

dis. May 25, 1865. 
Lewis Shier, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enlisted Oct. .3, 1863; in battles of 

Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, and Cold Harbor; dis. 

July 13, 1865. 
John Shier, 24lh Cav. Enlisted Oct. 3, 1863 ; in same battles and 

dis. same day as Lewis. 
Herman W. Elmer, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 14, 1862; in battle of 

Plymouth, N. C. ; taken prisoner and kept till close of war ; dis. 

Aug. 7, 1865. 
Henry M. Stanton, Co. C, 20th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1863 ; died at 

Jacksonville, Fla., Sept. 24, 1864. 
Martin Parker, Co. E, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 22, 1863 : in battles 

of Wilderness ; taken pri,»<oner at Cold Harbor ; in Libby, Savan- 
nah, Millan, and Andersonville prisons; dis. June 23, 1S65. 
Henry Crouch, Co. L, 'Jth Heavy Art. Enl'd Xov. 12, '63; wounded 

in battle of Cedar Creek ; died Nov. 16, 1864. 
Martin V. Kelsey, Co. G, 2d Heavy Art. Enl'd Aug. 18, 1862 ; in battles 

of South Mountain, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. Aug. 17, '65. 
Eugene Van Buren, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 2, 1864; in battles 

of Wilderness and Petersburg; dis. June 20, 1865. 
John Bailey, Jr., Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 11, 1862; after being 

in one or two battles was taken prisoner; starved tu death at 

Andersonville, Aug. 3, 1864. 
Daniel Bailey, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. U, '62; taken prisoner 

at Newbern, N. C. ; dis. Aug. 9, 1865. 
Artemas Graham, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 8, 1863; in battles of 

Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and North Anna; dis. July 22, 1865. 
Edgar L. Briggs, Co. C, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 14, 1863 ; in battles of 

Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. July 15, 1865. 
Jacob L. Briggs, sergt., Co. L, 20lh Cav. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1863 ; in 

battles of Black Water and Darbytown ; dis. July 31, 1S65. 
John Vanke, Co. C, 7th Cav. Enlisted Oct., 1861; regt. disbanded 

Ajiril, 1862; re enlisted in 2Ist Bat., Aug. 21, 1862; in battle of 

Port Hudson; dis. July 10, 1865. 
Eber Dunham, Co. G, 12th Cav. Enlisted July 22, 1863; taken 

prisoner at Kingston, and kept till end of war ; dis. July 19, 18(i5. 
George Sparks, Co. K, 9th Art. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864; in battles of 

Cold Harbor and Winchester; dis. July 15, 1865. 
John Evans, Co. A, 79th Inf. Enl'd Jan. 4, 1865 ; in battle of Peters- 
burg and at taking of Lee's army ; dis. June, 18()5. 
Adelbert Cay wood, Co. I, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 7,1864; died 

Oct. 27, 1864. 
William Coats, Co. A, llth Reg. Enlisted Jan. 1, 1864. 
Albert Durfee, sergt., 4th Bat. Enl'd Sept. IS, 1861, for three years; 

in battles of Murfreesboro', Chattanooga, etc., thirteen in all ; 

discharged at end of term. 
Edward Castor, Co. I, 26th Inf. Enl'd Dec. 1. 1863 ; in several battles ; 

discliarged Aug. 28, 1865. 
Thomas Delong, private, Co. I, 24th Cav. Enlisted Oct., 1861; dis. 

for disalnlity : re-enlisted July 1, 1864. 
Geo. Hill, sergt., Co. A, 24ih Cav. Enlisted Dec. 2, 1863 ; in battles 

of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and in front of Petersiiurg ; dis- 
charged July 19, 1865. 
Aaron Depuy, Co. C, 20th Keg. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1864 ; dis. for dis- 
ability, June 17, 1865; died Sept. 19, 1865. 
John Getlry, Co. E, 193d Inf. Enl'd March 17, '65 ; dis. June 19, '65. 
Wyman Moore, curp., Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 7, 1863 ; in battles 

of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, and in front of Peters- 
burg; discharged July 19, 1865. 
Ezra Chappel, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 8, 1863; iq battles of 

Wilderness, Cold Har))r)r, and Petersburg; dis. June 12, 18f')5. 
Henry Southworth, Co. F, 2d Heavy Art. Enlisted July 16, 1864 ; in 

battles of Petersburg and Five Forks. 
Hubert Wheeler, Corp., Co. B, 22d Cav. Enl'd Dec. 5, 1863; in battles 

of Wilderness and raids of Shenandoah Valley; dis. Aug., 1865. 
Charles II. Harris, private, Co. G, 2d Heavy Art. Enlisted Dec. 7, 

1863; in battles of Cold Harbor and Spottsylvania. 
George Kelsey, sergt., Co. K, 125th. Enl'il Aug. 12, 1862; in battles 

of Gettysburg, Wilderness, and Cold Harbor: dis. June 5, 1865. 
Daniel Kelsey, private, Co. G, 2d Heavy Art. Enl'd Feb., I86'4 ; in 

battle in front of Petersburg. 



AVm. F. Elmer, corp., Co. K, 2d. Enl'd Aug. 1, 1861 ; in battles of 
Antietam, Gettysburg, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, and Cold 
Harbor; discharged Aug. 29, 1864. 

Francis Fluff, Co. G, 142d. Enl'd Aug. 21, 1862 ; in battles of Peters- 
burg, Fort Fisher, and Drury's Bluff; dis. June 21, 1865. 

Jacob Bell, Co. H, 97th Inf. Enl'd Nov. 28, '61 ; in battles of Gettys- 
burg, Antietam, and 2d Bull Hun ; dis. Feb. 18, 1865. 

Darius C. Collins, Co. I, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 1, 1864 ; in battles of 
Wilderness, Sjiottsylvania, and Cold Harbor; dis. May 18, 1865. 

George Back, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 19, 1863 ; in battles of 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cu\d Harbor, and Petersburg; dis- 
charged July 19, 1865. 

Channing Shumway, clerk, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Nov., 1863; in 
battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, and Cold Harbor. 

Joseph W. Fancher, Corp., Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 14, 1863; in 
battles of Wilderness : discharged Aug. 2, 1865. 

Charles A. Eddy, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 24, 1863 ; in battles 
of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Weldon R. R., and Lee's 
surrender; discharged Aug. 2, 1865. 

Charles W. Hutson, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec, 1863; in battles of 
Wilderness, Colil Harbor, Petersburg, and Lee's surrender; dis- 
charged Aug. 2, 1865. 

Dusty Larach, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd 1863 ; in battles of Wilder- 
ness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; discharged Aug. 2, 1865. 

Alfred Willis, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd Feb. 15, 1863; at surrender 
of Petersburg; discharged July 17, 1865. 

Peter Demara, Co. A, 24th Cav. Enl'd 1863 ; killed before Petersburg. 

Fremont Hutchins, 24th Cav. Enl'd Jan. 19, 1864; in battles of 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Lee's surrender. 

James White, Co. I, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 30, 1863; in battles of 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. June 5, 1865. 

Wcdey H. Kendrick, Ciii)t., Co. K, 50th Inf. Enl'd Oct. 22, 1861; 
at siege of Vicksburg and Atlanta; dis. Sept. 16, 1864. 

Charles N. Duell, Co. H, 9th H. Art. Enl'd Dec. 25, 1863; in battles 
of Cold Harbor and Winchester, :iud lost right leg at Cedar 
Creek, Got. 19, 1864; discharged June 9, 1865. 

Charles H. Lusk, Co. G, 12th Cav. Enl'd July 15, 1863; in skirmish 
at Bachelor's Creek, N. C, was regiiu'I clerk ; dis. Aug. 7, 1865. 

Henry B. Kendall, Corp., Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 14, 1864; in 
battle of Plymouth, N. C. ; taken prisoner; kept at Florence and 
Andersonville: discharged July 14, 1865. 

Georgo Gregg, sergt., Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 31, 1862; dis- 
charged Ai)ril, 1865, and died of disease. May 8, 1865. 

Frank Sweet, sergt., Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug. 13, 1862: in bat- 
tles Tarboro' and Newbern; taken prisoner at Plymouth; eight 
months a prisoner, five at .\ndersonville. 

Charles D. Phelps, corp., Co. B, 3d Light Art. Enl'd Jan. 15, 1864; 
was in llanly Hill and discharged July 13, 1865. 

Winfield S. Taft, sergt., llth Cav. Enl'd Jan. 18, 1862; did duty 
near Washington; discharged Jan. 19, 1865. 

Julius S. Gaft, Co. A, 1st Cav. Enl'iI Dec, 1863 ; in battles of Sjiott- 
sylvania. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and \Vcldon R. R. ; discharged 
July 19, 1865. 

Henry G. St. John, Co. K, llth Cav. Enlisted Sejit. 5, 1862; dis- 
charged Juno 12, 1805. 

Francis B. Bristol, Co. C, 75th Inf. Eul'd Oct. 12, 1861 ; in battles 
of Pleasant Hill, Snbine Cross-Roads, and Winchester, Va.; 
discharged Nov. 26, 1864. 

George N. Falley, capt., Co. C, 50th. Enlisted Aug. 10, 1861. 

Joseph Robinson, 50th Engineers. 

Frank Robinson, Co. E, Isl Light Art. Discharged June 16, 1865. 

llawley Van Camp, Co. F, 1st Light Art. Enl'd Dec. 28, 1863; dis. 
June 20, 1865. 

Z;ichariah E. Clark, Co. K, 7th H. Art. Enl'd Dec. 31, 1863; in 
battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg; died Aug. 22, 1864. 

Henry T. Clark, Co. L, 12th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 20, 1863; discharged 
Aug. 7, 1865, 

Brazil Pepper, Co. F, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Feb. 29, '64; dis. June 20, '65. 

Henry J. Case, 12th Cav, Enl'd Aug. 15, 1862; taken pris. at Ply- 
mouth, N. C. ; died at Ander.sonville, Aug. 19, 1864. 

Truman Smith, Co. B, 12th Cav. Enl'd Sept. 17, '62 ; dis. July 19, '65. 

Ezra C. Salmon, Co. H, 97th luf. Drafted .\ug., 1863 ; died Nov. 
26, 1864, at .Vrlinglon llof|>ital, Va. 

.\nthony Ro.leriek, 12th Cav. Enl'd in 1862; discharged. 

John Van Wick Hart, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enl'd July, 1863; disch. 



262 



UlSTOUI UF OSWEGO COL'NTl', .NEW YORK. 



David H. Case, Co. 11, 24th Cav. Enl'J Apr. 'Jl. ■fi4 : dis. Juno 26, 'CS. 
Milo S. Warner, Co. A, 24lh Cav. Knl'.l Mar. 25, ■64 ; <li». Aug. 2. 'Gi. 
Luther Warner, Co. A, I2th Cav. Knl'.l Se|.t., 1S62: taken pri«. at 

Plymouth, and ilied at Andorsonville, Jau. 7, )S66. 
Albert P. Swan, coqi., Co. I, 24lh Cav. EnlM Dec. 31, ls6:i: in 

battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and Weldon 

K. K. : disohargcd July lU. 1.S66. 
John Swart, private, Co. 1, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863; died 

Aug. 14, 1805. 
Edmund R. Jones, Co. B, 12lh Cav. Enl'd Sept. 6, 1862; in battle 

of Tarboro' : dis. Tor disability : rc-enl'd Corp., Co. II, 2d 11. .\rt. ; 

discharged June 5, 1M65. 
Theodore Davis, Co. K, 'Jth H. Art. Enlisted Jan. 2, 1864; died in 

Washington, D. C. 
S. Leinan Jauies, 24th Cav. Enl'd Deo. 31, 1803; dis. Juno 9, 1865. 
Alfred S. Roe, Co. A, 2d H. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1804; in battles of 

Cold Harbor and Monoeacy ; discharged in Oct., 1865. 
James A. Dunn, sergt.. Co. A, 12lh Cav. Unl'd Aug., 1802: thrown 

from horse and killed at Newborn, N. C, in Aug., 1803. 
John B. Corry, private, Co. E, 24lh Cav. Enlisted May 7, 1801 ; in 

bnltlea of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Weldon U. K. ; dis. Aug. 

2, 1865. 
Andrew J. Hand, llllh Inf. EtjIM July, 1802: in battle of Harper's 

Ferry and taken prisoner: discharged .luly, 1865. 
John ,S. Tibballs, Co. .\, 24lh Cav. Enl'd Dec. 5,1803: in ballks 

of Five Forks and Hatcher's Run; discharged July.l'J, 1865. 
J. Ward Jasper, 12th Cav. Enl'd 1802; discharged Aug., 18112. 
Albert A. Rice, Co. I, 24lh Cav. Enl'd Jan. 1, 1804: in buttles of 

Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Weldon R. R. : ills. July 111, 1805. 
Samuel Ferguson, sergt., 12lh Cav, Disch. with regiment 1865. 



Anson llefl'r..n, 2d lieut., Co. E, 24th Cav. Enlisted Sept. 14, 1S63; 
in battle)^ of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Weldon K. H. ; disch. 
for ilisability: re-enlisted in Co. 11, ;Utb Inf., March 15, 1866; 
discharged June 14, 1805. 

Uenjaniin F. Parker, quartermnst. -sergt., 12th Cav. Enlisted .-Sug. 
21, ls02: died Oct. 24, 1804, of yclbiw fever. 

George Simmons, captain, Co. D, 21th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 7, 1804: 
in battles of Wilderness, ,Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor; wounded 
at Petersburg: died Sept. 4, 1864. 

Peter Conner, 10th Inf. Enlisted in April, 1805. 

Wellington .M.Lewis, lieut.-col., 8»th Inf. Enlisted OcL 11, 1861; 
prom, to capt. Oct. 5, 1862 : to major April 3U, 1804 : to lieut.-col. 
Aug. U, 1804: in campaigns of Buruside in N.C. in 1861-02: with 
Butler in '04 : under iiraiit before Petersb'g: and insev'rl battles. 

Cyrus Church, ca|.tain, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1802; killed 
at Tarboro', while on a raid, July 20, 180.'1. 

David Carroll, Co. A, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862; killed at Tar- 
boro', July 20, 1863. 

Hiram Read, Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862 ; in battles of 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Rappabauock Station, Cold Har- 
bor, Weldon R. R., and others ; discharged on account of wounds 
received Nov. 28, 1864. 

Noble D. Preston, captain, Co. A, 10th Reg. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1861 ; 
in bailies of Bull Kuu. Yorktown ; disch. for ilisab., June ,10, '03. 

Charles W. Pauling, Co. A, 12th Inf. Enlisted April 3U. IsOl : killed 
in 2d Hull Run battle, Aug. 29, 1802. 

Henry M. Stunlim, Co. C, 2nih Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1803; died at 
Norfolk, Va., Sept. 24, 1S04. 

Harold Danks, 1st lieut., Co. B, 12th Cav. Enlisted A«g. 15, 1862, 

Wh(»le number (tf soldiers from Voluey, live hundred and five. 



II ) < IQI'I ( II 



MEXICO. 



As Montgomery is often called tlie imitlior of counties, 
80 niii^ht we properly speak of Mexico as the luotlier of 
towns ; for all tlte towns of Oswego county, as well as a 
score of others, have sprung from her prolific bosom. I 

As set forth in the general liistory of the county, Mexico, 
with all the surrounding towns, was originally contracted \ 
by the State authorities to John and Nicholas Roo.seveIt in ! 
1791 ; the contract was transferred to George Seriba in 
1792; and the latter received a patent in December, 1794. 
Previous to this la.st transaction, however, the town of 
Mexico was formed from Whitcstown, Herkimer county, 
by an act of the legislature, dated Ajiril 1(1, 1792, which 
provided as follows : " And be it further enacted that all 
that part of Whitestown, aforesaid, bounded on the cast by 
the cast boundaries of the Military tract (so called), and a 
line drawn north from the mouth of Canaseraga creek across 
Oneida lake to Lake Ontario ; south by Tioga county ; west 
by the we.-it bounds of the townships Homer, Tiilly, Mar- 
cellus, Camillus, Lysander, and Hannibal of the .said Mili- 
tary tract, and north by Lake Ontario, be enacted into a 
separate town, by the name of Mexico." 

The bounds above given included all of the present 
counties of Onondaga and Cortland, with the western and 
central portions of Oswego County. The legislatures of 
that day, however, were evidently not very well informed 
regarding the geography of the frontier, as a line running 
noith from the mouth of Canaseraga creek would nut strike 



Lake Ontario. The present town of I^Iexico was included 
within the original town of that name, but was as yet 
unoccupied by white men. The residents of the first 
Mexico were about all in what is now Onondaga county. 
So, when Onondaga county was formed in M;ireh. 1794, 
there were but three or four settlers left in .Mexico, and the 
organization of that town fell through. 

It was again organized by an act dated February 2fi, 1 79C. 
The Mexico of this date was bounded b}' Oneida lake, 
Oiieiil:! iiiid Oswego rivers. Lake Ontario, and Black river 
from the mouth up as far as Lyons' Falls, or near that 
]ioint, and then by a line between the present towns of 
Leyden and West Turin, in Lewis county, through tlie 
town of Ijcwis, in said county, to Fish creek, and down 
that stream to Oneida lake. No territory was taken off 
until 1799, when Camden was made a part of thieida 
county. Watertown and Champion in Jefferson county, 
Lowvillc and Turin in Lewis county, and Ilcdfield, were 
tiiken off' in ISdU. Next followed Loraine in .Iefl'ei-son 
county, and Williamstown in this county, in 1S04. Then 
came Fredericksburgh, afterwards Volney, in 180G; next 

' Constaiilia, in 1S08; New Haven, in ISllJ; and Parish, 
in 1828, which reduced it to its present limits. 

Till' town is somewhat irregular in it« outline, and lies 
near the centre, on the north boundary of the county. It 
is cros.sed in the north by the Rome, Ogdensbnrgh and 

I Watertown niilioad, .^lexico being a station, and in the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



263 



northwest by the Syracuse Northern railroad, upon which 
Union Square is a station. Mexico is divided into nine- 
teen school districts, comprising one hundred and eighty- 
four lots, of about one hundred and sixty acres each. 

The surface is gently rolling, and well watered by 
numerous streams, the principal of which are the Little 
Salmon and Sage creeks ; the former affording considerable 
water-power. There is scarcely a foot of waste or broken 
land in the town. The underlying rock is gray sandstone, 
covered deep with alluvial deposits. The .soil consists of a 
clay, sand, and gravelly loam, and is very productive. Hay 
is the main crop ; oats, barley, and pototoes, also pears and 
apples, are raised in considerable quantities. Butter and 
cheese are the principal products, the stock-raising and 
dairying interest having greatly increased of late years. 
At present there are six cheese-factories in operation in the 
town, each doing an extensive business, — making an easy 
average of six hundred thousand pounds of whole-milk 
cheese per annum. 

The manufacture of lumber, barrels, and leather is carried 
on to some extent. The town contains eighteen saw-mills, 
four grist-mills, and one tannery. The county fair-ground, 
insane asylum, poor-house, and treasurer's office are also 
situated here. 

SETTLEMENT. 

The fertility of the soil, the fine water-power, and other . 
advantages afforded by this section, attracted the attention ! 
of explorers, and we find that at a very early day the tide 
of civilization had set in, and but a few years elapsed ere 
the territory embraced within the present town of Mexico 
was dotted here and there by the homes of sturdy pioneers, 
who have left an honored memory and a respected posterity. 

Tradition asserts that after Benjamin Wright surveyed 
the patent into townships in 1795 he reported to Mr. Scriba 
that township No. 20 (Mexico) was the best for soil, water, 
etc., in the patent. It will be kept in mind there were 
then two Mexicos, — the sur\'ey-loicitslit'j) so named by Mr. 
Scriba (also called township No. 20 ) and the municipal town 
of Mexico before described. The present town corresponds 
closely to survey-township No. 20, but contains also small 
portions of townships 19 and 21. 

This report, before referred to, induced 5Ir. S. to raise 
the price of his land there for several succeeding years ; in 
consequence of which its early settlement was greatly re- 
tarded. Many who came in here to purchase crossed the 
Oswego river and bought in Onondaga county. Besides, 
the sale was conditioned in this way : " There must be a 
forfeiture of this contract, unless four acres shall be cleared 
and sown the first year aud an actual .settlement made a 
short time after." Many made the clearing according to 
contract, but having nothing to sell and no means to pur- 
chase were unable to support their foniilies and obliged to 
abandon their improvements. 

The early hi.story of this town, in its present limitations, 
is not marked by many remarkable reminiscences. It only 
jircsents the ordinary trials and incidents common to new 
settlements, remote from the comforts and conveniences of 
older portions of the country. Looking back from to-day 
to those pioneer times, we can but faintly picture in our 
minds the contiast existing between the present pleasant 



homes, green pastures, and fertile fields, and those rude 
cabins of the forefathers, scattered for between through 
a mighty forest, where the wild beasts roamed in their 
fierceness. 

During the year 1797, while being carried to Water- 
town, the early records of Mexico were lost, and conse- 
quently the names of many of the first settlers. The 
party having them in charge, being obliged to camp out in 
the woods overnight, accidentally left them behind. On 
resuming the journey the next day they were missed, but 
upon return could not be found. 

In 1798 about twenty-five settlers had located in the 
present town of Mexico. Among those prior to that time 
were Benjamin Wright, Reuben Hamilton, Chipman Whea- 
don, Luke Mason, Captain Geerman, Archibald Fairfield, 
Sylvester Spencer, Greene Clark, Edmund and Levi Mat- 
thew, and Miles Doolittle. 

In the autumn of 1799, while the number of inhab- 
itants was as yet very few, a distressing calamity befell them. 
At this time Vera Cruz (which included Mexico Point and 
Texas) was quite a promising place. At the mouth of the 
creek Mr. Scriba had put up a hotel, a store, and about .six 
houses. Up the creek, and a few rods south of the Texas 
hotel, stood the grist- and saw-mill. Farther down and 
near a point Mr. S. had selected land as the location of a 
park for the future city. Captain Geerman had a ship-yard. 

There was a great scarcity of food in the vicinity, and 
Captain Geerman and Welcome Spencer started in a small 
schooner for Kingston, Canada, after provisions. They 
arrived at that port, made their purchase, and set sail for 
home, but were never heard of after. The occupants of a 
boat passing Stony island soon after saw a light upon it, 
and reported the same to the colony. A conference was 
held, and it was concluded to send a party in pursuit. 

Mr. Spencer (fiUher of Welcome), who lived at the time 
on the John Tiffany place, Mr. Wheadon, Greene Clark, 
and Mr. Doolittle, all of whom lived near the Lamb school- 
house, and Nathaniel Rood, who lived just east of Richard 
Hamilton's present residence, were the persons selected to 
go. After a fruitless search they left for home, but on 
their return encountered a severe storm, and on rounding 
Stony point the boat capsized, and all found a watery grave. 
The scene was witnessed from the shore, but no help could 
be extended. Wheadon was a very active man, and hung 
to the boat for some time, and it was thought that he would 
save himself; but no aid could reach him, and a heavy 
wave finally washed him off. 

But few can realize the extent of such a calamity in a 
newly-settled country, sparsely inhabited. It was a loss of 
numbers, where one man was a host. Among the .surviv- 
ing male members of the settlement were Calvin Tiffany, 
Phineas Davis, and Colonel Parkhurst. 

Soon after this calamity the number of families dwindled 
down to six. Calvin Tiffany, one of the earliest and most 
prosperous, had but one loaf of bread in his family for six 
months, subsisting principally upon cracked corn and an 
occasional piece of venison. A representative of one of 
the most energetic and enterprising of the families of this 
period related as a fact that " a sjiarseucss of food was oft 
compensated by a substitution of slippery-elm bark, aud 



2G4 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW iOllK. 



that he and his earl}- brothers have eked out many a meal 
closing with a dessert of beecli-nuts." Also that "the sov- 
ereign remedy for all physical ills in the medicinal practice 
of these days was butternut bark, — the one approved ca- 
thartic. Sick or well, old or young, on the opening of 
sjiring, drank copiously of a tea made from this burk, thus 
regulating the system, purifying the blood," etc. 

The primitive settlements in Mexico were confined to 
that part of the town formerly known as Ver.i Cruz, now 
as Mexico Point. This entire region, from the mouth of 
Salmon creek as far back as Texas, was laid out in city lots, 
and it was supposed for some time that this point could be 
made one of the best harbors on the lake. The mouth of 
the creek was piered out and an immense amount of labor 
expended ; all has proved a total loss from the fact that the 
bars of Mexico will not allnw the pa.ssage of heavy-draft 
ships. The renowned Uobin.son Crusoe is not the only 
mall who has built, at great expense, a erafl too far inland 
even to be launched ; he has many iliustrinus imitators 
even down to the jiresent day. 

This point early became the resort of skillful and suc- 
cessful smugglers. Its isolation facilitated their operations. 
Tradition, we are sorry to Siu', im|plicates .some of the early 
settlers in this contraband business. A lire about 1820 
destroyed the ]ilace. 

Nathaniel Hood, an esteemed pioneer, and the first white 
settler within the present limits of the corporation of the 
village of Mexico, came into the Vera Cruz neighborhood 
in the spring of 1799, built his log cabin, which was sit- 
uated about thirty rods east of the residence of II. Hamil- 
ton, and commenced improvements. As before stated, in 
this year he became a victim with others to the lake calam- 
ity. Tile tirst marriage was tliat of iiis widow and Hiehard 
(JalTord, in 1800 ; and the first birlli that of his son Tru- 
man, August 19, 1799. The latter died a resident of the 
town in April, 1877. 

The pioneers of lot 55 were Martin Kellogg, Joel Savage, 
A.sa Beebe, and Calvin Tiffany. The former, in 1804, pro- 
cured a title to the place adjoining I'ctcr Pratt's subsequent 
farm. He spent several months in clearing land and get- 
ting in crops, boarding with " Esquire Hamilton," and 
brought his family on in 1805. Joel Savage, three years 
a soldier in the war for American Independence, was a 
native of Middletown, Connecticut, where he was born in 
17G1. 

Mr. Tifi'aiiy, a worthy pimicer from the same State, lo- 
cating here in ISOO, was the primitive settler of the lot. 
He came in with Phineas Davis the year previous, and 
until then had jointly occupied with him the rude log house. 
His liouse was a nucleus for the beginnings of church his- 
tory, as well as that of schools in the town. He kept a 
tavern here as early as 1810. The old " Primitive Ceme- 
tery," situated on the hill west of his place, was founded 
at a very early date, Mr. Scriba having given the land 
therefor, and Samuel Cole, who died in January, 1809, 
father of the Hev. Samuel Cole, was the first victim of death 
gathered in its now sacred dust. Mr. Cole was a .Ala.son, 
and Wiis buried with Masonic honors. This was the (miy 
cemetery until 1838. 

Jlr. Tiffany and Mr. Davis, accompanied by their wives, 



parted with friends and left their homes in Connecticut the 
last week in January, 1790, arriving at Mexico the 21st 
dav of Februarv. The journey was made on a sled drawn 
by two yoke of oxen. Mr. Davis, an estimable citizen, died 
in 1844, upon the place taken up by him, and now occupied 
by his .son PhinejLs. Mrs. Davis lived to the ripe age of 
ninety-seven years. 

Many of the pioneers of this town were from e;»stern 
counties of this State, although Connecticut and Massachu- 
setts were al.'*o well represented by tho.se who turned their 
backs upon the '' land of steady habits," determined to make 
new homes in the wilderness. In 1804, Kbcnezer Everts, 
aceonipanieil l)y bis sons Frederick and Pliilo i the former 
locating on lot 27), came into town, and purcliitscd (|uite a 
tract of land in the northwest part of the town. His 
brother Samuel and his family settled this year on the farm 
which hits continued in the po,sse.ssion of his heirs, and 
wliiili. with a vestige of the old house still standing upon 
it, is well known as the '' Uncle Walter Everts farm." 
Elijah Everts settled on lot 18; his brothers, Walter, 
Samuel, and Luther, also took up farms at an early day. 

At this time " Esquire Hainilton" ( Reuben 1, a prominent 
citizen, who settled prior to 1798, was living in a log house 
on the place known as the Lamb farm, and now owned by 
Isaac Burlingham. Asa Davis was the fii-st settler on lot 
90, where ho located in 1801. At this time he was the 
only resident between Mexico village and Lamb's Corners. 
A son, Benjamin, occupies the homestead. 

About this period, Joseph Lamb, a surveyor, became a 
j)ii)necr on the (1. Wheeler place. Later. Samuel Kinery, 
Z. and L. Hutterficld, and E. Griffith settled in this neigh- 
borhood. John Lamb, a brother of Josej)!), purchased a 
portion of lilt 91 in 180-t. Most conspicuous among the 
settlers in this locality was David Lamb, who emigrated to 
this place from Connecticut in 1803. He was a good 
farmer, and a well-qualified ba-^incss man. At an early 
day he kejit a hotel here. A Mr. Ward was an early settler 
ou lot 32. 

In 1804 the number of forest homes became eonsiderablv 
increa.sed. Among those who settled in that year were the 
following: Noah Smith, who located in the Peter Pratt and 
Joel Savage neighborhood ; Bailey Morton, brother of John, 
on lot (j5; Solomon Huntington, an esteemed citizen (father- 
in-law of Hon. Avery Skinner), who became the proprietor 
of lot 143, where he resided until his death ; his son, Her- 
bert, now a wealthy merchant in Wisconsin ; Oliver Rich- 
ardson, a native of Oneida county, and an energetic pioneer, 
who selected lot 95 as the place for his home, and there 
raised a prominent family. His .sons wore Oliver, Reuben, 
John M., Alvin. and Edward. John M. represented his 
district in the legislature in 1838, which honor was also 
conferred recently upon his brother Alvin. 

About this time, Eli.sha Huntington lucaleil on lot 139. 
Ill 1801. Asa Davis, whoso grand.-'on and namesake (.son of 
B. D. Davis) fell a soldier at New Orleans, located on the 
])lacc where the latter now resides. Daniel Ames, Peleg 
Brown, and Reuben Lay were also pioneers of that year. 
Lot 79 was settled, in 1805, by Israel Slack, from Oneida 
county. His son. N'athanicl, early located on lot 81. Sol- 
omon Peck, accompanied by his .sons Dennis, Solomon, Hop- 




Resioenu of LH.CONKLIN, Mexico. N. Y. 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



265 



kins, and Samuel, and by George Rickard, came into town 
in 1805. The latter took up land on lot 67, which place 
was soon after owned by George Kingsbury. David R. 
Dixon and Deacon Root were early residents on lot 66. 

Dr. Tcnnant located near Colosse in 1806. He was the 
first physician in that vicinity, and was succeeded by Dr. 
Brewster. Jonathan Jjlderkin, who settled northeast of 
Grafton Corners, and Samuel Cole, on lot 54, were pioneers 
of this year. Also Captain Stephen Douglass, on lot 120, 
and Guerdon Cone, on lot 107. The title of the latter 
remained in the family until recently. James, a sou, sub- 
sequently took up a farm on lot 108. 

Prominent among the settlers of 1806 was Colonel Sher- 
man Hosmer. He is now the only surviving member of 
the early settlement, and tells of going through an unbroken 
forest to Oswego Falls, near Fulton, with a small company 
of young ladies and gentlemen on foot and on horseback to 
attend a ball, the ladies carrying their " finery" and putting 
it on after their arrival there. Isaac Higby eai'ly located 
on lot 145, and across the road from him, on lot 144, was 
Lewis Meade. 

In 1808 a Mr. Wing commenced improvements on lot 
152. The place south of Colosse, now owned by Mr. 
Jenny, was settled in 1708, by Colonel Jonathan Parkhurst, 
long one of the most prominent citizens of the town. Jona- 
than Williams settled on lot 105 in 1804. Sage Williams, 
his son, early located on lot 118. Comfort Allen was a 
pioneer on lot 160, south of Colosse ; a Frenchman, by the 
name of Tasher, became an early neighbor. A Mr. Harvey 
commenced improvements at an early day on lot 153, and 
Mr. Cook on the place now owned by his grandson, Anson. 
Lucius Webb was also among the enterprising spirits of 
those times. He commenced his rustic home about two 
miles south of Mexico village, but afterwards located on lot 
86. Lot 35 was early settled by a Mr. Manwarren. Wil- 
liam, his son, took up the farm adjoining on the north. 

Judge Avery Skinner, a prominent man not only in the 
town, but the county, and to some extent in the State, was 
also identified in the pioneer history of Mexico. He kept 
the first hotel at Union Square, where he erected his domi- 
cile about 1810. Mr. Skinner afterwards held numerous 
official positions, and was at one time a State senator. The 
names of Benjamin Gilbert, Benjamin Winch, and Simon 
King, at the mouth of Salmon creek, and of Isaac Bur- 
lingham, Hezekiah Stanley, and John Miles, in other parts 
of the town, appear upon the assessment roll of 1798. 

Other pioneers of Mexico were John Kingsley, Ephraim 
Gates, whose daughter, Mrs. Oliver, now resides at Parish 
Hill ; Daniel Locke, who removed from the town in 1820 ; 
William Cole, Edmund Wheiiler, whose descendants are 
niiw well-known citizens of Mexico; Wm. Goit, a name 
still nniaining in the list of living citizens ; Dyer and David 
Burnliam, Jabin Wood, better known as Dwicoii Wood; 
David Easton, Dean Tubbs, David Williams, Warner 
Mitchell, ami Wm. S. Filch, a pioneer nii'rchant of Mexico 
village. 

Another pioneer of Mexico, whose name deserves more 

than passing notice, was Silas Town, a Revolutionary hero. 

He resided for some tiuK! within the present village limits, 

and afterwards went to Vera Cruz, where he died in 1808, 

18 



and was buried on a small island near the mouth of the 
creek. At the breaking out of the Revolution, his services 
were .sought by the government as a spy, in which capacity 
he rendered very valuable service. He was a favorite 
among the settlers, and a man of more than ordinary 
ability. 

PRATTVILLE. 

The pioneers here, most conspicuous among whom were 
Peter Pratt and Elias and Sardius Brewster, early laid the 
foundations for wealth and prosperity. In advance of 
Mexico village, which afterwards, owing to better natural 
location, became the centre of population and business, it 
began to foster the cause of religion, education, and material 
improvement. 

A woolen-factory was conducted by Mr. Pratt and the 
two Brewsters. The former built the first saw-mill and dis- 
tillery at this point, and was a partner with Elias Brewster 
in the first variety store and tin-shop. Joel Savage kept the 
first tavern, on the corner where E. Halsey now lives. Ed- 
mund Smith established the first tannery and harne.ss-shop 
on the stream east of Prattville Corners, and Simon Leroy 
carried on the pioneer cabinet-shop. George Finney, a 
brother of Charles G. Finney, the celebrated evangelist and 
president of Oberlin college, was the first blacksmith. He 
afterwards became a minister. 

The first frame house still remains standing near the 
residence of Geo. Wheeler. Mr. Smith procured the first 
stove ; the neighbors thought him unwise, and said it would 
certainly prove a very unhealthy way of warming the house. 

Prattville, named in honor of Judge Peter Pratt, is a ham- 
let, situated about two and one-half miles east of Mexico 
village. It contains a church, a cheeae-factory, a school, 
and about twenty houses. 

UNION SQUARE (P. 0.) 

is a hamlet and station on the Syracuse Northern railroad, 
situated four miles east of Blexico village. It contains a 
store, hotel, a cheese- fiictory, a blacksmith-shop, a school, ' 
and about a dozen houses. 

TEXAS (P. 0.), 

situated in the northwest part of the town, near the lake- 
shore, contains two stores, a hotel, a church, a blacksmith- 
shop, saw-mill, .school, and about twenty-five houses. Soon 
after the burning of Vera Cruz (1820) S. P. Robinson 
started a boat-yard at this point, where he carried on the 
boat-building business for five or six years. A pa])er-mill 
and stcire in connecticin with it was established here at quite 
an early day, and kept uj) fur many years. 

COLOSSE, 

situated in the southeast part of the town, on the Syracuse 
and Watertiiwn ]ilank-road, contains a hotel, two stores, two 
harness-shops, a cabinet-shop, a blacksmith-shcip, a school, a 
church, and about thirty hou.ses. It was believed at an early 
day that this, on account of it.s favorable location, would 
become an important place. The first settlers were Perry 
Allen, who located on lot 133, the northeast one of the four 



2G6 



lllSTUllY OF 06Wli(J0 CULMV, MEW VOllK. 



wliich corner here, uiid Klislia Huntley, who was accompa 
nied by his suns, William, Lorenzo, Lyman, and Elisha. 
The hittor took uj> a large farm on lots I'.i'd and 133, the 
title of which has since remained with the descendants of 
the family. William settled on lot 118. Lorenzo remained 
on the homestead, and Lyman, a jihysieian, pureha.sed a 
small piece of land on the northwest of the corners. 

Judge Bates built a tavern one and a half stories in 
height, on the southwest of the corners, where, after 1817, 
thi^ building having been enlarged and rebuilt, he was suc- 
ceeded as host by many others. About 181 G Rufus Tif- 
fany .started a store adjoining the Bales tavern, which after 
some time was .sold to Milton Harmon, and in turn to 
Leander Parkhurst. An ashory and distillery also eom- 
inenced operations here about this time. The Bapti.st church 
edifice was built in 1820, and the year following I'aul Allen 
erected a second tavern, situated a short distance south of 
the corners and on the east side of the road. 

Jo.sejdi Devendorf started a tannery and shoeniaking es- 
tabli.shment in 1822, which was soon pureha.sed by Truman 
Rood ; and Marshall Fairehiids commenced the manufac- 
ture of hats. Alvin Richardson and D. Markham were 
early blacksmiths. The ]iost-offiee at Colosse was among 
the first established in the county, it being on the old mail- 
route between Syracuse and Watertowii. The mail was 
carried each way once a week. 

MEXICO VILLAGE. 

This village was originally cilled Jlexicoville ; subse- 
quently it received its present name. The first settlements 
of the town were in other portions of it, but at a very early 
day this biicamc the nucleus of a busy colony. Nathaniel 
Rood, as before staled, was the pioneer of Mexico village. 
In 1812 there were situated within its present limits seven 
houses. 

Matthias AV'hitney, in February of that year, having jmr- 
chascd seventy-five acres of land on the east side of what is 
now Church street, and of a line extending north in pro- 
longation of that street, moved into a log house situated on 
the site of Sharra's blacksmith-shop. His nearest neigh- 
bor was Rufus Richardson, whose frame hou.se, the second 
in the village, stood on the site of the present residence of 
James Driggs. Phineas Davis' log house was situated 
nbotit thirty rods northeasterly from the present residence 
of his son Phineas, and John Morton, a settler of 1801, 
had located on the village lot now owned Viy Jos. Simons. 
Mr. Aldridge's cabin stood on the village lot now owned by 
J. AVhyburn, and the house of Leonard Ames on the site 
of the ]irescnl ri'sidence of Mrs. Sanniel Smith. 

On tlie village lot now owned by his grandson, John 
Alfred, Shubai;! Alfred had built the first frame house in 
Jlexico village. Its dimensions were twenty by twenty- 
four feet. Mr. A.'s house and barn must have been sancti- 
fied in after-years by many precious associations and memo- 
ries, as they were both n)ade sanctuaries. An old resident 
informs us that he distinctly remembers of seeing tlie Lord's 
Supper administered in the former. The barn was occu- 
jiied as a place for schools at different times; and in one 
iusliince the little educational institution in it had to be 



moved from the main part into the stable, because the floor 
was needed for the thrashing of grain. How the children 
succeeded in keeping their thoughts on their ,>-tudies we are 
not infonned. Twenty years ago a former resident of the 
town, vi.>iting from the west his old friends here, went 
about among the dear haunts of his boyhood, and said that 
the only really '' familiar spot he found in Mexico was Shu- 
bad Alfred's kitchen." It was built in 1807, and is still 
standing. 

About 1813 George King.-^bury built the third frame 
building in the village, which was occupied by hiui both as 
a residence and as a cloth-dressing establishment. John 
Morton built a .*aw-mill in 1S04 where "(loil's mill'' iujw 
stands, and a lew years later rigged up a run of .stone in 
one corner for grinding corn. This was (|uite an improve- 
ment upon the stump method of smashing grain, and was 
, largely patronized. People came from Sciiba and even 
from Oswego to get their grinding done, bringing their 
gri.sts upon llieir backs and returning in the sinne way. 

In l.Sll this jiroperty was purchased by JI. Whitney, 
who put in another run of stone, and about 1827 by Den- 
nis Peck. The latter was succeeded in the biisines.s first by 
William and afterwards by David Goit, who in turn sold to 
its present owner A. C. Thomas. 

T. S. Morgan and JIatthew McNair, of Oswego, as early 
as 1818 built a store, distillerj', and ashcry. The latter with 
an oil-mill occupied the west bank of the stream on the north 
side of the road. The store was situated on the village hit 
now owned by L. F. Alfred, and run by Wm. Fitch, an early 
postmaster ; afterwanls by James Lamb and Elias May. Mr. 
Fitch about 1S27 built the second store, which, having been 
remodeled, is now the billiard-saloon kept by Win. Simons. 
The distillery of Morgan it McNair was run by Simon Tul- 
ler until 1S3S, when it was succeeded by tliat of Lamb, 
Webb & Tuller. 

The first hotel was built by M. AVhilney, in 1823, on the 
present site of the Mexico House. Jabin Wood started a 
tannery in 1825, and soon after built the first .shoe-.shop. 
He was sucet-eded in the tanning business by Archibald 
Ross, and the latter by William Merriam. The .southwest 
corner of the present Church and .Main streets was early 
owned by Daniel Miirdoek. and at his death its title was 
purchased by Nathaniel Butler, the lirst jeweler. 

In 1825, Basaliel Thayer started a wool-carding and cloth- 
dressing establi.shment, situated on the site of the eastern 
one of the two mills owned by A. C. Thomas. 

Peter Chandler built and kept a brick store, at an early 
day, situated on tlie site of the dry goods store of Stone, 
Robin.son & Co. Here Mr. Chandler carried on an exten- 
sive business. Samuel and Benjamin Stone, formerly his i 
clerks, are now prominent merchants in the |>lace. George 
and Ran.soni Butler also kejil a store here at an early day. j 
John Martin built the Park Hotel, which is still standing. ; 

.Mexii'o, located as it wxs in the centre of a wealthy 
agricultural region, rajiidly rose in importance, until to-day 
it is one of the most thriving and plea.sant towns in the 
county. Below are given its most prominent bnsiin^s 
interests : 

Millns. A. C. Thomas, iiriijiiielor of the Toronto and 
State mills, Rubbins it Son. 




%■%% 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



267 



Planing-mUl, Homer Ames. 

Planing- and smc-iniH, Edward Ames. 

Tuh-manufactory, S. N. Gustin. 

Sash, blind, and door factory, Williams. 

Foundry and machine tcorks, Robert Bews. 

Tannery, J. McKennelly. 

Carriage-mamifacturers, Lewis Miller, George Penfield. 

Hardware merchants, Stotic, Hood & Co., suecassoi-s to 
B. S. Stone ; T. G. Brown. 

Dry goods merchants, H. C. Peck & Son, J. R. Norton, 
Stone, Robinson & Co., Becker Bros., E. Rulison. 

Druggists, John C. Taylor, E. L. Huntington. 

Grocery and crockery stoi-es, Fred. Tuller, Goit & Cas- 
tle, Cobb & Woodruff. 

Produce-dealer, Judson Hoose. 

Baker and grocer, J. Whyburn. 

Grocer and butter-dealer, L. G. Ballanl. 

Books, stationery, and news-room, L. L. Virgil. 

Furniture store, C. P. Whipple. 

Undertaker, William Ely. 

Boots and shoes, L. L. Alexander, S. Parkhurst, C. T. 
Croft.. 

Jewelers, R. L. Alfred, George G. Tubbs. 

Ifarness-shojjs, George Pruyne, Jacob Brown. 

Postmaster, L. F. Alfred. 

Besides, the place contains the banking-office of L. H. 
Conklin, three hotels (Mexico House, Empire House, Bar- 
rett House), an academy, tiiree district schools, five churches, 
a cheese-factory, and the number of shops and markets com- 
mon to a place of its size. 

Mexico was incorporated January 15, 1851, and the 
following trustees elected for the ensuing year: 0. H. 
Whitney, C. D. Snell, James S. Chandler, David Goit, and 
Asa Sprngue. The corporate bounds contain .six hundred 
and thirty-five and sixty-one one-hundredth acres of land, 
and its population is about fifteen hundred. The Mexico 
Independent, a hand.sonie and iiro.sperous .sheet, is published 
liere, and also the Deaf Mutes' Journal, both of which are 
mentioned more at length in the chapter on tlie press. 

MEXICO VILLAGE CEMETERY. 

Tills cemetery was established in 1838, and the first 
burial therein was that of Luther S. Conklin, in September 
of that year. It includes eleven acres of land nicely loca- 
ted and beautifully laid out in winding walks and drives, 
ornamented with shade and evergreen trees. 

The first trustees wore James S. Chandler, John Ben- 
nett, and Calvin Goodwin. The first addition was made 
Jlay 11, ISOl, by L. H. Conklin, including lots from 105 
to 2t;5, inclusive. April 1, 1873, lut.s from 200 to 494, 
inclusive, were added by the corporation. 

EARLY SICKNESS — RO.IDS — FIUES. 

The early settlers did not escape the usual diseases con- 
se(juent upon opening the lands to the sun, the decomposi- 
tion of vegetable matter, and the existence of miasmatic 
swamps. During the year 1812 there was a sweeping 
epidemic through this whole region, in some of its symp- 
toms strongly resembling Asiatic cholera ; so fatal was tliis 
disease and so wide-spread were it.s ravages that many died 



for want of proper care. Physicians from the older settle- 
ments came in and rendered timely and valuable service to 
the inhabitants. 

In 1820 a fatal form of dysentery prevailed, carrying off 
many of the people. Almost every family furnished one 
or more victims to its ravages. Ague and bilious fevers 
were common for many years along the lake-coast. These 
diseases alone probably carried off more than one-half of 
all who located here during the first twenty years. 

The roads for many years, as a matter of couree, were not 
of the best, and were much of the time impassable, the 
principal means of communication between different points 
being by Indian paths and marked trees. The first road 
of any pretensions in this region was constructed by Mr. 
Scriba, from Constantia to Vera Cruz, now Mexico Point, 
connecting the proposed cities. The original road from 
Mexico to Oswego passed in a westerly direction through 
what is now known as the Cheever district, in New Haven, 
and from there it followed the beach of the lake. How- 
ever, at this period there was but little connnunication be- 
tween the places, as what is now Oswego city contained 
but two frame houses and a warehouse. The highways in 
the immediate vicinity of Mexico village received early 
attention from the settlers. 

An incident is related of Leonard Ames and Walter 
Everts which may throw some light upon the state of the 
roads in those days. Mr. Everts had been out to some of 
tlie eastern settlements to procure provisions. Returning 
with his load, he got stalled in the mud some fourteen miles 
from home, on what is now the road from Colosse to Cau)- 
den. His harness was broken and his horse fast in the 
mire. For hours he labored by all possible means to extri- 
cate himself, but without success. He was about to aban- 
don all, but at this juncture Mr. Ames came up with his 
family, on his way to Mexico. He cut his shoe-strings into 
projier dimensions for sewing, pried open his chest, and 
took out his awl. The hariie.ss was soon rejiaired, the horse 
lifted from his inglorious and unjileasant po.sition, and all 
went on rejoicing. 

Mexico has been celebrated for its many fires. The first 
building consumed by fire was the cabin known as the 
" Gafford place," owned by Nathaniel Rood and occupied 
by Calvin Tiffany, formerly by Mr. Tiffany and Phineas 
Davis. 

Early in February, 1801, the former being absent from 
home, a fire caught in some tow overhead and the building 
burned down. Mrs. Tiffany, her child (Rufus), and the 
hired man were the only witnesses. The second fire occurred 
in 1807, destroying the dwelling owned by Richard Gafford. 

In July, 1864, a very destructive and alarming conflagra- 
tion took place in Mexico village, which reduced seventeen 
buildings, on the south side of Main street, to heaps (if buin- 
ing ruins in two hours. The loss was sixty-seven tlumsand 
dollars. A fire in July, 186C, on the op)in.site side of the 
street destroyed property to the anicmnt nf twenty-fiinr 
thousand dollars. 

SCIKIOL HI.STOIIV. 

Improvements of every kind went hand in hand, and 
cveiy effort was made, from the first, to advance the interests 
of this small handful of people. Schools were not forgotten, 



2G8 



IIISTOUV OF OSWEGO COUJS'TV, iNEW lOUK. 



althuu^li for several yeans it Mas iIu|>o^^.sible lu uiuintain u 
ticliool. As late as 1814 it is said that lliere witi,- but fuur- 
toeii adult males in the lowii. The tirst sehoul ^Vil^i taught 
in 1806, \>y Saiifurd UdUglass, at Colosse. The earliest 
geliool in Mexico vilhijie was taught by Harriet Eastim, in 
Shubael Aliivd's barn, in 1811. The surviviiif; jiupils of 
this school in Oswofro County arc Roland Crownian, Silas 
Ibvis, and Mrs. O. Whitney in O.swego, and Mrs. Thomas 
Webb and William Ames in Mexico. The first public 
movement made for stlmols was in 181H. 

The proceedings of the meeting for this purpose we give 
as recorded : " At a special town-meeting held at the house 
of Calvin Till'any, June '^, 18115, in compliance with the 
act for the establishment of common schools, S. Palmer, 
I'ctcr Pratt, and Jotiathan Wing were chosen commis- 
sioners of coinmiin schools in said town, ami Tienothy 
Norton, Deiiison Palmer, Kiijali Everts, Williaiii 1>. Wight- 
man, Jos. Bailey, and Elias Brewster, inspectors of said 
schools. Voted, to allow the school commissioners seventy- 
five cents per day fur their services, and to rai.se by tax on 
said town, for the use of said schools, sixty dollars." Tlu'n 
follows the divi.sion of the town into school districts. 

The pioneer school-house of Mexico was constructed of 
logs, and situated near the ground formerly occupied by the 
East Presbyterian church. As originally formed, school 
district No. 5 was three n)ilcs from north to south and two 
and one-half miles from ca.st to west. A strip half a mile wide 
was soon added on the east side. Black creek then divided 
the district into two nearly equal portions; that lying on the 
west side being still known as No. 5, while the east side 
became No. 8. On the 8th of May, 1810, districts 5 and 
8 were consolidated in one grand district, including the 
whole of the present districts 7, 8, and 0, and parts of seven 
other districts. This movement was made with the idea of 
erecting a building two stories high ; the ordinary di.strict 
school to be kept on the lower room, while the upper story 
should be devoted to the purposes of a high school. 

THE .MEXICO ACADE.MV. 

From this dates the commencement of the Mexico acad- 
emy, one of the oldest .schools of its class in the State. It 
was incorporated in 1828, and has always pro.s])ered, not- 
withstanding the burden of it.s baptismal name, — Bensselaer 
. Oswego academy, — which it retained for twenty years. 
The first board of tru.stees were as follows: Elias Brewster, 
president; Avery Skinner, secretary; Peter Pratt, treasurer; 
Chester Ilayden, Nathaniel Butler, .Muses P. Hatch. J)avid 
K. Dixon, Scth Severance, James Abel, Orris Hart, U. 
Curtisij, William Williams, Oliver Ayer, John A. Paine, 
Henry Williams, O. 15. Davis, Samuc'l Kinery, and .M. W. 
Sonlbworlh. 

The location first selected for the building was the place 
where the late Milton Byington lived, about three-fourths 
of a mile east of the Park hotel. This was a eomiiromi.se 
between the rival settlements of Prattville and Mexico. 

The brick and materials for its construction at this place 
were procured; but the advocates of the jiresent site pre- 
vailed, and the other point was abandoned. 

At that day this was a great undertaking, and many made 
great sacrifices to aid in its erection. The walls were not 



completed until late in December, no roof had been put on, 
and it was feared that the frost would destroy the walls, jso 
that the toil and strng;..:le of nearly a year would come to 
naught. Tlic ready wit and will of Captain L. Ames sug- 
gested relief — thai of drying the walls by fin- in the inside. 
He detailed companies of young men, with the injunction, 
" Boys, whenever the fire burns low roll in more logs, pile 
on more limbs." Thus day after day and night after night 
uncea.-iing fire was kept up, until the walls were thoroughly 
dry. Dennis Peck heated water in a caldron kettle with 
which to make mortar to cjirry up the gable endi, and the 
building was soon completed. 

John Howard was installed teacher of the high sehool, 
and Laura Fi.'-h was placed in control of the other depart- 
ment. A subscription amounting to fifteen hundred and 
twenty-nine dollars was obtained, and in 1830 a wooden 
structure twenty-eight by fitly feet, and three stories in 
height, was erected immediately in front of and adjoining 
the old brick building. The latter formed a rear extension 
to the more jiretenti(Uis edifice then ereeteil. From this 
jtcjiiit the academy a.ssumed a position as one of the most 
successful in the State. 

The otl's[>ring of the common school, it has become the 
mother of schools. Where there was one, now are tens. 
Its principals, beginning in 182U, have been successively 

as follows: Mason Southworlh, E. Dorchester, White, 

- — — Brooks, Shepard, 0. H. Whitney, Ma.son South- 



worth, (jeorge Hapgood, B. I. Diefendorf, Bussel Whiting, 
AV. II. Gillespie, George Hapgood, W. H. Gillespie, E. E. 
Bragdon, A. Davison, W. H. uillcipie, John U. French, 
J. D. Steele, B. F. Potter, A. B. Dunlap, S. 11. Adams, 
William H. jMcLaughlin, William II. Reese, S. M. Coon, 
and in 1874 Charles E. Havens. 

ClVir, HISTORY. 

The first town-meeting, utjder the .second org;iniy,ation, 
was apjioiuled by law to be held on April 1, ITilO, at the 
house of John Meyer, in Rotterdam (now Constantia i. 
Probably the inhabitants failed to hold town-meeting on 
this date. They certainly held none the next year, and fur 
that reason the officers of 1797 were appointed by three 
justices of Herkimer county, of which Mexico was then a 
part. John Myer was appointed supervisor; Oliver Ste- 
vens, town clerk; Amos Matthews, Solomon Waring, and 
Luke Mason, asses.sors ; Amos Matthews and Solomon 
Waring, overseers of the poor; Solomon Waring, collector, 
and Elijah Carter, constal)le. The justices of the peace, 
prior to ISIG, were ajipointcd by the "council of a)ipoint- 
ment," the governor being the presiding officer, and having 
llie easting vote. In 17!l''^, Isaac .Mdeli. of Willianislowii, 
John W. niiiouilield, of Rotterdam; Benjamin Wright, of 
Vera Cruz ; Joseph Strickland, of Redfield ; and Samuel 
Royce, of Camden, were apjiointed justices of the jieaee. 

Further ajipointmenls were made as follows: Reuben 
Ilmuilton, of the present town of Mexico, in 1800 ; in 
1804, Ebeiiezer Wright, of what is now \'olney ; in 1805. 
Reuben Hamilton. Samuel Till'any, and William Burk, of 
Scriba; in ISOti, William Cole, of Mexico, and Thomas 
Nutting, of Parish ; in 1807, David Williams, of Mexico, 
and David Ea.ston, of New Haven; in 1808, Reuben 





Res AND Factory or- S. ' 






IM^PROA^ED AN I M AL P O K E A n"d 

SI f^ M' ■ -^m 'm 



iM 



T U B «: PAI L 



m 



1 

1 



WORKS. 



'SB!'' 




^ Mexico, N.Y. 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



269 



Burk, and John Nutting; in 1810, 



Hamilton, Will 
Joseph Bailey, of New Haven, and Dyer Buinliam, of 
Mexico; in 1811, David Williams, David Eastou, Peter 
Pratt, of Mexico; Jonathan Wing and Joseph Bailey, of 
New Haven; in 1813, Benjamin Wright and Peter Pratt; 
1814, David Wing; and in 1815, Solomon Everts, of 
Mexico, and Paul Allen, of Parish. 

The first town-meeting, so fiir as known, was held at the 
house of John Myer, April 3, 1798, and the following offi- 
cers elected : John Myer, supervisor ; Benjamin Wright, 
town clerk ; John Bloomfield, A. Matthews, Benjamin 
Gilbert, and Luke Mason, assessors ; Solomon Waring, col- 
lector ; Solomon Waring and Reuben Hamilton, overseers 
of the poor ; John W. Bloomfield, Reuben Hamilton, and 
Samuel Jarvis, commissioners of highways ; A. Matthews, 
Jared Shepard, and Abram Van Valkenburgh, constables ; 
Henry Fall and Amos Matthews, fence-viewers ; Samuel 
Royce, John Myer, and Benjamin Wright, school commis- 
sioners. 

Since 1798, the supervisors and justices of the peace are 
given below : 



Ditto. 


Supervisors. 


Justices of the Peace. 




17H9. 


.Rculicn Hamilton. 






l.SIIO. 


" " 






1801. 


..Jon.ithan Parkharst. 






1802. 


.Calviu Timmy. 






1SII3. 


.Iloubeu llamilfnii. 






1804. 


" 






IsOo. 


n a 






ISOI). 


.Dyer Burnhain. 






1807. 


"*' " 






1808. 


It (I 






180U. 


.David Easton. 






isto. 


.Dyer Burnhain. 






1811. 


.David Williiuns. 






1812. 


• Dyer Burnh.'vm. 






ISIH. 


. '■• " 


• 




1814. 


tl n 






1815. 


l( it 






1816. 


.Elias Brewster. 






1817. 


. " " 






1818. 


.David Burnhain. 






ISl'J. 


. " 






1820. 
1821. 


.Peter Pratt. 






1822. 


.W. S. Fitch. 


• 




182.1. 


.Peter Pratt. 






1824. 


tl tt 






1825. 


It tt 






1820. 


tl It 






1827. 


tt It 






1828. 


It tt 






1829. 


.Joseph Lamb. 






1830. 


.Joseph W. Houghton. 


Joseph ^X. Houghton. 




1831. 


« it 


Frederick Evarts. 




1832. 


tt tt 


Elias Brewster. 




1833. 


It It 


0. H. Whitney. 




1834. 




Henry Webb. 




1835. 


.Luther S. Conklin. 


Frederick Everts. 




1S.16. 


. " " 


Hiram Skinner. 




1837. 


.Joseph Gowg. 


0. 11. Whitney. 




1838. 


.Charles Brewster. 


Alvin Richardson. 




183'J. 


1. (( 


V. (ircen. 




1810. 


.Elias Brewster. 


Charles Betiedict. 




1841. 


tl tt 


Ezra C. Mit.dull. 




1S42, 


.Orville Robinson. 


Sydney D. .Markham. 




IS 43. 


.Starr ("lark. 


Hii'ani Parker. 




1844. 


.Elias Brewster. 


David IJtirgliardt. 




1845. 


.John M. Riehardson. 


Starr Clark. 




1840. 


ft tt 


Le.inder Parkhurst, 




1S47. 


tl It 


Orville Roberts. 




1848. 


It It 


Gilbert V. Forsyth. 




1849. 


.James S. Chandler. 


John B. Higgins. 




1850. 


.Bradley Higgins. 


Asa Wing. 




1851. 


tt t( 


Lucius Combs. 




1852. 


tl tt 


Timothy W. Skinner. 




1853. 


'• " 


Henry L. Cnie, 




1S54. 


.L. D. Smith. 


Hiratu Fellows. 




1855. 


(( tl 


Orville Roberts. 




1850. 


.Calvin G. Hinckley. 


Timothy W. Skinner. 




1857. 


.S. A. Fuller. 


Henry L. t'ole. 




1858. 


..M. Newell. 


S. B.'liarncs. 




1859. 


" " 


A. F. Kellogg, Edwin .Mi 


dlani 



Date. 


Sup( 


rvisora. 


Justices of the Pence. 




1.860. 


.Calvin S 


iiiith. 


John J. Lainoree. 




ISOI. 


.Leonartl 


Allies. 


Marcus I). Hicharilsi.n. 




1862. 


.Seabury 


A. Fuller. 


S. li. Ijanics Alvin Kiehar< 


son 


1803. 




•* 


Edwin C. .Mi.lhim. 




1804. 


• ( 


" 


J. J. Lamoree. 




1865. 


(( 


" 


Alvin Richardson. 




1866. 


. " 


n 


S. IJ. V.suuvs. 




1867. 


. " 


ft 


Edwin MiiUani. 




1868. 


..John C. 


Taylor. 


Alonzo Hungcrford. 




1869. 


It 


*• 


Marcus D. Richardson. 




1870. 


.'Wiliiain 


J. Monter. 


Henry F. ('olo. 




1S71. 


" 




Edwin Midlani. 




1872. 


'* 


" 


AU>i\'£0 D. lIuno:crford. 




1873. 


" 


ft 


M. D. Richardson. 




1874.. 


" 


t{ 


Hcnrv L. Cole. 




1875. 


a 


" 


Edwin Midhiin. 




1876. 


.Asa L. S 


ampson. 


Alvah Kclio^g. 




1877. 


" 


" 


Robert II. Hakcr. 





TOWN ORDINANCES. 

We find in the town records of an early period some 
ordinances whicli to the present generation may seem some- 
what novel. April 7, 1801, it was "voted that no hog 
shall run at large without a goose-poke, eight inches above 
the neck and four inches below, small hogs in proportion, 
after the 10th of May next, until the 2Gth of October 
next." 

March 6, 1804, it was " voted that ten dollars be paid 
for each and every wolf killed in the town of Mexico the 
year ensuing." In 1812 this bounty was increased to 
thirty dollars. Daniel H. Southard is reported to have 
received from the town treasurer fifteen hundred dollars for 
wolf-scalps. During that year it was " voted thac any per- 
son belonging to the town of Mexico shall be entitled to 
receive six cents for each black, gray, or striped .squirrel, 
blue jay, or blackbird he shall kill within .said town." 
This was a rise on a former ordinance of four centji. 

ORGANIZATIONS. 

Mexico Lodge of F. and A. M. — This lodge was in- 
stalled at the hou.se of Samuel Rogers, January 24, 1808. 
An invitation had been previously given to brethren of the 
order to be present. The following were the first officers: 
Haynes Bennett, Master ; Anson Tenant, S. W. ; Samuel 
Cherry, J. W. ; Shubael Alfred, Trea.surcr; Martin Kellogg, 
Secretary ; Samuel Cole, S. D. ; and Levi Matthews, J. D. 
Others among the early members were S. Rogers, M. Way, 
D. Tubbs, William Cole, Joseph Baily, Joel Savage, Peter 
Pratt, John Howard, G. Winan, S. Bradncr, J. Boynton, 
G. Barnes, P. Hcsmer, Calvin Tiffany, and H. Davis. In 
June, 1810, S. Cherry succeeded Mr. Bennett as Master. 
The Morgan difficulty in 1826 resulted in the dissolution 
of the lodge, none of whose original members are now liv- 
ing. The present prosperous and stable lodge was instituted 
in 1848. 

Mexico C/icpfer, Nr). 135, of Roi/al Arch Musonx, was 
granted a dispensation from the grand chapter of the 
State of New York, December 12, 1850. It wsfe organized 
February 5, 1857, and the following officers duly installed: 
Basaliel Thayer, High Priest; Avery Skinner, King; Simon 
Leroy, Scribe ; J. E. Bloomfield, Secretary ; David Goit, 
Treasurer ; A. B. Simons, C. H. ; Stephen Pardee, P. S. ; 
Abner French, R. A. C. ; John Wood, M. lid V. ; 0. Rams- 
dell, M. 2d V. ; and Robert C. Kenyon, M. 1st V. B. 
Thayer held the office of H. P. until December, 1855, 
when Avery Skinner was chosen to that office. Mr. Skin- 



270 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



iicr was .succeeded as II. P., in 18GIJ, \>y L. II. Conklin, 
and lie in turn, in 1871, by T. W. Skinner, the present 
oeeujiant oF the position. Tiieir meetings uro held in 
Masonic hall, the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of 
each luonth. The pre.scnt menibersliip is about eighty-five. 
Mexico Teut, No. 85, N. O. of 1. li. — Their charter 
was granted July 20, 1876, to twenty-two members. Its 
first officers were D. C. Morse, P. C. R. ; J. A. Uickard, 
C. R. ; Frank Carpenter, D. R. ; John I). King, R. S. ; A. 
N. Benedict, F. S. ; T. Miller, Treasurer ; S. P. Gray, Secre- 
tary ; J. J. Runlick, Y. ; J. 0. Ballard, T. G. ; S. M. Bennett, 
0. G. The membership is fifty-seven. The Degree Coun- 
cil contains forty-six members. 

COLOSSE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

A number of brethren in the town of Mexico, Oneida 
county, met at the house of Amos Williams, in the present 
town of Parish, Sunday, June la, 180C, and, after divine 
service by Elder Gamaliel Barnes, consulted on the subject of 
forming a church, and agreed to hold conference-meetings 
statedly, for further consultation. After several such meet- 
ings, they agreed on the 7th of January, 1807, to convene 
a council, in order to be recognized as a church ; but being dis- 
appointed by the councils not attending, and after several 
more consultations, they agreed on the 15tli day of October, 
1807, to assume church authority, and labor under the 
regulations of the gospel. It was the first Baptist church 
organized in Oswego County, and the second of any denomi- 
nation. The only one anterior, to it was at Rodfidd, and 
this was the first in all central and western Oswego. This 
org;iniz;itiun continued till July 2, 1811, and then unani- 
mously (li^^.solved. 

A number of brethren, however, reconsidered the vote 
of diss<ilution, resumed church labor, and convened a coun- 
cil, which council met August 23, 1815, at school-house 
No. 1, in the town of Mexico (in what is now Parish). 
Thiscouncil wascomposed of delegates from Baptist churches 
in Jefferson county, there being no churches in Oswego 
County, viz.: Jefferson, Ilciiderson, Elli.sburgh, horraine, 
and Rodman. The whole number of delegates was twelve, 
who chose Elder Emery O.sgood moderator, and Elder 
Martin E. Cook clerk. After a thorough examination, this 
council, on the next day, August 24, 1815, gave the right 
hand of fellowship to eighteen brothers and sisters, as the 
Baptist church of Mexico, by (Jaiualicl Barnes, Barnet 
Whij)ple, William R. Huntley, James Roberts, Samuel 
Manwarren, John Manwarrcn, Asji Barnes, Stutely Palmer, 
Jr., Hannah Barnes, Hannah Roberts, Fanny Manwarren, 
Eunice Manwarren, Prudence Carr, Lowry Barnes, Caroline 
Burncs, Lydia Barnes, Polly Morse, and Bethiah Williams. 
Most of the members of the first society united with this 
organizjition. The name of the church was changed to 
Colossc about forty years ago, as the meeting-house is in 
that hamlet. 

The first officers were Gamaliel Barnes, pastor; Perry 
Allen and Stutely Palmer, Jr., deacons; and Stutely Palmer, 
Jr., clerk. Its first meetings were held at the school-house 
where the church was recognized, in other school-houses, in 
private houses, and in barns, at Colosse (then Mexico Four 
Corners), Red Mills, and the present village of I'arish. 



A society for building a church edifice was formed 
November 5, 1821, but the church was not begun until 
1823, and was finished in 1824. It was erected at what 
is now Colossc, in the town of Mexico, on the west line of 
lot No. 145. On this lot there are also a cemetery and 
meeting-house sheds. The I'rame of the church is of hard 
wood, put together with great solidity, as the farmers used 
to build their barns. The outside is of first-class pine; 
the dimensions are forty-s-ix by thirty-six feet, and the 
original room was twenty feet high. The minister, in ascend- 
ing the pulpit, had to jiass up ((uite a flight of stairs. The 
outside of the room contained large s(|uarc jicws, and the 
centre, slips. There was also a large gallery. For the first 
one or two winters there was no stove in the church. Many 
(leople in those days thought that fires should not be built 
in the house of the I/ord. 

It is difficult now to tell definitely the original cost of 
the building ; but it was probably about twenty-five hundred 
dollars. It is now valued at that sum. The church has 
been repaired sevend times. Three years since it was ma- 
terially changed at a cost of at least six hundred dollars. 
The old audience-room was divided horizontally, making 
two stories. The upper story is now the audience-room, 
while the lower one is divided up into several apartments. 
These have been used for festivals and meetings, and also 
as the residence of the pastor. 

The church was first dedicated in the winter of 1824 
and 1825, Rev. Nathaniel J. Gilliert, of Syracu.«o, In-ing 
the preacher. There was also a second dedication in 1873, 
when Rev. G. A. Ames, of Pulaski, preached the dedica- 
tion sermon. The present membershi|) is fifty-two". The 
largest membership at any time was two hundred and 
sixty- six. 

The whole number of momlx.'rs that have ever belonged 
to the church is .seven hundred and thirty-four. The de- 
crease is principally from two causes. Many have united 
with other Baptist churches in the vicinity, and there has 
been a large influx of foreigners of another religion. 

The present church officers are Charles Sherwood, pastor; 
Cyrus Y. llartson and Lyman Huntley, deacons; and 
Edwin Palmer, clerk. 

The IblUiwing have been the pastors : Gamaliel Barnes, 
Enoch Ferris, William Watkins, George B. Pavis, John 
I. Fulton, Edmund Goodenough, William Storrs, Charles 
Marshall, Newell Boughton, Pavid McFailaiid, Peter Goo, 
Ira Dudley, Albert Cole, Jud.-on Davis, Mortimer V. 
Wilson, Lemon Q. (ialpin, Jones L. Davis, Thomas J. 
Siegfried, Elam D. Phillips, and Charles Sherwood. Of 
the first nine all but .Mr. (ioudenough are dead. All these 
pastors were men of unimpeachable character ; many of 
thcin had more than ordinary mental capacity, and .some 
of tliem were very eloquent. ^ 

The first Sunday-.sehool was instituted in 1828. Deacon 
Stutely Palmer Wits one of the first, if not the very first 
supirinlondent. The scholars probably numbered seventy- 
five. The present superintendent is Deacon Cyrus V. 
lIart.son, who has served a number of years. The immber 
of scholars ia about fifty, who are furnished with Sabbath- 
school papers in place of the books which were formerly 
used. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



271 



THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF PRATTVILLE. 

On the 20th Jay of August, 1810, a chureh, known as 
the First Presbytei'ian Chuvoh of Mexico, was instituted 
by Rev. Simeon Waterman in the barn of Shubael Alfred. 
Tiiis church was one of the earliest in this whole region, 
and all the members at the time were women, viz.: Mrs. 
Shubael Alfred, Mra. Mary Wheeler, Mrs. Rebecca Mat- 
thews, Mrs. Sarah Beebe, Mrs. Eunice Williams, Mrs. Mir- 
iam Southworth, and Mrs. Hannah Ilosnier. Revs. Israel 
Brainard, Oliver Leavitt, and M. Dunlap were among the 
early preachers. 

The society, which received the name of " The First 
Congregational Society of Mexico," was formed in May, 
1811, at the above-named place. • Its first trustees were 
Peter Pratt, Barnet Whipple, Sherman Hosmer, Shubael 
Alfred, and Calvin Tiffany. This church was unanimously 
changed to a Presbyterian society in May, 1818. From 
this period its progress was vigorous, embracing ;is it did, 
territorially, all the region round about. Prior to 1828 a 
movement had been made towards the building of a meet- 
ing-liouse, but the question arose as to whether the Pratt- 
ville or Mexico people should be favored with its location. 
All compromises failed, and the result was that in that 
year the society, consisting of four iiundred and twenty 
monibors, was divided, and each began the erection of a 
church. The one at Prattvillc was built on the bleak and 
stony hill west of that village in 1828, and dedicated about 
Christmas time, 1829, by Rev. Israel Brainard. 

The Prattville society was dissolved in 1859, and some of 
the remaining resident members uniting with others of the 
Wesleyan Methodist denomination, a church was formed 
under that connection the same year. 

During the summer of 1863 the present church edifice 
was erected and dedicated by Rev. H. B. Knight on the 
11th of December following. Its membership is thirty- 
five. Rev. A. P. Burgess was succeeded as pastor by Rev. 
L. N. Stratton, who served in that capacity for six years. 
The latter was followed by Rev. A. F. Donipey for one 
year, and he in turn by Rev. G. L. Payne, who was on 
the charge three years. Rev. E. Barnetson, the present 
pastoi-, succeeded Mr. Payne. Pastors prior to 1858 were 
the Revs. D.vid R. Dixon, from 1818 to 1833; Wm. 
B. Stowe, from 1833 to 1836 ; John L. Marvin, from 1840 
to 1843 ; Ezra Scoville, from 1843 to 1853 ; Ralph Rob- 
inson, from 1853 to 1857. For facts respecting this church, 
and for other valuable information in regard to Mexico, wo 
desire to express our obligations to Mrs. J. D. Clark, of 
that town, who has taken especial pains to preserve the 
records of her locality. 

THE PIIIST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OP MEXICO VILLAGE. 

This churcii was originally an offshoot of the old 
Presb^'terian society at Prattville, and tliereforc tiic early 
history of its existence will be found incorporated there. 
The present organization was effected February 24, 1830, 
by Revs. Oliver Ayer, Ralph Rubin.sun, and Oliver Leavitt, 
a committee appointed fin- that purpose by the Oswego 
presbytery. The following is the original article of asso- 
ciation : 



" The following persons, members of the Presbyterian 
church of Mexico, having adopted articles of faith and 
renewed their covenant, were organized into a church 
bearing the name of The First Presbyterian Church of 
Mexicoville: Shubael and Lucinda Alfred, Nathaniel and 
Lucinda Butler, Isaac and Lydia Stone, Anson and Eliza 
Gustin, Samuel and Caroline Wilson, Alex, and Mary 
McNitt, S]dmund, Levi, Mary, Lucy, and Lovisa Mat- 
thews, Sally and Louisa Davis, Clark and Abigail Beebe, 
Jabin and Melinda Wood, A.sa Allen, Catharine Wheeler, 
Laura Goit, Sally Amos, Nancy L(n'd, Sophia Taft, Fanny 
Wood, and Eunice Killam." The following ministers have 
served the church as pastors successively: Ralph Robin- 
son, Oliver Ayer, Alfred White, Dunham, J. A. Hart, 

Charles Bowles, D. R. Dixon, Wm. Blodgett, John East- 
man, Josiah Leonard, Russell Whiting, Daniel Van Val- 
kenburgh, and Henry Parker. Jabin Wood, Asa Beebe, 
Starr Clark, Saniut^l Smith, and Charlos Wheeler were early 
deacons. 

The church has always been prosperous, and the present 
membership is large. 

THE METHODIST EPI.SCOI'AL CHURCH OF ME.XICO VILL.'i.GE. 

About 1808 or 1809, when but little had been done 
by any denomination for establishing public worship, Jona- 
than Heustis, a young Methodist preacher, made his appear- 
ance in Mexico. He came on horseback with his portman- 
teau and saddle-bags, containing his wardrobe, his Bible, 
and hymn-book. He was in search of a location from which 
he might call the people to repentance. The Presbyterians 
had organized a small society, and when he came along they 
chanced to be holding a meeting. After the close of the 
service he inquired if there were any Methodists in the 
vicinity. He was informed of one, Mrs. Leonard Ames, 
and was directed to her house, where he met a cordial re- 
ception. In Mr. Ames' house he preached the first Jleth- 
odist sermon in the town of Sloxico. The first class was 
organized here, and consisted of five members : Mrs. L. 
Ames, Place, Calkins, Cheesebro, and W. Armstrong, who 
was the first leader. 

In 1810 the Genesee conference was organized and its 
territory divided into three districts. The Black River 
country was included in the Cayuga district, which com- 
prised the circuits of Black River and Mexico. It is prob- 
able that the legal society of this church was organized in 
1833, and Was made a station in 1835. 

The pastors successively on the circuit and charge have 
been as follows : S. Rowley wa.s succes.sor to Mr. Heustis. 
In 1811, Ira Fairbanks was appointed to the Mexico cir- 
cuit, his salary for that year being twenty-five dollars. 
Succeeding him, and prior to 1820, the following persons 
were connected with the circuit as pastors: Isaac Puffer, 
Truman Gillett, Nathaniel Reader, Truman Bishop, Reuben 
Farley, Joseph Willis, and Truman Dixon. In 1821, this 
being in the Oswego circuit, Chaudley Lambert was the 
preacher. Rev. James Palesworth became pastor in 1822, 
and in 1823 he was assisted by Rev. Owen Footo. In 1824, 
Rev. Truman Dixon ofiiciated ; in 1825, Revs. Benjamin 
Dayton and Enoch Barnes; in 1826, Rev. Enoch B.irnes ; 
in 1827, Rev. Charles Northrop. 



272 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In 18'JS tlio Salmon River circuit was funned, whidi 
includt'd (his place, and Rev. Elislia Wheeler was aiipointcd 
preacher. In 1830, Rev. Samuel Bibbins; in 1831 this 
had become a Mexico circuit, and Rev. Charles Northrop 
was jiri'achcr. The pastors of 1833 and 1834 were the 
Revs. Anson Tullcr and Joseph Crueis. Since 1835 the 
following jKjrsons have officiated as piustors of the church : 
Revs. Jesse I'enGeld, J. EverJel, Si|uire Cliase, B. Ilulmcs, 
Rowland Soule, B. Holmes, N. R. Peck, John Sawyer, 
Gardner Baker, Lewis Whitcomb, Ebenczcr Arnold, Almon 
Chapin, Samuel Crozicr, Hiram ShcparJ. J. T. Alden, 
Wm. Jones, 0. M. Lc<rate, J. T. Aldcn, W. S. Titus, M. 
D. Kinney, Andrew Roe, Wui. R. Cobb, B. F. Barker, 
J. T. Hewitt, S. P. Gray, and the Rev. Mr. Hemingway, 
present pastor. 

The brick chureli was built in 1833 and burned in LSjI. 
The present commodious church edifice was erected in 1852. 
Tlie membcr.^ihip has fluctuated as to its numliers since 1831) 
between two hundred and fifty and four hundred. The 
present number is about three hundred and fifVy. 

QUACE CHURCH OF MEXICO VILLAGE. 

The present society was instituted in 1848. The fourth 
day of December of that year a meeting was held, pursuant 
to legid notice, in the town hall of the village of Mexico, 
for the puqiose of organizing a Protestant Episcopal church. 

The Rev. Edward De Zeng presided at the meeting, and 
it was resolved that Charles Benedict be the first senior 
warden, and Alexander Whaley the first junior warden. The 
vestry was composed of the following individuals, viz. : 
Jos. E. Bliiomfield, L. H. Conklin, Cyrus Whitney, Levi 
Downing, Wm. Cooper, Hiram Allen, Levi Warner, and 
Luke 1). Smith. It was further resolved that tlie society 
should take the name of the " Grace Cliurch of the Village 
of Mexico." 

The first members were L. II. and Mre. L. S. Conklin, 
Charles Benedict, Alexander Whaley, Joseph E. Bloom- 
field and wife. Meetings were held in various places until 
1871, when the pre-sent beautiful and commodious church 
edifice was completed. 

It is a stone structure of the Gothic form of architecture, 
and will accommodate about four hundred persons. The 
value of the church property is seventeen thousand two 
hundred and fifty-six dollars. 

Rev. ^Ir. De Zeng served as pastor for one year, after 
which no meetings were held until 18G!), when an effort 
was made to again call the members t<jgethei' and continue 
wonshij). 

Under the influence of L. H. Conklin the meetings were 
revived, and the services of Rev. Thomas E. Pattison were 
secured in December of that year. He labored with the 
society for one year. (Jn the Kith of Aj)ril, 1871, Rev. 
George WaLson accepted a call to become rector, the duties 
of which position he fulfilled until October 15, 1873. For 
the succeeding six months Rev. B. F. Hall .served as rector. 
Rev. Wni. L. Parker became rector in .March, 1875, and 
served one year. In JIarch, 1876, Rev. iM. Ilayden was 
called. He performed the duties of rector until January 
1, 1877, and, in .May following, Rev. Joseph Cro.ss, the 
present rector, accepted a call. 



As last reported, there were connected with the church 
ninety-thn-e communiaints. There are seventy-five selmlars 
and twelve teachers in the Sunday-school. 

TMK BAPTIST CHURCH Ol' MEXICO VILLAGE. 

This church was organized in 1832, as the Baptist church 
of Mexicf)ville, through the instrumentality of Rev. J. 
Goodwin. The following year fifty-six nieniliers were re- 
ported. The society enjoyed the pastoral labors of Mr. 
Goodwin until 1835, when it was united with the Mexico 
church in the northwest ]>art of the town ; took their name, 
and reported one hundred and fifteen members. S. Davison 
was pastor. Among the original members were Jonathan 
and Calvin Goodwin, Mrs. Robinson, Reuben Smith and 
his wife, and Calvin Tifl";iny. 

The church edifice was built and dedicited in 1833. 
Prior to this, meetings were held in Masonic hall. The edi- 
fice wa.s rebuilt in 1872, and dedicated by Rev. I. Butter- 
field on January 12 of the j'ear following. It is a brick 
structure, thirty-eight by fifty feet in size. A good- par- 
sonage is connected with the church property, which is 
valued at six thousand dollars. 

Succeeding Mr. Davison as pastors have been the follow- 
ing: Revs. Wm, Frary, Nelson Camp, S. Pomoroy, Anson 
Graham, D. MeKarland, N. Fergu.son, T. Theall, C. Hart.s- 
horn, J. Davis, S. S. Utter, G. R. Pierce, Lanson Muzzy, 
E. B. Hutchins, and J. II. McGahen, the present pastor, 
whose services coniuienced in January, 1877. The mem- 
bership of the church is eighty-two. There are a hundred 
and sixte-en scholars connected with the Sundaj'-school, of 
which E. W. Walworth is the superintendent. 

THE FIR.ST UXIVEKSALIST CHURCH OF MEXICO. 

Agreeably to previous notice a meeting was held April 
12, 1832, at the school-hou.se in Mexicoville, by the friends 
of this denomination. O. Whiston was chosen moderator, 
and Charles B. Brown clerk. A constitution was framed, 
and the name of the " Universalist Society of Mexico" 
adopted. The ])arish organizjition consisted of twenty-four 
members. The first trustees were Alexander J. Danby, Avery 
Skinner, Jo.se[ph Lamb, Amos Church, and Pliny Sabin. 

Rev, O. Whiston became the fii-st piLStor, and was in turn 
respectively succeeded by the Revs. Charles B. Brown, Henry 
Van Canipen, 0. Wilcox, J. S. Kibbe, and William Sias. 
Ill lS4!t, during the pastoral labors of the last-named gen- 
tleman, there arose some dis.satislaction on the part of the 
members. The .society refused to be represented in the 
a.ssociation, and the mi?etings went down. 

The first meeting to revive the church was called and 
conducted by W. S. Goodell, January IG, 1853, at which 
time the parish organization wsw resuscitat«d. The church 
was legally orgjinized in 18G8, with fifteen members, and 
Rev. W. N. Barber was installed as |>astor. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. Jaraes Vincent, who in turn was followed 
by Rev. E. B. Cooper, the present pastor. The society 
consists of fifty-two mcmbei-s. The present hand.some 
and commodious church edifice was erected in 1870, and 
wiis dedicated in the fall of the same year by Rev. J. G. 
Bartholoujcw. The value of the church property is eight 
thousatid dollars. 




GRACE CHURCH, (BPiscoPAL) M[XICO, N.Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



273 



THE WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF TEXAS. 

This society was organized, May 24, 1867, by Rev. L. N. 
Stratton ; the original number of members being about 
twenty. In 1868 a union meetinghouse was built, at an 
expense of sixteen hundred dollars. This building was 
destroyed by fire in December, 1871, and the present 
church edifice erected the summer following. The mem- 
bership of the church is forty-two, and its pastors have 
been Revs. L. N. Stratton, A. F. Denipey, G. L. Paine, 
and Edwin Barnet.son, — the last named of whom is now in 
charge. 

THE NORTH MEXICO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

Meetings were held at this point at quite an earl}' day. 
The present church was erected in the summer of 1846, 
by the Methodists and Baptists in union, with the under- 
standing tliat each should have the use of the house on 
alternate Sabbaths. In 1875 the members of the Metho- 
dist denomination purchased the interest of the Baptists, 
and meetings liave since been held by the former only. 
Prior to 1875 this was a branch of the Holmcsville society, 
and at present one pastor supplies both pulpits. The num- 
ber of members is sixty-two. Frederick, Adeline, Philo 
and Sally Everts, Joel and Electa Roberts, Benjamin and 
Sarah Midam, Mrs. Jos. Copp, Deacon and Lydia Manwarren, 
Samuel and Eunice Manwarren, James Manwarren, Davis 
and Mary Everts, Wm. and Louisa Manwarren, Lyman 
Loomis, Esther Roberts, Philander Ormsby, Thomas R. 
Hewlett, and Albert Everts were among the early members 
and supporters of the church. 

THE SOUTH MEXICO METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

A class was formed here and attached to the Mexico 
church at an early day. It afterwards became a part of the 
Palermo circuit, and remained as such until March 1, 1849, 
when the present society was organized and became a station. 
The number of members at this time was about one hun- 
dred and twenty ; the present number is one hundred. The 
church edifice was built the summer following and dedicated 
in March, 1851. 

The following is a list of those who have successively 
filled the office of pastor on the charge : Revs. Charles 
Northrop, Anson Toiler, Harris Kingsley, J. N. Brown, 
George Salisbury, Henry Holmes, J. R. Nichols, Nathaniel 
Salisbury, A. N. Damon, S. E. Brown, M. Thrasher, Wm. 
B. Joice, L. L. Adkins, Frederick Devitt, S. M. Crofoot, 
F. A. O'Farrell, and G. W. Bent, the present pastor. 

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF MEXICO, 

situated in the southeast part of the town, is in a prosperous 
condition, and at present includes about seventy families. 
Meetings were held here as early as 1840. The church 
edifice was erected in 1843, there being connected with the 
society at that time sixty communicants. 

THE PROTESTANT LUTHERAN CHURCH OF MEXICO. 

No regular meetings have been held by this society for 
some time. It commenced with sixteen communicants; 
the present number is about twenty. The church edifice 
was erected in 1843, and dedicated the year folfowing. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



HON. AVERY SKINNER. 

Avery Skinner was born at Westmoreland, New Hamp- 
shire, June 9, 179G, and died at Union Square, Oswego 
County, New York, November 24, 1876. He was the fourth 
of a family of nine children, two only of whom survive him, 
viz., John L., of Oneida, New York, and Dr. Albert G. Skin- 
ner, of Youngstown, New York. His brothers who died 
before him were Revs. Warren Skinner, of Vermont, and 
Dolphus Skinner, of Utica, New York, both of whom were 
well-known Universalist clergymen ; Hon. Alanson Skinner, 




^--?/?^^'-Z-^^_' 



of Brownville, New York, at one time a State senator ; Bar- 
ton Skinner, of New Hampshire; and Hiram Skinner, of 
Union Square. The only sister was Mrs. Hiram Walker, of 
Union Square. They all attained advanced ages. 

Judge Skinner's boyhood was spent on a farm, where he 
acquired that fondness for agricultural pursuits which was 
always one of his distinguishing characteristics. He ob- 
tained a good common-school education, and attended 
Chesterfield academy, teaching winters to obtain funds to 
educate himself He knew he had his own way to make 
in the world, and in 1816, when twenty years of age, his 
father gave him the remaining year of his time, and he left 
home to work for himself In the spring of that year he 
worked three months in a brick-yard, near his native place, 
and earned enough money to start for the " west,'' and Oc- 
tober 8, 1816, he started on horseback for the then famous 
" Black River country." After a ten days' journey through 
the wilderness he reached Watertown, Jefl^erson county. 
New York, October 17, 18 K!, the jilace then containing 
less than four hundred inhabitants. He lived here over six 
years, engaging in business pursuits, in keeping books, and 



274 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



very succc&sfully as a teacher in what was then the academy. 
In the spring of 18:i:{ ho .srttleJ at Union ^!i|Uiiro, when; he 
died. In that year lie built the public-house at that place, 
which still remains. He gave the place its name, and 
tlin)u;^li lii.s effort-s a mail-route and po.st-office were estab- 
lished, and lie was appointed postmaster, which position he 
helil, with the exception of three months, until his death. 

In 1S31 he was elected member of assembly from Oswego 
County, and was re-elected in 1832. Both terms he served 
on the judiciary committee, and served with distinction. 
In 1826 he was appointed county treasurer by the board 
of supervisors, holding the position twelve years, resigning 
when he was elected to the senate. In 1828 he was ap- 
pointed county judge, under the old system, by the governor 
and council, holding the position until 18H9, declining a 
rc-ajipointnient. From 1838 to 1842 he represented Os- 
wego County in the State .senate, the district then comprising 
the counties of Oswego, Jefferson, Lewis, Oneida, Otsego, 
and .^Iadison. The senate tlien, together with the judges 
of the supreme court and the chancellor, constituted the 
court of last resort, or court for the correction of errors. 
Such men as Walworth, Nelson, Bronson, and Cowen be- 
longed to the court at that time. He was a.ssociated with, 
and an ardent admirer of, Silas Wright. In 184G he was 
defeated for (,'ongre.s.s by William Duer, by only a few votes, 
through the treachery of political friends. 

He was always a consistent Democrat, and active in 
political life, never stooping to trickery, and always pure 
and upright in all his acts. Not a .stain or blot ever tar- 
nished his public or private life. He was plain in dress, 
genial, .social, and beloved by family and friends. Among 
the names of his earliest contemporaries in Oswego Count}', 
now dead, were Joel Tuirill, II. C. Kenyon, I). P. Brew- 
ster, A. P. Grant, K. B. Talcott, Peter Devendorf, Joseph 
Torrey, Elias Brewst<;r, 0. H. Whitney, Starr Clark, Judge 
Ilubbell, and Leandcr Babeock. 

He was the htsl survivor of the original founders of 
Mexico academy, and attended the fiftieth anniversary of 
that institution, in August, 187(j, in which he took great 
pride and interest. He freely gave all his chiltlrcn the 
benefit of instruction in the academy. He w;is also one 
of the original promoters of the Syracuse Northern railroad, 
presiding at the first meeting that organized the eonijiany, 
of which he was one of the directors at the time of his 
death. 

He was married in 1822 to Eliza Huntington, who died 
in 1833. He was apain married in 1834 to Cliarlulte P. 
Stebbins, then of Watertown, who survives him, and who 
was Ills faithful coiiipanini] and attendant in liis last sickness. 
His surviving eliildrcn are Hon. T. W. Skinner, Me.\ico; 
Hon. Charles U. Skinner, Watertown ; Rev. James A. 
Skinner, Syracuse; Albert T. Skinner, lloosick Kails; 
Mrs Charles II. Richardson, Colosse ; acd Mrs. Maurice 
L. Wright, of .Mexico. 

The last ten years of his life were full of bodily suffering, 
arising from an affection of the liver, but he bore his pain 
with patience and fortitude, and received the care of a loving 
family .so long as he lived. He expre.>«ed himself often as 
prepared to die, and it Wiis his pride to be eon.seious that he 
had been true to his Maker, bis friends, his family, his party, 
and to Mxsoiiry, and he bad ever done hi.'? lull duty as he 
understood it. 

No man in Oswego County was better known or more 
respected during life, or more sincerely mourncU at his death, 
than Jud-re Skinner. 



EBENEZKR E. MENTER. 

The subject of this brief memoir was the son of Daniel 
Mentcr, of Madison county, and wa.s born June 9, 1821. 
When about fourteen he removed with his father to Oswego 
Countv. and .settled in the township of Mexico. His edu- 
cational advantages were limited, but by close apjilication 
to self-study he became fjuite prolicient in business re- 
quirements. His early life wa.s devoted to hard labor, in 
order to add to the support of (lie family, and he oftentimes 
deprived himself of the comforts of life to help others. 
While yet in his teens he went on the lakes, and continued 
in the aipacity of a sailor five or six seasons. 




KBKN'E/.EIl E. MKNlElt. 



On the 1st of January, 1843, he married Artemisia, 
daughter of Hiram and Elizabeth Cole, of Mexico township, 
and spent the first sea.son after marriage on the lakes. In 
1844 he settled on a farm, and devoted himself assiduously 
to agrieidtural pursuits for several years, and also deidt 
(juite extensively in live-stock, with considerable success. 

About the year 1802 his attention was attracted to life 
insurance, and he embarked in it, after convincing himself 
that he was well adapted to eon<luct the same successfully. 
He first engaged with the Pluenix life insurance company, 
from which he obtained a ])rize for transiclnig the largest 
amount of business, over all the other agents of the com- 
pany at that limi^ employed. When the Empire State life in- 
surance companv was oriraiiizcd be was appointed its general 
agent, which po.--itic)n he occupied during the remainder of 
his life. He died on the 3d of June, 1873. He was a 
man rich in the experiences of life, a successful business 
man, and one who was fpiite extensively and very fiivorably 
known. He had a family of .seven children, of whom five 
are now living, all in Mexico township. His widow resides 
in the village of Mexico, is very pleasantly situated, and is 
surrounded by all the comforts and conveniences of lilc". 
They had a hard struggle during their early niairied life, 
but, bv dint of persevering labor and econuniy, they sub- 
sc(|Uently became (juitc well-to-do. Their capital at first 
consisted of beallli, industry, and ambition, which <|Ualitics, 
judiciously applied, are sure to win. 





ToffnwTO Ik SiATL M1LL6, A.C.THOMAS,! 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



275 




DR. C. D. SNELL. 



It can be fitly said of the subject of this sketch, at the 
close of his long and honorable life, that few men have 
spent so many years, and all of them so worthily, in the 
pursuit of their professions as he, who, while yet a young 
man, established himself in Oswego County, and here gave 
thirty years of faithful, intelligent labor in the service of 
hLs fellow-men. 

C. D. Snell was born in Paris, Oneida county. New York, 
August 8, 1808. He was reared a farmer, and followed 
that occupation with his father until lie reached his majority. 
He then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Bissell, 
at Clinton, New York, one of the most celebrated physicians 
and surgeons of his time. With that wonderful energy 
that characterized him through life, he applied himself to 
his studies, and in a few years mastered the theory of his 
chosen profession. Upon completion of his studies he 
practiced with Dr. Bissell two years. In the spring of 1839 
he moved to Mexico, which was then a small village, to 
commence the battle of life, in which he was eminently 
successful. 



In 1832 he married Fanny Byers, in Clinton. The 
fruits of this union were two daughters : Mrs. T. V. Jlly, 
who is a widow and lives with her mother, and Delia, 
the deceased wife of A. C. Thomas, of Mexico. In politics, 
Dr. Snell was a strong Republican ; in business, a man of 
marked integrity and fairness; in social life, pure, kind, 
modest, and unassuming. For thirty years he was regarded 
as the leading physician and surgeon of this vicinity. His 
unselfish love and devotion to his profession was character- 
istic, and endured to the end of his life. He was popular 
with other tnembers of his profession, to whom his kindness 
was uniform and invariable, and by whom he was regarded 
with sincere regard, respect, and confidence. Gentle, sym- 
pathizing, and tender, with a strong sen.se of duty, and a 
heart warmed by the glow of a never-failing humanity, 
he was emphatically the friend of the poor ; and by the 
entire community among whom bis life was spent his memory 
is held in most respectful veneration. His death took place 
December 9, 18G7. A fine engraving of his home, since re- 
modeled by liis widow, will be found in this volume. 



276 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNT!', NEW YORK. 



EUGENE N. HILLS, 

of Mexico towBsliip, was born in that township January 
29, 1821. His parents, Elijah and Lucy Hills, moved into 
Mexico towni^hip in 181C, and were con.seriueiitly among 
the pioneers of that vicinity. Eugene cunimenced work at 
an early age, and soon learned the value of time and money. 
He was an industrious and tbrit\y youtli, and made a pru- 
dent and ean^riil man. When he wa-s fifteen years of age 
liis father died, and the support of the family largely de- 
volved upon him. He accepted tlic responsibility and 
performed its duties cheerfully. 

April 9, 184G, he was united in marriage with .\bigail, 
daughter of Gibson Savage, one of the pioncere of Oswego 
County, and granddaughter of Joel Savage, a .soldier of the 
Revolutionary war. She was born and married on the farm 
where she now resides, a view of which can be seen elsewhere 
in this work. 

Mr. Hills died December 13, 1876, having lived to become 
possessed of one of the finest farms in the township. They 
never had any children of their own, but have befriended 
many, and their home has always been a pleasant resort for 
friends. The name of Hills is a synonym of hospitality 
in the community. 



MILIT.VKY KKCORD OF MKXICO. 



Will. II. .Million. Enlisted Dec, 1861 ; pro. to scrgt. ; liis. 1865. 
Frnnkliii Morion, (llli Heavy Art. KnI'd Jan., 1864; dig. 1806. 
John n. Filkins, Utli Ki-gs. Enlisted .iVug., 1801 ; discharged 186."!. 
t'hnrlcs L. Dennis, -llh Heavy Art. Enl'd Jan.. 1861; dis. Dec., 1864. 
Silas Parmcnter, Enlisted February, 1865; diseharged 1865. 
John llolden, Xnvy. Enlisted August, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Win. Gainer. Enlisted February, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Win. H. .Sidnain, 81st Inf. Enlisted Aug., IS6I ; pro.; dis. 1865. 
Albert S. Sidnam, 8Ist Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; discharged 1805. 
Seymour N. Ilibbard, 184th Inf. Enlisted 1864 ; dis. 1805. 
Geo. iMidlain. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; dis. Sept., 186.'?, of wounds. 
Reuben E. Gale, l.'<4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Louis .Ma\oui, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1805. 
Andrew Rice, 184tli Infantry. Enlisted .Vug., I.'i64 ; discharged 1865. 
Marshall I'nrker, Isih Infantry. Enid .Sept., 18C1 ; dis. 1805. 
Warrin Bliss, ISllli Infantry. Enlisted Sept., 1804: dis. 1805. 
Benj. Parmenter, 184th Infantry. Enlisted Sept., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Chas. iM. Smith, 12th Cuv. Enlisted Oct., 1862; pro.; dis. 1805. 
Alfred R. Smith. IS llh Infantry. Enlisted September, 1804. 
Harrison Marsden, II 0th Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1802; dis. 1865. 
Henry Marsdin, 1 lib Heavy .\rt. Enlisted Jan., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Henry M. Wilber, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; prisoner three 

months; discharged 1865. 
John S. Sherwin, llHlh Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1805. 
?;ngene Farmer, 4lh II. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1805. 
Milton .Matteson. 184lli Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804 ; discharged 1805. 
Joel Parkhurst, 59th Infantry. Discharged 1865. 
John Killam, Navy. Enlisted August, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Daniel Morton, 81st Infantry. Enl'd Jan., 1802; wounded and dis. 
Horace E. Ensworth, 81st Inf. Enl'd Oct., 1802; rc-onl'd ; dis. 1865. 
Win. Turk, 5th Mich. Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; dis. 1865. 
Erastus Suits, 4th Heavy Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
Mortin V. Gibbs, lS4th Infantry. Enlisted Sept., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Jonathan Johnston, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
Benj. F. Bulin, G. li. V. City. Enlisted Aug., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
G. C. Bartholomew, 184ih Inf. Enli.'tcd Aug., 1864 ; dis. 1S65. 
Earl Law, ILIth III. Enl'd Aug., 1865; pro. to oapl. ; dis. 1865. 
John Jordon, llth t'av. Enl'd Apr., IS02; pro. to scrgt.; dis. July, 

1802, for disability. 



Newton Tillapaugh, llOlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862: dis. 1865. 
Uomer J. Burch, ISUth Infantry. Enlisted .\ug., 1804 : dis. 1865. 
Ira West, 110th Infantry. Enl'd Aug., 1862: fi fe- major : dis. 1863. 
Wm. EvaxU, Neptune Vols. Enlisted Aug., 1861; dis. 1865. 
Byron A. Everts, Isl L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; pro. to Corp. ; re- 
signed 1862. 
Henry Everts, 7lh Cav. Enlisted Sept., 1801 ; dis. 1862. 
Norman B. Builey, 81st Inf. Enl'd Oct. 1, 1861 : dis. fur disability ; 

re-enliatod. 
Charles M. Everts. 5th II. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1S03; dis. 1865. 
Wm. W. Fish, 10th 11. Art. Enl'd Dec, 1863; trans, to L. Art;di9. 

1865. 
Alpheus H. West, 184th Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1884: dis. 1865. 
A. L. Conant, l.'<4th Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
Henry H. Vorce, Slst Infantry. Enlisted .Mar., 1864 ; dis. 1S66. 
Warren Dawlcy, I Ith L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; re-cni'd; dis. 1865. 
Reuben Dawley, 2d H. .\rt. Enl'd Feb., 1803; dis. 1864, for disab'y. 
Benj. Baker, Urth Inf. Enl'd July, 1862: wounded: dis. 1863. 
Jesse Ilurdick, Ist L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; pro. to sergt. ; dis. 

Sept., 1864. 
Jerome Ualsey, 24th Infantry. Enlisted ,May, 1864; dis. 1865. 
Charles Ualsey, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
Benj. F. Cooper, Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1864: dis. 1865. 
Jerome Hulsey, 5th H. .\rt. Enlisted Dec, IS63; dis. 1865. 
S. II. Blanehard, 10th H. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1S02; dis. 1865. 
Leonard Anics, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Nelson Ames, Ist L. .Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; licut.; pro. to capt. ; 

wounded and dis. 1864. 
Wm. Adams, Slst Inf. Enlisted October, ISfil ; dis. Dec, 1864. 
Francis Chufty, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864 : di.". 1865. 
Chris. Avery, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; dis. 1865. 
Charles Sears, Slst Inf. Enlisted July, 1862; pro. to ord. sergt. ; dis. 

1865. 
Fred. .M. Hills, IlOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 
Reuben Richardson, 81st Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1862 ; re-cniisted 1865. 
Henry M. Allen, 8l8t Inf. Enl'd Dec, 1861; re-enlistcd ; wounded; 

dis. 1865. 
C. B. Hartshorn, 147th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862; capt.; dia. Jan., 186.1. 
Lucius Erskinc, IlOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; pro. to corp. ; dis. 1805. 
Frank S. Walker, 15th Cav. Enlisted July, 1802; dis. 1805. 
Geo. Buck, Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1805. 
Tbos. Freeman, lOlh Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1805. 
Edwin Huntington, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; re-enlisted: pro. 

to sergt. ; dis. 1805. 
Geo. Barse, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Oct., 1801; rc-onlisted ; pro. to 

capt.; dis. 1865. 
David M. Barton, llOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 
Warren Kincaid, llOlh Inf. Enlisted .\ug., 1862: ilis. 1865. 
F. B. Gregory, Isl L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1801 ; jiro. to capt. ; rc- 

enlisted; dis. 1865. 
C. Tollinadge, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1861 : pro. to sergt.; ro- 

culistcd ; dis. 1865. 
John Wilder, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 1802: dis. 1805. 
Asa B. Bowen, .Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1865. 
Eli .\. Huntington. No record. 

Goo. Austin, 110th luf Enlisted .Vug., 1802; dis. 1805. 
Chas. Johnson, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; pro. sergt.; dis. 1863, 

for disability. 
Edward Croak, »th H. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Orlando Sykes, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; re-cnl'd ; dis. 1805. 
£. W. Tripp. Enlisted Apr., 1861 ; pro.; dis. May, 1863. 
Edw. Bakul. 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pro. to sergt. ; dis. 1805. 
H. C. Green, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; dis. 1805. 
Willis Ilapson, Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1865. 
W. J. Smith, llUth Inf. En'd Aug., 1862; pro. to sergt.; dis. 1865. 
J. F. Hnll, Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1.865. 
F. C. Carpenter, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dii. 1865. 
J. H. Burlinghura, 24tli Cav. Enl'd Jan., 1864; w'nded; dis. 1865. 
Jus. Nicholson, (.'liieago L. Art. Pro. corp; dis. 1865. 
Henry Pierce, ISlth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
S. H. Smith, 3d Cav. Enl'd Aug., 1801 ; corp. ; dis. Aug., 1864. 
0. H. Whitney, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1801 : w'nded ; dis. Nov., '64. 
A. Patrick, Ist L. Art. Eul'd Sept., 1801 ; re enl'd : pro. ; ilis. 1865. 
Hugh Leonard, Isl L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861; sergt.; rc-enl'd ; dis. 

1805. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



277 



Jas. R. Brown, 1st L. Art. Enlistcrl Feb., 186-t; dis. 1865. 

C. W. Brnwn. Rc-culistccl ; dis. 1865. 

Jas. Fit/.gibbons, 21th Ciiv. Enlistca Jan., 1804 : w'ndcil ; dis. 1SG5. 

John McCiinna, 184th Iiif. Enlisted .Sept., 1864; dis. 1865. 

Win. McCanna, 1st h. Art. Enlisted March, 18G4: dis. 1865. 

A. F. Kenjon, Slst Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 : i>ro. ; dis. 1865. 

Albert P. Ames, 12th H. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864; dis. 1865. 

L. A. Whitney, llllth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 

L. M. Tullcr, IKIth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1S62 ; dis. 1865. 

Albert D. Ureen, II 0th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1805. 

N. R. Alfred, 1st I,. Art. Enfd Oct., 1861 ; pro. to corp. ; dis. 1864. 

S. Nichols, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; re-enl'd; dis. 1865. 

J. A. Stebbins, Ist L. Art. Enl'd (Jet., 1861 ; recnl'd ; pro. ; dis. '65. 

E. D. Wimple, Slst Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1861 ; dis. 1862, for disab'y. 

Chiis. F. >Viniple, Navy. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the regular army. 

Alonzo Benedict, 1 10th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; dis. 180.3, for disab'y. 

Chester A. King, 8th Cav. Enl'd Oct, 1861; rc-enl'd; pro.; dis. 1805. 

S. D. King, 10th Cav. Enl'd Dec., 1801; re-enl'd; pro. to capt. ; dis. 

1805. 
Ed. S. Laroy. 21st II. Art. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Edward P. Stevens, 9th II. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863; dis. 1865. 
Wni. H. Simons, let L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861; wounded; dis. 1863. 
Wm. Ely, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug., 1862; dis. 1864, disability. 
Robert Cantwell. 1st Mass. Enl'd Mar., 1S61 ; dis. Mar., 1864. 
Joshua Wadley, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1804. 
Hiram Barber, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 
John McCarty, I Ulth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 186i. 
Henry Benedict, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; dis. 1865. 
Henry E. Baker, 24th Inf. Enl'd Apr., 1S61; pro. to Corp.; dis. 

May, 1863. 
Nicholas Martin, 22d H. Art. Enl'd July, 1802; pro. to sergt.; 

wounded; dis. 1865. 
Chas. H. McCarty, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug. 1862 ; killed at Fred'kb'g. 
Louis J. Huntington, 0th H. Art. Enl'd Feb., 1864; died July, 1864. 
Ed. F. Crosier, 110th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; pio. to Corp.; died 

Nov., 1864. 

E. D. Erskine, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; died Sept. 11, 1864. 
Marshall Rundcll, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861; pro. to 1st lieut. ; 

died July 20, 1862. 
Noble G. Wilder, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died Sept. 20, '04. 
Horace S. Kenyon, 110th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; died Sept. 27, '63. 
John Bowen, 110th Inf. Enlisted .\ug., 1862; killed in battle. 
Moses Sherman, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Feb., 1864; died Oct., 1864. 
Francis Sykes, 24th Inf. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; died Aug. 15, 1862. 
Aaron G. Hoag, Slst Inf. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; killed at Cold Harbor. 
Benj. M. Whipple, 7th L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; died July, 1862. 
Orin B. Patcbin, Navy. Enlisted Oct., 1802 ; died May 24, 1865. 
Frauk Haner, 12th Cav. Enl'd Aug., 1802; died in AndersonviUe 

prison. 
Pat. Mulligan, 6th H. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1802; died Deo. 26, 1804. 
Wm. A. Hayes, 147th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1802; dis. 1863, for disab'y. 
C. Hatch, 1st E. Art. Enlisted Aug.. 1864; dis. 1865. 
Addison Powers, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1S62; dis. 1865. 
S. Hatch, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Oct., 1862; re-enlisted; dis. 1865. 
Joseph Haumerker, 2d H. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
Francis Henry, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 

C. Graham. 110th luf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1865. 

11. Wheeler. 110th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; dis. 1864, for disability. 

F. E. GriHith, 24th Elmira. Enl'd Ajir., 1861; re-enl'd; dis. 1865. 
I. M. Williams. Enlisted May, 1861 : dis. 1805. 

N. W. Parsons, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861; pro. to eorp. ; rc- 

eulistcd: dis. 1865. 
M. F. Parsons, 1st h. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861; pro. to eorp.; dis. 

1862, for disability. 
Wm. H. Sanford, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1801 ; dis. May, 1802. 
A. Bouehe, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Jacob Bouchc, 12th Syracuse. Enlisted Ajir., 1801 ; dis. 1865. 
Geo. P. Tauro, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
0. S. Walters, DOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1865. 
Merrit Hotehkiss, 24th Elmira. Enl'd A])r.. 1861 ; re-cnl'd ; dis. 1865. 
A. Gilling. No record. 

Seth Howard, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; pro. to corp. ; dis. '65. 
John Fletcher, 2d .'Mass. Cav. Enl'd Nov., 1802 ; .surg. : dis. 1805. 

D. H. Holmes, 81st Int. Enlisted Nov., 1861 ; ilis. 1864. 
Geo. D. Alfred, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1S04; dis. ISOo. 



Allen Kenyon, 110th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; dis. 1S65. 

A. Putnam, 93d Inf. Enlisted Apr., 1805 ; dis. 1865. 

J. E. Hurley, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; dis. 1865. 

N. Prouty, 24th Inf. Enl'd May, '61 ; dis. May, '63, for disability. 

N. Wingate, 101st Syracuse. Enl'd 1861 ; re-enl'd; dis. 1865. 

N. Delose, 24th Elmira. Enlisted May, 1861; dis. Apr., 1862. 

M. Everts, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862. 

Chas. L. Webb, Navy. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the regular army. 

D. F. Dygert, 142d Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; dis. Sept.. '63, for disab'y. 
J. L. Nichols, 110th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; pro. to 2d lieut. ; dis. '65. 
Thos. Jelfrcy, 35th Inf. Enl'd June, 1861; rc-enl'd; dis. 1865. 
Geo. Pentield, 24th Inf. Enl'd Apr., 1861 ; sergt.; re-enl'd; dis. '65. 
Jos. Penficld, Navy. Enlisted Apr., 1861 ; re-enlisted. 

Edson (ioit, 24th Elmira. Enl'd May, 1861; 2d lieut.; dis. May, '63. 
AV. II. Pcnfield,24th Wash. In service seven years. 

B. II. Pentield, llOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1S62; dis. Aug., 1863, for 

disability. 
John Preeman, Jr., 14th Reg. Enlisted Aug., 1861; dis. Aug., '64. 
David T. Whyburn, John W. Ames, H. M. Ames, L. Ballard. No 

record. 
John J. Lester, 14th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1863 ; promoted to sergt. j 

discharged 1805. 
Harrison Bristol, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Ed. P. Warner, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; dis. 1865. 
A. E. Huntley, 2d Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1864; dis. 1S65. 
Davis M. 'Webb, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; dis. 1865. 
Burton Webb, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Oct., 1861 ; dis. Sept., 1862, disability. 
Julius Jackwith, 24th Inf. Enl'd Apr., 1861 ; re-enl'd ; dis. 1865. 
J. T. Benton, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; dis. Nov., 1863, disability. 
Geo. Jackwith, 1st L. Art. Enl'd i?ept., 1861 ; dis. Sept., 1864. 
Cephas H. Frary, 1st L. Art. Enl'd (Jet., 1861; pro. to sergt.; dis. 

Dec, 1864. 
Chas. Malnora, 47th Inf. Enl'd Jan., 1864; pro. to sergt.; dis. '65. 
A. Malnora, 121st Inf. Enlisted March, 1865; dis. 1S65. 
Geo. W. Putnam, 1st L. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1864: pro. to sergt.; dis. 

1865. 
Theo. Ganthur, 121st Elmira. Enl'd Apr., 1S65 ; dis. 1S65. 
Albert Rogers, 114th Reg. Enlisted Aug., 1861; dis. Aug., 1S64. 
Chas. F. Wheeler. No record. 
Henry Ames, Navy. Enlisted Aug., 1864 : dis. 1865. 

C. Lavally, Ohio Regt. Enl'd Sept., 1862; pro. to Corp.; dis. Aug., 

1S65. 
P. Clement, Ohio Regt. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; dis. Aug., 1865. 
G. Leplant, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; dis. July, 1865. 
G. Larkin, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; dis. 1865. 
S. Clifford, 184th Inf. Enlisted Se]it., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 
L. Requillard, 24th Elmira. Enl'd June, 1861 ; dis. 1802, for disab'y. 

E. Shamppary, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1805. 

J. Shamppary, 59th Inf. Enl'd Oct., 1801 ; wounded ; dis. Oct., '64. 
H. H. Porter, 7th Cav. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; dis. 1862. 

E. Halleck, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; died June 18, 1863. 
S. K. Brown. Enlisted Jan., 1861 ; died in Richmond prison. 

J. McCanna, 1st L. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; killed at Petersburg. 
H. Mattcson, llOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died Aug. 20, 1863. 
J. Wimple, Slst Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1861 ; died June 14. 1864. 
Jas. Burcham, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died March 24, 1864. 
John Daniels, 76th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1863; died May 22, 1864. 
Wm. Bristol, 24th Inf. Killed at Bull Run. 

D. G. Powers, 24th Inf. Enlisted 1863 ; killed at Bull Run. 
Francis Oudin, 14th Reg. Enlisted Apr., 1860 ; died Apr. 8, 1862. 
A. F. Erskine, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pro.; died Jan. 8, '63. 
Asa D. Davis, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; died Aug. 31, 1864, at 

Key West. 
M. M. Dewitt, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; died Oct. 16, 1863, at 

Key West. 
W. M. Waring, 1st Sharpshooters. Enlisted Nov., 1861 ; dieil Mar. 

28, 1864, at Me.'cico. 

F. N. Halsey, 147th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862 ; killed at Gettysburg. 
J. B. Church, 147th luf. Enlisted Sejit., 1862; died July 7, 1863. 

E. Richardson, 147th Inf. Enlisted May, 1801 ; killed at Bull Run. 
Leonard Preeman, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; pro. to corj). ; died 

Aug. 15, 1861. 
Lewis Preeman, 1 ITtb Inl. Enl'd Aug., 1802: killed at Gettysburg. 
Chas. Preeman, 1st L. Art. Enlisted March. 1861 ; died July 3, '64. 
W. H. Sherman, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died Mar. 23, 1863. 



ALBION. 



TiiK iL'iritory embraced witliiii the pre.'<ont bouiidjiries of 
tills town origiually comprised a portion of the old town of 
Williiinislown, then Oneida county, which was funned 
JIarch 24, 1804. Kielihiiid was set off February 20, 1S07, 
and Albion erected from Richland, March 24, 1825. 

The surface is gently undulatin;^, and the highest jioint 
in town is three luindred and ninety-two feet above Lake 
Ontario. It is watered by the Salmon river, which enters 
the town at the northwest corner, flows in a southeasterly 
direction, receives Trout brook near New Centrcville, and 
passes out at a distance of about two miles northeast of Sand 
Bank. 

Albion was neither settled early or rapidly. It was as 
late as 1812 when Gary Burdick threaded his way into the 
wilderness and located on lands now owned by William 
Smith, two and one-half miles south of Sand Bank, on the 
hJL'lnvay Ic'iidingto Willianistown. In 181'!, David, Lntlier, 
and Beiijaniiii Lilly came into the town, and located about 
Doe and one-half miles distant from Sand Bank, on lands 
now owned by Mr. Campbell, son of Cornelius Campbell. 
The prcmi.scs now owned by Ezra Olin were first settled by 
Allen MeClain, who moved from Lansingburgh, New York, 
in 1813. 

Various emigrants from the Hriti-sh Isles, coming west- 
ward, selected this town as a dwelling-place, and prominent 
among the number was Peter Henderson, who left the 
"banks and braes" of old Scotia, and settled here in 1813, 
and erected the first log house in Sand Bank, which stood 
on the site now occupied by the Towsley block. lie was a 
hardy, industrious pioneer, and while erecting his dwell- 
ing in this wilderness, lived in a cave covered over with 
"puncheons," which .served to keep him from the inclemency 
of the weather. In this rude habitation he remained several 
months i.solaled from the world, his only neighbors being 
bears and wolves. Mr. Henderson's family consisted of 
nine children, — six daughters and three sons. The latter are 
living; Thomas and Alexander in this town, and John in 
Ashtabula county, Ohio. Four of the daughters are also 
living. 

Many of the pioneers of Albion came from Washington 
county in this State, and among the number was Francis 
MeClain, who settled in 1816, and subsc<iuently located in 
Williainstown, where he died in 1876. 

In the vicinity of New Ceiitreville the first .«cttler was 
p]zekiel Smith, who erected the first saw-mill at that jilaee, 
on the site now occupied by the mill of Havid Barber. 
St. John Sanborn also settled in an early day, and is a 
present justice of the peace. 

Al Salmon lliver po.st-office, known as I'inevillc ".s(|iiaie," 
Charles llice and Jesse Crowell were early settlers, and built 
278 



the first saw-inill. Although not a mechanic, Sipiire llicc 
was active in erecting mills along the river, and perhaps no 
man in the town did more to devel'ip this enterpri.sc. A 
son named John Uice now resides at Pineville, and a 
grandson occupies the original homestead. Jesse Crowell 
removed to Albion, Michigan, where he died. 

An early settler in the south ])art of ibis town was Wil- 
liam Allen, who located near South Albion post-office. He 
married Dorcas Burdick, daughter of the first settler in the 
town. Whether the courtship was of long duration, or 
whether the course of true love ran smooth or not, cannot 
be definitely stated, but the all-important moment of "pro- 
posing" was handled in a practical manner, as the following 
will show. He was not of a bashful turn of mind, didn't 
" stand awhile on one foot first, and then awhile on 'totlier,'' 
neither were there any Capulets or Montagues whose enmity 
necessitated the scaling of garden walls. She was an in- 
dustrious housewife, and while seated milking a cow, he 
chanced to pass that way and accosted her, saying, " Dork, 
what will you give me to milk that eow ?" "' I'll give you 
myse'H," she promptly replied, and he at once entered into 
the bargain, and sat himself down and milked the cow, and 
married the girl, and lived in Albion town. 

i^Ioulton Cro,ss, a native of Bennington, Vermont, was 
an influential man in the early days of the town, and during 
many yeare officiated as justice of the peace. A son, Charles 
H. Cro.ss, is a prominent citizen of the village of Pulaski. 

William Abbott early settled at Sand Bank, and erected 
a building used for a tavern, which stood near the present 
residence of Byron Ilelme. 

The pioneer store was kept by Animi Ilinkley, a native 
of Oneida county, who settled in 1828, in a building on the 
site now occupied by the store of Charles F. Conistock. 

The next niereliant who oirered his wares for sale in this 
village was Daniel Crandall. 

'J"he first tavern was kept by Dr. Brace, in 1814, near 
the present location of the Jlethodist Protectant church. 

As the settlements advanced the want of jihysicians be- 
came a pres.sing need, and among the early practitioners 
the names of Doctors Taylor and Ufford are remembered. 
Both subseijucntly moved to the west, and the latter now 
resides in Illinois. 

The pioneers of Albion, while laboring under the diffi- 
culties incident to the .settlement of a new country, oaily 
manifested an interest in the educational training of the 
youth, and in 1816 erected a .school- liou.sc, on the site now 
occupied by thi-jiresent fine two-story school building. The 
first .school in this building was taught by Silvia Breed, who 
subsecjuently bec.inie the wile of .lulin I'lide. a jironiineiit 
citizen of Itichlaml. 



—J 




"SufNAV/sTAT/Pfsof O.R AVERILL, (iNvim 



i\ 







■fit CHiutiAi PAiNTjALBION, OSWEGO CO.NY. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



279 



The pioneer grist-mill was built by Moses Rich, on the 
site now occupied by the mill of Mr. Wcstover. Two sons 
of JIoscs Rich, Morgan L. and Dr. Van Rensselaer, now 
reside at Sand Bank. The Lilly brothers erected the first 
saw-mill in this town, where the mill now owned by Robert 
McCulley is situated. 

The first postmaster at Sand Bank was William Abbott, 
and the mail was brought to the towu by William Worden, 
a mail-carrier, who traveled on horseback from Oswego to 
Utica. 

One of the early preachers, or more familiarly known in 
that early day as circuit-riders, was Rev. Truman Gillett, a 
Froe-Will Baptist, father of Mrs. Thomas Ilcndonson. He 
journeyed throui^li the wilderness on horseback, carrying 
hymn-book and Bible. He subsequcntiy settled in Cam- 
den, where he died at an advanced age. 

The village of Sand Bank was incorporated February 21, 
1876. The first officers wore as follows : President, Dwight 
W. Blodgett; Trustees, Thomas M. Costello, David O. Ed- 
gar, Peter Doxtator. The present officers are C. F. Com- 
stock, president; Stephen Litts, C. Campbell, and Noble 
Ilazzard, trustees. 

The present business interests are represented as follows : 

Dry goads (iitd t/roceries, Frink & Curtis, Charles F. 
Comstock, Aaron Fuller, and Dwight D. Blodgett. 

Hardware, Noble Hazzard. 

Bouts iind shoes, Bjron Helme. 

Dni(/(/ists, Cyrus R. Cramer, John C. Brown. 

Furniiurc and tmdeiiakei; James 31. Lyon. 

Waijon-makcr, F. M. Niles. 

Blacksmilhs, F. 51. Niles, Williams & Cox. 

Tador, H. S. Hunt. 

Tanners, Lane, Pierce & Co., William Keeney. 

Lumbermen, Post & Henderson, Brooks & Gurley, C. 
Campbell. 

JiulcJier, Stephen Litts. 

Jiarler, T. D. Cox. 

Justice of the peace, Noble Hazzard. 

Attorneys, John M. Brown, W. T. Eastman, B. N. 
Braiiiard. 

Notaries piihlic. Aaron Fuller, C. F. Comstock, John 
C. Brown. 

Pustynaster, Aaron Fuller. 

Flit/sicifDis, Geo. E. Carpenter, C. R. Cramer, John M. 
Brown, Van R. Rich. 

Hotel, Peter B. Doxtator. 

Grist-mill, Chas. Westhover. 

Carpenters, 1). C. Pragdon, A. B. Westcott, G. Rob- 
inson, D. H. Perry. 

Ar.mox T.vnneuy, Lane, I'ierce k, Co., proprietors. — 
This business was established in 1S52, by ihe Chapman 
brothers, and continued by them until 1850, when it 
jiasscd into tlie hands of George Bellamy, by whom it was 
continued until 18G1, when it was conducted by Fanning 
& Son until 18GG. In that year Thorn, McFarlane & Co., 
of New Y'^ork, purchased the establishment and carried on 
the bu-siness until 1871, when it came into the possession 
of the present firm, consisting of Alonzo Lane, Andrew 
Pierce, James Pierce, and William P. Pierce. 

Tho tannery was de.stmyed by fire in July, 1870, and 



rebuilt and in operation within three months. The main 
building is two hundred feet in length, forty feet wide, 
three stories in height, exclusive of ba.sement. A wing 
attached is forty by ninety feet, three stories in height. 
Employ two hundred men. Capacity, five hundred hides 
per week. This firm has a tannery also in operation in the 
town of Orwell. Lane, Pierce & Co. operate three diffiirent 
establi.shnient.s, and tan more bull' leather than any other 
firm in tlie United States. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

The town of Albion was organized March 24, 1825, and 
the first town-meeting was held at the hou.se of Peter Hen- 
derson, and adjourned to the horse-barn of Reuben Rich, 
May 3 of the same year. Moulton Cross was chosen 
chairman of the meeting, and John Barker secretary. 

Tho following officers were elected : John L. Curtemas, 
supervisor; Chas. II. Learned, town clerk; Lsaac Jaquith, 
Timothy Norton, Moulton Cross, assessors ; Nathan Bliss, 
Cary Burdick, Reuben Rich, commissioners of highways; 
Nathan Bliss, collector; Joseph Tucker, Timothy Norton, 
overseers of the poor ; Nathan Bliss, Wm. Allen, Van R. 
Rich, constables; Ebenezer Barker, Amos Doolittle, Jos. 
Leavitt, commissioners of schools ; John L. Curtemus, 
Chas. H. Learned, Chas. Cummins, Moulton Cross, Ezekiel 
Smith, Wm. Abbott, overseers of highways and fence- 
viewers ; John Edgar, Ebenezer Barker, Chas. II. Learned, 
pound-masters. 

At this meeting two hundred and fifty dollars was voted 
for roads and bridges. It was also voted that " any inhab- 
itant of the town of Albion who shall kill a wolf witliin 
said towu shall receive a reward of ten dollars from the 
town." 

The following is a list of the supervisors and town clerks 
from the organization of the town to the present time : 

Snpervisors. — 1825, John L. Curtemus; 1826-28, Chas. 
H. Learned; 1829, Peter Hender.son; 1830-34, Jesse Crow- 
ell ; 1835-38, Flmory Potter; 1839, Geo. Helme; 1840, 
Chas. Rice; 1841— 46, A. R. Angell ; 1847, Isaac Jaquith ; ^ 
1848-50, George W. Stillwell ; 1851, James T. Gibson ; 

1852, John Shepherd; 1853-55, Samuel A. Comstock; 
1856, John Shepherd; 1857-58, Samuel A. Comstock; 
1859-60, Thomas Henderson ; 1861, Samuel A. Com- 
stock ; 1862, Cornelius Campbell; 1863-64, W. T. Hen- 
derson; 1865-07, Jabez H. Gilbert; 1866-69, Jacob 
Moore; 1870, W. M. Rich ; 1871, John II. Mason ; 1872, 
W. M. Rich ; 1873-76, C. F. Comstock ; 1877, W. W. 
Thorp. 

Toicn Clerks.— 1825, Charles H. Learned; 1826, Al- 
fred Bates; 1827, John Barker; 1828-31, Alfred Bates; 
1832-34, Emory Potter; 1835-38, George Helme; 1839, 
AlunzoR. Angeil; 1S40-J1, John Shepherd; 1842, Rich- 
ard Simons; 1843, John L. Taft ; 1844, Samuel A. Com- 
stock ; 1845, John L. Tafi ; 1846, Richard Simons; 1847, 
Geo. W. Stillwell; 1848, Geo. W. Taylor; 1849, Arnold 
llollou; 1850-51, R. T. Hunt; 1852, B. E. Whipple; 

1853, R. Harding; 1854, J. E. Ro.sbrooks; 1855, John 
Runyon, Jr.; 185G, A. II. Place; 1857-59, Wm. C. Par- 
ker; I860, Geo. E. Bellamy; 1861-63, J. K.Richards; 
18G4, Edward D. Parker; 1SG5-G7, Aaron Fuller; 1868, 



2d0 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



F. C. Rich; 18(ja-70, Z. W. T. Mitchell; 1871, Chas. F. 
("onistock; 1872.11. W. Hollon ; 1873-77, Aaron Fuller. 

The town of Albion lia-s an area of thirty thousand four 
hundred and thirty-tliree acres, and the ai<scssor's valuation 
of real estate and incorfiorati'd companies is five hundred 
and fift\--threo thousand eight hundred and twenty dollurs, 
and the equalized valuation of the same is five hundred and 
seventy-three thousand nine hundred and sixty-si.\ dollars. 
The assessor's valuation of personal estate is four thousjind 
and seventy dollars, and the total equalized value of real 
estate, incorporated companies, and pei-sonal estate is five 
hundred and seventy-eight thousand and thirty-si.K dollars. 

The population of Alhion in 184.") was 1644; in 1850, 
2010; in 1855, 2212; in ISUll, 2348; in 1805,23(56; in 
1870,2359; in 1875,2479. 

TlIK FlUST C0N(iRK(.AT10NAI. fHlRCll. 

The First Congregatiiiii;il iluneli of Saml B.iiik was or- 
ganized as the Fii^st Presbyterian church of Albion, Janu- 
ary 27, 182'J. Revs. Oliver Ayer and George Freeman 
officiated at the organization. The first members were as 
follows: Samuel J>eavitt, Rujiert and Nahani and Nelly 
Gurley, Agnes lleiidei-son, wife of I'eter llendei-son, 
Joseph and Eleanor Tucker, and Jesse Wilson. Naham 
Gurley and Samuel Leavitt were cho.sen ruling elders, and 
Mr. Gurley officiated as deacon. 

The first administration of the sacrament of the Lord's 
Supper was February 8, 1829, by Rev. Oliver Ayer. Sil- 
via Leavitt, wife of Samuel Leavitt, was the fii-st admi.ssion 
to the ehureh. The first records of baptism are the names 
of Mary Ann Snow, Clarissa Abbott, an<l Jane Danlap 
Henderson. The church was taken under the care of the 
presbytery at a meeting held in Oneida county, January 26, 
1830. The first jilace of worship was in the school-house. 
The first missionary work done for this society was in 1831, 
by Rev. Ralph Ri.binson, then pastor of the Congregational 
church at I'ulaski. 

January 8, 1834, a society called the Sand Rank Union 
Society w;is organized, and a building erected. Felmiarv 
26, 1838, in consequence of not having conformed to the 
statute in the first organization, the society was reorganized, 
under the 8;ime name, with the following trustees, viz. : 
Aaron Fuller, Geo. W. Stillwell, Thomas Henderson, 
Samuel A. Comstock, Isaac Jaquith, and Morgan L. Rich. 
The house was com])lefed and ready for occupancy in 1840. 
The Presbyterians and Met hodist-s occupied this house until 
1870, when it pas.sed into the possession of the latter 
Society, and is now oecu]iied by them. 

November 27, 1 S52, the Congregational society was organ- 
ized by the Rev. Thomas Sahnon. The first membership | 
was compo.sed of the following persons: Samuel Jjcavitt, 
Joseph Tucker, Eleanor Tucker, Alexander and S()]>hronia 
Henderson, Aar irid Sarah F. Fuller, Charles II. and Mar- 
garet .Mitchell, Mary Ann Leavitt, Jane I). Henderson, 
Polly Pierce, Rarbara A. I';dgar, Mary Decker, Clarissa 
Rarncs, Susannah Loomis, Jane Edgar, Agnes Hendersun. 
The above named were members of the former Pre.4)ytcrian 
church ; and the following united with the church under the 
new organization: ZenasT. W. Mitchell, Harriet T. Mitchell, 
Picric D. ftlitchcll, Harriet Leavitt, George W. Jiamli, 



Israel D. Pierce, Albert R. Shei.herd, Tra C. Saffi.rd. Tlie 
ordinance of baptism was first administered under the new 
organization to Israel D. Pierce. The society was incor- 
porated April 25, 1853, with the following-named persons 
as trustees: Charles H. Mitchell, Thomas Henderson, 
Samuel A. Comstock, James J, Fonda, .Mexander Hender- 
son. The following persons have served this church as 
pa.stors or stated supplies: Revs. George Peglar, Rufus S. 
Wheelock, Lumond Willcox. Jacob R. Shepherd, R. R. 
Cutter. 11. II. Ruttcrworth, L. E. Rates, John Turbift, 
John H. .^Iun.«ell. Renjamin S. Crosby, Albert F. Abbott, 
Samuel F. Porter. Frank N. (ireeley, William I. (.>sman, 
Edward D. Curtis, present supply. 

The erection of the now church edifice was commenced 
September 19, 1870, and completed and dedicated June 2, 
1S7C, the .services being conducted by John C. Holbrook, 
D.D., and Rev. J. H. Munscll. Tlie interior of the church 
is furni.shed with chestnut, tastefully finished in walnut and 
cherry, and has a seating cajiacity of three hundred persons. 
It cost six thousand dollars, and is a model of beauty and 
comfort. 

THE >lETnOr>IST TROTESTANT CIIfRCH. 

This church was organized in the month of August, 
1838, in the village of Sand Rank, by Rev. George Peg- 
lar, of the Champlain conference of the Methodist Protest- 
ant church. The tii-st ]iresident wa.s Rev. George Peglar; 
the first class-leader was Daniel Smith. First members 
were Daniel Smith and wife. Lot Ackley and wife, and 
David Jones and wife, who are now living. The church 
was built in 1836, two years before the society was organ- 
ized, and it was built as a union church, but the society 
bought one-half, and owned it in connection with the Con- 
gregational church until 1868, when they purchased the 
other half, and now have it free from debt. They chose to 
still retain the old chuich in view of its having been the 
place where the " fathers " had worsliiju^d ; it had been the 
place where they had embraced the principles of Chris- 
tianity, and was dear to them in view of its many hallowed 
as-soeiations. It cost fifteen hundred dollars ; size is fifty 
feet by thirty. Services were held here from the first or- 
ganization of the Methodist Prot«staiit church. The con- 
secration services were performed by the Rev. J. S. Robin- 
son, Rev. I. II. Hogan, and Rev. J. H. Richards. Present 
trustees: 0. R. Jones, L. R. Jones, and Ryron Helme. 
Present class-leader. 0. R. Jones. Present pastor. Rev. 
Charlie M. Roughton. 

Tin- clmrch has had twenty-one different pastors during 
the thirty-nine years of its existence, who have served as 
follows, viz. : Rev. (George Peglar, one year; Rev. J. H. 
Richards, two years ; Rev. Daniel Shaver, three years ; Rev. 
Francis Pierce, one year; Rev. S. P. Huntington, one year; 
Rev. H. Hoxie, one year; Rev. J. P. Long, two years; 
Rev. Darius Cook, two years; Rev. .^I. Frindle, one year; 
Rev. L. R. Ellis, two years; Rev. W. ('. Reardsley, one 
year ; Rev. E. C. Kimble, one year ; Rev. George How- 
land, one year; Rev. Stephen A. Douglass, two years; 
Rev. II. N. Cook, four years; Rev. Dr. William I. Raker, 
three years; Rev. C. R. Chapin, one year; Rev. T. R. 
Dodd, two years; Rev. R, K. .\ndrews, one year; Rev. 
II. Rrown, one year ; Rev. Charlic^I. Roughton, one year; 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



281 



and is the pastor at the present time. Pastors of this church 
have commenced and closed their pastorates here in tlie 
month of September, at the sessions of the annual con- 
ference. The number of members is eighteen. The cause 
of this falling off is owing to deaths, removals, and expul- 
sions from neglect of " Christian duties." 

The church here has struggled through reverses and 
difficulties, and it has had its seasons of prosperity ; it has 
counted its membership by hundreds. It has exerted a 
strong religious and moral influence in this place. It has 
given to the church of Christ one of the most able minis- 
ters of the day, — Rev. L. Judson Cooper, ex-president of 
the Onondaga conference of the Methodist Protestant 
church. It has had in its ministry some of the best 
talent in this county. Three of her pastors are ex-presi- 
dents of Onondaga conference. Six of her ex-pastors are 
dead, and fourteen are still living. Six sessions of the 
Onondaga annual conference of the Methodist Protestant 
church have been held in this church. At present the 
interest of the membership is increasing, and the future 
looks brighter for this church than it has in years past. 

THE ALBION BAPTIST CHURCH 

was organized December 2G, 1837. The following-named 
persons were the first members : Ebenezer Cowin, Samuel 
Davidson, Harvey Hurlburt, Jeremiah Kellogg, William 
H. Delano, Horace Holmes, Andrew Patterson, Harry 
Wright, Leah Davidson, Clarissa Dickerson, Priscilla 
Holmes, Mary Cowin, Lydia Cowin, Susan Doolittle, Sally 
Patterson, Harriet Wright. 

The present and only church edifice erected by the society 
was in 1852. The following persons have officiated as 

pastors of this church, viz. : Samuel Davidson, Terry, 

Elias Burdick, John Canan, Elisha Robins, Myron Newell, 
Daniel Delano, Albert Cole, V. L. Garrett, Hiram Powers, 
S. J. Decker, W. C. Johnson, William Delano, S. G. Jones. 

The church at present has no pastor. The present offi- 

. cers are as follows : Deacons, Henry Jones, R. A. Burdick ; 

Clerk, S. G. Jones ; Trustees, H. F. Norton, A. J. Jackson, 

R. A. Burdick, J. F. Morrison, W. W. Thorp. The present 

membership numbers sixty-five. 

We have endeavored to secure a history of the other 
church organizations in this town by repeated applications 
to various members for information concerning their respect- 
ive churches, but in no instance did they give our requests 
the slightest attention. 



BIOCxRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



AARON FULLER 

was the youngest in a fiunily of five children. His parents, 
Luke and Mary, Were from the old Puritan stock. At an 
early age he was adopted by Tliaddeus Revel, of his native 
town (Ashfield, Franklin county, Massachusetts), with 
whom he lived until he was twenty-one years of age. He 
received a good common-school education, and, a.s was the 
custom at that day, worked on the farm during the sum- 
19 



mer and attended .school three months in the winter. After 
attaining his majority he wont to work in a comb-factory. 
This not proving congenial to his tastes he learned the 
trade of a carpenter and joiner. In 1832, in company 
with two elder brothers, he moved to Little Falls, New 
York, and in the fall of the same year caTnc to Sand Bank 
and purchased the place upon which he now resides in the 
village, and also a farm of one hundred and thirty-tliroc 




AARON FULLER. 

acres. In 1834 he returned to Massachusetts and mariicd 
Miss Sarah F. Toby, of the town of Conway, Franklin 
county. Mrs. Fuller was born in Conway, February 22, 
1813, and was one of eight sisters. Since 1832 Mr. 
Fuller has been largely identified with the village of Sand 
Bank, especially with church matters; is a very strong 
temperance man ; was elected excise commissioner ; and his 
acts while officiating in that capacity, and the immovable 
position he took in regard to the license question, met with 
the hearty approval of all friends of the temperance cause. 
Mr. Fuller is the present postmaster, which office he has 
held, in connection with that of town clerk, for a great 
many years. Altogether Mr. Fuller is one of those cour- 
teous, kind, Christian gentlemen whose identification with 
any community is always productive of good. 



THOMAS HENDERSON 

was born near Edinburgh, Scotland, October 26, 1799. 
When he was three months old his father, Peter Hen- 
derson, emigrated to America and located in the town of 
Cambridge, Washington county. New York, where he 
purchased a farm. Here he remained eleven y^ars, when 
he bought two hundred acres of land in the town of 
Albion, and, with his family, moved to Sand Bank, where 
he was the first white settler. 

Thomas was at this time a sturdy lad of thirteen, and 
helped to erect the first house built in the town, which was 
of logs, and stood on what is now Mill street. The senior 



282 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Henderson was a very industrious, ambitious man, and to 
his first purchase of two hundred acres added from time to 
time until he aci|uired twelve hundred acres of the finest 
land in the township. He remained upon his farm until 
his death, wliich occurred May 1 3, 1 86:?. In 1 S23 Thomas 
was married to Miss Eliza Jacobs, of Brattleboro', Vermont, 
by whom he had six children, all of whom are living but 
one. ' 




PETER HENDERSON. 

In 18.39 Mrs. Henderson died, and the following year he 
married Mrs. Julia Barnes, by whom he had two children. 
After his marriage in 1823 he commenced business for 
himself, which consisted of lumbering and farming, and 
which he has followed until the present. Mr. Henderson 
has always been strictly devoted to his busines.s, and politics 
was to him entirely devoid of charms. He, however, ac- 
cepted the office of supervisor for a number of terms, and 
ha.s always been a Jack.sonian Democrat ; is liberal in his 
religious views, and is all in all an affable, courteous gen- 
tleman. 



MILITARY RECORD OF ALBION. 



Andrew T. Acklcj. Enlisted in Co. B, IC^id Rcg't, Aug. 5, 1862; dis. 

for didttbilily Fob. 6, 18B4. 
Thomas Alien. Enlisted in Co. B, UOth Rcg't, Aug. 6, 1862 ; dis. for 

disability July 20, ise.'i. 
Henry Anson, Jr. Enlisted in Co. M, 2d II. Art., June, ISd.'); dis. 

for disability. 
Cyrus M. Austin. Enlisted in Co. II, Ist II. Art., Fob. 29, 1863; in 

buttles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, S]iottsylvanin, North 

Anna, Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Weldon R. R., and others, 

twelve in all ; dis. June 21, 1865. 
Albert H. Austin. Enl'd in Co. B, Isl Art., in ISGl ; dis. for liisab'y 

in 1862 ; rc-cnl'd Feb. 20, 1SG4 ; died in the following Sept. 
Oeorge W. Aldrich. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864, in Co. E, 189th Reg't ; 

dis. June 20, 1865. 
Henry W. Allen. Enl'd in 1865, in Co. 1, 193d Reg't; dis. same year. 
Hartley Allen. Enlisted March 21, 1865, in Co. I, 193d Rog't; dis. 

Aug. 15, 1865. 
John W. Austin. Enlisted in Co. K, Slst Rog't, Nov., 1861 ; disch. 

Doc. 8, 1863; died July 21, 1864. 



Henry E. Dorm, eorp. Enlisted in Co. 0, Isl Art., Sept. 21, 1881; 
in battles of Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel- 
lorsville, tJettysburg, Bristoe Station, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, 
Petersburg, and others : die.; ro-enl'd Feb. 11, 1864; dis. Juno 
12, 1865. 

t'ri Barnes. Enlisted in Co. B. llOth Inf., Aug. 6, 1862 ; died in 
hospital at New Orleans; remains buried there. 

Albert Briggs. Enl'd in Co. B, 110th Inf., Aug. 14, 1862; dis. June 
25, 1865, at New Orleans, 

Julius Barnes. Enlisted in Co. H, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; died in 
hospital at Baton Rouge, Aug. 30, IS63. 

Maurice Bowen. Enlisted in Co. H, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; died 
in hospital at Baton Rouge. Oct. 8, 1865. 

Bray ton Burdick. Enlisted in Co. K, 110th Inf., Aug. 5, 1862; die. 
Aug. 8, 1865. 

John Babcock. Enlisted in Co. C, I47th Inf., Sept. 2, 1862. 

Lafayette Barber. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th Inf., Aug. 28, 1862; pro. 
serg't March 1, 1S64. 

James R. Barker. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th Rcg't, Aug. 7, 1862; in 
battles Fredericksburg, ChaneelloraTille, Qettysbarg ; was w'd 
in latter; dis. Juno 27, 1865. 

James M. Berry. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th Rcg't, Aug. 28, 1862, 

Isaac S, Bcntley. Enlisted in Co, C, 147th Reg't, Aug, 25, 1862: in 
battles South Mountain, Antietam, Chancellorsville, Fredericks- 
burg, Gettysburg; w'd in battle of Wilderness, Aug. 5, '64; dis. 
April 3, 1865. 

Eira D. Brngdon. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1863. 

Elisha Bcntley. Enlisted Co. L, 14th Art., Jan, 3, 1861 ; was in fol- 
lowing battles ; Yorktown, Williamsb'g, Chancellorsville, Gettys- 
burg ; re-enl'd Nov, 14, 1863, as 1st lieut. ; raised a co. of sixty 
men : killed in battle of Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864. 

Alfred B. Briggs. Enlisted in Co. K, 14th Art., Doc, 5, 1863; discb, 
July, 1865. 

Francis Barker. Enl'd in Co. K. II. AtL, Dec. 5, 1863; dosorlod. 

Albert S. Barker. Enl'd in Co. K, II. Art., Deo. 5, 1863; in battles 
Cold Harbor, Petersburg, and others : w'd ; dis, Juno 1 2, 1865, 

Deveraux Barber, Enl'd in Co, K, H, Art,, Dec. 21, 1863; in battles 
Cold Harbor, Weldon R, R., Fort Steadmun : dis. Sept, 6, 1865, 

Caleb R, Barker, Enl'd in the 1st Lt. Art., Feb. 29, 1864 ; in battles 
Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, 
Spottsylvania, Wilderness, and others ; twenty-ono in all ; dis. 
June 22, 1865. 

Delos Balch, Enlisted in Co, 0, 1st Lt, Art., Jan, 4, 1861 ; in battles 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and others ; disch, June 
21, 1865, 

Homer J, Birch, Enlisted in Co, E, 169th Rcg't, Aug, 25, 1864 ; des, 
at Elmira ; was detailed to hoad-quartors during timo of fiorrioo ; 
dis. June 1, 1865. 

John Berry. Enlisted in 184th Rog't, Aug. 23, 1S64 ; deserted. 

Fletcher M, Barney, Enlisted in Co, 0, 125th Reg't, April 5, 1865; 
dis, Jan, is, 1866. 

Alfred Brcnon. Enlisted March, 1865; sub. for George N. Thomas. 

Elias Crofford, Enlisted in Co, G, 1st H, Art., Oct. 1, 1861 ; in battles 
of Fair Oaks, Seven Days' Fight, Antictom, Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Gettysburg; dis. Feb. 11, 1864. 

Ira D. Cross. Enlisted in Co. B, 110th N. Y. Vols., musician, Aug. 
5, 1862; dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 

Nathan J. Chase. Enlisted in Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 1862; 
servetl in Louisiana; transf. to Invalid Corps in Virginia; disch. 

Amos A. Clofflin. Enlisted Co. B, llflth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, ISf.2; in 
battles Port Hudson, Fort liisland, Franklin ; disch. Aug. 8, 1865, 

Sanford Cloniin, Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 1862 ; died 
Carrollton, La., Feb. 1, 1863. 

Samuel P, Clement. Enlisted Aug, 4, 1862, Co. B, UOth N. Y. V. : 
disch. for disability, Jan. 25. 1865. 

F, (J. Comstock. Enlisted in Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1802; 
prom. Ist lieut. Nov. 25, 1862; Ist licut, and rcg, quartermaster 
Feb, 4, 1863; disch, Aug, 31, 1865, 

Franklin B, Clary, Enlisted Co. C, 149th N, Y, V., Aug, 28, 1»62; 
in battles Fredericksburg, Antietam; killed at Gettysburg; re- 
mains buried on the field, 

Lyman Curtis, Enlisted in Co, C, 147th N, Y, V„ Aug, 28, 1862; 
furloughed for ten days, about Feb, 1, 1863 : did not return to 
regiment. 

John Clark, Enlisted Co, K, Mth H, Art,, Deo, 21, 1803; wounded 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



283 



iu battle ui the Wildcruess, in right aim; diuit in bt):spital at 
Alexandria, June 1. 1864. 
Jaa. Ciarlt, Jr. Enlisted 14th IVnna. Inf. May 1, 1861 : transferred 
to 14th H. Art.; served two years; disch, June 7, 186;t ; ro-enl'd, 
and killed before Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864; buried on 
James river. 
John Copley. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., Deo. 21, 1863 ; in b.ittlcs 
of Spottsylvania, Petersburg, Wilderness, and others; died of 
disease at Baltimore, Sejjt. 22, 1864. 
Hugh Crippen. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., Dee. 21, 186:!. 
Daniel W. Corbin. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., Dec. 24, 186.3. 
Melvin Claflin. Enlisted 7th Pa. Cav., Nov., 1861 ; disch. March 1, 
IS(i2; re-enl'd Co. L, 14th H. Art., Dec. 21, lS6:i ; in battles of 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Mine Ilun, North Anna, Petersburg, 
and others. 
Eli B. Crane. Enlisted Co. K, 81st N. Y. V., Nov. 10, 1S61 ; re-enl'd 
same eomp. and regiment, Jan. 18, 1864; in battles Yorktowu, 
Fair Oaks; killed at Cold Harbor, .Tune 3, 1864. 
Geo. V. Canfield. Enlisted Co. C, 50th Eug., Sept. 13, 1861 ; re-enl'd 

Feb. 16, 1864; disch. June 28, 1865. 
Leonard Cramer. Enlisted 184th N. Y. V., Aug. 30, 1864; disch. 

June 22, 1865. 
Henry C. Cross. Enlisted Co. G, 24th N. Y. V., May, 1861. 
Levi S. Caswell. Enlisted Co. I, 123d N. Y. V., Mar. 25, 1S65 ; disch. 

Jan., 1866. 
John Crouse. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Lt. Art., Oct. 1, 1861 : several en- 
gagements, and in battles Fair Oaks, seven days' fight in front 
of Richmond, Autietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Get- 
tysburg ; lost loft leg by shell and wounded by rifle-ball iu right 
leg; disch. May 21, 1864. 
Chas. C. Coyer. Enlisted Co. F, Slst N. Y. V., Oct. 4, 1861; disch. 

Feb. 17, 1862. 
Jacob Curry. Enlisted Co. M, 2d H. Art., Dec. 8, 1861 ; in battles 
Spottsylvania, North Anna; deserted and returned voluntarily to 
duty: was rearrested and sent to Tortugas during the war. 
John Henry Coyer. Enlisted Co. U, 7th Lt. \n., Mar. 14, 1864; in 
battles Wilderness, .Spottsylvania, North Anna, Bethesda Church, 
Peeble's Farm, Weldon R. R., Petersburg, Hatcher's Run, and 
others, thirteen in all ; disch. June 17, 1865. 
Thos. Clark. Enl'd Co. K, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 5, 1862 ; in battles 

Camp Bisland, Vermilion Plains; disch. Aug. 28, 1865. 

Uri S. Crocker. Enlisted Co. G, 24th N. Y. V., May 1, 1861 ; disch. 

May 29, 1863; re-enl'd 20th N. Y. Cav., Sept., 1863 ; discharged 

1865. 

David Crocker. Enlisted Co. G, 24th N. Y. V., May, 1861 ; disch. 

29, 1863 : re-enl'd 20th N. Y. Cav., Sept., 1S63 ; disch. Sept., 1865. 

James Henry Curry. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862; 

died St. Louis hospital. La., March 7, 1864 : remains buried there. 

John B. Church. Enlisted 78lli N. Y. V., Jan., 1862; last hoard from 

at Winchester, Va. . 
George Cross. Enlisted 26th N. Y. V., Aug., 1861 ; was wounded in leg. 
Wm. E. Dunlap. Enlisted Co. E, 20th Cav., Aug. 18, 1863; disch. 

Aug., 1865. 
Samuel Dawley. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862; 
wounded in right hand at Irish Beml, near New Orleans; disch. 
June 15, 1805. 
Morgan Dewell. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1S62; died 

in h(>sj>ital. New Florence, I.a. ; remains buried there. 
Ezekiel G. Dunham. Enlisted Co. H, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 7, 1862; 
in battles Fort Bisiand, Port Hudson, Vermilion Plains; disch. 
Aug. 31. 1805. 
John DcLong. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. V., Aug. 28, 1862. 
Geo. Denel. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Lt. Art., Oct. 4, 1861; in battles 
of Ka|ipahannock Station, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, 
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Auburn 
Hill, IJristoc Station, Robertson's Tavern, Mine Run, Wilder- 
ness, River, Spottsylvania, North Anna River, Cold Harbor, 

Petersburg, Deep Run, and siege of Petersburg; diseli. Dec. 17, 
1863; re-enlisted same co. and regt., and disch. June 19, 1865. 
Wm. f. Davy. Drafted Aug. 4, 1863; assigned Co. A, O'th N. Y. V. ; 

disch. Aug., 1865. 
Horace Duell. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Lt. Art., Jan. 4, 1864; in battles 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, t^olil Harbor, Deep Run, 
Petersburg, and others, ten in all; disch. June 19, 1865. 
William Danlor.b. En:ij;eJ ISltb Rest., X. V. V., Sep'. I, 1864. 



Geo. M. Dawley. Enlisted Co. O, 1st N. Y. Art., Scpi. 1, 1861 : disch. 

Juno 1, 1862. at Annapolis, Md , disability. 
Jas. Byron Dunlap. EnlLstcd Co. I, 20tb Cav., Aug. 25, 1863 ; disch. 

Aug., 1865. 
Philander Dunlap. Enlisted Co. C, 50th Eng., Sept. 5, 1861 ; in bat- 
tles of Yorktown, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill; wounded in 
shoulder at Fredericksburg; disch. .Sept. 20, 1864. 
Samuel Dony. Enlisted Co. G, Snth Eng., Sept. 17, 1861; died at 

Fairfa.x .Seminary Hospital, June, 1862. 
Elias P. Diugman. Enlisted Co. E, 183d N. Y. Vols., Sept. 7, 1864 ; 
in battles of Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, and others; discharged 
June 10, 1865. 
James Eaton. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 30, 1862; in 
battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. Mine Run, Wilderness, 
Petersburg, and others; disehargcil ,Inne 19, 1865. 
Stephen D. Emblem. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols.. Aug. 28, 
1862; in battles of Gettysburg, Bristoc Station, Mine Run, V,uUi 
Harbor, Petersburg. Chancellorsville; disch'gd June 19, 1865. 
Albert Eaton. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 28, 1862; 
promoted sergt. June 1, 1864; mortally wounded and died on 
field at Wilderness, May 5, 1864. 
Jasper Emblem. Enlisted 1st N. Y. Hoav. Art., Oct. 4, 1861 ; diseh. 
Feb. 25, 1862; re-enlisled in 147th N. Y. Vols.; promoted to 2d 
lieut.. Fob. 26, 1865; mustered out Feb. 13, 1865; in battles of 
Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Laurel 
Hill, North Anna., Petersb'rg, Weldon R. R., Soutbside, Hatcher's 
Run, " Poplar Grove Church." 
George Elseffer. Enlisted March, 1865 ; substitute for Allen Gilbert, 

Esq., Albion, N. Y. 
Nelson Elliot. Enlisted Co. M, 2d Heav. Art., Oct. 20, 1861 ; iu bat- 
tles of Spottsylvania, North Anna: was wounded near Cold Har- 
bor, anil dis. Nov. 14, 1863; re-enlisted, and dis. Mar. 2, 1865. 
Charles W. Fogg. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Light Art., Oct. 1, 1S61 ; in 
battles of seven days' fight befi>rc Richmond, Antietatn, Fred- 
ericksburg, and other (twenty-seven) engagements; rc-cnlistoil 
in same co. and regt., and discharged June 17, 1865. 
Isaac M. Fancher. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862 ; 
in battles of Camp Bisland, Franklin ; was wounded by ball in 
right side. May 25, 1863 ; discharged Aug. 28, 1865. 
Jason W. Frey. Enlisted Co. K, 14th Heavy Art., Dec. 23, 1864; de- 
serted and went to Michigan; was arrested and re'urned; in at- 
tempting to desert again, was shot. 
William L Frost. Enlisted in 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 28, 1862; 
dischg'd by reason of disability ; re-enlisted in Co. K, 184th N. 
Y. Vols.; discharged July 14, 1865. 
Abram Frey. Enlisted Co. G, 1st N. Y. Light Art., Oct. I, 1861 ; in 
battles of Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Yorktown, 
Antietam, Chancellorsville: discharged June 8, 1865. 
Amos G. Frey. Enlisted Co. H, 1st N. Y. Light Art., Mar. 14, 1864 ; 
engaged in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, 
Belleview Chureli, Petersburg, Weldon R. B., Hatcher's Run, and 
six others: discharged June 17, 1865. 
Thomas Garahan. Enlisted 193d N. Y. Vols., March, 1865. 
V. L. Garrett. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862; cap- 
tain; resigned Nov. 25, 1862. 
Herbert Gilbert. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols,, Aug. 28, 1862; 
was wounded in battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863 ; subsequently 
in b:Utles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor; mortally wounded at 
Petersburg, and died on the field next day, June 19, 1864. 
II. James Grey. Enlisted Co. F, 14th Heavy Art., Dec. 5, 1863 : in 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, North Anna, Petersburg, Spottsylvania, 
and several other battles; discharged June 21, 1865. 
Dennis N. Galvin. Enlisted Co. I, 14th N. Y. Heavy Art. 
Timothy Gilbert. Enlisted Co. B, 184th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 29, 1864 ; 

discharged June 29, 1865. 
Hiram Gilbert. Enlisted 24th N. Y. Vols. ; transferred to 76th N. 

Y. Vols. ; was killed at Gettysburg. 
Phillip Hydcrn. Enlisted Co. G, 81st N. Y, Vols., Nov. 21, 1861; 
in battles of Fair Oaks, seven days' fight before Richmond j dis- 
charged Dec. 4, 1863. 
James Henry Hydcrn. Enlisted Co. G, Slst N. Y. Vols., Nov. 7, 
1861; .at Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Petersburg, Davey's Bluff, 
Cold Harbor, 2d Petersburg; wasw'nd'd, and dis. Dee. 16, 1864. 
Na'hiin Holmes. Enlisted Co. D, iy3d N. Y. Vols., April 6, 1863; 
discha.gel Aug. 2,'*, 1865. 



284 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



T 



John Uagnn. Eulistad Co. I), llUlh N. Y. Vuli., Aug. 7, 1863; dit- 
cliiirgcil Aug. 2», 18S5. 

Diivi.l S. lltloipr. F,nli»tcd Co. B, llOtli N. Y. Vol«., Aug. 7, 1882; 
inlialllcsur Camp Uitland, Purt Uudaun, VcriniliuD ; dischg'd 
Aug. 28, 18S&. 

Jumca F. HrndcrFon. Enlivtcd Co. B, llOtb N. Y. Voli., Aug. b, 
1SG2; proiooled to Q. M.-eergt., Aug. IC, 1864 ; iu buttio uf Port 
Uudiiun and ekirmir^tics ; di!<charged .\ug. 28, 1865. 

Emerson Ilugar. Enli»lcd Co. C, U7th X. Y. Vol.., Aug. 26, 1862; 
ilc.-'orti'd. 

William Ilarrin. Enlialed Co. O, 2nth Heavy Art. 

Julin L. Ilcwanl. Enlisted Cn. K. 14th ll.uvy Art., Doc. 16, 1863; 
in battle!" of Wilderness, Siioltsylvunia, Culd Harbor, Petersburg; 
killed at Welduu R. K., Aug. VJ, 1864. 

Alvin I>. Hi. ward. Enli»lod C... K. 14lh Heavy Art.. Dec. 16, 1863; 
at battles of Wildernesd, t^iHillsylvauiB, Cold Harbor, Peters- 
burg, Weldou K. K.; wounded in right thigh: dis. Aug. 26, 1865. 

Ileruian Hubbard. Enlisted Co. K, 8UI N. Y. Vols., Oct. 1, 1S61 : 
re-enlisted Mar. 7, 1864; was in three engagements; dischg'd 
Aug. 31, 1865. 

Henry N. Ham. Enlisted in 24th Cav., April 27. 1864. 

Ciaylord Hawkins. Enli.iled Co. I, l'J2d N. Y. Vols., Mar. 17, 1865. 

Peter E. Hunnewell. Enlisted Co. F, lUlh Inf. V. S. A., April 4, 
1861; discharged May 1, 1863; ro-cnlisled .March 1, 1865; still 
in service. 

Adam Hicks. Enlisted 1113d N. Y. Vols., April 4, 1865; discharged 
Jan. 27, 1866. 

llinry Hiiskins. Enlisted Co. I, 26th Inf., May 10, 1861 : killed at 
2d Hull Run ; remains buried on the field. 

Ransom H. Jackson. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 6, 
1862; in sicgo of Port Hudson, and other engagements; dis- 
charged Aug., 1865. 

Organder H. Jones. Enlisted Co. B, II 0th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 6, 1862; 
discharged Aug. 27, 1865. 

Orren Jacobs. Enlisted Co. H, 1 10th N. Y. V., Aug. fi, 1862 ; in siege 
of Port Hudson and battle of Bayou Tcche ; disch. Sept. 1, 1805. 

Abrnm Jacobson. Enlisted Co. I, lU3d X. Y. V., March, 1865; dis- 
charged January 18, 1866. 

David A. Johnson. Enlisted March 17, 1865; sub. for Alexander 
Murray, Esq., of Albion : assigned to Co. I), 96th N. Y. V. ; dis- 
charged Aug., 1865, for disability. 

^Villiam L.Johnson. Enlisted March 7, 1865: substitute for Ezra 
Olin, Ebij., Albion, N. T. ; assigned to C". I), y6lh N. Y. V. 

James Jnhns. Enlisted March, 1865; substitute for Howard Rep- 
son, Esq., Albion. 

George \V. Keyis. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; rccniisted .Tan. 2, 1804, in 
Co. C, 5(lth Engineers; discharged August, 1805. 

Henry H. Kicsnyer. Enlisted Co. B, 184th N. Y.V., Aug. 2il, 1804; 
discharged July 12, 1865. 

Jacob Kent. Enlisted Co. E, 184th N. Y. V., Sept. 1, 1864; dis- 
chargeil July 14, 1865. 

Truman Kellogg. Enlisted 184th N. Y. V., Sept. 3, 1804; discharged 
June 2m 1865. 

Scth Konyon. Substitute for David G. Cross, Albion, J<. Y. 

Thomas Kiesnyer. Enlisted Co. D, 24th N. Y. V., April 2y, 1861 : 
re-enlisted Co. K, 15th N. \'. Cav., Aug. 11, 1863; was in thirteen 
battles: dischorged Aug. 0, 1865. 

William H. Lester. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug., 1862; dis- 
charged June 5, 1865. 

Elijah Loomis. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. V.: ro-culistcd in 10th 
Michigan Cavalry; died in hospital. 

Albert Lombard. Enlisted Co. C, 2d H. Art., Feb. 2«, 1864; in bat- 
tles at Spotlsylvunia, North Anna: wounded in left leg at Cold 
Harbor; died May 27, 1865. 

Martin L. Loomis. Enlisted Co. H, Isl Light Art., Feb. 2«, 1864; 
was in battles of Wilderness, Petersburg, and ten others; dis- 
charged June 211, 1S65. 

Edwin A. Lynmn. Enlisted Co. C, 50th Engineers, Si'pt. 5,1801; ro- 
enlisted same comp'y and reg., Feb. 20, 1864; was in battles of 
Fredericksburg, Wilderness, North Anna, Malvern Hill; was 
taken pris. July 2, 'tl2 : exchanged .Vug. 0, '62; dis.June 13, '65. 

Frederick Lee. Enlisted Co. G, 81sl N. V. V., Nov. 10. 1861; re- 
enlisted Aug. 211, 1864 ; iu bat. of Fair Oaks; dis. July 14,1865. 

Eugene A. Lester. Kniisted Co. 0,24th .\. Y.V., .May 8, I80I ; must, 
out with reg. May 2U, 1863; re-enlisted, Jan'y 16, 1804, iu 24th 



N. Y. Cav.; was in battles of 2«1 Bull Run, Fredericksburg, 

Chantilly, Wilderness, Spoltsylvania, North Anna, Petersburg, 

Cold Harbor, and others; discharged June 2, 1865. 
James A. Lohnas. Enlisted in Co. I, l'J3d N. Y. Vols., March 19, 

1865; dis. Juno 18, 1866. 
George W. Loomis. Enlisted in Co. G, Is*. L. Art., Oct. 10, 1861 ; a 

faithful soldier; in seventeen buttles: dis. Oct. 8, 1864. 
Harlow Mills. Enlistc<l in Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 28, 1862 ; 

killed at battle of Gettysburg. 
Henry Melleu. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 23, 1862 ; 

died in hospital at Washington ; remains buried there. 
Hugh Mellon. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 23, 1862; 

wounded in right arm at Gettysburg; was discharged in conse- 
quence, Dec. II, 1863. 
Abrain Marrcrs. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th N. \. Vols., Aug. 27, 1862 ; 

was taken prisoner at Gettysburg; escaped next day ; dis. July 

1, 1865. 
Joseph Mellen. Enlisted in Co. C, 147th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 23, 1862 ; 

re-enlisted Aug. 23, 1864 ; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Thomas McDonald. Enlisted in the 50th Eng., Sept. 6, 1861 ; re- 
enlisted in same company an<I regiment: dis. June 28, 1S65. 
David L. .Martin. Enlisted in Co. K, 81st X. Y. Vols., Jan. 18, '02: 

re-enlisted for three years, or during the war; died at home while 

on furlough. 
Norman Moore. Enlisted in the I84th N. Y. Vols., Sept. 1, 1864; 

deserted at Elmira. 
Oliver Mellcn. Enlisted in the 184lh N. Y. Vols., Aug. 26, 1864 ; 

dis. June 29, 1865. 
John J. Mowers. Enlisted in Co. D, 184th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 31, '64 ; 

dis. June 29, 1865. 
William J. Meachcm. Enlisted in Co. B, 184th N. Y. Vols., Sept. 1, 

1864; dis. July 13, 1865. 
John G. Monro. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th N. Y. Vols., Aug. 18, 1864; 

dis. July 12, 1865. 
James McNair. Enlisted in Co. G, 24tli N. Y. Vols., May, 1861 ; 

dis. May 29, 1863. 
Gcrathraan Martin. Enlisted in Co. H, 21lh Cav., Feb. I'.i, 1865; dis. 

Aug. 4, 1805. 
Eli C. Merrill. Enli.-ted March, 1865 ; substitute for Washington T. 

Henderson, Albion. 
James Moore. Enlisted March 3, 1865: substitute for William A. 

Smith, Esq., .•klbiou : assigned to Co. G, 3d X. Y. Vet. Vols.: 

dis. Sept. II, 1865. 
Nelson W. Marsh. Enlisted in Co. O, 1st N. Y. L. Art., Oct. 4, 1861 ; 

in over twenty engagements ; wounded in left eye at Malvern 

Hill: dis. Oct. 8, 1804. 
Augustus R. Miller. Enlisteil in Co. 0, 24th N. Y. Vols., May 5, 

1861 ; died of wounds received iu battle of Bull Run, Sept. 12, 

1862. 
Francis Mead. Enlisted in Co. 11, 24th N. Y. Vols., Dec. 3, 1861 ; 

killed at 2d Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 
Lavcnor Nichols. Enlisted Co. D, 184th N. Y. V., Aug. 23, 1864; 

dischurgeil June 29, 1865. 
Anscn M. Nichols. Enlisteil 1st Light Art., Feb. 25, 1864; was in 

about fifteen battles; discharged June, 1865. 
John C. Nichols. Enlisted Co. II, 1st Light Art., Fob. 29, 1864; in 

buttles of Chancellorsville, Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Hor- 

bor, Petersburg, seven days' fight before Richmond, and others; 

discharged October 29, 1864. 
George W. Olin. Enlisted Co. D, lS4th N. T. V., Aug. 26, 1864 ; 

discharged July 12, 1865. 
George Pettis. Enlisted 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 5, 1862; in battle at 

Camp Bisland ; dischargeil Aug. 28, 1805. 
James C. Pnrkhurst. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Light Art., Oct. 1, 1861; 

discharged July, 1802. 
Charles E. Prouty. Enlisted Co. B, llOth N. Y. V., Aug. i, 1862; 

discharged September I, 1865. 
Horace Parker. Enlisted Co. C, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 1, 1862; dis- 
charged June 2, 1863. 
John Place. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. V., Aug. 21, 1862; died of 

disease at Falmouth. 
Charles Parkhurst. Drafted Aug. 4, 1863; ossigncd 68lh Regiment, 

N. Y. V. 
Albert M. Parmeiiter. Enlisted Co. K, 1 Ith II. Art., Dec. 7, 1863; 

discharged May 13, 1865. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



285 



John Purdy. Enlisted Co. K, 14th II. Art., Dec. 21, 1863; in battles 
of AViliiorness, Cold Harbor, Laurel Hill; died Aug. 15, l.Sfi4. 

Judsoii E. Parrish. Enlisted Co. U, 2-ilh Cav., Dec. n, 186H; was 
wounded in right leg at Cold Harbor: discharged Augvist, 1865. 

licnjaniin I'liillip.s. Enlisted Co. M, 2d H. Art., Feb. 20, 1S64; in 
battles of Petersburg, Cold Harbor; discharged June 10, 1S65. 

John W. Prouty. Enlisted Co. D, IS4th N. Y. V., Sept. 1, 1SC4; dis- 
charged June 29, 1865. 

Charles M. Pettingell. Enlisted Co. G, 24th N. Y. V., May 17, 1861 ; 
in battles of Hull Run, Falls Church, Chancelloriville, South 
Mountain, Ra]>pahannock, Antietam ; disch. May 17, 1863. 

Henry Pittsley. Enlisted Co. G, 147th N. Y. V., August 22, 1863; 
died November 5, 1863. 

Thomas Purdy. Enlisted Co. L, 1st Mounted Rifles; re-enlisted Aug. 
31, 1854; was in many battles; wounded in right side and left 
hand; discharged .\ugust 31, 1S64. 

Richard I. Paddock. Enlisted Co. K, 8l8t N. Y. V., Feb. 22. 1863; 
in battles of Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Drury's Bluff; killed in 
camp before Petersburg, September 3, 1864. 

Edward D. Parker. Enlisteil Co. G, 19th Vet. Res. Cav., May 1, 1861 ; 
promoted 1st lieut.. May, 1861; re-enlisted in 147th N. Y. V. as 
let lieut. ; promoted cajitain, Nov., 1862 ; in battles of Fred- 
ericksb'g. Chancellorsville ; w'nded at Gettysb'g in left leg ; disch. 

George P. Rich. Enlisted Co. I, 37th N. Y. V., May .3, 1861 ; killed 
at battle of Williamsburg; remains buried on field. 

Isaac J. Rich. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862; pro- 
moted sergt., July 1, 1863; 1st lieut., 2d Invalid Corps, Feb. 1, 
1865; in battles of Camp Bislaud, Station No. 4, Florida: taken 
prisoner and esca])ed ; discharged November 2, 1865. 

Redmond Richardson. Enlisted Co. H, llOtkN. Y. V., Aug. 3, 1862; 
discharged August 2, 1865. 

William S. Richardson. Enlisted Co.F, lS4th N. Y.V., Aug. 2, 1864; 
discharged July 12, 1865. 

Hiram Richardson. Enlisted Co. F, lS4th N. Y. V., Aug. 27, 1864; 
discharged July 12, 1865. 

Wesley M. Rich. Enlisted Co. D, 184th N. Y. V., Sept. 5, 1864; 
discharged July 12, 1865. 

Marathon M. Rich. Enlisted Co. D, lS4th N. Y. V., .Sept. 3, 1864; 
discharged June 29, 1865. 

James T. Richards. Enlisted Co. E, 189th N. Y. V., Sept. 3, 1864; 
died in hospital, Washington, April 23, 1865. 

Charles Edward Riker. Enlisted Co. D, 123d N. Y. V., Apr. 5, 1865 ; 
discharged .lanuary 18, 1866. 

Daniel P. Stevens. Enlisted Co. K, 81st N. Y. V., Oct. 4, 1861; in 
battles of Williamsburg, Fair Oaks; wounded in right arm and 
left knee; discharged August 9, 1865. 

Isaac N. Scram. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 7, 1862: in 
battles of Port Hudson, Franklin, Camp Bisland; discharged 
August 28. 1865. 

Reynold H. Stephens. Enlisted Co. G, 1st Light Art., Aug. 1, 1861 ; 
in battles of Fair Oaks, seven days before Richmond, Antietam, 
and many others; discharged October 4, 1864. 

Merrit W. Seamons. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., August 6, 1862 ; 
promoted sergt., Aug. 28, 1862; 2d lieut., Feb., 1863; 1st lieut., 
Deo. 25, 1864; in battles of Camp Bisland, Port Hudson, Frank- 
lin, Vermilion Plains, and others; discharged Sept. 28, 1865. 

S. Turner Seamons. Enlisted Co. B, llOlh N. Y. V., Aug. 5, 1862; 
<lischarged June 5, 1863. 

James Seamons. Enlisted sergt., Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., August 7, 

1862; discharged June 26, 1864. 
Frederick Shepherd. Enlisteil Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., .\ug. 5, 1862; 
discharged .\ugust 27, 1865. 

John Scott. Enlisted Cu. H, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 9, '62; disch. '63. 

Stephen 0. Simmons. Enlisted Co. H, lUlth N. Y. V., Aug. 9, 1862; 
discharged Seidember 1, 1865. 

Edwin M. Sperry. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. V., Aug. 21, 1862; 
pro. 2d lieut., Ajiril, 1864; 1st lieut., Oct., 1864; dis. June, 1865. 

Joseph Stuyvesint. Enlisted Co. C, 147th N. Y. V., August 21, 1862; 
in battle of Gettysburg : mortally wounded ; buried on the field. 

John Sterrit. Enlisted Co. C, 1 t7th N. Y. V., August 21, 1862 ; killed 

on the cars at Sunbury, Pa. 
Addison Shepherd. Enlisted 2d H. Art., Dec. 2. 1861; in battles 2d 
Bull Run. Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Reams' Station, Deep 
Bottom, Petersburg, and others ; w'd at Cold Harbor, left hand 
anil arm; dis. Dee. 2, 1863; rcenl'd, and dis. Aug. 31, 1865. 



Newton B. Sheridan. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., December 21, 

1863 ; deserted. 

Thomas Skelton. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., Dec. 21, 1863 : dis. 

Irwin Shead. Enlisted 1st Lt. Art.. Feb. 29, 1861 ; dead. 

Isaac Seamons. Enlisted Co. C. 50th Eng. ; re-enl'd in same com- 
pany and regiment; dis. June 16, 1865. 

Uri Sly. Enlisted Co. D, 184th N. Y. V., August 31, 1864; dis. Juno 
29, 1865. 

John F. Seram. Enlisted Co. D, 184th N. Y. V., Sept. 1, 1864; dis. 
July 13, 1865. 

Elijah J. Smith. Enlisted Co. K, 184th N. Y. V., Aug. 31, 1864; dis. 
July 12, 1865. 

John L. Sage. Enlisted Co. C, 1 84th N. Y. V., August 18, 1864 ; died 
Oct. 31, 1865. 

Gilman Sloper. Enlisted Co. B, 184th N. Y. V., August 30, 1864; 
dis. June 22, 1865. 

Peter Scalley. Enlisted Co. — , 193d N. Y. V., April, 1865. 

Homer Stillwell. Enlisted Co. D, 193d N. Y. V., April 5, 1865. 

Albert Shepherd. Enlisted Co. C, 26lh N. Y. V., May 10, 1861 ; taken 
prisoner 2d Bull Run ; exchanged Oct., 1862 ; dis. May 28, 1863 ; 
re-enl'd, July 21, 1863, 14th H. Art.; dis. July 21, 1865. 

William E. Sheridan. Enlisted Co. K, 24th N. Y. V., Dec, 1861 ; dis. 
June, 1862; re-enl'd 16th H. Art. ; dis. Dee. 1, 1864. 

Perry Soulo. Enlisted Co. G, 81st N. Y. V., Oct. 15, 1861 ; wounded 
at Williamsburg. May 6, 1862. 

Charles Shepherd. Enlisted 2d H. Art., Dec. 8, 1861 ; in battle of 
Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, North Anna, Petersburg, 
Weldon R. R., and others; dis. June 1, 1864; re-enl'd same regi- 
ment and comjtnny ; dis. August 7, 1865. 

Franklin Sheidierd. Enlisted Co. H, 50th N. Y. Eng., Aug., 1861 ; in 
several engagements ; was wounded in face at Fredericksburg 
dis. Sept. 20, 1864. 

Joseph P. Thomas. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862 
in siege of Port Hudson; dis. July 20, 1863. 

Elijah Thom|i8on. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 5, 1862 
dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 

William D. Thompson. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862 
died at Carrolton, June 25, 1863. 

Thomas Thompson. Enlisted Co. B, 110th N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862 
in battles of Indijin Bend, Vermilion, siege of Port Hudson 
dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 

William W. Thorp. Enlisted Co. B, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 6, 1862 
in battles Bayou Teche, Port Hudson, Franklin ; disch. Aug. 
28, 1865. 

John H. Taylor. Enl'd Co. H, UOth N. Y. V., Aug. 9, 1862; taken 
prisoner at Brasher City: exchanged; dis. Aug. 31, 1865. 

George W. Trumbull. Enlisted Co. G, 3d H. Art., Feb. 11, 1864; in 
battle Wier Forks; dis. July 16, 1865. 

Emory Towsley. Enlisted Co. K, 14th H. Art., Dee. 21, 1863; was 
in seven battles; wounded in Wilderness; furloughed; never 
returned to duty. 

Smith H. Trumbull. Enlisted Co. I, 24th N. Y. V., May, 1861; re- 
eulisted 24th N. Y. Cav., 1863 ; Cold Harbor, Mine Run, Wilder- 
ness ; was wounded by sharpshooter while on picket; died in 
hospital, July 19, 1864. 

Harvey C. Taft. Enlisted Co. I, 81st N. Y. V., Dec. 17, 1861 ; in 
battles Fair Oaks, Swift Crock, Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and 
others, — twenty-six in all; re-enlisted; was promoted to Ist 
serg't, March 1,1865; 1st lieut., July 23, ISlio; dis. Sept. 16, 1865. 

Charles H. Treadway. Enlisted 2d 11. Art., Feb. 22, 1864; disch. 
May 15, 1864. 

Hiram Fox Tryon. Enlisted Co. F, 1st L. Art., Feb. 29, 1864; de- 
serted three times. 

Judson Tibipaugh. Enlisted Co. F, 184th N. Y. V., Sept 1, 1864; 
deserted. 

Patrick Thornton. Enlisted Co. H, 1st L. Art., Feb. 29, 1864; was 
in eleven engagements; slightly wounded at Petersburg; disch. 
June 19, 1865. 

Ebeneier Towsley. Enlisted Co. M, 2d H. Art., Feb. 29, 1864 ; died 
at Hart's Island, Oct. 8, 1865. 

William Taylor. Enlisted Co. A, 16th H. Art.; dis. for disability; 
died at home. Dec., 1864. 

Sylvester Taylor. Enliste.l Co. M, 2d H. Art., Dec. 22, 1863; de- 
serted, and returned to duly under president's amnesty procla- 
mation. 



28G 



HISTUUY OK OSWKUO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



Willmm Webb. Kniialcd Co. B, llOlb N. Y. V., Aug. 9, 18S2; dii. 
April IS, IS«I. 

Willium II. WiUon. EnlislcJ Co. K, 122a N. Y. V.. Aug. 1.1, 1S62; 
ill biittk'^ South .Muunlain, Aiitiediin, Kmiuriek^bur^, lt*t mid 2(1 ; 
«vuj4 w<Minib-<l at Winchester, .^c-|it. l'.>, l'Sft4 ; wu8 cuiitiiretl nud 
tiikeii tu l.iliby |irit«iin. fmin wbieb heci«ea|ied; dis. July 12, ISCo. 

Dunii-I Wnlkor. Kiilisled .'^vlllt'r IMIU Ciiv., Feb., 1802; din. Jnn. 2, 
1S0.1; re-enlisled 21fl N. Y. Cav. : dis. Aug. 2, iX6b. 

Henry P. Weaver. Enlinled Co. B, llOth N. Y. V., Aug., 1S62; in 
(•allle Port Huilsnn : died al ToriUKas Inland, April ii, ISill. 

A. S. Weaver. Enlieled Co. B, llUth N. Y. V., Aug. a, l.sil2 : ISi.'land, 
Vermilion, .•^iege of Port Hudson, Franklin ; diseb. Se|d. 1, 1H65. 

Jason B. Wright. Knlixted Co. B, IlOlh .\. Y. V., Aug. C, 1S62; 
eiego of Port Hudson, Franklin. ISi»land : dis. Aug. 2S, l.sf.j. 

Ira West. Enlivted Co. II, llutb X. Y. V., Aug. 11, lMi;2: dis. Aug. 
2;i, 1S03. 

Edwin Wilinot. Enlisted Co. I, llOlh .\. Y. V., Aug. 7, lsfi2: dis. 
Aug. S, l,«Gs. 

John Wild. Eulislcd Co. II, lal L. .\rt., Feb. 29, ISCt ; in battles of 
.S|)OttsylvBaia, North Anna, Wilderness, Petersburg, Weldon 
Itailroad, and others, — eleven in all ; dis. June 1», 18C5. 

Kellogg West. Enlisted Co. E, ISith N. Y. V., Aug. 2«, 1801; dis- 
charged July 1, ISCa. 

Aaron Widrig. Enlisted Co. F, 181th X. Y. V., Aug. 21, l.SGl; dis- 
charged July It, 1SC5. 

Libons C. WaiU Enlisted Co. K, lS411i .\. V. V., Aug. 2!!, 1SC4; 
discharged July 12, 1805. 

Richard A. Wakefield. Enlisted Co. E, ISOth N. Y. V., Aug. 2il, 1.864 : 
al Hatcher's Uun, Five Forks, and (iravely Hun; diseh. Aug. 4, 
IKfia. 

Milu C. West. Enlisted Co. M. 2d H. Art., Dec. 27, 180.'!; in battle 
of Wilderness ; died in hos|Mial. Wasliingtou; remains buried on 
Arlington Heights. 

Asa Wcstcott. Enlisted Co. F, M7lh X. Y. V., Sept. 2, 1802: died 
in hospital, July 25, I8G3. 

Charles H. Wriglit. Enlisted Co. A. Ifilh II. Art., Aug. 10, 1803; 
discharged -\ug. 21, 1805. 

Allen I!. Wcstcott. Enlisted Co. — , 184th N. Y. V., Aug. 27, 1804; 
discharged July 12, 1805. 

Bcujauiiu Franklin .Abbott. Enlisted Co. K, 152d N. Y. V., .\ugust 
2«, 1802; in battle Mine Run, and others; was w'd in the Wil- 
derness, May 7, 1804; dis. July I'J, 1805. 

Lloyd W. Aldrieh. Enlisted Co. 11, IBth V. H. Inf.; pro. (jr. inr. 
sergt.. June, 1804. 

Wilson A. Austin. Enlisted Co. G, 2d U. Art., Dec. 21, 1803; in 
battles Spottsylvania. Cold Harbor, North Anna, Petersburg, 
Uiep Bottom ; dis. Oct. 11, 1805. 

Samuel Babcock. Enlisted Co. L, lOtb H. Art.. August .8, 1862; dis. 
September, 1865. 

Cbarlcs Baker. Enlisted Oct. 7, 1803, in a colored regiment. 

Henry 11. Baker. Enlisted Co. C, 1st II. An., Aug. 2, 1.803; in bat- 
tles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Pe- 
tersburg, Fort Steadman; discharged June 27, 1805. 

Cbauucoy Barnes. Enlisted Co. G, 1st I.t. Art., Sept. 21, 1861 ; died 
at Union Mills, Va. 

Ira Bates. Enlisted Co. K, llOth X. Y. V., August 0, 1802; died at 
Key West, July 4, 1.S04. 

Horatio Bellows. Enlisted Co. M, 2d 11. Art., Dee. 8, 1801 ; in hat- 
ties of 2d Bull Run, S]iutlsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg; 
was wouniled in left foot; discharged Deo. 8, 1S04. 

James A. Bentley. Enlisted Co. 1, 37th N. V. V., Apr. 20, 1861 ; in 
battles of Vorktown, Williamsburg, Fair fluks, Fredericksburg, 
Cbanccllorsville, and severalothcrs ; discharged June 20, 1805. 

Win. lilakesley. Enlisted Co. C, 50ih Kng., Sept. J, 1801 ; was 
wounded at Fredericksburg, and died soon after. 

David Bouworlh. Enlisted Co. D, 24th X. Y. V., Xov. II, 1801 ; in 
battles of Gainesville, 2d Bull Run, South Mountain. Antietain, 
Southsiile K. 11.; re-enlisted; second dis. Oct. 5, 1865. 

William H. liortles. Enlisted Co. K, 81st N. Y. V. ; diseh. 1802, dis- 
ability ; re-enlisled. 

John C. llragdon. Enlisted 24th X. Y. Cav., .Ian. 18, 1864 ; in battles 
Wililcrness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, nnd others, 
thirteen in nil; dis. August 4, 1805. 

James lirookins. Enlisted Co. G, 50th N. V. Eng., Sept. 0, 1861 ; 
deserted Sept., 1802. 



C. n. Burke. Enlisted Iflltth N. Y. V., musicinn, Aug. A, 1862. 

John Dawley. Enlisted Co. G. 1st X. Y. l,t. Art., Sept. 7, 1801 ; in 
seven days' battles before Richmond, .\ntietaio. Gettysburg. Clian- 
cellorsville, and many other engageiiunts, twenty-four in all ; re- 
enlisled in same company ami regiment, Feb. 11, 1804; diseh. 
Juno IV, 1805. 

Caleb Fogy. Enlisted Co. I. 24lh Cav., Jan. 4, 1804 ; in battles Wil. 
derness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and others; diseh. August 
21, 1805. 

William 11. ForU Enli.-tcd Co. D, 24th N. Y. V., April. 1801 ; in 
several battles ; was w'd at 2d Bull Run ; died of w'ds in Wash- 
ington ; remains buried there. 

John Scott Frey. Enlisted Co. K, Slst N. Y. V., Dec. 1, 1801 ; dis- 
charged Feb. 17, 1802. 

William P. Fny. Enlisted Co. K, 8l8t N. Y. V., Dee. 1, 1801 ; dis- 
charged April 15, 1862. 

Jared W. Hathaway. Enlisted Co. M, 2d H. Art., July 7, 1S04. 

Oliver llovey. Enlisted Co. K, Slst N. Y. V., Oct., 1861 ; in battles 
Fair Oaks, Yorktown ; was w'd and taken jirisoner ; exchanged ; 
died at Baltimore, Octolicr 3, 1802. 

John Lester. Enid Co. M, 2d 11. Art., Dec, 1864 ; dis. April 25, '65. 

John Lewis. Enlisted Co. H, 16th N. Y. H. Art., August 1,1803; in 
battles Malvern Hill, Deep Bottom, Laurel Hill, Fort Fisher, and 
several others; dis. Sept. 29, 1805. 

Peter W. Loser. Enlislcil Co. I, 24th Cav., Feb. 8, 1805 ; was w'd at 
.Sailor's Creek, Va. ; diseb. June 8, 1805; also served in a Cali- 
fornia regiment. 

Henry W. Lyman. Enlisted 5nih Eng., Sept. 5, 1861 : in battles of 
Fredericksburg, Yorktown, North Anna, Malvern Hill, White Oak 
Swain]!, Seven Pin^. Harper's Ferry; diseh. Sept. 20, 1864. 

Shubael Lyuiiin. Enlisted Co. M,2d II. Art., Dee., 1803; died in hos- 
pital at Washington. 

Harvey Mnn<ligo. Enlisted Co. G, 184th N. Y. V., Aug., 1864 ; dis. 
June 29, 1865. 

Anson .Miller. Enl'd 3d X. Y. Lt. Art., March, 1804 ; dis. July, '05. 

Titus B. .Mitchell. Enlisted Co. I, 24th Cav., Feb. 8, 1805; was w'd 
at Five F<trks ; tlis. .lune 29, 1865 ; also served in a cavalry regi- 
ment in New Mexico. 

Charles F. Mulverbill. Enlisted Co. B, 110th X. Y. V., August 6, 
1802; in siege of Port Huilson ; dis. August 28, 1805. 

Joseph S. Nichols. Enlisted Co. A, «4th N. V. V., Feb. 20, 1805; 
deserted; <Iis. July 28, 1805. 

Franklin Nicholas. Enlisted Co. A, 94th Inf., Feb., 1862; in battle 
of Bull Run; dis. 1804. 

Reuben Noble. 

William H. Paddock. Enlisted Co. K,8Ist N. Y. V., Sept. 10, 1801; in 
battles Yorktown, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Drury's 
Blufl*, and many others ; re-enl'd in same company and regiment ; 
diseh. August 31, 1805. 

Joseph Pentworth. Enlisted Co. G, Ist Lt. Art., Oct. 4, 1801 ; re- 
enlisled in same company and regiment, Dec. 17, 1863; was in 
battles of Wilderness, Antietain, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, 
Cold Harbor, Fredericksburg; <Iiseharged June 21, 1865. 

Joseph Perkins. Enlisted 24th X. Y. V., .May. 1801 ; died in service. 

Henry Pettingill. Enlisted Co. G, 24lh N. Y. V., Oct., 1801 ; in battle 
of Chancellorsville; dis. May 17, 1803. 

Albert Pickens. Enlisted Co. A, lOth N. Y. II. Art., August I, 1803; 
in battle of Malvern Hill, and several others ; died at Wilmington, 
N. C, April, 1805. 

Albert A. Poller. Enlisted Co. C, llOth N. Y. V., Jan. 23, 1802; re- 
enlisted Feb. 4, 1804: discharged Sept. 30, 1805. 

Delnvan Preston. Enlisted Co. K, 8l8t N. Y. V., Sept. 23, 1801 ; in 
battle of Fair Oaks: died in hospital, July 3U, 1802. 

Thomas Purdy. Enlisted Co. B, UMth N. Y. V., August 14, 1802; 
in battles Franklin, Camp Bisland, siege of Port Hudson, Ver- 
milion Plains; dis. August 29, 1805. 

Adelbcrt E. Rich. Enlisted Co. I, 8l8t N. Y. V., Dec. 0, 1801; in 
battles of Fair Oaks, Swift Creek, Drury's lilulf. Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg; killed Aug. 7, 1804. 

Hernion Rich. Eiiliste<l Co. A, 20th N. Y. V., Aug., 1801; diseh. 
Jan., 1803; re-enl'd in llth X. V. Cav.; deserleil March, 1804. 

Isaac Rowcll. Enlisted Co. 11, 185tb N. Y. V., Sept. 0, 1804 ; in battles 
Suuthsidc R. R.; Gravely Run, seven in all; at Lee's surrender 
was wounded by a ball in right nriii and cheek : discharged 
June 9, 1865. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



287 



Alfred E. Soamans. Eulisted Co. M, 2d H. Art., Oct. 25, 1S63; in 

battles Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania, Petersburg ; taken prisoner 

at Petersburg: missing. 
Delos S. Seamans. Enlistoil Co. M, 2d II. Art., Oct. 29, lSfi:l ; in battles 

Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg; missing. 
Byron II. Seamons. Enlisted Co. C, .00th Eng., August 28, ISfil; 

died Oet. 22, 1861. 
AVilliani Slafter. Enlisted 11th Cav., Dec. 14, 1802; pro. 2d lieut., 

August 16, 1861; 1st lieut., March 21, 1865; dischargeil .A.pril 29, 

1865. 
Uenry J. Smart. Enlisted Co. G, 24th N. Y. V., Nov. 20, 1861 ; ro- 

cnl'd 24th N. Y. Cav. ; dis. July 17, 1865. 



Garret S. Sweet. Enlisted Co. D, 103d N. Y. V., A,.ril 6, 1865 ; dis. 

Juno IS, 1866. 
Lansing Tanner. Enlisted Co. P, ISlth N. Y. V., Aug. 24, 1864; 

discharged June 29, 1865. 
De Witt Clinton Trumbull. Enlisted Co. G, 3d II. Art., Feb. 11, 1864; 

Five Forks; dis. July 16, 1865. 
George Trumbull. Enlisted Co. G, 3d II. Art., Feb. 8, 1864 ; difeh. 

Ajiril, 1865. 
Luke Tryon. Enlisted Co. K, Slst N. Y. V., Sept. 10, 1861 ; in battles 

Yorktown, Williamsburg. Seven Pines, Chiekahoniiny, Malvern 

Hill, Cold Harbor, and several others ; rocnl'd iu same company 

and regt; was wounded, and lost a leg; discharged. 



OOISrSTANTIA. 



The town of Constantia was set off from Mexico, tlicn 
a j)art of Oueida county, April 8, 1808, and comprised at 
that time the present towns of Hastings, West Monroe, 
and Constantia. Hastings wa.s taken off in 1825, and West 
Monroe in 1830, reducing Constantia to the limits of the 
old survey-town.ship of Rotterdam, or No. 11 of Scriba's 
patent. It is the southeastern town of Oswego County, and 
is upon the north shore of Oneida lake, to which last fact 
it doubtless owes its early settlement. The surface is nearly 
level, though slightly broken iu the northern part. A large 
portion of the town is still covered with hemlock timber, 
and lumbering is one of the chief occupations of the inhab- 
itants. The most important streams are Scriba and Black 
creeks, and the ontlet of Vanderkemp pond; all of which 
afford excellent mill privileges. Although the soil is quite 
s;indy, good crops of wheat and corn arc raised in some 
portions of the town. The southern portion is peculiarly 
well ada])ted to sheep grazing. 

The early history of Constantia, comprising the fact of 
its being owned by the Oneida Indians, and the story of 
the numerous warlike expeditions which passed along its 
southern bounds during the last century, are to be found 
in the general history of the county. There, too, will be 
found a statement that when the Oiieidas relinquished 
their title to the State in 1788, they reserved a tract of 
half a mile square every six miles along the north shore 
of Oneida lake. One of these reservations fell within the 
present limits of Constantia. 

As in the case of other towns, we begin the history of 
Constantia with the first white .settler. 

The earliest settlement of which we have any account 
was made in 1791, when the Frenchman, Dcsvatiiie.s, located 
upon " Frenchman's island," about four miles southwest 
from the .site of Constantia village. Desvatincs had come 
to this country from France severtil years previous with a 
considerable sum of money, had been unfortunate in busi- 
ness, had finally lost his fortune through the treachery of 
a partner, and had retired with his wife and two children 
to this island, where another child was born, and there 
erected a comfortable liouse and cleared several acres of 
laud. He remained undisturbed until 1 71)3, when visited by 



an agent of John and Nicholas Roosevelt, who informed him 
that the State had sold the island with other lands to the 
Roosevelts, and that he must leave it. Mr. (reorge Scriba, 
who had already purchased the Roosevelt tract, though he 
had not received a patent, and was commencing a settlement 
at Rotterdam (now Constantia), invited Desvatines to live 
there, offering him a tract of land for which he might pay 
at his convenience. The Frenchman gladly availed himself 
of this liberal offer. It is a little singular that Scriba 
should have allowed him to be driven from the island, but 
perhaps that gentleman wanted him to increase the new 
city of Rotterdam. 

A more full description of Desvatines' life on Frenchman's 
island, about which so many romantic tales have been told, 
is given in the general history of the county, where will 
also be found an account of the original purchase of half a 
million acres of land by the Roosevelts, and its transference 
to Scriba. Constantia having been the second town in 
Oswego County iu which a settlement was made, its early 
annals possess a general as well as local interest, and it 
is inevitable that much of them should be given iu the 
county history. 

Meanwhile, in 17D1 or '92, a man named Bruce bad 
built him a cabin on the site of Constantia village, being 
the first settler on the mainland. He had been a merchant 
in Connecticut, but appears to have been a squatter on 
Oneida lake. He was found there in the summer of 1792 
by F. A. Vanderkemp, who made a journey to Oswego at 
that time. 

Although Mr. Scriba did not obtain his p;itcnt until 
December 12, 1794, yet he began the settlement of Rotter- 
dam in the spring of 1793. It is spoken of in the journal 
kept by the Frenchmen sent from Paris in the fall of 1793, 
by the " Castorland company," to examine the Black river 
country, and who visited this settlement on their route. 
They say : "... We then took a view of the site of the 
future Rotterdam. It is upon a moderately-elevated, sandy 
plateau, with a view of the lake and the islands, and at 
present consists of a saw-mill and three log houses ; but its 
location is favorable. Jlr. Scriba intends to open a rotid 
from this place to the Little Salmon creek, which is twenty- 



288 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



four miles by land, and will save more tban sixty miles by 
water, as wfll as the tedious navi^'ation of the rivers. It 
is jirobable tliat this will become the route of trade from 
the lakes, wliieli caiiiiot fail to {live it iiuportaiiee, especially 
if the Little Salmon crct'k is navijiable, so as to reduce the 
portaj^e to six or ei;.'ht miles ; as they assured us could be 
done. The only trouble is in the landing-place, but some 
piers would renii'ily lliis, and timber is plenty." 

In the summer of 1793, while the little colony at Rot- 
terdam were busy with their improvements, Francis Adrian 
A'aiHloikcmp. a native of Caniprn, in Overyssel (one of the 
I'nited Provinces of the Netherland.s ), came from Ulster 
County, where he had been livin<;. lie bouglit a thousand 
acres of I^Ir. Seriba, at a jwint on the lake which he called 
Keni]>wi(k, alicjut five miles east of Rotterdam. He put 
up here some fine buildings, which had been framed on the 
Hudson river. His barn is s;iid to have been eighty by 
niiuty feet. He was a man of wealth, and brought with 
him a large number of negroes, and in a very short time 
had a large tract of land cleared and under cultivation. 
The tract purchased by Mr. Vanderkemp included a large 
pond in the northern part, in which it is .said there were at 
that time large numbers of fish. Jlr. Seriba, becoming 
aware of this fact, told ^Ir. Vanderkemp that if he would 
give \i\> the north half of his land, including tlu' pond, he, 
Seriba, would give him a deed of the remaining five hun- 
dred acres free of cost. The offer was accepted, and the 
arrangement duly carried out. The sheet of water in ques- 
tion is still known liy the name of " Vanderkemp's pond." 

Solomon AV'aring came about this time (1793) and located 
at the village of Rotterdam, and is said to have opened the 
first tavern there, in that year, on the site of the present 
hotel of J. P. Brown. Joshua Lynch was also a settler 
of 1793. In 1794 Mr. Seriba cut out the celebrated road 
from Rotterdam to his other city of Vera Cruz, at the mouth 
of Salmon creek. 

In Jur)e, 1795, the Fremh duke De la Rocbefoucauld- 
Liancourt visited Rotterdam in his travels through the 
I'ljitid States, and jmblished an elaborate account of it, 
which we tran.scribe here, as it is the best authority to be 
found regarding the locality at that time. He says, — 

" Rotterdam is a new eslablisbmeiit begun eighteen 
months (two j'ears) since, by Mr. Serilia, a wealthy Hol- 
lander, and a merchant, who i.s the owner of a large tract 
of land extending from here to Lake Ontario. He has 
chosen the mouth of Hruee creek as the site of his princi- 
pal city, and has begun another at Salmon livtr, two miles 
from Lake Ontario. Rniee creek is navigable some miles 
above Rotterdam, and Mr. Seriba has opened a road from 
here to his new city. At present his establishments amount 
to but little. A dozen poor log houses, built almo.st en- 
tirely at Mr. Scriba's expense, constitute all there is ("if the 
city of Ilotterdam, so named in honor of tlu' native place 
of its founder. The dams for the u.se of the mill that he 
has built have cost much money, and being always jioorly 
built he has been obliged to recoinnniicc them .several 
times. The grist-mill is not yet built, and the dam aj)pears 
loo leeble for the pressure it will have to .sustain. Some 
Work and considerable momy has been expended at the 
mouth of the creek to make a landing, but the aecomnio- 



dation is very poor. They estimate that Mr. Seriba has 
expended over eight thousand dollars here, and if the work 
had Wen well applied it would be a profitable investment. 
Mr. Seriba is now building a fine frame house in which he 
intends to place a store. In this he will .share the profits 
with two iissociatcs whom he has as his agents for all these 
works. A store is, moreover, in America, the best means 
for gaining property rapidly in a new settlement, ami be 
can thus regain the money expended on his establishment. 
He will sell, for instance, a quart of brandy for fonr shil- 
lings and sixpence, or if more for three shillings, flour at 
sixpence a pound retail, or ten dollars a barrel, while it 
only costs him seven. The profits on other articles are still 
greater. The land which sold eighteini months ago at a 
dollar an acre now brings three dollars, and is not consid- 
ered dear at that price. The present settlers of this place 
came fnmi New England, and from near Albanj". Mr. 
Scriba's jiarlners in the store are Hollanders like himself, 
and they have a mulatto in charge. This mulatto is also a 
doctor and a gardener, and appears to have been well edu- 
cated ; they say he is a half brother of Mr. Melth. one of 
the partners. Workmen get in Rotterdam f lur shillings a 
day and board, or six and sixpence when they board them- 
selves. Boarders pay fourteen shillings per week without 
li(|Uor. They jraid for bread nine]ience a pound, the com- 
mon price being six. Fresh meat is eight pence ; but not- 
withstanding the number of workmen constantly hired by 
Mr. Seriba, provisions are scarce and uncertain, and the 
price is always high. The country is also liable to fevers, 
as is all that through which we have passed." 

Mr. Jcjhn Jleyer settled in the vicinity of the village 
before 1791!, and was Mr. Scriba's agent; perhajis he was 
one of the partnirs mentioned by La Rochefoucauld-Lian- 
court. He was the first supervi.sor of Mexico (and the 
first in the present county of Oswego), being appointed by 
the justices of Herkimer county, in default of an election 
in the spring of 1797. He was also the first justice of the 
peace in the county. 

On the 11th of April, 179(), occurred that ever-interest- 
ing event in a new .settlement, the birth of the first child, 
which in this case was George Waring, son of Major Solo- 
mon Waring. 

Mr. Seriba himself did not make his home in Rotterdam 
until several years later, carrying on his business through 
his agents. The .store mentioned by the French duke was 
opened within a year or so afterwards. It is said that at 
one time it contained a stock of goods valued at ten thousand 
dollars ; an enormous sum in those days. There being no 
other store itj this part of the country, an immense business 
was carried on. The Indians often came here with their 
furs to trade, from a distance of more than forty miles. 

Mr. John Reridiard, from whom Bernbard's bay derives 
its name, was a native of Holland. He etnigrated to this 
country in the year 179(1, and settled upon Staten Island, 
where he lived until the fall of 1795, when he moved, with 
his family, to the bay. Arriving late in the lidl, be found 
but one building there, — an old log house, built by a .^lr. 
Dayton two years before, but occupied by him only a short 
time. It was sadly in need of rejiair, and. as the .season 
for cold weather had already set in, .Mr. N'anderkenip kindly 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



289 



invited him to sjn'iiil the winter :it bis house. This invita- 
tion Mr. BernharJ accepted. The following circumstances, 
tending to show that political asperities are no sharper now 
than in the olden time, are related by Mr. Beruhard's 
descendants. 

During the winter a political dispute arose between Mr. 
Bcrnhard and his host. After a bitter quarrel, Mr. Bern- 
hard declared that he would not live with such a man, and 
accordingly moved back into the old log house at the bay. 
The family endeavored, by fastening blankets and shawls over 
the larger openings in the wall, to make the place comfortable ; 
but, with the first night, came the most severe storm of the 
sea.son. Mr. Bernhard and bis family awoke to find them- 
selves in the midst of a snow-bank. The wind had torn the 
blankets from the walls, and the snow had drifted mercilessly 
in upon the inmates. 

Finding it impossible to remain there longer, Mr. B. 
returned to the house of Mr. Vanderkemp, where he re- 
mained until spring. He then went back to his place at 
the bay, and during the season put up a substantial house 
and commenced a clearing. 

Directly in front of Mr. Bernhard's residence, and about 
fifty rods out in the lake, a small island is visible during 
low water. It was at this time, and for many years after, 
the custom of the Oneida Indians to bring to this point 
those of their .squaws who had committed offenses against 
Iroquois law, and compel them (^as a punishment) to swim 
to the island and return. 

Thus, from year to year, the little settlement upon the 
bank of the lake .slowly grew and prospered. Although the 
Indians came frequently in large bodies to the lake, for the pur- 
pose of fishing, yet they always showed a friendly disposition 
towards the whites ; and, during all those early years in 
which the pioneers were struggling with the hardships of a 
frontier life, there is not an instance on record in which the 
Indians placed an impediment in their way. 

In the year 1798, although improvements had been in 
progress at Rotterdam for several years, there were still but few 
inhabitants. The only persons in the present town of Con- 
stantia to be found on the assessment roll of Mexico for that 
year were John Meyer, Amos Mathews, John Bernhard, 
Daniel Bernhard, Henry Fall, and Solomon Waring ; besides 
Mr. George Scriba, who was assessed this year upon the 
greater part of the town. Mr. Vanderkemp moved to Tren- 
ton, Oneida county, shortly after Mr. Bernhard located at the 
bay. The exact date is not known, but, from the fact that 
his name does not appear on the assessment roll in 1798, 
it must have been previous to this year. 

The first school held in the town was held during the 
winter of 1797-98, in a log building which had been 
erected for the purpose. For a few years afterwards great 
improvements were made in the village of Rotterdam. A 
large number of Hollanders were induced by Mr. Seriba to 
leave their native country and locate here. Although there 
was, at this time, scarcely a bushel of grain raised in the 
neighborhood, Mr. S. erected a grist-mill, five stories high, 
ujion the bank of Scriba's creek ; but this, like some of his 
other enterprises, was a failure. The maebinery was put 
in, but could never be made to work. A number of years 
afterwards, however, a small addition was made to the build- 



ing, in which a single run of stone was used for grinding 
corn. As near as we can learn, Mr. Scriba himself made 
his home at Rotterdam about 1800, building a large frame 
house in which his descendants still reside. 

From the grist-mill to a point about half a mile up the 
creek Mr. Scriba caused a canal to be dug, which was sided 
with heavy oak timbers bolted securely to their places. At 
the head of this canal he erected a building which he in- 
tended for a distillery, but it was never used. 

Up to the war of 1812 progress was very slow. The 
town, as has been said, was set off from Mexico on the 8th 
of April, 1808, under the name of Constantia, but the 
village was called Rotterdam for a long period afterwards. 
By an act passed in 1811, Mr. Scriba was granted the 
exclusive privilege of a ferry across Oneida lak(^, but, like 
so many more of his projects, this produced very little in 
the way of practical results. 

Constantia is spoken of in " Spafibrd's Gazetteer" for 
1813, as follows : 

"Constantia, a post-township of Oneida county, compre- 
hends three townships, Nos. 10, 11, 13 of Scriba's patent, 
Breda, Delft, and Rotterdam on the surveyor-general's 
maps. The population is at present inconsiderable ; from 
thirty to thirty-five families. The land is mostly low and 
level, and the soil is represented as good. Some contro- 
versies respecting the title to a part of this town, and its 
having been represented unhealthy, have occasioned its 
slow progress in improvement and population ; but my 
correspondents say the first obstacle is entirely removed, 
and the latter, also, having taken its rise from some stag- 
nant water, now drained off. There are a pretty competent 
number of sites for mills, and a good grist- and saw-mill 
erected at Rotterdam. A very good silicious sand, with a 
small admixture of clay, suitable for the composition of 
glass, was accidentally discovered lately at Rotterdam, but 
it is not yet wrought. Fort Brewerton was within this 
town, at the outlet of Oneida lake. The land is held in 
fee, and will probably prove good for grass, and particularly 
for grazing. In 1810, the whole population was one hun- 
dred and fifty-three, with twenty-six electors. The post- 
office was established in 1812." 

Constantia has so much early history that we must pass 
rapidly over its later annals, restricting ourselves to the more 
prominent events. In the winter of 1819-20 a ball was 
given at the hotel at Constantia village (as it now began to 
be called), and as such an event was somewhat unusual at 
that time, the announcement created a good deal of excite- 
ment among the young people on both sides of the lake. 
The day finally arrived, and in the afternoon a sleigh-load of 
young men and women started from the south side to cross 
the lake on the ice. The day was fine, and as the road was 
plainly marked out, they had no difficulty in making the 
trip. After attending the ball they set out to return about 
midnight. The sky, which but a few hours before had 
been so clear, was now covered with dense black clouds, and 
the keen wind which was blowing up the lake told of an 
apjiruacliing sturui. Arriving at the bank of the lake, they 
lound a Mr. Beebe, wlio was .-ibuut to cross on foot with a 
hand-sled, and who asked the privilege of fastening lii.s sled 
to the rear of their sleigh. To this they readily consented. 



290 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the sled was tied on, and oflF they etarted. They had gone i 
but a short distance before the Btoriii wa8 upon thcin, ren- 
dering it impossible to keep the road. Some of the party 
de.sircd to return and await dayliirht, but it was finally de- 
cided to go on, as the ice was thouj^ht to be secure, and 
little danger was anticipated. Slowly they continued their 
course in the blinding storm, until, when near the middle 
of the lake, the horses stopped, and for a moment refused 
to advance farther. They were urged forward, however, 
and had gone but a short distance before the ice gave way, 
and the ])arty in the sleigh were precipitated into the lake. 
Fortunately, .Mr. Beebc, who had expected to cross the lake 
on foot, had provided himself with ice-spurs. He sprang 
from his sled, and by means of bis spurs was enabled to 
maintain liis footing upon the ico. Tlirougli his efforts the 
entire party were rescued ; not, however, until one of the 
young ladies, who had been for some time in the water, was 
rendered entirely helpless. Altliough they all succeeded in 
reaching the shore, the unfortunate girl died within a short 
time afterwards. 

Tbe iii-st settlement in the southeastern part of the town 
was made by Christopher Martin, of Vermont, who located 
ujion "great lot No. 131," in February, 1S21. Jlr. Mar- 
tin describes this locality as being at that time a jdace 
of groat beauty. The banks of the lake were lined with 
chestnut- and walnut-trees, while stretcliing away for miles 
in the background was an unbroken forest of pines and 
other evergreens. Game was abundant in the woods, and 
salmon were plenty in the lake. Mr. Martin erected a 
frame house, eighteen by twenty-eight feet. During the 
same year ]>aiiiel Howard, Solomon Howaril, and Isaac 
Ward located in the neighborhood. 

The first school was kept by Mr. Martin, in the winter of 
1822-23, in a log house upon the Vaiidcrkemii farm. This 
was the first school taught in district No. I, which included 
all of the east half of the town. The first school-house 
was built two or three years later, and was a log building, 
twenty by twenty-si.x feet, located on small lot No. 10. The 
first religious meeting in the vicinity wa.s held in the house 
of Mr. Martin, in the summer of 1822, by the Rev. Mr. 
Keyes, a Methodist minister, on his way to attend conference. 

In 1824 Nathan IJeebe came on. He built a saw-mill 
the same year, the first one in this part of the town. During 
this year Mr. Horace Hitchcock located in the neighbor- 
hood, and in 1 825 James Cleveland, James Dickey, Sam'l 
H. Stevens, and Abiethy Buck came to the same locality. 
Mr. Stevens built tbe first hotel where the village of Cleve- 
land now is. The building is still standing, although it has 
been several times repaired and altered. It is now called 
the Marble House, and is kept by Mr. .Morgan. 

Tbe first store in Cleveland village was built by Messrs. 
Cleveland & Stevens, in 1820. Sliortly after, a post-office 
was established, and Mr. Cleveland was appointed post- 
master. It was called " Cleveland," after him, and as the 
village grew uji it received the same name. 

Although a stock company had been incorporated under 
the name of the Constantia iron company as early as March 
D, 1811, they had not commenced operations, and it was 
not until they were succeeded, about 1830, by the American 
iron com])any (^consisting of Nathan J. Stiles. Jolm ('. 



Coffin, and others) that work was begun. This company 
selected a site on the west bank of Scriba creek, a short 
distance above the mill, and immediately began the erection 
of a furnace. The building was sixty by a hundred feet, 
and their cold-blast furnace was capable of turning out 
three potash-kettles per day. The furnace brought other 
settlers into the village, and in 1834 a second store was 
erected by Augustus Marshall. At this time the town 
began to improve much more rapidly than before. The 
village of Cunst<intia was incorporated by a special act 
paiised May 25, 1836. 

Tbe American iron company sold out in 1836 to the 
Oneida Lake furnace company, which consisted of Moses 
W. Lester, C. Woodbridge, J. Tucker, and others. In 
1839, while this company were engaged in building an ad- 
dition to their stack, it fell to the ground, almost entirely 
destroying their building. 

In 1840, .^Ir. Anthony Landgraft, a German glass-manu- 
facturer, who had been making glass in this country since 
1819, located at the village of Cleveland, and erected the 
first glass-works in the county. Although sand suitable for 
making glass was disc(»vered as early as 1813, several miles 
west of Cleveland, its existence in the neighborhood of that 
village was unknown, and for the first year after cstablishmg 
his works there Mr. Landgraft boated bis sand from Verona, 
upon the south shore of the lake. He discovered in 1H41 
that his works were located upon a bed of sand far superior 
to what be bad been usmg. In consequence of this dis- 
covery two other glass-factories have since been established 
in the town, and a large amount of sand is exported an- 
nually to other works in this State and Canada. 

In 1842 the Oneida Lake furnace company failed. It 
was succeeded by Newton Dexter, Hiram Blanchard, and 
Moses W. Lester, who within a short time transferred the 
property to a company called tbe Constantia iron company. 
Mr. Edward B. Judson, the principal stockholder, put in a 
hot-air blast, and carried on the business for a nuuiber of 
years. In the spring of 1851, the l-uion glass company 
was organized. Their works were put up during the year, 
and tbe manufacture of window-glass was commenced in 
the spring of 1852, under the supervision of Charles Hoyt, 
agent of tbe company. The nianufiicture of glass at Bern- 
hard's bay was commenced in 1852, by a stock company. 

Since that time settlement has progressed considerably. 
Mills have been erected upon all the principal streams, and 
the forest of pines which but a few years since was undis- 
turbed by the woodsman, has found its way in the shape of 
lumber to the distant markets of tbe Atlantic cities. 

Tbe population of the town at diflerent periods since it 
was reduced to its present size has been as follows: In 
1840, 1476; in 1850, 2495; in 1860, 3413; in 1S7II, 
3437; in 1875, .3491. 

CONSTANTI.V VILLAGE. 

The village of Constantia, a station on tbe New York and 
Oswego Midland railroad, ple.-isaiitly situated at (be month 
of Scriba creek, was incorporat<'d in 1836, but has since 
ceased to exercise its corporate rights. The population in 
1S70 was five hundred and eighty-seven. There are within 
iis liinils one lawyer, two physicians, three churches, live 



J. BEENHAED AND FAMILY. 

Among the very early pioneer 
families to Oswego County, may 
be mentioned the Bernhard family. 

John Bernhard, Sr., was born 
in Holland, October 11, 175-i. He 
was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Catharine Vonk, February 4, 1785. 
Miss Vonk, now " Mrs. Bernhard," 
was born in Holland, October 28, 
1755. As a result of this happy 
union one son, John L., was born 
in May, 1786. In the year 1790, 
]\Ir. Bernhard's family emigrated 
to America, and settled on Staten 
Island. Here they lived till 1795, 
when they removed to Oswego 
County, New York, and located at 
Bernhard's Bay. The place bears 
their name in honor of their being 
the first settlers, several years before 
any one else located in the same 
community. 

Mr. Bernhard's occupation was 
farming, which honorable calling 
his son, John L., followed during 
his life. Mr. Bernhard died Janu- 
ary 11, 1821, and his wife died 
January 9, 1816. 



4- 



«^- 




Mrs.Anua Bernhard. 



John L. Bernhard was married 
to Miss Anne B. Bloomfield, Jan- 
uary 3, 1814. Miss Anno Berlew 
Bloomfield was born in New Jer- 
sey, October 30, 1788. 

John L. Bernhard and wife were 
the parents of eight children, four 
sons and four daughters, five of 
whom still live, two sons and three 
daughters. One son died in the 
service of his country during the 
great Rebellion, at Algiers, near 
New Orleans. John L. died Octo- 
ber 27, 1833. His wife made her 
home at the old homestead with 
her son, James M., till her death, 
which occurred September 1, 1855. 

James M. was born April 10, 
1825, at Bernhard's Bay, where he 
now lives. He has always been an 
industrious farmer, and is to-day 
one of the most enterprising and 
intelligent men in the town. As 
will be seen by the accompanying 
portraits, we have examples of the 
early pioneers of our county. 

The portraits, together with this 
biogTaphy, are given by James M., 
in memory of his honored parents 
and grandparents. 






^■ 





% f^' 









i^ 



% 




:^' 









sjOHK BtR^iMARD. 



SenyHAPD-y BAY.HY. 



Elizabeth C-dtRNHAffo. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



291 



stores, one hotel, two blacksmith-shops, two wagon-shops, 
several mills, and a large tannery. The present business 
men are as follows : 

. General merchants, Robertson & Brothers, J. W. Beebc, 
Dewayne Miles, and J. A. Baker; druggist, L. Gardiner; 
lawyer, Hon. W. H. Baker; physicians, F. A. Harvill and 
J. A. GrifEn ; harness-maker, Moulton Dufflcr. 

The village meat-market is kept by J. R. Decker. The 
grist-mill is owned by J. Carter's sons. The wagon-makers 
are Stowel & Brown, and A. Duffler. 

The tannery is owned by Robinson & Bros. It was 
built in 1850, and has been twice burned and rebuilt. The 
present building is one of the largest in the county used as 
a tannery. The establishment consumes annually from four 
to six thousand cords of bark. 

CLEVELAND VILLAGE. 

This village was incorporated by a special act, pas.sed 
April L5, 1857, which has since been amended by an act 
passed in 1859. 

The first village officers were as follows; President, Wm. 
Foster; Tru.stees, Asher S. Potter, James Carroll, Ebenezer 
Knibloc, Seth P. Duncan, and Henry J. Caswell ; Clerk, 
Jjucian J. Sanders; Assessors, Franklin Stevens, James W. 
Aspees, Walter D. Sperry ; Treasurer, Cyrus Marble ; 
Constable and Collector, David Hazen. 

The village presidents have been as follows: 1857-58, 
Wm. Foster; 1859, W. D. Sperry; 186(1, Wm. Foster; 
1801, Seth P. Duncan ; 1862, L. J. Sanders; 1863, Chas. 
Cathern ; 1864, Henry J. Caswell; 1865 and '66, Seth P. 
Duncan; 1867 and '68, A. S. Chisholm ; 1869 and '70, 
Crawford Getman ; 1871, Wm. Foster; 1872, Archibald 
Chi.shohn; 1873, G. W. Lane; 1874, H. J. Caswell; 
1875, Wm. Foster, Jr. ; 1876, H. J. Caswell ; 1877, Geo. 
Harding. 

The village officers elected April 10, 1877, are as fol- 
lows: President, George Harding; Trustees, Charles Cum- 
mins, John Extale, E. T. Earl, Martin App, and Albert 
Morse, Jr. ; Clerk, Frank G. Terpenny ; Treasurer, Henry 
Garber ; Collector, Alfred Scamans ; Assessors, Seth P. 
Duncan, J. E. Earl, and Philip Kirne ; Police Constable, 
Silas H. Dunn ; Engineers, H. W. Travis, C. C. Marble. 

The following are present business men in the village : 

Dry goods and groceries, A. J. & J. Morse, Stedman & 
Hale, J. A. Turck, Caswell & Getman. 

General merchant, Wm. Foster. 

The store of the Union glass company also does a gen- 
eral business. 

Dniggkts, D. F. Whyboni and F. J. Allen. 

Hardware merchant, D. M. Alger. 

Butchers, H. Travis and John Fosdick. 

Harness-maker, George Harding. 

Jeweler, S. P. Duncan & Son. 

Shoe-stores, S. Dunn and N. Gorman. 

Tailor, P. Keogh. 

Barber, C.isper Birkle. 

riiysicians, D. T. Whyborn and V. A. Allen. 

Latoyers, D. Wilder and Henry Garber. 

Holel-h-cepi rs, A. Morgan, proprietor of Marble House, 
and A. M. WiLson, proprietor of Cleveland House. 



Saloon-keepers, E. M. Fern, J. Housiers, Wm. II. 
Foster, and Globe Hotel, Schuler & Knight. 

Pliotograplier, Charles II. AVhitney. 

Grist-mill, James Carroll & Son. 

The only Cleveland newspaper, the Lakeside I'ress, is 
mentioned in the chapter of this work devoted to the his- 
tory of the press of the county. 

BERNHARD'S BAY. 

The little hamlet at this point, a .station on the New 
York and Oswego Midland railroad, had in 1865, a hun- 
dred and sixty inhabitants. It has a general country store 
in connection with the glass-works, which arc owned by 
Stevens, Crandall & Co. These works employ about sixty 
men, and manufacture near thirty thousand boxes of glass 
per year. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AT CONSTANTIA. 

The church building was erected in 1831, and was con- 
secrated by Bishop B. T. Onderdonk, September 4, 1833. 
The church officers elected at that time were Nicholas I. 
Roosevelt and Frederick W. Scriba, wardens; Geo. Scriba, 
Burnet Dundas. John Beebe, Robert Elliott, Jacob Beebe, 
and George Scriba, Jr., vestrymen. The first pastor was 
Timothy Minor. The present officers are Dr. Frederick 
Harvill and Julinn Carter, wardens ; John Duffler, Andrew 
J. Duffler, James Barnes, William Colwell, Richard Carter, 
Elijah HoUenbeek, L. S. Stevens, and Frederick C. Lander, 
vestrymen. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF CONSTANTIA. 

The church building was erected in 1842 ; the first 
pastor being Rev. Archibald Robinson, who remained until 
1844. From this time until 1873 no regular pastor was in- 
stalled over the church, though the charge was supplied for 
short periods by students from the theological school at 
Auburn. The first officers were Robert McFarlan and 

D. W. Ingersoll, deacons; Rollin Blount, Jos. E. Wood- 
bridge, and Moses Lester, trustees. The first members were 
Robert McFarlan and wife, Rollin Blount and wife, Jos. 

E. Woodbridge and wife, Nathan J. Stiles and wife, and 
Mrs. Lester. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. McCarthy, 
and the present officers are D. W. Ingersoll and Daniel D. 
Ingersoll, elders; James Robinson and George Clougli, 
trustees; and Norman Allen, clerk. The Sunday-school 
consists of seventy scholars, and the library contains about 
fifty volumes. 

THE .SOCIETY OF FRIENDS (AT BERNHARD's BAY). 

This society was organized in 18 16. Elder John Bedell 
and his wife, who was a minister, were inthienlial in its for- 
mation. The first members were John P. Diekiii.son and 
wife, John A. Hoyt and wife, Benjamin Bedell and wife, 
Israel J. Titus and wife, Willard Stratton and wife, Phebe 
Bedell, and Patience Ilallock. The present members are 
John Bedell, Cornelius Winn, John S. Haight, and Samuel 

F. Dickinson. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF CON.STANTIA. 

Although the .society had existed for a number of years 
previous, and it.s members had held religious services from 



292 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



time to time, the church building was not begun until 1868. 
The lot was donated to the society by Mr. J. Carter. Tiie j 
building was completed July 20, 1871 ; the co.st being esti- ' 
mated at five thuusaiid dollars. 

The first pastor was Rev. H. C. Abbot ; and the first 
board of trustees consisted of E. W. Phillii>s, Chauney 
Dunn, and G. J. Prentiss. The present officers are Lewis 
K. Auriiiger, Alexander Rrowti, and Dr. J. A. Griffin, 
trustees ; G. J. Prentiss and J. R. Decker, class-leaders ; 
and G. J. Prentiss, J. R. Decker, Thomas Boots, Jr., Alex- 
ander Brown, L. K. Auriiiger. T. S. Marsdun, Alvin South- 
well, W. n. Stowell, and K. W. Jliller, stewards. The 
Sunday-school has about one hundred scholars. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF CLEVELAND. 

The Rev. Christopher Martin was the originator of 
Methodism in the village of Cleveland, and althdugh for a 
great number of years the .society had no regular place of 
worship, Mr. Martin preached from time to time in private 
houses in various parts of tbe village. 

The present pastor of the church is Rev. W. S. Titus. 
The board of trustees consi.sts of E. Cris])in, Z. Darland, 
H. J. Caswell, G. Andas, and J. M. Bcrnhard. There are 
three Sunday-schools connected with this charge, liaving in 
the aggregate about one hundred and fifty ])ujiils. The 
Sunday-school library consists of about one bundled volumes. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF CLEVELAND. 

This church was organized July 22, 1867. The first 
rector was James Stoddard, in 18t)7. The present officers 
are William Foster and Charles Katliorn, wardens ; Jos. 
Turck, William JI. Foster, Abraham M. Cari)enter, Honry 
J. Caswell, Henry Garber, Asher S. Potter, Dewitt C. 
Stevenson, and James R. Bones, vestrymen. The society 
is at present without a pa.-itor; the Rev. R. L. Matison 
being the last, who left in April, 1877. The Sunday- 
school consists of about forty members, and has a small 
library. 

There is also a Catholic church at this point, but owing 
to the absence of its pastor we have been unable to learn 
the facts regarding it. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

The first meeting for the organization of a Masonic 
lodge at Constantia was held in September, 1850, when a 
petition for a charter was sent to the grand lodge. The 
charter was obtained in 1857. Among the first officers 
elected wore the following: Charles P. Lander, Master; 
Frederick C. Uibbard, S. W. ; Abraham Countrenian, J. 
W. There is no record of the other officers. The present 
oflieers of the lodge are T. Charles Manchester, Master; 
Augustus Whelpley, S. W. ; Thomas L-.rey, J. W. ; W. 
C. Talcott, Treasurer; John A. Griffin, Secretary; Silas 
P. Cross, S. D. ; William Taylor, J. D. ; P. S. Marsh, 
Tyler. 

Cleveland Lodue, F. and A. M., No. 013. — The 
first meeting was held July 2, 18()G. The first stated 
communication was held upon the Cth day of November, 
18tJG. The charter was granted on the 7th day of 
June, 1SU7. The lodge lia.s ]uU regular meetings 



since its organization, and is in good standing. Although 
during the existence of the lodge the number of its mem- 
bers has been eighty-one, there have been but three deaths 
since its organiz-ition. The first officers were L S. Morse, 
Master; A. S. Chisholm, S. W. ; W. U. Whitney, J. W.; 
J. P. Bedell, Treasurer ; E. H. Roney, Secretary; J. R. 
Bones, S. D. ; J. Bedell, J. D. ; F. Noble, J. N. C. ; M. 
Fuller, Tyler; J. W. Mathews, S. M. C. 

Mr. William II. Foster has been Master of the lodge 
since 1875, and Dr. D. T. Whyborn Secretary for the past 
two years. 

Good Templars of Bernhard's Bay. — The society 
was formed in November, 18G8. The original officers were 
Henry Willanl, Jr., W. C. ; Mary Willard, W. V. ; John 
Beckwith, P. \V. C; H. C. Short, Secretary; E. R. 
Crandall, L. D. The present officers are Frank Foster, W. 
C; Adella Crandall, W. V.; II. Willard, P. W. C. ; E. R. 
Crandall, Secretary; Mina Taft, F. S. ; Frank Marsden, 
Treasurer; Jennie Marsden, Chaplain ; George Taft, Mar- 
shal; George Aley and Edie Cook, Guards; E. R. Cran- 
dall, L. D. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The records of all the early officers of Constantia are 
lost. We give below the names of the supervisors since 
1853: 

Ephraim Cleveland, 1854; Henry W. Rhoda, 1855; 
Albert Morse, 1856-57; Frederick W. Miles, 1858-59; 
Julian Carter, ]8(!0; Giles W. Lane, 18C)1 ; Samuel P. 
Smith, 1862; Julian Carter, 1863; Ira P. Brown, 1864; 
A. Luther Dolby, 1865-66; Henry J. Caswell, 1867; 
Clinton Stevens, 1868; Mose.s Dolby, 1869; Henry A. 
Baker, 1870; Frederick W. Miles (in jilace of M. iKilby, 
elected and resigned), 1871-74; George Harding, 1875- 
76 ; L. P. Marsden, 1877. 

The following are the present officers of the town: Super- 
visor, L. P. Marsden ; Town Clerk, Edwin L. Beebe ; Jus- 
tices of the Peace, Silas W. Lane, Ephraim Cleveland, 

Harrington, and Silas Peimyer ; Assessors, E. C. 

Johnson, J. E. Marsh, and John Deans; Commi.ssioners of 
Highways, F. H. Wood, William Barnes, and Charles 
Dickinson; Collector, George W. Miles; Overseers of the 
Poor, Albert A. Yates and Emory Francis ; Con.stables, 
J. Burlingame, Victor llallock, William P. Fosdick, 
Leonard B. Cook, and Albert E. Chaniplain ; Game Con- 
stable, Jcilin L. Sullivan; Town Auditors, H. Caswell, W. 
Stowell, and H. (.'arter ; E.xeise Coniuiissionei'S, H. Roney, 
Sanford Woodward, and Joshua llaii;lit. 



lUOGR.VPHIOAL SKEKMiKS. 

HON. WILLIAM H. BAKER. 

It would be needless, even if we were so disposed, to 
indulge in any ful.sonie eulogies regarding the energ}', the 
perseverance, and the ability of William II. Baker. The 
simple .story of his life, from the time of his toilsome boy- 
hood on a backwoods firm, through a youth of hard me- 
chanical labr>r, up to the occupancy of a seat in the greatest 




RES. of HON.W. H. BAKLR, CoNSiANUA.Oi-^vtau oo , /r i. 





Rev Christopher Mahtin 




Mrs.Christopher Martin 




Ephraim Cleveland. 





Henry W/«n. 



Mrs. Mary Winn. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



293 



representative body on earth, is far more interesting, and 
tells far more of tlie qualities of our subject, than aught of 
labored laudation which could be written by tlie historian's 
Ben. 

His parents were Samuel R. and Mary Atherton Baker. 
Both descended from that hardy old New England stock 
wliose Spartan character and vigorous virtues, in spite of 
detraction and sneers, have so greatly promoted the pros- 
perity and so well upheld the liberties of our country. 
They were married in the twelfth township (now West 
Monroe), Oswego County, in 1821, but afterwards removed 
to Lenox, Madison county, where the subject of this sketch 
was born, on the 17th day of January, 1827. The family 
removed to West Monroe when William was two years of 
age, where his parents have since resided, living now upon 
Whig hill, about a mile from the place where they were 
married. 

Mr. Baker spent his boyhood in West Monroe, receiving 
most of his education in the backwoods schools of that town, 
attending an academy only a term and a half. At seven- 
teen he learned the trade of a •' salt-barrel cooper," and at 
nineteen that of a carpenter and joiner. At twenty he be- 
gan teaching school, to which he devoted himself for four 
winters, laboring at one or the other of his trades in sum- 
mers. At the age of twenty-two he commenced the study 
of law. In 1851 he passed the necessary examination and 
was admitted to the bar. In 1852 he settled in Constantia 
village, where he has since resided and practiced his pro- 
fession. 

Originally a Whig in politics, he connected himself with 
the Republican party on its first organization, and has ever 
since adhered to its fortunes with unswerving fidelity. In 
18G2 he was elected district attorney of Oswego County, 
and served three years. After a brief interim he was ap- 
pointed to the same office by the governor* in 1866, and 
again elected by the people in the autumn of that year, 
serving until the end of 18C9. 

In 1874, Mr. Baker was elected to Congress by the Re- 
publicans of the twenty-fourth district, comprising the 
counties of Oswego and Madison, by a majority of about a 
thousand. In the forty-fourth Congress he served on the 
committee on expenditures in the navy, and also on the 
committee on the Centennial Exposition. In 1876 he was 
again nominated for Congress, when his majority of one 
thousand was increased to one of nearly five thousand. It 
is so much the custom for the unimportant offices to 
drift into the cities and large towns that the election to 
Congress, by such majorities, of one who claims to bo only 
a self-made country village lawyer and politician, is of itself 
the strongest evidence of his marked ability and force of 
cliaracter. 

Mr. Baker resides upon the north shore of Oneida lake, 
just west of Constantia village, on what he calls his " swamp 
ranchc,' of about four hundred acres, and is now (summer 
of 1877) engaged in clearing up a part of it as a farm, 
being determined to have a provision for his old age, wliich 
the moths of caucuses cannot destroy, nor the tidal waves 
of politics overwhelm. 



CHRISTOPHER MARTIN. 

Christopher Martin, of Cleveland, Oswego County, New 
Y^ork, was born in Weston, Windsor county, Vermont, 
October 2, 1795. His father was a farmer, and he was 
brought up in that occuj)ation. He served one year in the 
war of 1812, and was wounded at the battle of Lacole 
Mills, on the 30th of March, 1814 ; he then returned and 
lived with his father till of age. He was married the 29th 
of May, 1817, to Miss Martha Johnson, of Chester, Ver- 
mont, who has shared with him the joys and sorrows of life 
till the present time. 

After his marriage he removed to Williamstown, Massa- 
chusetts, where he engaged in manufacturing plows. While 
there he was converted, and joined the Methodist church. 
In February, 1826, he, with his wife and one child, — Otis, 
— removed to the State of New York and settled on a loca- 
tion now comprised in the village of Cleveland, then mostly 
a wilderness, and commenced in the woods to clear him a 
farm. Here they enjoyed the comforts as well as some of 
the privations of new-settlement life. Here the deer ram- 
bled within sight of his door ; and here, also, close at hand, 
was the beautiful Lake Oneida, from which plenty of fish 
could be obtained, including some of the best varieties, as 
salmon, bass, pike, etc. They considered those who lived 
within four or five miles their immediate neighbors. He, 
with his wife, united with a small Methodist society in the 
town of West Vienna, and in 1826 he became their leader, 
the society having increased to about sixty members. In 
1830 a society of the Methodist Episcopal church was 
formed in Cleveland, and he, with the members from Cleve- 
land, was transferred to the new society, and continued as 
leader. In 1833 he was licensed to exhort, and in 1839 
to preach the gospel. 

In 1832 he was elected justice of the peace, in which 
capacity he served three years, but finding that the busi- 
ness of the office interfered with other duties he resigned. 
In 1843 he was ordained deacon by Bishop Waugh, at 
Syracuse, and in 1848 he was ordained elder by Bishop 
Janes, at Adams. 

As a farmer he was diligent in his business ; in his 
church duties he strove to be faithful. He has served the 
church as a steward from 1826 to the present time. As 
an exhorter in a new section, he visited the settlements near 
by and strove to lead men to Christ. As a minister of the 
gospel, he usually preached twice on Sabbath, his appoint- 
ments generally being from three to five miles apart, thus 
serving four congregations in a fortnight, besides attending 
funerals as circumstances required. 

In 1841 and 1842 he superintended the building of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and solicited subscriptions 
until it was finally paid for. His labors in the church were 
all as a local minister, and were done for the good of the 
church of Christ, without salary or reward. 

He had three sons and lour daughters. Two sons died 
in infancy ; all the rest lived to mature age. Three of the 
daughters married, but aio now dead. He has now one 
daugiiler and nine uTandi'liildren living, and he is living at 
the present tinio with his only daughter and two of his 
grandsons, enjoying a serene and happy old age with his 
aged companion. 



294 



lllSTUUV UF OSWEUO COUNTY, NKW YOUK. 



ilENKY WINN 
one of tlif oldest citizens of Oswepj (,'uuiity, was born in 
the towu of New Ualliinore, Albany county, New Y'ork, on 
the liOth of May, 1801. When he was about nine years 
old bis father moved to Coxsackie, in Greene county ; and 
about one year after rcmovin;; there his father dieil. When 
he was about eighteen years old his mother married again. 
He then weut to work for himself and was in debt for the 
clothes he had on. The first work he did wjis iu company 
with a roan, in burning a coal-pit, and after it was finished 
the other man received the money for it and kept it all, so 
that Mr. Winn pot nothing for his first job, save his board. 
In 1S22 he was married to Mary Powell, and worked out 
for three or four years at farming, and subsequently bought 
a farm and worked it for four years, when he sold it. He 
moved into the town of Constantia in the month of Janu- 
ary, 182!), and took up one hundred acres of timbered land 
on the Roosevelt tract, aud after a few years he purchased 
au additioti of thirty acres more. During the next twenty- 
three years he cleared up the farm, sjilit rails and fenced it, 
put up good and substantial buildings, aud raised a family 
of ten children. During that time he saved about twelve 
hundred dollars, and in 1852 rented out bis farm, moved 
to Bemhard's Bay, and engaged, iu company with Mr. 
Titus and others, in building a glass-factory. About eight 
months alter his removal to the bay his wife died ; she had 
been sick and complaining for some filleen or sixteen years, 
but notwithstanding all her jioor health she was a good 
wife, au affectionate mother, and a great help to him iu his 
business transactions. The next year he sold out his in- 
terest in the glass-factory and moved back ou his farm. 
In that speculation he came out about as he went in, — nei- 
ther losing nor making any money. In 1854 be married 
the widow Phuebe Green, aud iu addition to his own family 
brought up her two boys, and in 1858 sold his farm, moved 
into Madi.son county, and bought a small farm. He re- 
sided there until 18GG, and in January of that year bis 
wife died. He then sold his farm and came back to the 
town of Constantia, and after spending somethiug over one 
year without any home of his own, on the 24th day of Sep- 
tember, 1867, he again entered into the bouds of matri- 
mony with Mary Miller, who was then a resident of Syra- 
cuse, but was born and brought up in Kingsbury, Washing- 
ton county. He then purcha.sed the farm he now occupies, 
a little east of the village of Constantia, on the lake-shore 
road. He has worked very hard during his life, has lost 
some two thousand dollars or more, has given and helped 
some of his children t^j as much more, and has still enough 
left to keep him the rest of his life. He is now seventy- 
six years old, and yet able to do a day's work. His wife 
is sixty-eight years old. 

The entire family of Mr. Winn, consisting of children, 
grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, amounting to sixty- 
three, are now all living within a half-day s journey of bis 
home. 

During his residence in the town of Constantia he con- 
tributed to the building of three churehes, the Friends' 
church, Methodist church, and Baptist church, and his re- 
ligious opinion has always been in favor of the Friends, or, 
as .some people call tliciu, Quakers. lie has never been a 



member of any church, but has always been a believer in 
religion and a supporter of the church. His present wife 
is a member of the Baptist church, and has been since she 
was eighteen years of age. 



MILIT.VKY RIX'OKI) OF COxXSTANTI.V. 

Eugene Alhec. Enli«ted in the I3th Regt., in 13S3; rc-onlM iu (li« 

IS'Jlb Rfgt., in ISO!. 
Willnni Allirc. Enlisted in llio llllth Rcgt., in 18S2. 
Jlenry Ames. Enlisted in tlic 2d Kegl.. in 1SB4. 
Frederick Andrews. Entitled in the '2d Ke;;t., in ISO.'i. 
George L. Andrews. Enlisted in the 52d Regt., in 1862 ; wuunded 

twice ut Petersburg. 
Andrew Anlbuny. Enlisted in the IlOlh Rcgt., in 1S62. 
James L. Arnold. Enlisted in 1 17th Regt., in 1.S02 : pro. toord. sergt. ; 

trans, tu the Ulst Regt.; woumlcd. 
D. Lester Bsbcuck. Enlisted iu the Isgth Regt., in \X(\4. 
John II. Iliilpcock. Enlistcrl in the ISilth Regt., in ISOl. 
John .S. Banning. Enlisteil in the 2d Regt., in ISGl. 
Eugene II. Harry. Enlisted in the 71st Pa. Regt., in ISCI. 
Wui. H. Barlow. Enlisted in the l.^Jth Regt., in IS63. 
George D. Bartlett. Enlisted iu the UOth Regt., iu ISG2 ; died Oct. 

13, 1863, at Xew Iberia, La. 
Allen Barry. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 18A2. 
Goor);c W. Buyniore. Enlisted in the Ist Regt., in 1864. 
Ezra .M. Bedell. Enlisted in the U7th Regt., in IS62. 
George A. Bedell. Enlisted in the 18'Jtli Regt., in lsn4. 
Benson J^iy Bedick. Enlisteil in the Until Kegl., in I.Sii2. 
Nathan G. Beebe. Enlisted in 189th Regt., in IS64 
Samuel Bernhard. Enlisted in llOlh Regt., in 1SU2: pro. to eorp. ; 

died in New Orleans, May 22, ISB3. 
Alfred Bloners. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 18(12. 
Barlow Bloiiers. Enlisted in the linth Regt., in I8fi2. 
John Henry Blouors. Enlisted in the llnth Regt., in 1862. 
Asa Bolster. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 18ti2. 
J;ioob B lister. Enlisted in the Ist Regt., in IS04. 
James Bradley. Enlisted in the Mth Regt., in 186.'). 
Thomas Bra Ishaw. Enlistel in the 1st Re^t., in 1801. 
Benjamin F. Bristol. Enlisted in the llUth R"gt., in 1861: iliseh. 

for disability. 
Joseph Bristol. Enlisted in the 22d Regt., in 1863. 
Thomas A. Bristol. Euli^leJ in the 13th Ro„'t., iu 1863. 
Win. Brossley. 

Eugene Brown. Enlisted in the Ist Regt., in 1864. 
Hamilton I>. Brown. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
Charles II. Bruen. Enlisted in the 1 17th Regt., in 1863: died while 

a prisoner at Andorsonville, iu September, 1864. 
Edward O. Brunell. Eulislod in the 14t)th Regt., in 1862: re . nlM 

iu the 1411th Regt., in 1864. 
Victor Bullock. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 
Augustus Butlor. Enlisted iu the 3d Regl., in 1862. 
Benjamin F. Butler. Enlisted in the 5th Regt., in 1864 : died of sick- 
ness caused iu the service, at Jefforsonville, Ind., Doc. IU, 1864. 
James C. Butler. Enlisted in the IlUlh Regt., in 1862. 
George W. Britton. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
James Button. Enlisted'in the UOth Regt., in 1SG2. 
Richard Burden. Enlisted iu the ISUth Regt., in 1864. 
Elisha B. Burdick. 

Charles Burst. Enlisted in the 193d Regt., in 1864. 
James II. Burton. Enlisted in the 2d Regt., in 1863. 
Barry Callaghau. Enlisted in the M7th Regt., in 18G2. 
James L. Carroll. Enlisted iu the 147th Regt., in 1862. 
M. S. Carroll. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., iu 1862. 
George W. Carter. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
EdwanI Lucius Cary. Enlisted in the lUlth Regt., iu 1862; died of 

wo'unds iu January, 1864, at Baton Rouge, La. 
Henry C. Casey. Eulislol in the 2d Regt., in 1863. 
John Casey. Enlisted in the ISltth Regt., in 1864. 
Edward Cassuni. Enlisted iu the 2d Regt., iu 1863. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO 



COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



295 



Cli.iilos Caswi'll. Enlisted in the llOlh Kogl., iu 1862. 

Willinui Ccliii. Enlisted iu the 1st Eegt., in 1S62. 

James N. Clark. Enlisted in the 157th Kegt., in 1862. 

George Clark, Jr. Enlisted iu 1S63. 

Francis G. Clock. Enlisted in the 18i)th Regt. in 1864. 

James H. Cody. Enlisted in the 4th Mass. Cav., in 1864. 

James Coe. 

Owen 0. Conner. Enli.sted in the 147th Kcgt.. in 1862. 

Frederick II. Cook. Enlisted in the ISUIh Kegt., iu 1864. 

Henry Cook. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 

Lewis Coon. Enlisted in the 32d Kegt., in 1861 ; re-enlisted in the 

6th Regt., in 1862. 
William H. Cooncy. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in 1864; died of 

wounds, August 5, 1864, at Washington, D. C. 
Benjamin Covant. Enlisted in 1864. 

Ahram Countreman. Enlisted in the 147lh Regt., in 1862. 
Truman Coyle. 

A. Z. Crandall. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
Edwin Crandall. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in 1862; killed Ijy guer- 
rillas while bearing dispatches. 
John Crumon. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 
James Cunningham. Enlisted in the 16lh Regt., in 1865. 
Henry F. Curran. Enlisted in the llHth Regt., in 1862. 
Eiihraini Darling. Enlisted in 1802 ; died in Washington, 1). C, 

Deceuilier U, 1862. 
Almon Davis. Enlisted in the 32d Regt., iu 1S6I. 
Henry B. Davis. Enlisted in the lS9th Kegt., in 1864; killed in 

battle near Petersburg, March 30, 1865. 
Charles Dean. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 
Silas Dean. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
Thomas D. Dean. Enlisted in the ISilth Kegt., in 1864. 
Melville Decker. Enlisted in the 81st Regt., in 1861 : rc-enlisted in 

19:id Kegt., in 1863. 
James Dellahant. Enlisted in the 26th Regt., in 1861 ; killed in bat- 
tle at Manassas Gap, August 30, 1862. 
Michael Dellahant. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1861 ; killed in 

the seven days' fight before Richmond, June 28, 1862. 
Thomas Dellahant. Enlisted in the 14th Regt.. in 1862. 
Samuel A. Dennis. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 
Hiram Lewis Dicker. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in 1864. 
J. B. Dickinson. Enlisted in the 13th Regt., in 1863. 
Moses Dickinson. Enlisted in the 26th Regt., in 1861. 
Titus A. Dickinson. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 
Frederick Dilton. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1865. 
Francis L. Dodd. Enlisted in the 147th Kegt., in 1862; died July 

3, 1863, at Fairfa.x, V.a. 
James E. Dodd. Enlisted in the 146th Kegt., in 1862; died June 7, 

1863, at Aquia Creek, Va. 
Patrick Dority. Enlisted in the 14th Regt.. in 1865. 
William W. Dority. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 
Irvine Duncan. Enlisted in 14th Regt., in 1862. 
Silas Dunn. Enlisted iu the lS9th Regt.. in 1864. 
Washington N. Dulcher. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
^Villiam Henry Dutcher. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
Aljiheus V. Eaghn. Enlisted in the 7th Kcgt., in 1861. 
Levi Ellis. Enlisted in the 189t:i Regt., in 1864. 
Warren L. Ellis. Enlisted in the lS9th Kegt., in 1864. 
Frank Emery. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864; killed in battle, 

March 30, 1865, at Ford's Farm. 
Homer Lester Farmer. Enlisted iu the 14th Regt., in 1861 ; killed 

at Malvern Hill, Juno 31, 1862. 
Martin Farr. * 

Joseph A. Farrer. Enlisted in the 3d Regt., in 1863. 
Robert H. Feeler. Enlisted in the 29th Regt., in 1863. 
Peter B. Ferris. Enlisted in the lS9th Regt., in 1864. 
Orange 8. Fitch. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 
Asa Philip Forbes. Enlisted in the 147lh Regt., in 1862. 
David W. Franklin. Enlisted in the 97th Regt., in 1861; recnlisted 

in97lhRegt., in 1804. 
Henry Fritt. Enlisted in the 149th Kegt., in 1802. 
Augustus Fritz. 

John Fitzsimnions. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
James F. Garvin. Enlisted in the 14th Regt. 
Michael Gallagher. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1863; killed in 

battle at Chapin Farm, Sept. 29, 1864. 



Levi Oibbins. Enlisted in, the ISUth Regt., in 1861. 

Thomas Gibler. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 

Alonzo Gilbert. Enlisted injthe 110th Regt., in 1862. 

Lewis Gilford. Enlisted in,'the 1st Regt., in 1861. 

Samuel Godfrey. Enlisted in the 189th Kcgt., in 1864. 

George Goodrich. Enlisted in the 110th Regt , in 1862. 

Robert F. Goodrich. Enlisted in the 147th Kegt., in 1862. 

Edward F. Goff. Enlisted in the 16th Regt., in 1865. 

John Granger. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 

John Green. Enlisted in the 117th Kegt., in 1864. 

William C. Green. Enlisted in the 117th Kegt., in 1864. 

Henry Grismeycr. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 

Scfh Hall. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1865. 

Simon Hallagan Enlisted in the 1S9th Kegt., in 1864. 

Albert Hamilton. Enlisted in the 189th Kegt., in 1S64. 

Herman Hamilton. Enlisted in the 12th Regt., in 1861. 

Obcd Hamilton. Enlisted in the 104th Regt., in 1863. 

Samuel Hamilton. Enlisted in the 11th Regt., in 1863. 

Victor Hallock. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1802. 

Frederick A. Harris. 

Henry Harris. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1804. 

Jason L. Harris. Enlisted in the 2d Regt., in 1863 : was pro. tocorp. ; 
died of wounds in Washington, D. C, June 12, 1864. 

John H.Hayes. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862 : died June 29, 
1804, of sickness caused in the service. 

Wilson Haynes. Enlistel in the I22d Regt., in 1862. 

Charles S. Hazen. Enlisted in the llOth Regt., in 1802; pro. to 
Corp.; died at Key West, Fla., June 25, 1864. 

Wm. Hedriok. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1861. 

Columbus Henklcy. 

Wm. J. Hendrick. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 

Lucius Howard. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862. 

Jonathan Hoffman. Enlisted iu the 11th Regt., in 1862. 

Heury C. Hulbrook. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in 1802; re-enl'd in 
the 1st Kcgt., in 1864. 

Charles H. Holly. 

Edward H. IIooso. Enlisted in the lS9th Regt.. in 1864. 

Henry S. Hoose. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 

Benjamin Houghkeep. Enlisted in the 122d Regt, in 18 > '. 

Cornelius Houghtaliug. Enlisted in the 6th Regt., in 1864. 

Wm. H. Houghtaliug. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 

Dennis Jackson. Enlisted in the 9th Regt., in 1863. 

Martin Jast. Enlisted in the 14lh Kegt., in 1865. 

Hugh Kelly. Enlisted in the 13th Md, Regt., in 1805. 

Michael Kelly. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1802. 

Robert Kelly. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1865. 

Martin Kennedy, 

Runney Kilbourn. Enlisted in the 110th Kegt., in 1861; died of 
wounds in Washington, D. C, July 10, 1864. 

Jauiaiu Kimball. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864; killel in 
battle near Field's Farm, March 30, 1805. 

John Kimball. Enlisted in the 189th Regt, iu 1801. 

John A. Lane. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1802. 

Joseph Lane. Enlisted in the 1 10th Regt., in 1802. 

David B. Lewis. Enlisted in the 147th Rogt., in 1862. 

John W. Lewis. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862; died at Key 
West, Fla., June 11, 1864. 

Franklin Lince. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1862; died in Wash- 
ington, D. C, December 11, 1862. 

Harry Lince. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 

Napoleon B. Lince. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1862. 

Charles Marble. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in 1864. 

David Marble. Enlisted in the 14th Kcgt., in 1801. 

Edward Marble. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1861 ; rc-cnl'd iu the 
189th Regt., in 1S64. 

George T. Marble. Enlisted in the 139th Kcgt., in 1864. 

James Marcellus. Enlisted in the 2d Regt., in 1863. 

William Marcellus. Enlisted in the 93d Regt., in 1865. 

William Marra. Enlisted in the 189th Kegt., in 1864. 

Ben. F. Marsden. Enlisted in the 110th Regt, in 1862, 

George C. Marshall. Enlisted in the llOlh Regt, in 1862. 

Stephen -Marshall. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt, iu 1802. 

Franklin M. MeCluvey. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1865. 

Nicholas McCoy. Enlisted iu the 117th Regt, in 1802; died at Al- 
exandria, Va. 



29G 



HISTORr OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Jcasc R. McCri-j-. Eulistcd in ibo 110th llcgt., in 1SC2. 

David Mcl.»uf;hlin. Enlistoil in the IHb Kegt., in l-SCl. 

James 11. Miller. Enlisted in the 2>th Kcgt., in 1S03. 

llcurj Qeorge Mills. Enlisted in 1803. 

Velsom Muntrop. Enlisted in the MTth Rcgt., in 1862. 

Robert Moore. 

I'bilo Mour;. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1862. 

David .Mudler. Enlisted in the 14tb Regt., in 186J. 

Owen Mulbolland. Enlisted in the IH'Jtb Rogt., in 1K64. 

Ueorgo Mullen. Enlisted in the 14th Kegt., in 18G5. 

David Mur|)by. 

Cunrad Myers. Enlisted in the 14tb Rogt., in 18G3. 

James .\. Natson. Enlisted in the IS'.ith Regt., in 1864. 

Uuborl Nelson. Enlisted iu the llOth Kegt., in 1802. 

.Andrew Niekorson. Enlisted in the Isvib Regt.. in 1864. 

Elias Nilsun. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1802. 

Charles Noye. Enlisted in the 81st Regt., in 1861. 

Simon 11. Uilell. Enlisted in the lS9th Regt., in 1864. 

Lewis K. Oringor. Enlisted in the 81ft Regt., in 1804. 

Amos (i. Payn. Enlisted in the IS'Jth Regt., in 1804. 

Wiu. Perkins. Enlisted in the l8'Jtb Re^'t., in 1S04. 

John K. Persall. Enlisted in the ISUth Regt., in 1804. 

H. Pettis. Enlisted in the 24th Rugl., in 1804. 

Albeit Philli|.s. Enlisted in the 22d Ki-gt., in 1804. 

Augustus .M. Phillips. Enlisted in the llUtb Regt., in ISAI. 

Henry Phillips. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., iu 1804. 

John U. Phillips. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., in 1801; died at 
Washington in 1802, of sickness acquired in the service. 

Alexander Plumb. Enlisted iu the 147th Rcgt., in 1802; killed 
in the battle of Gettysburg. 

Simon A. Plumb. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1802. 

Alonzo R. Pryor. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1802. 

Altord Fttuohor Purdy. Enlisted in the llOlh Regt., in 1802. 

Miitlhow Purdy. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1S62. 

Patrick Purdy. Enlisted in the 97th Regt., in 1801 ; died at Bal- 
timore, July, 1802, of sickness aci^uired in the service. 

John E. Quackonbush. Enlisted in the 18Uth Regt., in 1804. 

p'rauk Kadley. Enlisted in the 147th Kegt., in 1802. 

Italsar Rcdiuk. Enlisted in the 1 10th Regt., iu 1862; died at 
Key West. Fla., May 29, 1804, of yellow fever. 

David Reese. Enlisted in the UOlh Kegt., in 1862. 

Andrew C. Kenolds. Enlisted in the ISOth Kegt., in 1864. 

.Andrew J. Reymore. Enlisted in the iy3d Regt., in 1805. 

William K. Kobbins. Enlisted in the 147tb Regt., in 1862. 

Clifford E. Kohdo. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in IS04. 

(ioorge II. Rohde. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., in ISOI. 

Hamilton Rowley. Enlisted in the 110th Kegt., in 1802. 

Miirtin Rowley. Enlisted in the 189th Kegt., in 1.SG4. 

Abraham Russell. Enlisted in the 110th Kegt., in 1802. 

DcL^atur Russell. Enlisted in the U7lh Kegt., iu 1802. 

John Ryan. Enlisted in the lS9th Regt., in 1864. 

Elan Seymourc. Enlisted in the 147tli Kegt., in 1862; died in Wash- 
ington, D. C, Jan. 30, 1S04. 

William Sheldon. Enlisted in the 2d Kegt., in 1863. 

James .v. Sheridan. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1861. 

Uranvillc Short. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 

John 13. Simpson. Enlisted in the 110th Kegt., in IS02. 

Abel Smith. Enlisted iu the 1 10th Kegt., in 1SC2. 

Calvin A. Smith. Enlisted in the 31st Regt., in 1803. 

Charles Smith. Enlisted in the I4tli Regt., in 186j. 

James M. Smith. Enlisted in the 57lh Kegl., in 1803. 

Thomas .Smith. 

William 0. Smith. 

J. .Southerland. Enlisted in the 14tb Regt.. in 1805. 

Reuben Sparrouk. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1S62. 

William Squires. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1802. 
Hiram N. Stanton. Enlisted in the 22d Regt., in 1804; died while a 
prisoner at Andcrsonville. June 14, 1804. 

Samuel R. Stanton. Enlisted in the 22d Regt., in 1804; died Jan. 

2, 1805, at Annapolis, .Md. 
Charles Stebbins. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 18C2. 



Andrew J. Stinger. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862; died at 

Port Hudson, La., July 30, 1803. 
William Stoby. Enlisted in the \H Regt., in 1804. 
Robert Stone. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., iu 1865. 
Dennis Stratlon. Enlisted in the llOtb Rcgt., in 1802: died in New 

Orleans, La., Feb. 19, 1803. 
David Tanner. Enlisted in the 101st Kegt., in 1862. 
Frank Tarpenny. Enlisted in the 0th Kegt., in 1864. 
David R. Taylor. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1.S62. 
James Martin Taylor. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., in 1802. 
Philo R. Taylor. Enlisted in the 93d Regt., in 1861. 
William A. Taylor. Enlisted in the IStUli Kegt., in 1804. 
Spofford L. Thayer. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., in 1804. 
L. Tetur. Enlisted in the 189tb Regt., in 1804. 
Thomas N. Tracy. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1802. 
Harry Thompson. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1805. 
John Town. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1S04. 
Aaron V. Vundenburg. Enlisted in the 12th Regt., in 1863. 
Andrew J. Vandenburg. Enlisted in the 14th Regt., in 1801. 
Peter E. Vandenburg. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1864. 
Henry P. Vanderweaken. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1804. 
George A. Vamicr. Enlisted in the 97th Kegt., in 1861. 
H. Van lercook. Enlisted in the 8l9t Regt., in 1801. 
Russell Volncy. Enlisted in the 147th Kegt., in 1802. 
George Warren. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1802. 
Alexamler Waters. Enlisted in the 24tb Regt., in 1805. 
Arthur Jones Watson. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., in 1804. 
David W. Weed. Enlisted in the 2d Rogt., in 1S04 ; died of wounds 

at Cold Harbor, May 15, 1804. 
Albert Harvey Wells. Enlisted in 1803. 
Charles A. Wells. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
Henry Wells. Enlisted in the 8l6t Regt., in 1801. 
Wm. Wills. Enlisted in the Slst Regt., in 1801; died at Newport, 

April 18, 1802, of sickness caused iu the service. 
Wm. Edwin Wells. Enlisted in the 13lh Rcgt., in 1803. 
Isaac P. West. Enlisted in the 81st Rcgt., in 1801. 
Peleg E. West. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., iu 1864. 
Daviil Whipple. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
David White. Enlisted in the 2d Kegt., in 1801. 
George Widrig. Enlisted in the 13tb Regt., in IS64; died in Jan., 

1805, of sickness caused iu the army. 
Squire Widrig. Enlisted in the 13th Regt., in 1864; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C. 
Valentine Widrig. Enlisted in the 13th Regt., in 1864; died in Aug., 

1864, of sickness caused in the service. 
Albert Wilbur. Enlisted iu the 14th Kegt.. in 1805. 
Andrew J. Williard. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1802 ; died at 

Key West, Fla., June 25, 1804. 
George Williard. Enlisted in the 13th Regt., in 1803. 
Russell G. Willis. Enlisted in the 147lh Rcgt., iu 1802. 
Charles D. Wilson. Enlisted in the Slst Kegt., in 1804. 
Ellis Wilson. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1802. 
George Wilson. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., in 1862. 
ChArles H. Wines. Enlisted in the 104tb Regt., in 1804. 
David Wines. Enlisted in the 147th Kegt., in 1802; died at Bcllo 

Pliiinc, La., May 2, 1803, of accidental wounda. 
George Wines. Enlisted in the 147tb Regt., in 1862. 
James O. Wines. Enlisted in the 147th Rcgt., in 1802; died April 

27, 1863, at Washington, D. C, of sickness acquired in the serv. 
John P. Winn. Enlisted in the Slst Regt., in 1801. 
Moseley Witt. Enlisted in the UOth Kegt., in 1802. 
Ellis A. Wood. Enlisted in the Slst Kegt., in 1801 ; diol May 18, ISC2, 

at Fortress Mtuiroe, Va. 
Kimball Wood. Enlisted in the 50th Eng. Kegt., iu 1801 ; died at 

Washington, D. C, November 3, 1801. 
Lovell M. Woolman. Enlisted in the 13th Kegt., in 1863; died in 

service, September, 1804. 
Frederick Wright. Enlisted in the 18ilth Kegt., in 1804. 
Charles F. Yates. Enlisted iu the 189th Regt., in 1804. 
William York. Enlisted in the Isl Regt., in 1804. 
Charles H. Zee. 




Resof I. W. BZNNDT,Orw€ll, Oswego Co.,I<I.Y. 



O E W E L L. 



"The year of the great eclipse," 1806, othorwiso known 
as " the dark daj's," is an epoch often referred to by the few 
now surviving who were then old enough to reiuonibcr that 
startling phenomenon. 

In that year Frederick Eastman and Jesse Merrill, with 
their families, made their residence on the north bank of 
the Salmon river, about a mile below the site of the pres- 
ent village of Molino or Pekiu, being the first settlers 
within the limits of the present town of Orwell. One of 
Mr. Eastman's children was Elliott, who, being born with 
the century, was then six years old, and is now seventy- 
seven, — being a resident of Molino, and the sole survivor 
of the little party which took possession of Orwell in behalf 
of the white race seventy-one years ago. 

His memory flies back readily along the intervening path 
of time to the "year of the great eclipse," and to him we are 
indebted for much of the early part of the town history. 
- For a year the two families dwelt alone in the wilderness. 
In 1807, Nathaniel Bennett and Nathaniel Bennett, Jr., set- 
tled in the same locality, and Captain George W. Noyes 
located on the site of Orwell Corners. Noyes moved away 
after a few years, but the Bennett family has ever since 
remained in the vicinity of the place of its first location. 
In 1807 or 1808, also, Silas Maxham settled half a mile 
east of Pekin, and Elias Mason made his home near Salmon 
river falls. In 1808 or 1809, Timothy Balch came from 
Sandy Creek, and built a log house at Orwell Corners. 
His son John, who was then sixteen, is now, at the age of 
eighty-five, the earliest surviving resident of that village. 

Old Mr. Balch, who had lived in what is now Sandy 
Creek but two or three years, had been, like many others, 
attracted away from the valley of the Mohawk to this 
northern region by the excellence of the water. That 
around Utica was not good enough for them. Yet, much 
as the settlers liked good water, they also liked good whisky, 
and Mr. Balch soon began selling it to them. This was 
about all that was necessary in those days to coiustitute an 
inn-keeper, and Mr. Balch's house consequently ranks as the 
first hotel in Orwell. 

In 1808, David Eastman, son of Frederick, and Betsey 
Bennett, daughter of Nathaniel, were united by the first 
marriage ever celebrated in Orwell. Their daughter Sally, 
afterwards the wife of Silas Clark, was the first white child 
born within the same limits, and the young mother was the 
first victim of death, unless it was old Mrs. Balch, Timo- 
thy's mother, who died in 1810, about the same time as 
Mrs. Bennett. 

And what manner of country was it in which was thus 
begun the hard task of subduing the wilderness to the uses 
of civilization, — in which was thus opeirc<l the uiiL-nding 
drama of wedlock, of birth, and of death? 
20 



The territory of the present town of Orwell, on the east- 
ern side, was Jiigh and rocky, and covered with numerous 
evergreens, — pines, iiemlocks, spruce, etc. The ground 
descended westward, but was still uneven, though the soil 
was well adapted to cultivation. Here, besides an abun- 
dance of hemlock, were largo quantities of beech, maj)le, 
and the other hard-wood trees common in an American 
forest. 

Through the southeastern portion of the tract ran Salmon 
river, following a southwesterly direction, and a large part 
of the way flowing through a deep gorge lined on either 
side with immense walls of earth and rock, overhung with 
evergreens at the top. 

The earliest pioneers, as they made their way cautiously 
into the untried country before them, following the bank of 
the Salmon river as their only guide, heard afar up the 
stream the thunder of falling water, and on progressing 
still farther, saw the river plunging over a precipice more 
than a hundred feet high into a dark abyss below. The 
cataract need not be more paiticularly described here, as we 
shall have occasion to refer to it again, a few pages farther 
on. 

It is almost needle.ss to say that these hills furnished 
admirable covert for unnumbered deer, bears, wolves, and 
panthers, and for multitudes of the smaller animals then so 
common in the forests of New York. Salmon in immense 
numbers came up the river — so properly named after them 
— as far as the falls, and the early settlers could eke out 
their scanty supplies by illimitable quantities of this savory 
fish. In fact, it was so abundant as to lose its savor to the 
palates of many of its too frequent partakers. As in the 
case of the traditional hired man and the bean-porridge, 
they liked it well enough for sixty or seventy meals, but 
didn't want it for a steady diet. 

The territory under consideration was then known a.s 
survey-township No. 11 of the Boylston tract, and in oflicial 
documents was sometimes denominated Longinus. Munici- 
pally speaking, it was, at the time of its first settlement in 
1806, a part of Williamstown, Oneida county, but in 1807 
it was included in the new town of llichland. 

Settlers came slowly in, for there was more level land a 
little ferther west, though perhaps it was not superior in 
the quality of its soil. In 1810 or 1811 a man named 
Millan Aiken built the first saw-mill in town. It was 
situated on Salmon river, above the falls, at the point now 
occupied by the Cross mill. A little later one James 
Hughes built a trip-hammer shop on the little creek which 
runs through Pekin, and about eighty rods below that 
point. Here scythes and axes were forged by the pioneer 
Vulcan, rudely finished, it is true, but perhaps all the 
bettiT fitted for tlie rough work of that primitive periqd. 

297 



298 



HISTOllY or OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Among those who are known to have settled in the town 
before the war of 1812, besides thase already named, were 
Joshua lliiUis, near the line of Sandy creek; Orrin Stowell, 
near the present village; P^benezer Uobbins, on the hill east 
of llic village; John Reynolds and Eli Strong, Jr., between 
Orwell Corners and I'ekin ; and Silas West, in the Bennett 
neighborhood. There were doubtless some others, but 
cither their names are unknown or the times of their 
arrival uncertain. A Presbyterian church was organized 
in 1809, but it was very feeble, and had no settled luinistcr 
for over thirty years. 

During the war of 1812 the road from Rome through 
Orwell and Sandy Creek was an important thoroughfare. 
While the State road through Redtield was the ]iriiieipal 
one, a considerable part of the travel and tmn.sportation 
from Rome to Saekett's Harbor took the more western route 
through the loe;ililies just named. Large bodies of troops 
occasionally followed the same track, startling the deer from 
their lairs with the rumble of ciinnoii-wheels, and bringing 
to the doors of all tlie .scattered cabins, in opt'n-eyed wonder, 
every man, woman, and ehiiil within them. The militia of 
township No. 11 were then too few to form a .separate com- 
pany, and whatever deeds of glory they may have performed 
in marching to Saekett's Harbor and back are lost in the 
mists of time. 

After the war, as was usual throughout the new settlc- 
mcnt.s, there was considerable incroa.se in emigration. Sam- 
uel Stowell, then a young man of twenty-five, made a visit to 
his brother Orrin in 181G (the celebrated "cold summer"), 
and the ne.\t year became a permanent resident of the town. 
His memory now, at tlie age of eighty-si.x, is something 
. remarkable, and he gave us, without hesitation, the name 
and location of nearly if not <iuito every resident of the 
township at the time of his arrival, in 18IG. 

Beginning on the road to Sandy Creek, at the present 
line of that town, the fir.sl man wa.s Joshua HoUis ; the next 
south was James Wood, ami the ne.'Lt John 15. Tully. 
Next were Allen Gilbert and his two sons, — Edward and 
Allen, — who lived about a mile from the village. In the 
vicinity of the site of the village were Frederick Brooks, 
Orrin Stowell, Timothy Balch, and his two sons Tim and 
John. On the hill south of the village lived Ebenezcr 
Bobbins, and farther on were John Reynolds and Eli 
Strong, Jr. Asa Hewitt and Frederick Eastman lived near 
the river. Up the river from I'ekin were Millan Aikeji, 
two Lewis families, and Perley Wyman. 

There were very few more in townshi)) No. 11, and not 
more than half as many in to\vn.ship No. G, now Boylston. 
It was a small population to set up a town on, but the people 
were enterprising, hopeful of new-comers, and probably 
ambitious of local distinction, and were willing to endure 
the extra burden. Accordingly, the town of Orwell was 
formed by the legislature on the 28th day of February, 
1817, embracing townships 11 and G, of the Boylston tract, 
now Orwell and Boylston.* The first town-meeting was 



•Tho nmnc is dcrivod from thnt of n tunn in Vermont, find ia said to 
have been givon hy Mr. .Jnhn Uc^nulds. This is quite |iruhablc, as Mr. 
Uuynulds wtis uu<|uc.stiui)ably tho bij^ mail uf the town, llu was uluctcd 
supervisor fourteen times in succession, witli only one intermission. 



held at the house of Timothy Balch the succeeding April, 
and the following officers were elected: 

Supervisor, John Reynolds ; Town Clirk, Eli Strong, Jr. ; 
Assessors, John Wart, Jr., Edward Gilbert, A.sa Hewitt ; 
Comini.-isioners of Highways, John F. Uean, Timothy Balch, 
Nathaniel Bennett; Ovcrsecre of the Poor, Michael H. 
Sweetman, Timothy Balch ; Collector, Timothy Balih. Jr.; 
School Commissioners, Thomas Dutcher, John Reynolds, 
Eli Strong, Jr. ; Constables, Peter Wells, Jr., Timotliy 
Balch, Jr. ; Inspectors of Schools, John F. Pean, John 
Wart, Jr., John B. Tully, A.sa Hewitt ; Fence-viewers, 
Martin Lillie, John Reynolds, John B. Tully ; Pound- 
keepers, Martin Lillie. John B. Tully; Path-masters, John 
Wart, Jr., Martin Lillie, Allen (iilbert, Eli Strong, Jr., 
Nathaniel Bennett, Perley Wyman. 

At that first town-meeting, double the amount received 
from the State was voted for the benefit of schools. Hogs 
and sheep it was decided should not be free commoners. 
Five dollars bounty was voted for the " psite" of each wolf 
killed in town, and this sum, growing insufficient to check 
the dreaded destroyers, was next year increased to ten dol- 
lars. The latter year a town ordinance decreed that no wood 
.should be drawn in drafts, or " snaked" on the ground more 
than three rods after the snow was twelve inches deep, 
under penalty of fifty cents fine for each offense. This was 
evidently to prevent the spoiling of the roads by tearing up 
their deep beds of snow. 

All the old settlers mention how deeji and sli/l the snow 
lay throtigh the winter. Said old Mr. John Balch: "You 
might go into the woods with a sled in December, when the 
snow was a foot deep, and you would ]irobablysec the same 
tracks all winter." That is to say, the snow would keep 
falling, and sometimes thawing, but lying still, and the de- 
pression above the original sled tracks would still show in 
March. Of course it was the existence of the great forests 
which thus restrained the action of the wind, and as the woods 
disajipcar the wind is gathering almost as much force as on 
the prairies of the west. 

In 1818 there were but two school districts in the pres- 
ent town of Orwell, besides one up in the Boylston section. 
That summer a school was taught by Lucy Gilbert, at the 
house of James Wood, on the Sandy Creek road. The 
same season a sniall frame school-house w:is built at Orwell 
Corners. The funds were not sufficient to plaster it, but 
wood was abundant, and huge fires kept the children warm 
on allernatc sides, while the snow came down in blankets 
outside. In the winter of 1818-10, Samuel Stowill taught 
the first school, in the house at the Corners, and a Mr. 
Wheelock taught at Pekin. 

This name was selected by young Elliott Eastman, though 
not on account of any imagined resemblance to the celebrated 
capital of China. The youth, having more of a chance or 
more of a taste for reading than was common in the woods, 
had learned of divers great capitals and historic characters, 
and thought it would be a fine thing to apply those impor- 
tant appellatii>ns to the localities and individuals within his 
own stronghold. 

So the cluster of two or three hou.ses on the hill, where 
John French kept tavern shortly after the war, was called 
Pekin, anil the name has endured to the present day, in 




RESIDENCE or JAMES J. MONTAGUE, ORWELL OSWEGO co, N Y 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



299 



spite of tlie official aiipellation of Jloliiio, afterwards given 
to tlie post-office tliere. The settlement at Balch's tavern 
young; Eastman called iMoscow, and the name was in use 
for many years, but finally gave way to that of Orwell. His- 
tory and mythology, too, as well as geography, were drawn 
on by the young name-giver. The settlement on the river 
flats, below Pekin, he called " Syphax," because there was a 
very dark-complexioned man lived there, and Syphax was 
a celebrated African. But that didn't stick. 

A one-eyed man, who lived up the river from Pekin, in a 
solitary house in the wood.s, the fiinciful 3'outh named " Cy- 
clops," and a circumstance of the early days confirmed the 
resemblance to the fierce giants of old. A gentleman of 
apparent wealth, richly dressed, and sparkling with jewels, 
came out into the woods to examine lands. He boarded 
with " Cyclops" while pursuing his investigations, as well 
as liunting and fishing. Suddenly he disappeared, and was 
hoard of " nevermore." Wealthy relatives came from the 
east to seek for him, but the gorges of Salmon river told no 
tale regarding the unfortunate stranger. His one-eyed liost 
soon left the country, followed by dark suspicions, but their 
truth or falsehood was never made certain to mortal minds. 

The spring and summer of 1817 were noted for the scar- 
city of food, resulting from the meagreness of the crops 
raised during the preceding " cold summer." As harvest- 
time approached the old supply became almost completely 
exhausted, and starvation looked in at the door of many a 
log cabin, if it did not actually enter. Samuel Stowell re- 
lates that his brother Orrin went to Adams, Ji-ff'erson 
county, with an ox-sled, and obtained grain enough to last 
his family till harvest. In two or three days the fact was 
known all over town. " Orrin Stowell has got some grain," 
" Orrin Stowell's folks have bread to eat," were statements 
which passed rapidly from lip to lip, awakening greater 
interest in the half-famished people than would the return 
of Bonaparte from St. Helena. 

Even the possession of money would not always insure 
that of food. 

"I have known," says Mr. Stowell, ''of men going 
all over Jefferson county with money in their pockets, 
and then coming back without grain." Still, people with 
full pur.ses could generally get something somewhere. But 
it was hard times indeed fjr those with neither money nor 
food. Labor would bring absolutely nothing to eat. 

" I know," says to us the same authority ju.st ([uoted, 
'• of families going without bread that season for six weeks 
on a stretch." 

" But how did they live?" 

"They lived on fish, greens, and milk." 

" Well, that is rather a light diet, but we suppose people 
can exist on it for a wliile, but it was hard work to work on 
it. The two Gilbert boys, Allen and Edward, after a break- 
fast of milk and greens, went (mt in the woods and chopped 
till noon ; they returned, declaring that they couldn't work 
any longer without something in the sliape of bread. Their 
mother hunted around and found some bran that had been 
thrown aside; this she sifted over, obtaining a little coarse 
meal, out of which she made a cake. The young men ate 
it and returned to their work, declaring they had never 
tasti-d anything .so good before in their lives." 



After harvest, scores of ox-sleds wore to be seen hurrying 
(as fast as oxen could well hurry) along the dry, hard mad 
to Pulaski, where the nearest grist-mill was situated, each 
bearing a bag of wheat, destined soon to make joyful the 
hearts of some long-famished family. Our friend Stowell 
made the journey to mill with the usual conveyance. He 
took the usual precautions, too, of guarding against acci- 
dents by carrying an axe and auger with him. There were 
but one or two houses between Orwell Corners and Pulaski. 
On his return, late in the afternoon, his sled ran against a 
stump, and both tongue and roller were broken. Cutting 
a couple of Saplings ("saddles" the old settlers called them) 
he repaired his vehicle, but it was dark before he was ready 
to proceed. It was soon " pitch dark," and the stumps 
threatened more danger than ever. A lantern with a candle 
in it was something altogether beyond the reach of most of 
the pioneers, but one of the residents on the I'oad furnished 
the traveler with a "jack-light," — that is, a large piece of fat 
pine, — and with its aid he made his way home ; the pine 
torch throwing a broad glare over man and beast, over nar- 
row road and dangerous stump. The "light of other days" 
usually streamed from a piece of fat pine, and that primitive 
torch was in cotjstant demand on both land and water, being 
the chief means by which the unlucky salmon were be- 
trayed to the spears of their foes. 

In 1817 the first militia company was organized in the 
new town ; Supervisor John Reynolds being the first cap- 
tain, Eli Strong, Jr., lieutenant, and Timothy Balch, ensign. 
The two subordinates were afterwards successively promoted 
to captain. When general training-time came, the Orwell 
militia started for Mexico, where that important ceremony 
was usually enacted. All went on foot, for there were not 
two horses in town. They started the day before the mus- 
ter and returned the day after its close, making in all a 
journey of no slight magnitude. 

In 1818, Nathaniel Beadle, with his .son John and five 
others, came into town, and settled near " Moscow" or Or- 
well Corners. Mr. John Beadle says that even then Balch's 
was the only house immediately at the Corners. There were • 
only two corners there, — those made by the junction of the 
Pulaski road with the main, highway from Rome to Sack- 
ett's Harbor. The road eastward had not been laid out. 

About 1819 an incident occurred in town illustrative of 
the danger which, in many varied forms, attended the steps 
of tlie hardy pioneer. Perley Wynnui, who lived on the 
road to Redtield, being annoyed by a bear, set a spring- 
gun to slay the intruder. Unfortunately, the young man 
himself happened to interfere with the spring-gun before 
the bear did, and received a bullet in his leg, which shat- 
tered the bone and necessitated amputation. Yet, in spite 
of this drain on his vital force, Mr. Wyman survived the 
hardships of pioneer life until 1876. 

Near 1820, or a little later, a man named Jonas Thomp- 
son built a saw-mill at Pekin, with a run of stone attached, 
whiph was the first thing in the shivpe of a grist-"mill in 
town. 

By this time Orwell had got pretty well umlef way. Set- 
tlers were cinning in so rapidly as to make it 0)it of the 
question to record their separate names. The fijrest was 
falling, and cabins were rising in all directions. School- 



300 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



houses increased in number, and their rough walls not only 
resounded on week-days with the clamorous " A B C's" 
and " four times four's" of juvenile soverciirns, but on Sun- 
days re-cciiot'd to the earnest if not polished elor|uence of 
pioneer preachei-s. Calkins, Cole, Fairbanks, Finlcy, and 
many others at various times delivered the gospel in these 
jiriniitive temples. 

In 1827, Uoylslon was organized as a town, reducing 
Orwell to its present limits. Mr. George W. Cogswell, 
who came in that year, says there were then but two or 
three liou.ses at Orwell Corners. There was no store, but 
there was a little grocery at Pckin. People had then 
begun to have horses ; but such w«s the state of the roads 
in spring and fall that a journey to the Pulaski mill, with 
a horse-team, sunietiiiies involved a two-days' journey. 

The first store at the Corners was opened about 1830; 
but our authorities differ as to whether the earliest mer- 
chant was Alvin Strong or the firm of Gilbert i& Decker. 
It was near tlii-s time, also, that the road was laid out I'kiui 
the Corners east to Redfield. In 1834, when Mr. John 
Parker settled in town, he states that the farthest house 
east on that road was only about a quarter of a mile from 
the village. But immigrants soon made their way in there, 
and as that locality was the newest it was naturally the 
roughest settlement in town. 

Our friend Eastman, who retained his fondness for giv- 
ing names, had heard of a place called " Shatagee" some- 
where, and thought it would well c.x])ress the primitive 
character of the neighborhood in (|uestion. The name 
"stuck," and has been retained to this day. "Shatagee," 
however, is merely a corrujition of Cliateaugay, the name 
of a French town or estate, and this in turn is derived from 
the two French words chuieau and jai, meaning gay man- 
sion or festive castle. So the Chateaugayiiians can boast of 
as high-toned a name as eould well be desired. 

Afterwards another road was laid out to the northward, 
which was called Voree, but we are unable to give the 
derivation of that name. 

About 1835, Reuben Salisbury built the first grist-mill 
at Orwell Corners, and the first of any consequence in town. 
Though the western part of Orwell was now ]irctty well 
settled, yet the wolves and bears were still numerous, 
especially the latter. Mr. Stowell recounts to us a great 
slaughter of the ursines at this period, in which he took 
part. Hearing his brother's bear-dog barking iu the woods, 
he slipped a rope over his own and started for the scene of 
the fray. Orrin Stowell, however, and his son, a boy of 
twelve or fourteen, were there first with a riHe. They 
found the bear at bay and the dog barking at it. 

The old man gave the boy the first chance ; so the latter 
marched hurriedly up within about twenty rods and fired; 
but the excitement was too much for his youthful nerves, 
and the bullet went wide of the murk. The father reloaded, 
and the ne.xt time the youngster went up within twelve 
rods and fired, with the same result. This wouldn't do; 
so the old gentleman again loaded the rifle, took deliberate 
aim at the angry brute, fired and killed her. Then the dog 
began barking at a tree, on which a cub was discovered, and 
another shot from Orrin Stowell's rifle brought hiiu lifeless 
to the "round. 



Then still another cub started up, and started to take 
shelter iu the underbrush. But in the mean time Samuel 
Stowell had come up and let loo.se his dog. One dogsi'ized 
the poor cub by the ear and one by the haunch, but he 
was quite a match for them both. As they rolled over 
together, growling and fighting, the blows of Samuel 
Stowell's club fell oftenest on the dogs, and they let go. 
One of iheni, however, seized hold again, and then both 
cub and dog fell into a deep hole in the creek, where they 
continued the fight, sometimes one being under water and 
sometimes the other. The bear's no.se was the vulnerable 
point to be struck at. The boy got the first chance at it, 
and the animal fell stunned by the side of the creek. The 
cutting of his throat completed the combat. Similar scenes 
frequently took place in varimis parts of the town, except 
that the number of the victims was less. 

About 1838 a .small tannery was built at Orwell Corners, 
and a new incentive was giviMi to clear the ground of its 
hemlocks. A stronger motive, however, was foiind in the 
fact that when tho.se rough hill-sides were once subdued, 
and the t(M>-plentiful stones placed in walls or jiiles, excel- 
lent grazing-land was found beneath that unpromising 
exterior. 

It was not uniil 1843 that a church edifice was built in 
town, when a union house of worship was erected at the 
Corners by the citizens, devoted to the u.se of all denoiui- 
nations. This was followed about 1850 by a Methodist 
church at Pckin, which by that time some of the people 
called JMolino, a post-oftice of that name having been estab- 
lished there ten years or more before. 

By this lime Orwell Corners had become quite a flour- 
ishing village, the Cliateaugay road was thickly settled, and 
the Voree region was reclaimed from the wilderness. In 
18,^)4 the tannery was rebuilt on a large scale by Weston 
& Lewis, who had purchased it, and thenceforth it cm- 
ployed directly and indirectly a large number of men, and 
brought very considerable sums of money into the town. 

AVlieii the rebellion broke out the sons of Orwell re- 
sponded generously to their country's call, as will be seen 
by the long roll of those who crowded the ranks of the 
Twenty-fourth, One Hundred and Tenth, and C)ne Hun- 
dred and Forty-seventh Infantry, the Twenty-fourth Cavalry, 
and other corps. 

In October, 1864, the town voted seven thousand eight 
hundred dollars to pay bounties to the soldiers. All the 
volunteers were, of course, discharged the next year, and 
most of them returned to the labors of the farm and the 
workshoj). If their military experience had disposed them 
to u.se the hunter's rifle, they needed not to look far for a 
proper field. Not only were the forests of Lewis county 
near at hand, but the bears still strayed occasionally among 
the cultivated fields of Orwell. 

" Pa," exclaimed the little daughter of Colonel G. F. 
Woodbury, a well-known resident of the village of Orwell, 
one summer Sunday of 1871, — "pa, thtre was a bear just 
went through our garden !" 

" Nonsense, child ; it was only a big black dog." 

" No, it wasn't ; it was a bear. It didn't jump over the 
fence like a dog ; it just scrambled right over." 

The colonel stepped to the door, but saw nothing, and 





t. 



2 / "V 


rn j ■s.i^^s^ 


5 \ 




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\ 







HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



301 



felt sure the child was mistaken. A short time afterwards 
a lady in the village saw a big black animal waddling along 
back of her house, and hastily concluding that it was a bear 
started out to inform a neighbor ; but before reaching his 
house she began to think she might be mistaken, and, un- 
willing to run the risk of ridicule, she returned home. But 
the next day the unmistakable Bruin was seen by many 
persons still stumbling around the purlieus of the vill.-ige. 
A few men hastily called out some shepherd dogs to attack 
the intruder, but they could not be got anywhere near 
within reach of those formidable paws. As soon as possible 
men rallied with guns and iiounds ; but by this time bruin 
had taken the alarm and set off at his best speed for the 
big woods. His pursuers followed for several miles, but 
failed to get sight of him again. 

But this was an extraordinary occurrence, and not likely 
to happen again at the village, though the quadrupeds in 
question are still sometimes seen in the eastern part of the 
town. Meanwhile it is plain that the cows are beating the 
bears, — no less than five large cheese- factories attesting the 
value of the stone-walled pastures of Orwell. One of these 
is at Orwell village, owned by Albert Thompson, one at 

I'ekin, by Snell, one on the Cliateaugay road, by Jas. 

Hilton, one at Voree, by John Stowell, and one near the 
Richland line, by Dwight McKinney. It is doubtful if 
another town in the State, of no larger population, has as 
many cheese-factories. 

At Orwell village, or Orwell Corners, as it is more com- 
monly called, a bright little place of some four hundred 
inhabitants, the handsome white houses of which gleam out 
on heavily-shaded streets, are to be found, besides the 
cheese-factory just mentioned, the following manufacturing 
and mercantile establishments and professional men : 

The tannery of Lane, Pierce & Co., of Boston, which 
is capable of turning out five hundred hides per week, or 
twenty-five thousand per year. It employs about twenty- 
five hands directly, besides the bark-men. This is the same 
establishment, before mentioned, which was rebuilt by More- 
ton & Lewis in 185-t, it having been sold by them to the 
present proprietors in 1874. Planing-mill, etc., of Stowell 
& Latimer ; saw-mill of W. Henderson ; dry-goods and 
grocery store of G. F. Woodbury ; grist-mill of W. F. 
King; feed-store of E. S. Beecher. George W. Nelson, 
M.D., physician and surgeon ; D. A. Lawton, M.D., phy- 
sician and surgeon. 

Outside of the village there are, as an Iri.shman would 
saj', no business houses but cheese-factories and saw-mills. 
Tiie former have been mentioned ; of the latter there are 
the large one of Po.st & Henderson, on Salmon river, above 
the falls; the steam saw-mills of William Beecher & Gridley, 
north of the Cliateaugay road ; those of Hiram Snow & 
Vaudry, north of Yoree ; also the mill of George Caster, 
on the Sandy Creek road, and of A. (i. Stdwell, on the 
Boylsfon road. 

A history of Orwell would be incomplete without a more 
full description than wo have yet given of one of the great 
natural curiosities of the State, — Salmon river falls. That 
tiicy are not as celebrated as might be expected is due partly 
to tiieir secluded locality, and partly to the fact that in the 
Kuniuier, when it is most convenient to reach them, Salmon 



river is usually so low that its water, at the falls, does not 
extend half-way across the chasm. But at the time of high 
water, in spring, autumn, and early summer, there are few 
more interesting spectacles in the whole range of natural 
phenomena. 

A ride of three miles east from Richland Station, on 
the Rome and Watertown railroad, takes the traveler to 
Orwell village, and three miles more to the southeastward, 
on one of the roads to Redfiekl, brings him to the vicinity 
of the cataract. On his right he sees the outline of a great 
chasm dro]iping down between walls of hemlocks, and 
marking the course of Salmon river. Presently the roar 
of many waters strikes upon his ear; the road approaches 
clo.se to the river-bank ; he alights, pushes his way tln-ough 
a fringe of evergreens, and stands face to face with the 
cataract. A dozen rods in front of him the river, two hundred 
feet wide and six feet deep, plunges over an almost perpen- 
dicular precipice the measured distance of one hundred 
and eight feet. On either side of the abyss into which it 
falls ri.ses a wall of earth and slate, also nearly perpendicular, 
extending almost a hundred feet above the top of the fall, 
or two hundred above the bottom. The tops of both banks 
are covered with hemlocks and other evergreens, the dark 
foliage of which forms a fitting frame for this great natural 
picture. Twenty rods below the cataract the river rushes 
through a narrow gorge not more than a hundred feet wide, 
the walls of which are still nearer the perpendicular, beyond 
which eye loses sight of it as it pursues its devious way 
towards Lake Ontario. It soon leaves the limits of Orwell, 
and we can only dwell there long enough to present a few 
statistics. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OP ORWELL. 

This church was organized on the 13th day of March, 
1858, under the pastorate of the Rev. Jacob R. Shipherd ; 
being composed of members of the previous Presbyterian 
church, which was formed in 1809. The latter was very 
feeble, and had no regular supply of ministers until Decem- 
ber, 18-15. The Presbyterian pastors from that time until ' 
the organization of the Congregational church were Messrs. 
Wilson, Wheelock, and Webb. 

The first members of the Congregational church were 
Frances Beadle, B. Maria Beadle, Orpha Burkitt, Malinda 
Groat, David Hollis, Laura Hollis, Jane Potter, Elon Sto- 
well, Abigail Stowell, Selinda Stowell, Temperance A. Sto- 
well, Cornelius Acker, and Ruth Acker. The first officers 
were Rev. J. R. Shipherd, pastor, Elon Stowell and David 
Hollis, deacons. The pastors since Mr. Shipherd have been 
Rev. Messrs. Cutter, Bates, Decker, Cro.sby, and Greeley ; 
the last, Rev. Frank N. Greeley, being the present minis- 
ter. Their efforts have been blessed with marked success, 
especially during the past winter of 1876-77, when an 
earnest revival took place, by which the membership was 
raised from the previous number of about twenty to no less 
than eighty-five. The present deacons are Jas. F. Davis, 
David Hollis, and C. McKinney ; the present clerk is A. 
M. Campbell. 

ORWELL CIRCUIT OF THE METHODI.ST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This circuit cousists of five classes : one at Orwell village, 



302 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



on«j at ("hatuaufpiy, one at Pekin, one on Salniim river, 
near the line of Albion, and one in Albion. The existence 
of the circuit ilates back to a very early iHirimJ, when the 
Mctliodisit niini-slei-s rode fn>m one little loi; school-house to 
another, u.><ually in ndvancc of all others, but the records 
are not to be found. 

The fii-st record is in 1852, when Samuel Salisbury was 
aetin<c as ]iastor. lie wa.s followed, in 1853, by M. H. Gay- 
lord ; in 1854, by II. M. Church, and in 1855, by G. AV. 
Ellwuod. P. H. "jlilcs officiated in 185G-57 ; S. B. Whiu 
comb in 1858-51); J.N. Brown in ISGO-til ; Joseph de 
Lainie in 18()2-G3 ; J. S. Georjie in 1804-G5 ; S. F. Ken- 
yon in 1867; F. Dcvitt in 18G8-G9; L. Kelsey in 1870- 
72; L. 11. Grant in 1873-74; J. R. Crofoot in 1875-77. 

There are now one liundred and fifty meinbers in the 
whole circuit, of which about one hundred and twenty-five 
are in Orwell. At Orwell villaj^o the church meets in the 
union house of worship. At Pckin a small Jlctliodist 
church was erected about 1850. The other nieetinjr-places 
are in school-houses. The present officers are Rev. J. R. 
Criifoot, pastor , stewards, William Hollis, D. A. Lawton, 
Allen Bass, I). 1>. West, Ralj^h Pratt, Edward Near, Jabez 
Clark, N. Ilamblin. 

Each statiiin on the circuit has a Sundaj'-scliool, with an 
afi^egate of two hundred and seventy scholars. The 
Sunday-school at OrwcU villaire, however, is a union 
school, with fifteen leachci-s, about eij;hty pupils, and one 
liundred and fourteen volumes in the library. 31 rs. James 
Davis is the superintendent. 

The house of worship at that iioiiit is also a " union" 
hou.se, built, as has before been stated, in 1843. The cost 
was one thousand nine hundred and sixty-three dollars ; the 
size is thirty-six feet by fifty-two. It was dedicated in 
February, 1845, by Rev. Messrs. Robinson and Mattison. 

Besides the churches above named, there is a class at 
Chateatifray, and another at Voree, belon^iiif; to the Boyls- 
ton and Orwell circuit of the iNIelliodist Protestant church ; 
the majority of the members uf the circuit being in Boylston. 

OUWEI.L LOliUE, .NO. 54, I. O. G. T. 

This lodge was organized April 22, 18CC. The charter- 
members were Frank J. Parker, G. W. Hollis, J. J. Hollis, 
Mrs. J. J. Hollis, Albert J. Pottei-, Giles E. Martin, Erwin 
Beecher, Ira S. Piatt, Jlrs. Ira S. I'latt, Orville Mareness, 
John A. Hollis, Mrs. A. M. Hollis, Mrs. Giles E. Martin, 
John Parker, Celia M. Beecher, Mary Hollis, Frank A. 
Beeeher, Mary E. Vary. 

We are unable to dve the first officers, but the list of 
them must have corresponded very cln.sely with the roll of 
members. The number on that roll has •rrown, during the 
eleven years' successful lile of the lodge, from nineteen (o 
fifty-nine, and is still increasing. The present officers ( July, 
1877) arc as follows: Chief Templar, A. Ci. Thorn p.son ; 
Vice-Temjilar, Mrs. AValstcin Baleh ; Secretary, C. W. 
Cogswell ; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. A. Cogswell ; Finan- 
cial Secretary, ].afayetto Hilton; Trea.surer, Celia McKiii- 
ney; Chaplain, A. J. Potter; Marshal. Fugene Slowell ; 
Deputy Mar-shal, Ella Latiinore: \. G,, .Mrs. Danieltior- 
don; O. G., Walstcin Baleh; R. H. S., May Thomp.son ; 
L H. S., Georgiana \\'oiHibuiv. 



ORWELL ORANGE, NO. C6, PATRONS OP HITSBANDRY. 

TliLs organiziition l>egan its existence on the 28th day of 
January, 1874, with the following officers : 

Worthy M:ister, J. J. Hollis; W. Overseer, Horace Par- 
ker; Lecturer, M. C. Groat; Steward, Henry Davis; As- 
.-iistant Stewards, A. J. Potter and Mrs. A. G. Tluunpson ; 
Treas., A. D. Bonner; Chaplain, William Hollis; Sec, J. 
H. Beadle ; Gate-keeper, A. G. Thompson ; Ceres, Mrs. E. 
G. Potter; Pomona, Mrs. A. J. Potter; Flora, Mrs. J. 
Burkett. J. J. Hollis was re-elected Ma.ster for 1S75, and 
I). McKinney was elected for 187C. 

The following are the present officers : W. M., .\lexander 
Potter; W. O., J. S. Piatt; W. Lee., M. C. Groat; W. 
See., II. S. Stowell; W. Treas., S. C. Davis; Chaplain, 0. 
H. P. Baker; Steward, Horace Parker; Assistant Stewards, 
A. J. Potter and Mrs. II. Parker; Gate-keeper, Roger 
Ames; Ceres, Mrs. A. J. Potter; Pomona, Mrs. S. D. 
Stowell ; Flora, Mrs. D. McKiimey. 

The grange meets every Tuesday evening, in Nelson's 
Hall, Orwell village, and has at jiresent fifty-six members 
in good standing. It has been amply successful thus far in 
its career, and is receiving the support of a very substantial 
portion of the agricultural pojiulatioii of Orwell. 

The Sujiervisors of Orwell — with years of .service — have 
been as follows : John Reynolds, 1817-24, 1826-30,1833; 
John Wart, 1825; Jabez H. Gilbert. 1831-.'?2, 18;'.5-36 ; 
Alban Strong, 1834, 1837,1842; Theodore S. Gilbert, 
1838; Mason Salisbury, 1839 ; John Beadle, 1840, 1843; 
Henry Tillinghast, 1841 ; Orimcl B. Olmstead. 1844, 1856, 
18G2, 18G3; Nathan Simons, 1845, 1847-48; William 
Beecher, Jr., 1846; Flavel Crocker, 1849; Edward Allen, 
1850-52; William Strong, 1851, 1860; Daniel Pruyn, 
1853; Orrin Beadle, 1854; Floyd W. Aldrich, 1855; 
Hoyt N. Weed, 1857-59, 1861 ; Alexander Potter, 1864- 
-73; H. H. Potter, 1874-75; Norman Hall, 1S7G-77. 

The Town Clerks liave been — Elis Strong, Jr., 1817-18; 
Samuel Stowell, 1819-21 ; James B. Sandford, 1822, 1824 ; 
Moses Snyder, 1823; Reuben Snyder, 1825; J. H. Gil- 
bert, 1826-29; Alban Strong, 1830-33; Hiram Tow.sley, 
1834, 1842; Edward Allen, 1835; Dolson .Morton, 1S3G- 
37 ; MiLson Salisbury, 1838; Alanson Strong, 1839, 1843; 
John H. Cook, 1840-41; Orimel B. Olmstead, 1844; 
William Strong, 1845 ; S. F. Mason, 1846-47, 1849, 1852- 
55, 1857, 1861 ; James F. Davis, 1848; Milo C. Beman, 
1850; M. H. Thomas, 1851; George E. Stowell, 1856, 
1858, 1802; Ira S. Piatt, 1859; Hoyt N. Weed, 1860, 
1865-66; Homer J. Burch, 1803; T. T. Richard.s, 1864 ; 
Robert N. Sawyer, 1867-08; Nelson C. Burch, 1869-72; 
Frank J. Parker, 1873-74, 1876; A. E. Olmstead, 1875 ; 
George W. Nelson, 1877. 

The present officers of Orwell are as follows: Su|>ervisor, 
Norman Hall; Town Clerk, George W. NeWn ; Ju.sticcs 
of the Peace, James Shores, George F. Woodbury, Edward 
Near, John Parker; As.sessors, Truman Saiisb\iry, Lewis 
E. Joy, S. C. Davis; Commissioner of Highways, James 
E. Fisher; Overseer of Poor, H. II. Fin.ster; Town Audi- 
tors, Dwight McKinney. Hiram Snow, Elvin G. Potter; 
In.s](eetors of Election, Henry Bonner. George E. Stowell, 
George D. Thomas; Constables, Ralj.h W. Pratt, Walstein 
naleli, Ifeiiry A'aii .\uken, Samuel King; Game Couslable, 



'ST 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



303 



Honry Bonner; Sealer of Weights and Measures, N. C. 
Burcli ; Excise Commissioners, B. F. Lewis, C. MeKiiiney, 
D. S. Pratt. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 



JAMES J. MONTAGUE 

was born in Orwell, February 2, 183G. His father, Nathan 
F. Montague, was a native of Vermont, and his motlicr"o? 
CoiTncclTcuir They settled in Orwell in 182G, on tlie farm 
now occupied by H. H. Potter, and lived there up to 185i, 
when they moved on to the farm now occupied and owned 
by their son, the subject of this sketch. The father lost 
his life by an accident in 1859. The mother has been 
deranged for nearly thirty years, and has been cared for by 
her son for the last eighteen years. 

Mr. Montague was first married in 1862, February 1, to 
Mary D. King. Three children were the result of this mar- 
riage, two of whom died in infancy. 'A daughter, Gcorgi- 
amia, is the only one surviving. Mrs. Montague died 
October 14, 1871, and Mr. Montague was again married 
January 1, 1873, to Mrs. Martha M. Vannier, sister of 
his first wife, and the mother of two children, Mrs. Mary 
E. Lewis and Herbert M. Vannier. A daughter, Edith, 
was the result of the latter marriage. After the death of 
his father Mr. Montague took the farm, and in 1874 built 
the house in which he now lives. His "milk and cream" 
house is a model of its kind, and uo one can boast better 
butter tlian Mr. IMontague. 

To within two years Mr. Montague has acted with the 
Democratic party, but having become satisfied that temper- 
ance is the only live political issue before the country, lie 
has from that time voted with the Prohibition party. For 
ten years he has been an active member in the Metliodist 
Episcopal church. Though his township was strongly Re- 
publican, he was elected to the oflSce of assessor for one 
term of three years. Mr. Montague is a thorough farmer, 
a good citizen, and deservedly enjoys the esteem of all who 
know him. 



HON. JOHN PARKER. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Steuben, Oneida county. New York, December 27, 1810. 
His father, John Parker, and mother, who.se maiden name 
was Louisa Frisby, were natives of Columbia county. New 
York. The mother died in Steuben in 1823. Tiiey had 
seven children, of whom Mr. Parker is the only one sur- 
viving. The father died September, 1843. Mr. Parker 
was married ."March 15, 1831, to Polly E. Bonner. Nino 
children were born to them, six sons and three daughters, 
of whom five sons and one daughter arc now living. The 
eldest, Charles H., is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota. 
The second, Horace, is a farmer in Orwell. The third and 
fourth, De Witt and Lorin B., the former a resident of 
Wisconsin, the latter of Minnesota. The only surviving 



daughter, Mary Alice, married William C. Hollis, who was 
killed at the second battle of Bull Run. She married for her 
second husband John Church, and is now living in Lowell, 
Massachusetts. 

Mr. Parker moved to Orwell, Oswego County, June 7, 
1834, and settled on twenty-two acres situated one mile 
and a half northeast of Orwell, which he purchased of W. 
C. Pierpont at seven dollars per acre, giving his note for 
twenty-two dollars for first payment. He worked at jobs, 
chopping and clearing lands. Scarcely a farm in the neigh- 
borhood he has not helped to clear. He relates that while 
at work for John E. Potter at five sliillings per day, the 
latter, with another hand and himself, logged six aercs in 
five days and a half. By his industry, coupled with un- 
tiring energy, from small beginnings Mr. Parker is now the 
po.ssessor of near three hundred acres of land. At the 
present time he is living on his farm, situated about sixty 
rods west of Orwell. His home, a sketch of which is 
published in this work, is one of the pleasantest in the 
town. Mrs. Parker died November 18, 1873, and on 
March 11 of the following year Mr. Parker married Mrs. 
Maria Loring, whose maiden name was Davis. She was 
born in Steuben county. New York, and removed to Ovid, 
Branch county, Michigan. Mr. Parker is a Republican in 
politics, and was prominent in the organization of the party 
in the county. He voted for Andrew Jackson and Martin 
Van Buren, and left the party upon the enactment of the 
fugitive slave law. He was elected assessor of the township 
in 1840, and has served in that capacity seven years, as 
highway commissioner four years, and as overseer of the 
poor two years. He was elected twice to the assembly, in 
1865 and 1869, serving in the years 186G and 1870. 
All positions of public trust to which Mr. Parker has been 
called he has filled to the entire acceptance of his constitu- 
ents. His four sons and son-in-law served during the war, 
the latter, as before stated, losing his life. Mr. Parker 
states that eight men who had at different times worked for 
him were either killed or died in the army. It may be 
here stated that Mr. Parker's grandfather was killed in the 
Revolutionary war, and that his f\ither served in the war 
of 1812. Mr. Parker, though not a member of any 
church, has always contributed liberally to their support. 
He is a marked example of a self-made man, working his 
way from a poor boy, with slight advantages of early edu- 
cation, to the occupancy of positions of high public trust. 



S. C. DAVIS 



was born in Steuben, Oneida county. New York, December 
22, 1822, the youngest of twelve children of Colonel leha- 
bod and Mary F. Davis. From the time he was seven to 
the twenty-third year of liis age he lived with his eldest 
sister, Mrs. Lorin Bushnell, at Lee, Oneida county. New 
Y'ork. He was married July 8, 1840, to IMary Sheldon, 
the sixth child of a family often children, — six girls and four 
boys. Her parents moved from North Adams, Blassachu- 



304 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Belts, and settled in Lee, Oneida county. New York, in 
1828. She was born in N(prth Adauis, November 11, 
182G. 

They have two children, — Henry S. and Maryettie ; the 
forint-r is married to Cora Richardson, to whom u dauf;hter, 
Leila May, was born December 22, 1870. Mr. Davis 
settled in Orwell, on the farm where he still lives, March 
4, 1851, then consistin<r of ninety-one acres, to which has 
been added adjoining lands, until now it contains two hun- 
dred and fiily. The father and son work the farm con- 
jointly. During the last year, 1876, Mr. D. has erected 
one of the finest farm residences in that portion of the 
county, a representation of which, together with the "old 
home," appears in this work. 

Mr. Davis is Republican in polities, but has never been 
an aspirant for ofiicc. lie is a menibcr of the Congrega- 
tional church of Orwell. 

Prompt in all his business transactions, thorough in 
whatever he undeitakes, from the ]ilowitig of a furrow to 
the building of a house, contributing his equal sliare for all 
public enterprises, with a keen relish for the comforts of a 
pleas;int home, Mr. D. could bo ill .spared from his family 
or ncijrhborhood. 



MILITARY RECORD OF ORWELL. 



Calvin Burch. Enlisted in Co. 0, 24lh Inf., Mny i, 1.S61 ; mustered 

as 1st licut. ; w'd in 2d Bull Run bnttir ; ro-cnl'd us eapt. Co. (i, 

24th Cav. ; killed licforo Petersburg, .Tuno 17, 1801. 
Nelson Bureli. Enlisted in Co. 0, 21tli Cav., Dec. 25, IS63 ; dis. with 

regt. Juno 12, ISCo. 
Allen iM. Campliell. Enlisted in Co. C, llOtli Inf., Aug. B, 1802 ; dis. 

for di.-al/y Dee. II, 1802. 
William II. Keamcr. Enlisted in Co. 0. 21th Inf., May 4, 1801 : dis. 

Fcl>. 23, 1802, on account uf w'ds rec'd in 2d Bull Hun battle. 
Rowland A. Bass. Enlisted May 4, 1SGI, in Co. U, 2Uh Inf. ; w'd in 

2d Bull Run battle. Aug. 311, 1802 ; dis. May 2fl, 180:). 
Philo I. Bass. Enlisted iu Co. G, 24tli Inf., .May 4, 1801 ; killed in 

2d Bull Run battle. 
Samuel J. Bass. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 1, 1862 ; died in 

hospital Aug. 12, 1803. 
Albert J. Potter. Enlisted in Co. C, lldth Inf., Aug. 0, 1SC2; dis. 

with regt. Aug. 28, 1805. 
Claudius W. Rider. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 1, 1801 ; in 

battles of Bayou Techc, Port Hudson, and VorDiilion; dis. with 

reg't Aug. 28, 1805. 
Lyman Houghton. Enlisted in Co. 0, 24th Inf., May 4, 1801 ; in 

battles of Fre<lericksburg, South Mountain, and 2*1 Bull Run ; 

killed at Antietam. 
Mnreus V. Houghton. Enlisteil in Co. II, 21th Inf., Ahiy I, ISUI ; in 

2d Bull Run battle ; dis. 
William H. Houghton. Enlisted iu Co. (i, 2llh Cav., Dec. 2,1, 180.1; 

died in h«ts|iital. 
Allen D. Bonner. Enl'd in 110th Inf. Aug. C, '02; dis. .Inly 15, '05. 
Wellington E'lgelt. £nli^ted in Co. (i, 24th Inf.. May 4, 1801; dis. 

with reg't May 2y, ISIl.'l. 
William Hollis. Enlisted in Co. (1, 2Jtli Inf.. May I, isi'.l : killcl in 

2d Bull Run battle, Aug. 3U, 1802. 
Lyman C. Kenyon. Enlisleil in Co. E, 18(11 h Inf., Aug. 2!i, 1804; 

dis. May 13, 1805. 
Nathan Parish. Enlisted in Co. O, 24th Inf., .May 4, 1861 ; taken 

prisoner at 2d Bull Run; in battle of Chancellorsville; w'<l at 

Gettysburg; taken prisoner in the Wilderness ; dis. Keb. 8, 1865. 
Mason .'<. Parish. Eidisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 4. 1801 ; killed 

iu 2d Bull Run battle, Aug. 2V, 1802. 



Martin J. Dcnison. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 1, 1861; in 

battles of Fredericksburg and South Mountain ; w'd at .\nt)etam ; 

dis. May 29, 1803. 
Franklin .Mason. EnlisteJ in Co. G, 24th Inf., April 24. 1801 ; in 2d 

Bull Run battle; dis. .May 2tl, 1803. 
Henry Stonell. Enlisted in Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 8, 1802; pro. to 

1st serg't ; dis. Aug. 28, 1805. 
Henry B. Adsit. Enlisted in Co. C. llOlh Inf., Aug. 0, 1802 ; pro. to 

serg'l ; in battles of Bisland, Port Hudson, Vermilion, and Frank- 
lin ; dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Henry Crawford. Eulistcd in Co. C, IlOth Inf.. Aug. 1,1862; must. 

as serg't ; in siege of Port Hudson and battle of Vermilion ; 

dis. Aug. 28, 1865; died on his way home. 
John .1. Hollis. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 4, 1862; must. 

as serg't ; dis. Feb. 1, 1805, to accept com. iu 2d Florida Cav. 
John Burch. Enlisted in Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; must, as 

serg't ; dis. with reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Alfred I'fford. Enl'd in Co. C, linth Inf., Aug. 8, '62 ; must, as corji. 
Alsom Beman. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 1, 1862; dis. with 

reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Jonas Caswell. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862 ; dis. with 

reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Ervin E. Finster. Enlisted in Co. C, llOih Inf., .\ug. 11, 1802; in 

battles of Bayou Tcehe, Port Hudson, and Vermiliou ; dis. with 

regt Aug. 28, 1865. 
George Ilauer. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 0, 1802; in battles 

of Bayou Teche, i*ort Hudson, and Vermilion ; dis. with reg't 

Aug. 28, 1805. 
Charles M. Meyrcs. Enlisted in Co. C, llOlh Inf., Aug. 12, 1802 ; in 

battle of Camp Bisland ; dis. with reg't .Aug. 28, 1865. 
George .Meyres. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1802; dis. 

Aug. 28, 1865. 
Hiram Potter. Enlisted iu Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 1, 1862; dis. with 

reg't Aug. 2.8, 1862. 
Albert E. Stevens. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; in 

battle of Camp Bisland: dis. with reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Andrew J. Shear. Enlisted in Co. C, llOlh Inf., Aug. I, 1862; in 

battle of Camp Bisland ; dis. with reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Minis S.Samson. Enl'd in Co. C, 1 10th Inf., Aug. 0, '02 ; in battles of 

Port Hudson and Bayou Teche: dis. with reg't Aug. 28, 1805. 
Levi C. Samson. Enlisted in Co. C, llflth Inf., August 6, 1862; in 

battle of Bayou Teche; dis. with reg't Aug. 28, 1805. 
Cyrus Slowell. Enlisted in Co. C, lluih Inf.. Aug. 0, 1S02 ; ilis. with 

reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
Julian I'fford. Enlisted in Co. C, IlOlh Inf, Aug. 1, 1862. 
Thomas Vernon. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1802; trans. 

to V. K. C. April 1, 1805 ; dis. July 11, 1805. 
Orimell B. Olinstead. Must, as eapt. Co. C, llOth Inf., August 25, 

1802; resigned lice. 1, 1802, ou account of disability. 
Henry F. Ackley. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 4, 1802; dis. 

at New Orleans fur disitbilily ; dieil <in his way home. 
George Clark. Enlisted in Co. C, 1 10th Inf., Aug. 0, 1862; dis. ou 

account of disability Jan. 23, 1863. 
George .S. Edgett. Enli-sted in Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 4, 1862; dis. 

at Now Orleans for disability Jan. 6, 1804. 
William Grinals. Enlisted iu Co. C, 110th Inf, Aug. 0, 1802; dis. 

at Key West fur disability June 3, 1805. 
Delano Hollis. Enlisteil in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 0, 1S«2: dis. at 

Baton Rouge, La., Nov. 4, 1803. 
Lynmn Hawkins. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 0, 1802; dis. 

for disability at Fort Jefferson, Flu., Aug. II, 1804. 
Horace Parker. Enlisted in Co. C, 1 1 0th Inf., Aug. I, 1802 ; dis. for 

disability at New Orleans, June 2, 1803. 
William Prestley. Enlisted in Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 4, 1802: dis. 

for ilisitbility at New Orleans, April, 1804. 
Sinus Stowell. Enlisted iu Co. C, llnih Inf., Aug. 1, ISCL'; dis. for 

disab. .Aug. 7, 1804, at Fort Jefferson, Fla. : died on his way home. 
Clark Shear. Enlisted in Co. C, llOlh Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; ].ro. to 

corp. March 28. 1803: trans, to V. R. C. April 30, 1804 : diseh. 

July 12, 1865. 
Lewis Barnes. Enlisted in Co. C, lluth Inf., Aug. 0, 1802 ; trans, to 

V. R. C. Dec. 21, 1804. 
William C. Gordon. Enlisted in Co. C, 1 10th Inf. Aug. 0, 1802; in Iho 

sii'ge of Port Hudson; trans, to V. R. C. April 30, 1804; disch. 

May 22, 1864. 



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HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



305 



■G' 



Nelson Caswell. Enlisted in Co. C, UOtli Inf., Aug. C, 1862; died lit 

Baton Rouge, La., M.ay 1, 1863. 
William Caswell. Enlisted in Co. C, llOtli Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; died 

at New Orleans, June 23, 1863. 
eorgo Damon. Enlisted in Co. C, llOtb Inf., Aug. I, 1802; died at 

Baton Rouge, Oct. 28, 1863. 
Amos Greenfield. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1362 ; died 

at New Orleans, May 19, 1863. 
Henry Loomis. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., .Vug. 9, 1852; died at 

Carrollton, La., January 27, 1863. 
Pliilip Manu. Enlisted in Co. C, llOth Inf., Aug. 6. 1862; died at 

Baton Rouge, La., April 20, 1863. 
Milo Stowell. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862 ; died at 

Carridlton, La., March 7, 1863. 
Nelson Stowell. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6,1802; died at 

New Orleans, April 30, 1863. 
Albert Stowell. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 0, 1862 ; died at 

Carrollton, Louisiana, Jan. 16, 1863. 
John F. Bonner. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Aug. 27, 1804; in 

battles of Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, and Ajjpomatto.v ; dis. 

May 3, ISOo. 
Goo. E. Stowell. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 27, 1864; dis. 

May 30, 1865. 
George Damon. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th luf., Aug. 24, 1804; dis. 

May 30, 1865. 
John N. Beadle. Enlisted in Co. E. 147lh Inf., Aug. 21, 1862 ; in 

battles of the Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Spottsylvauia, North .\nna, 

Petersburg, and Five Forks; prom. 1st lieut. ; dis. June 7, I860. 
Alfred N. Beadle. Enl'd in Co. E, 147th Inf., Aug. 21, 1862; prom'd 

to 1st lieut. and quartermaster; dis. June 7, 1805. 
Mason S. Myres. Enlisted in Co.G, 24th Inf., Sept. 23, 1861; in 

battles of 2d Bull Run, Fredericksburg, and Chancellorsville, and 

wounded at Gettysburg ; trans, to 7Gth Reg't May 29, 1863; dis. 

Sept. 26, 1864. 
Dewayne Damon. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Sept. 23, 1861 ; killed 

in 2d Bull Run battle, Aug. 30, 1862. 
John Wagoner. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Sept. 23, 1S61 ; trans. 

to 7Gth Reg't May 29, 1863; dis. Sept. 27, 1864. 
Henry Finster. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864; in 

battles of Hatcher's Run, Petersburg, and Appomatto.x ; dis. 

May 30, 1805. 
Dewitt Carpenter. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Feb. 23, 1865; dis. 

Aug. 5, 1865. 
Dexter S. Greenfield. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., April 27, 1861 ; 

in battles of 2d Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks- 
burg, Chan'sville; re-enl'd in Co. G, 24th Cav.; dis. Aug. 4, '60. 
Gilbert Crocker. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf. ; in 2d Bull Run battle 

and Fredericksburg; re-enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dee. 28, 

1863 ; wounded at Cold Harbor. 
Lorcn B. Parker. Enlisted in Co. A, 20lh Cav., July 25, 1803; in 

battle before Petersburg; dis. Aug. 11, 1865. 
John Devett. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Aug. 27, 1864 ; in battles 

of Hatcher's Run and Five Forks; dis. May 30, ISGo. 
Walter Watkins. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Sept. 23, 1801; in 

battles of 2d Bull Run and Fredericksburg; trans, to 76th Reg't 

May 29, 1863; taken prisoner at Gettysburg; killed before 

Petersburg, July 18, 1862. 
John Laliniore. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 9, 1801 ; in battles 

of 2d Bull Run, Cb.anccllorsvillc, Rappahannock, and Fredericks- 
burg; dis. May 29, 1803. 
Nathan Leigh. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 25, 1803 ; died in 

service. 
Joseph Barnmett. Enlisted in Co. B, 20th Cav., .\ug. 8, 1863 ; dis. 

Aug. 11, 1865. 
Lewis Dirgec. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Aug. 4, 1801 : in battle 

of Hatcher's Run ; dis. May 30, 1805, 
Herbert W. Myres. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864; 

in battle of Hatcher's Run ; dis. June 10, 1865. 
Robert N. Greenfield. Enlisted in Co. G, 21th Inf., Sept. 16. 1861 ; 

in battles of Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and Petersburg; dis. 

Sept. 23, 1864. 
Henry J. Pannock. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Feb. 23, 1865 ; dis. 

with reg't Aug. 5, 1865. 
Jay .M. Salisbury. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 31, 1803 ; died 

at Washington, D. C, Juno 4, 1804. 



Francis M. Calvin. Enlisted in Co. I, 24th Art., Dec. 19, 1863 ; died 

in service April 6, 1804. 
Thomas Burns. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864 ; in battles 

of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. 

Aug. 4, 1865. 
Abram Doane. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Sept. 5, 1864; died at 

City Point, Va., Nov. 21, 1864. 
Geo. W. Stearns. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863; died 

July 24, 1864, of wounds received before Petersburg. 
Charles A. Woolcver. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863 ; 

in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Peters- 
burg; dis. June 17, 1865. 
Asa L. Bushncll. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864; in 

battles of Cold Harbor and Petersburg; dis. June 28, 1805. 
Albert .M. Beman. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 9, 1801 ; wounded 

in 2d Bull Run b.attle ; re-enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf. ; in battles 

of Hatcher's Run and Ajipomattox. 
Milon Stowell. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864; dis. 

Sept. 2.3, 1865. 
Gilbert II. Curtis. Enlisted in Co. C, 147fh Inf., Sept. 2, 1862; in 

battle of Gettysljurg, and killed before Petersburg, June 19, 1864. 
Ezra Balch. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf.; died Sept. 18, 1862, of 

wounds received in 2d Bull Run battle. 
Mervin S. Oluistcad. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 9, 1861 ; died 

Sept. 2, 1862, of wounds received in 2d Bull Run battle. 
Lewis C. Sampson. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864 ; in 

battle of Five Forks; dis. Sept. 22, 1805. 
Henry A. Hollis. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864; in 

battle of Five Forks; dis. Sept. 23, 1865. 
Orson J. Gale. Enlisteil in Co. G, 24th Inf., Sept. 23, 1861 ; in battles 

of 2d Bull Run, Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. 

Oct. 12, 1864. 
Wm. E. Sp.arks. Eulisted in Co. E, 147th Inf., Aug. 9, 1862; in battle 

of Petersburg; dis. June 7, 1865. 
John S. Stillmtin. Mustered in 147th Inf. Sept. 23, 1862, as assistant 

surg'n ; prom'd to surg'n 8Sth Inf. Jan. 5, '65; dis. July 13, '65. 
Samuel J. Brown. Eulisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 27, 1864; in 

battle of Five Forks ; dis. Sept. 23, 1865. 
Joseph Brown. Enlisted in Co. K, 189th Inf., Aug. 27, 1864; dis. 

Sept. 2.3, 1865. 
Henry J. Mason. Eulisted in 26tb Inf. ; in service after war. 
Benj. F. Lewis. Mustered as quartermaster of 147th Inf.; dis. for 

disability Feb. 13, 1S03. 
Marshall D. Stevens. Enlisted in Co. E, 21th Cav., Dec. 12, 1803; 

dis. Aug. 4, 18B5. 
Franklin Sperry. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 22, 1864; dis. 

May 30, 1865. 
Norman S. Crossctt. Eulisted in Co. E, 189th Inf.. Aug. 22, 1804; 

in battles of Hatcher's Run and Five Forks; dis. May 30, 1805.* 
Josejih R. Nash. Eulisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Aug. 29, 1S64 ; in 

battles of Hatcher's Run and Five Forks; dis. May 30, 1865. 
Monroe Crossett. Enlisted in Co. G, — Inf., Oct.. 29, 1861 ; in battles 

of Antictam and Wilderness ; taken prisoner before Petersburg; 

re-enlisted March 3, 1805. 
Henry Crossett. Enlisted in 193d Inf. March 3, 1865; in battles of 

Hatcher's Run and A])pouniItox ; dis. May 30. 1865. 
Milfred C. Brooks. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 25, 1864; in 

battles of Spottsylvania, CoM Harbor, and Petersburg; dis. 

May 18, 1865. 
David E. Montague. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Cav.. Dec. IS, 1863 : in 

battlesof Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg: dis. May 

18, 1865. 
Ambrose C. Kellogg. Enlisted in Co. E, 189lh Inf., Aug. 1, 1SC4; 

dis. June 16, 1865, 
Manning W. Cooper. Enlisted in Co. C, 97th Inf., Dec. 2, 1861 ; in 

battles of South Mountain, .Antictam, and Fredericksburg; dis. 

July 18, 1805. 
Lorenzo S. Carr. Enlisted in Co. K, 152d Inf., Oct. 10, 1802; killed 

at Hanover Junction, May 25, 1804. 
Malcolm L. Hollis. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Dec. 28, 1861 ; in 

battles of 2d Bull Run and Fredericksburg; die. June ,3, 1863. 
Chas. F. Hewlet. Enlisted in Co. E, 20th Cav., Deo. 21, 1863; disch. 

July 29, 1S65. 
Samuel S. Hewlet. Enlisted in Co. E, 20th Cav., Dec. IS, 1863 ; disch. 

July 24, 1865. 



30G 



niSTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cbas. W. Stewart. EDiifted in Co. F, U7th Inf., Aug. 21, 18S2 ; diuh. 

June 7, 1S65. 
Irt Turner. Enlialed in Co. F, U7tb Inf., Aug. 21, 1802; in battle 

of Gettvflburg. 
Tbos. Nichols. Enlisted in Co. 0, 2'itb Inf., Sept. 23, 1861; discb. 

Sept. 20, 1864. 
Alrin Boniior. Enlisted in Co. O, 24Ib Inf., May 9, 1861 ; discb. for 

disab. Oct. 14, 1802; re enl'd in Co. U, 24tb Cnv., Dec. 25, 1803; 

in linttles of Wildcrnesti, Cold Harbor, aud Petersburg. 
Amos Cogswell. Enlisted in Co. li, 24tb Inf.. Sept. 23, 1861; nior- 

tallj wounded at Gettysburg; died July 13, 1803. 
Goo. W. Outerkirk. Enlisted in Co. U, 2l(b Inf., Mtiy tf, 1801; in 

battles of second Hull Run, Antictaui, and l-'redorieksburg ; ro- 

enl'd in Co. E, IS9lh Inf., Aug. 2«, lb«4; in bnllles of Ilatcber's 

Run and .\|>|>oniattoi. 
Weaver A. Cramer. Enlisted in Co. C, llOtb Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; in 

battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bistand, and Vermilion ; discb. 

Aug. 28, 1865. 
Mattison A. Samson. Enlisted in Co. G, 24tb Inf., May 7, 1861 ; mor- 
tally wounded in second Bull Run battle; died Oct. 5, 1802. 
Pcrlcy S. Twilchell. Enlisted in Co. I, IS-ld Inf., .Marcb 7, I860 ; in 

service after war. 
Alvin D. Gary. Enlisted in Co. E, 139th Inf., Aug. 26, 1804 ; in bat. 

ties of Hatcher's Run and .Appomattox. 
Uavies W. Hall. Enlisted in Co. E, 18»lh Inf., Sept. 5, 1804; miss- 
ing, supposed to be dead. 
Ransom Snyder. Enlisted in Co. E, 189lh Inf., Aug. 30, 1804; in 

battles of Hatcher's Run and Appomattox. 
Wm. Cable. Enlisted in Co. G, 21th Inf., .May !», 1861 ; discb. .Mar. 

31, 1863, on account of wounds rcc'd in second Bull Run battle. 
Chas. N. Gurley. Enlisted in Co. E, 189tli Inf., Aug. 27, 1804; in 

battles of Hatcher's Run and .Appomattox. 
Philander Matlison. Enlisted in Co. C, ISOtb Inf., Aug. 19, 1804; 

wounded before Petcr.-^burg ; discharged July 14, 1805. 
Almoron Clark. Enlisted in Co. G, 241b Inf., Sept. 23, 1861 ; killed 

in second Bull Run battle. 
Goo. J. Robbins. Enlisted in Co. 0, 24th Cav., Dec. 18, 1863; in 

battle of Hatcher's Run ; disch. June 13, 1865. 
Adam J. Shustcr. Enlisted in Co. B, lOtli Inf., Fob. 24, 1865 ; in ser- 
vice after war. 
John N. Hollis. Enlisted in Co. G, 24tb Inf., Apr. 29, 1801 ; disch. 

May 29, 1803; re-enl'd in Co. K, 24th Cav., Jan. 18, 1804; in 

battle of Cold Harbor; discb. Juno 27, 1865. 
Marshall I). Stowell. Enlisted in Co. E, 189tli Inf., Aug. 25, 1864; 

died at Alexandria, Va., Dec., 1804. 
Matthew Quin. Enlisted in Co. 6, 24lh Cav., Dec. 26, 1803; died in 

hospital June 17, 1864. 
Tbos. Quin. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 25, 1864; in battles 

of Hatcher's Run and Five Forks; disch. May 31, 1805. 
Gardner H. Hollis. Enlisted in Co. G, 24tb Infantry, .May 9, 1861 ; 

wounded in second Bull Run battle. 
Lathan D. Potter. .Enlisted in Co. F, I47th Inf., Aug. 21, 1862; in 

battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Fredcrick.><burg, and Five 

Forks; discb. Juno 17, 1805. 



The following soldiers were resideota of Orwell, but were not cred- 
ited in its quota, 

Philelus Smith. Enlisted in Co. B, 186lh Inf., Sept. 5, 1864 ; in bat- 
tles of Petersburg and Five Forks. 

Elias R. Kingman. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Sept. i, 1864; in 
battle of Hatcher's Run; discb. May 30, 1865. 

Uomer J. Buroh. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 25, 1864; served 
at division headquarters; disch. June 1, 1865. 

Charles H. Mrres. Enlisted in Co. C, 81st Inf.; in battles of Cold 
Harbor and Petersburg. 

Henry R. Cronk. Enlisted in Co. M, 20th Cav., Sept. 6, 1863; in 
battle of Chapin's Farm, and wounded at Smithfield ; disch. Aug. 
11, 1865. 

Richard A. Wakefield. Enlisted in Co. E. 189th Inf., Aug, 29, 1864 ; 
in battles of Hatcher's Run and Five Forks. 

Charles S. Stowell. Enlisted in Co. F, 94th Inf., Oct. 10, 1861. 

Philo Wntkins. Enlisted in Co. M, 20th Cav., Sept. 0, 1S63; in bat- 
tles of Petersburg and Five Forks; disch. July 31, 1865. 

Goo. E. Stowell. Enlisted in Co. M, 20th Cav., Oct. 12, 1803 ; in bat- 
tles of Petersburg and Five Forks ; discharged. 

Arohibalil Davis. Enlisted in Co. K, 24lh Cav., Jan. 15, 1804; in 
battle of Spottsylvania, and killed before Petersburg. 

James T. Richards. Enlisted in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Sept. 8, 1864 ; died 
at Washington, D. C, April 23, 1865. 

Daniel Dinginan. Enlisted in Co. B, 20th Cav., July 1, 1863; disch. 
July 31, 1865. 

Charles W. Daniels. Enlisted in Co. G, 20th Cav., Oct. 5, 1803 : disch. 
July 31, 1S05. 

Byron Eastman. Enlisted in Co. 0, 59th Inf., Oct., 1861 ; promoted 
to sergeant; killed at Antietam. 

Oliver S. Lassells. Enlisted in Co. B, 20th Cav., Aug. 12, 1S03; 
disch. Aug. 11, 1865. 

Charles 11. Parker. Enlisted in 13th Cav., July .3, 1S63; promoted 
to veterinary surgeon of the regiment; disch. Aug. 17, 1865. 

Gates West. Enlisted in Co. K. 104th Inf.; killed at Cold Harbor, 
June 12, 1S64. 

Henry Doano. Enlisted in Co. I, 20lh Cav., Sept. 8, 1863: disch. 
July 31, 1866. 

Watson Aldrich. Enlisted in Co. L, 20th Cav., Sept. 0, 1803; in 
battle of Cbapin's Farm; disch. July 9, 1806. 

George D. Thomas. Enlisted in Co. E, 189tb Inf.. Aug. 29, 1864; 
discb. June V, 1865. 

Ephraim Bonner. Enlisted in Co. C, Slst Inf., March 30, 1804; in 
battles of Drury's Bluff, Cold Harbor, and Petersburg; wounded 
at Cbapin's Farm ; disch. April 11, ISOo, for disability. 

Dcwitt Parker. Enlisted in Co. A, 20th Cav., July 25, 1803. 

Geo. W. Aldrich. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 29, 1864 ; disoh. 
Juno 9, 1865. 

Geo. N. Reniaw. Enlisted in Co. A, 84th Inf., OcU 10, 1801 ; in bat- 
tles of Fredericksburg and .Antietam: wounded at Gettysburg; 
disch. March 24, 1865. 

Frederick S. West. Enlisted in naval service, on ship " Knn."as," Aug. 
27, 1804 ; in battles of Fort Fisher, Howlet House, aud Jamea 
river; discharged Juno 12, 1805. 




ff£S/OENC£ OF NORMAN TITUS. HANniBM,OsmGoCa.l(.Y 




fffsioENCE A jANNFRy OF C . S . CHAM BERLAI N , HANNIBAL, Oswc&o County, NY. 



HANNIBAL. 



As stak'd ill the f^oiicnil history of the county, this was 
the name, derived from the great Carthaginian general, of 
the old survey-township No. 2 (in the Military tract), which 
included the present towns of Hannibal and Oswego, and 
part of Granhy. It was not until 1802 tliat a settlement 
was made within the limits of the present town of Hannibal ; 
but the early inhabitants were so much in the habit of 
looking upon " Hannibal" as the survey-township of that 
name that we will give a few facts relating to the first set- 
tlement of that township. 

In 1797 Asa Eice, of Connecticut, settled at Union Vil- 
lage, three miles west of the mouth of Oswego river, in the 
town of Hannibal. That season four families had sum- 
mered wheie is now the city of Oswego. Three of these 
families returned to Salt Point for the winter, — one family 
only being permanently located at Oswego. In 1798 this 
township was united with Lysander and Cicero in the for- 
mation of one supervisor district, and Asa Rice was super- 
visor, reporting for the three townships the number of 
fifteen inhabitants, and the valuation of taxable property 
fifteen hundred dollars. Mr. llice continued supervisor till 
the year 180G, when Hannibal was organized, by an act of 
the legislature pa.ssed in that year. The first town-meeting 
was held at the house of IMatthew McNair, innkeeper, in the 
village of Oswego, on the first Tuesday of April, 1806, and 
the following ofiicers were elected, viz. : Town Clerk, Ed- 
ward Connor ; Supervisor, William Vaughan ; Assessors, 
Asa Rice, Barnet Mooney, Reuben Sprague ; Collector, 
Ezekiel Brown ; Overseers of the Poor, Daniel Huguiiin, 
Peter Hugunin; Commissioners of Highways, Peter D. 
Hugunin, Barnet Mooney, Thomas Sprague, Jr. ; Con- 
stables, Ezekiel Brown, James Hugunin ; Fence-viewers, 
Daniel Hugunin, Peter Hugunin ; Pound-master, William 
pjadus ; Path-masters, John Masters, district No. 1 ; James 
Hugunin, district No. 2 ; I'armenus Sprague, district No. 
3 ; Commissioners of Gospel Lots, Joel Burt and Asa Rice. 

The following resolutions were passed at that meeting, 
viz. : " Tliat rams .shall not be free commoners from the 1st 
of September till the loth of November, with forfeiture of 
§2.00 for every ofren.sc." 

" That fences shall not be less tlian five feet high, and 
not exceed the space of five inches between rails, from the 
ground to the height of two feet." 

In the year 1804 the " Fair American," a small schooner, 
was built at Oswego by a Jlr. Wilson. The only team in 
this region was a yoke of oxen, owned by tlie Rice family ; 
and this team, with one of the boys, was engaged liy Mr. 
Wilson to haul timber for the construction of the schooner. 
The tin)ber was cut cast of the river ; the vessel was built 
on the west side, and, except Sundays, tliis boy with liis ox- 
team hauled timbers across tlio river on the ice every dav 



in the month of March, 1804. In the year 1818 the 
townsliip of Hannibal was divided, — Oswego and Granby 
being separately organized. 

In 1805 there settled at Hannibal Centre Watson Earl, 
David Wilson, Joseph Weed, Sterling Moore, Israel Mes- 
senger, Orren Cotton, and George Cotton. Orren Cotton 
was a millwright by trade, and, as we learn from his rela- 
tive, J. R. Chamberlain, built the first grist-mill in town, at 
Hannibal Centre, in 180(1, in company with Watson Earl. 
He was a lineal descendant of the celebrated Puritan preacher 
of Boston, Dr. John Cotton. Tlie first building in the vil- 
lage of Hannibal was erected of logs, nearly on the site of 
an old Indian camp or wigwam, in the year 1808, and kept 
as a hotel by Henry Jennings. 

In the following year, 1809, Arvin Rice commenced 
clearing the farm upon which he still resides, in the imme- 
diate neighborhood of the new hotel, on lot 67. A year or 
two later, Isaac Kinney settled at Kinney's Corners, and 
James B. Adams erected a cabin at Fairdale, and Gad 
Daniels soon after erected one a mile farther east. Thus 
immigrants threaded their way into diflferent parts of the 
town, and the lowing of kine and the bleating of sheep 
began to be mingled with the growl of the bear and the 
wolf's long howl. The woodman's axe made huge gashes 
in the interminable forests, and industry, thrift, and im- 
provement were seen on every hand. 

In 1810 a small school was kept at Hannibal Centre. 
The first record of the scliool district at Hannibal village is 
dated April 13, 1813, the district then comprising about 
sixteen lots, each one mile square. The records show that 
on October 30, 1813, the inhabitants of the district met at 
Mr. Carter's. Arvin Rice was chosen chairman, and Abram 
Wat.son clerk. At this meeting the following resolutions 
were adopted : " That there be a school-house built in the 
highway, near the dwelling-house of Mr. Carter." " Re- 
solved, second, that Arvin Rice, John D. Bradt, and Sam- 
uel Sanders be trustees." " Resolved, third, that the trus- 
tees lay a tax not to exceed one hundred dollars to build 
a scliool-hou.se, etc.'' " Resolved, that William Hawks be 
collector." 

The school-house cost, with the expense of collection, 
sixty dollars and forty-eight cents. A school was kept 
during three months of the following winter, and the 
teacher's wages amounted to fourteen dollars. Laura Kent 
taught school in this district two and a half months in the 
spring and summer of 1815, at one dollar and seventy-five 
cents per week, boarding herself Polly Dunton taught in 
the .summer and fall of 1815, at the same price. The next 
year teachers' wages were raised to fifteen shillings per 
week. 

The first religious meetings in this locality were held iu 

307 



308 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



the log school-hoase. The people congregated on the Sab- 
bath in this primitive temple, and aAcr reading the Bible 
and singing psalni.s, would repair to iheir several abudes, 
passing the remainder of the day with decorum and sobriety 
within doorti. 

In 1831 the following composition was read in one of 
the schools by a lad nine years of age: "The village of 
Hannibal contains two churches, two schools, two taverns, 
two stores, two asheries, two tailors, two blacksmiths, two 
shoemakers, two wagon-makers, two carpenters, two brick- 
yards, and two pretty good dwelling-housL'S, two ministers, 
two doctors, two lawyers, and but one hatter. One church 
is Presbyterian, the other a Baptist ; one has a bell, the 
other a clock j one school is a select school, the other is a 
common school ; one tavern is a temperance tavern, the 
other is not; one ashery is in use, the other is. at liberty ; 
one brickyard is in use, the other is at liberty ; the tailors 
live op]»osite each other." The above is said, by reliable 
citizens, to be a sketch true to life. 

Hannibal was in these days a station for stages. Every 
morning a coach and four left Oswego for Auburn, and 
Auburn for Oswego; also a "coach and four'' left Oswego 
for Rochester, and Rochester for Oswego, each changing 
horses at this place. 

The following is a list of supervisors and town clerks : 

Supervisors. — William A'aughan, 1806-7; Peter D. Hu- 
gunin, 1808-10; Eleazer Perry, 1811; Asa Rice, 1812; 
Ek-.i7.v.T Perry, 1813-14; Barnct Mooney, 1815-10; Sam- 
uel Farnhani, 1817-21; Daniel Hawks, Jr., 1.S22; John 
BuUen, Jr., 1823-28; Arvin Rice, 1829-30; Archibald 
Green, 1831 ; Abram Watson, 1832; Jonathan Eiistman, 
1833; Asa Dudley, 1831 ; William Bullen, 1835; Jona- 
than Eastman, 1836-37 ; Samuel II. Patchin, 1838; Isaac 
II. Ketchani, 1839; Arvin Rice, 1840; James A. Brackett, 
1841 ; Thomas Sketton, 1842-43; Josiah Hi.lweli, 1844; 
Isaac H. Ketchum, 1845; Huet H. Brunson, 1846; Josiah 
Bidwell, 1847; John L. Kip, 1848; Palmer Ketchum, 
1849-50; John I^IcClaughry, 1851 ; Benjamin N. Hinnian, 
1852 ; Orson Titus, 1853; Giles C. Barrus, 1854; Alfred 
Rice, 1855; John Forsyth, 1856; William J. Acker, 1857- 
58; Giles C. Barrus, 1859-60; Ren.><.selaer Matteson, 1861- 
64; Carson Wilusi.', 1865-70; Eli P. Barrett, 1871-76; 
Alexander H. Mitchell, 1877. 

Town C/<;rA.-s —Edward O'Connor, 1806-7; David 
Brace. 1808; Thomas W. Wentworth, 1809-10; Peter D. 
llugunin, 1811 ; George W. Burt, 1812; Peter D. Hugu- 
nin, 1813-14; Edmund Hawks, 1815-18; Arvin Rice, 
1819; John Brill, 1820; Martin Wiltsie, 1821; Arvin 
Rice, 1822-28; Abram Wat.son, 1829-30; Arvin lUce, 
18H1-32; George Bennett, 1833; William Bullen, 1834; 
Jonathan Eastman, 1835; Amos F. Kent, 18.'J6-;!9; An- 
drew Beubes, 1840-41 ; K. L. Ormsby, 18(2; William I. 
Acker, 1843; Elijah L. Ormsby, 1814-48; William Austin, 
1849; John McClaughry, 1850; Norman Titus, 1851; 
Cliauncey B. Hancock, 1852; Hale Worster, 1853; Isaac 
II. Ketchum, 1851; Hale Wor.ster, 1855; John Wiltsie, 
I8:)6; Ednii.nd .AI. Rice, 1857; Herman Hulett, 1858; 
William H. Wiggins, 1859; Darius T. Cook, Jr., 1860; 
Charles ('. HIackmer, 1861-62; John MeCrea. 1863; 
l-\rMl..ii Wi.rsiii. I SCI ; John McCrea, 1865 ; S. M. Titus 



1866; J. T. Brackett, 1867; R. M. Rogers, 1868; Charles 
Ferine, 1869; Dill..n F. Acker, 1870-76; A. N. Bradt, 
1877. 

The following resolution appears on the town-book of the 
town of Hannibal, under date of April 4, 1809. 

" Resolved, That ten dollars bounty be given to any in- 
habitant of the town of Hannibal for every wolf that may 
be killed by said inhabitant within the said town for one 
year." The same appearing upon the book for some years 
following. 

The record of justices of the peace, according to the 
town-books, dates back to 1829, and the following are the 
names of those who have served as such, viz. : 1829, Arvin 
Rice, Isaac Kcnney, Cephas Weed, William Hawks ; 1830, 
James A. Brackett; 1831, Jonathan Ivtstman and James 
A. Brackett; 1832, Zenas Haven; 1833, Arvin Rice; 
1834, Benj. F. Gifford ; 1835, James A. Brackett; 1836, 
Ma.son Pierce and Zonas Haven; 1838, Josiah King; 
1839, James A. Brackett; 1840, Andrew W. Fo.ster and 
Orson Titus; 1841, Hale Worster; 1842, Benj. F. Gif- 
ford; 1843, Jno. Titus; 1844, James Burt; 1845, Oi-son 
Titus and Hale Worster; 1846, Sidney Hulett and James 
A. Brackett; 1847, Benj. F. Gilford and James A. Brackett, 
for four years ; 1848, Orson Titus ; 1849, Jno. P. Storms ; 
1850, Rausford Case; 1851, Benj. F. Gifford; 1852, Ale.\. 
Mclnvoy ; 1853, Benj. Uinnian ; 1854, Jno. McClaughry; 
1855, Alex. Hulett and Benj. F. Gifford ; 1856, Jchial E. 
Blodgctt; 1857, Benj. N. Hinnian; 1858, Levi Brackett; 
1859, Benj. F. Gifford; 1860, Henry M. Brackett; 1861, 
Benj. N. Hinnian; 1862, Levi Brackett; 1863, Benj. F. 
Gifford; 1864, Henry M. Br.ackett; 1865, Jno. A. Cox ; 
1866, Levi Brackett ; 1867, James F. Cooper ; 1868, Geo. 
Van Petten ; 1869, Jno. A. Cox; 1870, Levi Brackett; 
1871, Benj. F. Gifford. 

The first white settler in town was Thomas Sprague, who 
came from Massachusetts in 1802, located on the south line 
of the town on lot 95, and built the first hou.se, which of 
course was a log one. 

Among the first frame houses was one built by Mr. Urc 
about 1817, and known as the Durham house. It is still 
standing a short distance from its original site, in Hannibal 
village. 

The first house erected without the u.se of liquor was 
built by Isaac Sykes. Mr. Arvin Rice erected the first 
barn raised without ardent spirits. 

The first land cleared was by Arvin Rice, who also set 
out the first orchard. He also brought into town the first 
iron plow to supersede the old one-handled " bull plow.'' 
It was manufactured at Schenectady, being known as the 
" Clute plow," and was universally condemned by the people 
before being broULrlU into use. 

The first surveyors were J. W. McFaddcn, Peter Schenck, 
Benjamin F. Gifford, and Samuel Barron. 

Among the early marriages were tho.se of Daniel Thomas 
and Prudence Sprague, in 1303; of Arvin Rice and Polly 
Cotton, March 18, 1812; of A-Sii Dunlon and Lois Hawks, 
in 1815; also those of Win. Stephenson and .Marllla Dun- 
ton, of Daniel Hawks and Emily Field, and of Wm. Hawks 
and Eli/.a Dunton, in the last-named year. 

The fii'st birth w;us that of Carr Sjuague, in 1805. The 



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SLssasaBaBHHHaeaKiH 



RusiDENCC Of L.S.TALLMAN 

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Oswego County, N. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



309 



first death was that of a daughter of Thos. Sprague, in 
180G. 

The first saw-mill was erected by Silas Craiidnll, in ISll. 
The first store was built by Benjamiu Phelps, in 1818. 
The second school-house was a small frame building, erected 
about ISliO. In 1868 a fine brick school-house was built 
at Hannibal village. Its size is forty-two by fifty-four teet, 
and it is two stories in height. It has three rooms and a 
largo recitation-room ; employs four teachers, the usual 
number attending being about one hundred and thirty, and 
the names on the roll about two hundred and thirty. 

The first fulling-mill erected was by Towsley and Dunton, 
in 1820. The first tannery was built by Juo. Brill, about 
1820, and this business has gradually increased until there 
are now three tanneries, all doing well. The fir.st frame 
tavern was erected about 1815 by Amos Field, from Ver- 
mont, who kept it for a long time. The first blacksmiths 
were Thos. West, Trumbull Kent, and John Toppen. The 
first carpenter was Moses Farnham. The first distillery 
was built by Field & Dunton and Jason Peek. 

The early physicians were Drs. Ure and Moore. Later 
(about 1822) there was Dr. Arden Allen, from Clinton, 
Oneida county. The earliest lawyers were Messrs. Riggs 
and Abrams, who came in 1836, remaining a few years. 

Among the early residents of prominence were Arvin 
Rice, Abram Watson, Wm. Stephenson, Isaac Kinney, Jno. 
Bullen, Alex. M. Kent, Jas. D. Curtis, Waters Towsley, 
Isaac Sykes, Cephas S. Kent, Samuel H. Patehcn, Truman 
Burroughs, Wm. Earl, Elihu Giftord, and James W. Jones. 

There are three cheese-factories in the town, one at 
South Hannibal and one at Hannibal, both owned by stock 
companies. The third one is in the northeast part of the 
town, owned by E. S. Tallman. 

It is related of Mr. Cox, an early settler on lot 51, that 
one afternoon while chopping in the woods his attention was 
attracted by the squealing of a hog, and upon approaching the 
jilace whence the sound came he found a huge bear gnawing 
away at the head of the unfortunate porker. Mr. C. would 
rap on a tree with his axe, when Bruin would look up for a 
moment and then resume his gnawing. The night following, 
Mr. Cox resolved to catch the marauder, and fi.xcd his trap 
accordingly. During the night the bear returned for the rem- 
nants of his prey, and, as was expected, fell into the trap. 
He, however, proved equal to the emergency, and winding 
the chain of the trap around a small tree, gnawed his foot 
ofi, and thus escaped. 

Nicholas Cox (father), Chas. Cox, and Jno. Cox, a min- 
ister, also settled on lot 51, about 1828 or 1829. 

The post-office at Wheeler's Corners was established in 
18l)7, and named North Hannibal. John Farnham was 
appointed postmaster, with M. H. Cox as deputy. John 
A. Cox was appointed postmaster in 1872, and M. H. Cox, 
the present incumbent, in 1873. 

William Ames, from Windham county, Connecticut, 
settled on lot 57 in 1818, on the farm now owned by Jason 
Kent. 

Cephas S. Kent, a native of Vermont, settled on lot 57 
in 1815, clearing up a small portion, and moved his family 
in ISlt), coming all the way in a sleigh, reaching his home 
in the wilderness in the month of March. 



Alanson Blodgett, from Onondaga county, located on lot 
50 in 1817, where he still resides. Lot 50 was first settled 
by Artemus Blodgett. 

Henry and Benjamin Wiltsie, natives of Dutchess county, 
took up lot 47 in about 1811. Cornelius, a son of Henry, 
moved in about 1813, and Frederick, a son of Cornelius, 
now resides on lot 47. Martin Wiltsie early settled on lot 
48, the present residence of C. Perry Campbell. 

W. W. Brackett, a native of Washington county, was 
the first merchant at Hannibal Centre, and remained in 
that business and other industrial pursuits forty-six years. 
lie erected a peppermint distillery at the same place, and 
was also proprietor of a store at Hannibal village. He died 
November 23, 1876. 

Captain Hector Gillis was an early settler at Oswego, and 
was a sailor on Lake Ontario, commanding two vessels, 
viz. : " Betsey" and " Julia." He was at the capture of 
Oswego in 1814. He settled in Hannibal about the year 
1818, on the farm now occupied by one of his sons. Mr. 
Gillis died in 1864. 

John Green, a native of Massachusetts, and later a resi- 
dent of Oneida county, was an early settler in Mexico, and 
at the time of the attack on Oswego was called out as a 
minute-man. He brought the first carding-machine to 
Mexico. 

James W. Jones, from Saratoga county, settled on lot 76 
about 1816, purchasing near two hundred acres, for which 
he paid five dollars per acre. His son, Powell Jones, now 
owns and resides on a portion of these lands. 

Robert Hall, from Ireland, settled on lot 39 about 1811 
or 1812. 

The first newspaper in Hannibal was published in 1866 
by George V. Emens, rather a small monthly sheet, called 
the Hanntlial Revcilh'. In 1872 Mr. Emens changed it 
to a semi-monthly, and in January, 1873, issued it as a 
weekly. July 1, 1873, it was purchased by A. N. Bradt, 
the present editor and proprietor, and has a circulation of 
about five hundred. 

VILLAGES. 

In the town of Hannibal there are four small hamlets 
and one considerable village. Hannibal village, known 
more familiarly as Hannibalville, is an incorporated village, 
with about six hundred inhabitants, comprising the larger 
portion of lot 67, and some of lot 58, and being located on 
Nine-Mile creek. Within the corporation, on this creek, 
are two mills, one grist-mill, two saw-mills, a tannery, a 
stave-factory, a barrel-factory, a cheese-factory, and a cheese- 
box-factory. The tannery was established in 1822 by 
Thomas Shelton. It was destroyed by fire December 3, 
1875, and rebuilt early the following year. It goes by 
steam, and can turn out fifty hides per week. The grist- 
mill employs both water and steam, and is owned by Wil- 
liams & Misen. One of the saw-mills, and the stave- and 
barrel-factories, all employing steam, were built in 186G by 
William R. Cox, and are now owned by R. M. Rogers. 
The other taw-mill (^steam j is owned by Wooster & Parsons, 
and the cheese-box-factory (also steam) by W. Dada & Son. 
The cheese-factory, built in 18G9, is owned by a stock 
company. 

The leading mercantile establishment i.-? managed by S. 



310 



UISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



W. Brewster & Son, — a three-story brick building ; and a 
jewelry store connected, or in the same building, by C. P. 
Aluirotli. The other husiiioss intorcsts of the village are: 
II. M. Pierce, hardware ; Gi-orge lyoonard, grocer, and boots 
and shoes; Wilson Cooper, merchant tailor; J. W. Burt, 
clothing and postmaster; two harness-shops, one by Brad- 
ford Byrne, and the other by Deacon Lazolere ; carriage- 
manufactory, by II. Mattcson ; boot and shoe store, by 
Peter Dillabough ; one meat-market; two .small confec- 
tioneries and saloons; 6ve black.smilh-shop.s; Burt & Both- 
well, dealers in general nieruliandisc ; and a fine hotel, by 
Eli C. Van Auken. Tiie physicians are E. H. Boyd, 
Dillon F. Acker, Alfred Kice, retired ; George V. Emcns, 

dentist ; also Dr. Acker I father of D. F. Acker), a 

retired physician. The lawyers are H. M. Barrett, D. J. 
Van Auken, Sr., and N. B. Brower. 

The newspapers are the llniuiilnil Retrille and nmniihal 
Ncas, both inenlioiicd in the chapter on the press. 

Hannibal has also a fine town-hall, nearly new, the third 
floor of which is occupied by the Mxsonie fraternity. 

Hannibal Centre has one store, managed by Hubert 
Dickinson, who is also postmaster; a small grocery, grist- 
mill, and the steam-mills run by Orvillc J. II. Keed and 
his father. Dr. Cooley is the physician. 

South Hannibal has one store, blacksmith-shop, and post- 
ofiSee. 

Fairdalc has a post-office, grocery, wagon-shop, atid 
blacksmith-shop. 

North Hannibal has a store run by JI. H. Co.x, post- 
master; also a grocery, by Erwin Shutts, a wagon-shop,- 
and one or two biacksniitli-shops. D. D. Mctcalf, a prom- 
inent lawyer, has a residence at this place. 

IlANNiB.ii, LoDUE, No. 550, F. AND A. M. — This lodge 
was instituted June, 1SG5. The following were chartcr- 
mcniliors: Albert B. Worstcr, George L. Carr, George V. 
Eniens, James W. Jones, E. M. Allen, A. S. Archer, Wil- 
liam H. Wiggins, David Botliwcll, Robert >[. Rogers, Jr., 
Nicholas B. Brower, Eli C. A'an Auken, Ilcnian Myres, 
C. M. Cogswell, William Titus, William R. Conger, J. H. 
Whitman. 

The first officers were A. B. Worstcr, W. M. ; G. L. 
Carr, S. W. ; G. V. Emens, J. W. ; W. R. Conger, 
Treasurer; N. B. Brower, Secretary. 

About twelve thousand dollars was spent in fitting up 
their lodge-room, which made it one of the finest to be 
found in any small village in this part of the Slate. 

The lodge was very prosperous and harmonious from its 
organizjition. 

On the evening of July 3, 1873, the lodge-roimi and 
nearly everything it contained W!\s destroyed by fire. Four 
humlri'd and fifty dollars was received as insurance, and 
with this the members sUirted anew, somewhat disheartened 
but not discouraged. A room was procured in the hotel 
of E. C. Van Auken, which was occupied about one yciir. 
In the mean time a room was being built for the lodge by 
the Union Hall company, which they have leased for a 
term often years. This room has been furnished in much 
liitler style than the old one, and is a credit to the 
fraternity. 

At the present time the lodge consists of one hundred 



-^- 



and two members in good standing. The officers for the 
present year are as follows : G. V. Emens, W. M. ; S. W. 
Crandall, S. W. ; Cyrus Haven, J. W. ; J. W. Burt, 
Trea-surer; Cyrus Burnes, Secretary ; Frederick ISlodgett, 
S. D. ; Andrew Byrne, J. D. ; Geard Clark, S. M. S. \ A. 
Archer, J. M. S. ; B. F. Byrne, Tyler; M. H. Van Auken, 
Chaplain ; D. F. Acker, Marshal. 

TlIK PRESBVTERIA.V ClIlRCIi OF HANNinAl, 

was orgsHiizcd December 4, 18IC — present. Rev. David R. 
Di.xon, of Mexico, and Rev. Henry Smith, from the Oneida 
female missionary society. Eleven members took part in 
the organization, viz. : Alexander M. Kent, Trumbull Kent, 
Cephas S. Kent, Barraleel Worstcr, William Grant, Laura 
Kent, Polly Rice, Betsey Worstcr, Betsey Curtis, Marilla 
Stevenson, and Phccbe Fellows. The only names of the 
first officers given on the records are those of Cephas S. 
Kent, deacon, and Alexander M. Kent, clerk. 

The place of meeting for many years was in the village 
school-house. The first church in town was built in ISliG, 
by this society conjointly with the Masonic fraternity, who 
occupied the second floor as a lodge-room. It was a frame 
building, and cost about two thousand dollars. In ISl'iO 
the present church edifice was erected, costing about four 
thousand dollars. It is a tasteful wooden building, forty 
by sixty feet, with a commodious lecture-room in the rear. 

The pa.stors have been as follows: 1824, John Alex- 
ander; 1SU5. William Clark; 1829, Martin Powell; 1831, 
William P. Eclls, died 1832; 1833. Jamas T. Hough; 
1835, Lemuel Dady ; 1840, Edward Reynolds; 1813, 
John N. Hulil.ard; 1854, H. H. .Morgan; 1850, E. P. 
Cook, died in 1857; 1858, Lucius Barnard; 1859, P. W. 
Emens; 1861, John N. Hubbard; 18G7, E. P. Adams; 
1870, Alfred Snashall; 1S73, F. W. Seward. 

The church was originally organized as Presbj'terian. It 
was changed to Congregational February 20, 1822, and 
again changed to Presbyterian, July 25, 1870. 

There are now ninety-six members of the church and 
eighty-nine of the Sunday-school, which last has a library 
of a hundred and fifty volumes. 

The present ciders are as follows : S. W. Brewster, A. 
F. Allen, Eliab Scott, Horatio Dunham, I. E. Hull. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH. 

In the month of January or February, 1,817, the Baptist 
church of Sterling Wiis organized, with Mr. and Mrs. Wil- 
month, Mrs. Esther Devine, Mary Duma.ss, John Lake, 
Sarah Lake, Mi's. Jo.shua Lake, and Amos and Annie 
Wiltse as members. Meetings were held at the different 
dwellings. There wjis no stationed pastor, but a missionary 
fref|Ucntly preached to the people. There was no regular 
pastor until what was known as the Sterling and Hannibal 
church was org-auized, in 1825, with Rev. Mr. Carpenter 
as pastor. It was 8ubse(|Uently called the Hannibal Bapti.st 
church. The first church edifice was erected in the village 
of Hannibal in 1827, just north of the present residence of 
Dr. Rice. The size was about thirty-six by forty feet, and 
the seating capacity about three hundred. It is a frame 
building, and cost in 1827 two thousand two hundred dol- 
lars. Some ten or twelve years ago repairs were made to 




^'V^* 



■f •, 



'■■Mr- 




71 









<v^- 



<¥<- 






fj*- 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



311 



tlie amount of about a thousand dollars. The following 
are the names of some of the pastors officiating, viz. : Rev. 
Mr. Carpenter, Rev. Mr. Upfold, Joseph More (who used 
to preach to tliem occasionally some ten years before there 
was a resident pastor), Rev. iMr. Watkins (the three latter 
all died at this place within a few years), Peter Woodin, 
Elder Ira Dudley, Elder Caperin, Elder Foot, Elder 
Graham, Elder Dudley, Judson Davis, E. B. Law, Elipha- 
let Owens, Elder Reynolds, and Charles C. Smith. The 
present membership of the church is near one hundred. 

THE HANNIBAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY. 

The Hannibal Methodi.st Episcopal society originally be- 
longed to what was known as Granby circuit. The class 
from which this society was organized was formed in 1835. 
On the 2Gth of February, 1839, a meeting was held for the 
purpose of incorporating the society, and the certificate of 
incorporation was recorded in the county clerk's office 
March 13, 1839. Some of the first trustees and members 
were as follows ; David Peckham, John L. Kipp, Alva 
Worster, William Nipper, William A. Jacobs, Nathan Drury, 
William Williams, and their wives. The total number of 
members at organization was twenty-five. John Whitcomb 
was then pastor. 

The society held their meetings about three years in a 
school-house that used to stand opposite the present Pres- 
byterian church, near ten rods from the present Methodist 
Episcopal church. Rev. Benj. F. Brown came in 1840, 
and remained until 1842. During his pastorate the mem- 
bership was largely increased. As a result of tins revival 
the society, in 1841, built a new brick church, thirty by 
forty feet, costing eleven hundred and fifty dollars. From 
1842-43 Rowland Soule was pastor; 1843-44, W. Mason; 
1844-45, J. W. Coope; 1845-47, Rev. Alvin Robbins; 
1847-49, Rev. M. H. Gaylord ; 1849-51, Rev. 0. Squires ; 
1851-53, Rev. David Smith ; 1853-55, Rev. S. B. Cro- 
sier; 1855-56, Rev. Wm. Merrifield ; 1856-58, Rev. H. 
Kingsley; 1858-60, Rev. R. N. Barber; 1860-62, Rev. 

0. C. Lathrop; 1862-G3, Rev. • Ellis; 1863-66, 

Rev. H. Skeel. 

Through the financial management of the last-named 
pastor and a united society, a second church edifice of 
brick, forty-four by sixty-eight feet, was built in 1864. 
This church was built in front of the old one, causing the 
removal of about one-third of that church, the remainder 
being open for social meetings. 

The whole cost of the church, including lot and old 
church, is about nine thousand dollars. From 1866-68 
the pastor was Rev. S. 0. Barnes; 1868-69, Rev. F. A. 
O'Farrell; 1869-71, Rev. W. F. Markham ; 1871-73, 
Rev. II. C. Abbott. 

In 1873, Rev. D. W. Beadle acted as pastor five months. 
His health failing, Rev. C. E. Beebee came in the fall of 
1873, and remained until 1876. In 1876, Rev. W. F. 
Brown, the present pastor, was installed. Only the names 
of senior pastors have been given in the foregoing list, 
though assistants have sometimes been employed. 

The present number of members of the society is one 
hundred and sixty-seven. The Sunday-school contains 
about one hundred and thirty members, and has near two 



hundred books in its library, besides which seventy semi- 
monthly papers are taken by the school. 

HANNIBAL CENTRE CHARGE, 

constituting the Hannibal Centre and South Hannibal 
churches, being one pastorate, was organized from two 
charges, viz.. South Hannibal from Granby, and Hannibal 
Centre from Hannibal Village, in 1871. Hannibal Centre 
church was erected about 1862 or '63. South Hannibal 
was erected about 1860. The first class organized at Han- 
nibal Centre was in 1830, with Mr. James A. Brackett as 
first class-leader. Members of the first class were Sarah 
Brackett, Wight Church, M. A. Thompson, Jane Havens, 
Wm. Brackett, John J. Scott and wife, Alva Worster, 
Saml. Frost, Truman Brackett and wife, John Hutchinson, 
Hannah Perkins. 

Among the first preachers were Benj. Ryder, Samuel 
Bibbins, and Mr. Seymour. The present pastor is Esquire 
Boyd. 

The size of the church at South Hannibal is thirty-six by 
fifty-two feet. A Sunday-school has been connected with 
it for twenty-five years, with Hubert Dickinson as the 
present superintendent. 

THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF SOUTH HANNIBAL 

was organized August 7, 1851, with the following officers: 
John Chapman, deacon, J. B. Chapman, church clerk, 
and the following mendjers : Arris Chapman, S. Hulett, 
E. T. Hulett, Ira Dibble, Elis Dibble, G. James, Catherine 
James, E. R. Chapman, E. T. Pierce, Anna James, Sally 
Terpaniiig, Bct.sy James, Hannah B. Armstrong, and Helen 
Lathrop. Late pastor, S. G. Jones; present pastor, P]. D. 
Cross. The church was erected in 1851, and dedicated 
May 7, 1852. Present membership, thirty-five. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



JONAS SHUTTS 

was the eldest in a family of twelve children, consisting of 
four sons and eight daughters. He was born in the town 
of Claverack, Columbia county. New York, on the eighteenth 
day of March, 1814. Of this large family of children Jonas 
and five sisters are all that survive. 

John Shutts, the father of our subject, about the year 
1815 removed to Montgomery county, where he engaged 
in farming until 1829, when he again removed, this time to 
Oswego County, and for the fii-st few years was engaged in 
farming lands on shares. He afterwards purchased a form 
of his own. In the year 1834, at twenty years of age, 
Jonas was united in marriage to Miss Clari.ssa A. Demott, 
of the same place. Three children were born of this mar- 
riage, — Laura E., Mary E., and John, who died when an 
infant of six months. Mrs. Siiutts died in 1840, leaving 
these three children and a bereaved husband. In the fol- 
lowing year Mr. Shutts filled the vacancy in his home by 
choosing another companion. He was married to Miss 
Emcline C. Lane, of the same town, daughter of Coloi:cl 



312 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTF, NEW YOHK. 



Koswcll Lane. She is one of nine children, — three sons 
and six daughters, all of whom are living exccj)t two. Col- 
onel R. Lane lived to the advanced age of seventy-four 
years, dying in 1874 ; his wife is still living, and is seventy- 
five years of age. John Shutts, the fiithur of Jonas, lived 
to the age of seventy-three years, dying in 18G3 ; his wife 
still survives at the age of eighty-two years. Mr. Jonas 
frhutt.s by his last marriage is the father of seven children, 
— Alvina A., Clarissa A., George W., Gilbert J., Sarah E., 
Lettie M. J., Eva D., all living to-day except Lettie, who 
died in 1874, aged seventeen. They are all married and 
have families except Eva, who is a young lady of eighteen, 
and is at home with her parents. Mary E., a daughter of 
his first wife, died in 1873, aged thirty-five years. 

The home fiirm consists of two hundred acres, and he 
owns other farms of two hundred acres more. We present 
our readers with a fine view of the residence, and portraits 
of Mr. Shutts and his wife. 



MILITARY RECORD OF HANxNIBAL 



Julin Allen, Co. I, lS4tli Inf. Enlistcl Aug. 12, 1864; Jis. nilli regt.; 

(lied of dioease coutraclcd in tbo service, 
lloriice .Acker, Co. II, llllli Inf. Fir.<t man in rcgt. killed in bnlllo. 
W. II. Acker, ci.rp. ami i-ergl., Co. F, 1 lOlh N. Y. Inf. Mu.-t. Aug. 25, 

lsri2; died in the service. 
Cornelius .Vdiiui.v, corp., Co. F, UOtli X. V. Must. Aug. 2j, 1S(>2; dis. 

for disability'. 
1). F. Acker, Co. F, S4tb X. Y. Inf. Enlisted July I, l.sr)4 ; dis. Oct. 

SI, 1SU4. 
Geo. W. Arnold, li'.lh II. Art. 
Joseph Albring, Co. H. Slst Inf. Enlisted Sept. Ifi, I8C1 ; dis. Sept., 

181)4: corj>. and scrgt. ; wounded in battle. 
Lorcn .-Vuslin, 21th Cuv. Wounded in battle, 
llezckiah Allen, Co. F, Slst Inf. Enlisted Sept. :tO, ISClj dis. for 

disaliilitv. 
Edwuril Ajlesworth, scrg., Co. G, M7tb N. Y. Enlisted Aug. 2J, 1S62 ; 

died at liettj^aburg, July, 18(13, from wounds received in buttle. 
(Jeorge .\Ik'ii. 

AVilliam Itoom. Co. (}, 1 10th Inf. jMust. Aug. 2A, 1802. 
Isaac T. Unickctt, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1802; dis. 

with regt.; 1st sorgt., 2d lieut., 1st licut., and bvt. capt. 
J. iM. Bailey, Corp., Co. F, 110th Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1802. 
Bradford F. Byrne, Corp., Co. F, UOtb Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1802; 

dis. at end of three years. 
W. II. Baker, Co. F, llOth X. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, I.SC2; jirisoner 

of war. 
O. \V. Baker, Co. F, llOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25. 1802. 
J. A. Byrne, Co. F, 1 lOlh X. Y. Inf. Mu.-t. Aug. 25, 1802; discharged 

with the regiment. 
David Barrie, Co. F, 1 10th Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862. 
John Brodcrick, Co. F, lIMth Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862. 
Michael Blake, Co. F, UOth Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1802. 
A. Z. Buck, Co. F, 110th Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; discharged with 

regiment. 
W. H. Braukett, Co. II, Slst Inf. Corp., sergt., reg. (jm. sergt., Ut 

lieut., and bvt. ca]ft. 
J. W. Bruckott, Co. C, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1804 ; disuharged 

with regiment. 
Herbert J. Byrne, Co. K, 1 I2d X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1862 ; dis- 

chargctl June 7, 1865, with regiment. 
Andrew Byrne, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. ;!1, 1S04; dis- 
charged with regiment, 
Albert X, Bradt, corp., Co. Jl, II lib X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. II, 

1802; discharged for disability, .lune 11, 180S; jirisoner of war. 
AVilliiuu llra.lt. Co. II, llltb N. Y. Infanlrv. 



J. J. Bingham, Co. B, 122d N. T. Inf. Gnlislotl July 9, 18«3; dia- 

ehnrged July 3, 1805; wounded in battle. 
E. II. Boyd, captain, Co. F, llOih X. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, '02. 
Charles F. Burt, — Minnesota Inf. 
David Botbcrell, Co. C, |84lh N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 1«, l.sfil ; 

2d lieut. ; mustoreil out with regiment. 
Edward Billbanlt, 9lh II. Art. 
Charles Billhardt, 9th X. Y. II. Art. 

C. S. Buck, Co. C, I84th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 27, 1804 ; dis- 
charged with regiment. 
W, W. Buck, sergeant, Co, E, 2llh X. Y. Inf. Mustered May 17, 

1861 : discharged with regiment. 
James Brennan. corporal, Co. E, 24lh Inf. Mustered May 17, 1801 ; 

discharged with regiment. 
John Brennan, Co. E, 24lh Inf., and 24th N. Y. Cav. Prisoner of war. 
J. A. Baxter, Co. C, 184th Inf. Enlisted August 25. 1864. 
Daniel E. Brown, Co. F, 9th N. Y. II. Art. Enlisted January, 1864; 

discharged June, 1805. 
William Baker. 
(Icorgo M. Butler, 24tb N. \. Cav. Mustered with regiment; died in 

the service. 

Burner. Missing at Cold Harbor. 

Henry Bishop, 9th N. Y. II. Art. Missing at Cold Harbor. 

Monroe Baker, Co. C, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 31, 1864; died in 

the service, June 4, 1805. 
William Butler, 24th N. Y. Cav. Muttered with regiment; wounded 

in the service. 
Eraslus M. Baker, Co. E, 12th X. Y. Cav. Enlisted September 24, 

1862; ilischarged June, 1804. 
Henry Baker, Co. C, 184th Inf. Enlisted August 31, ISGI; died in 

the service. 
Xicholas Boom, Co, G, 110th Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862; died 

from wounds received iu battle, Dec. 12, 1863. 
T. II. Bentlcy, corp.iral, Co. A, 147th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 30, 

1802; killed in battle. 
Williftui Brennan, Co. F, UOth X. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug, 25, 1862; 

discharged with regiment. 
Jerry Brown, 9th X. Y. II. Art. 
T. J. Bfel)e, 21st X. Y. Battery. Died in service. 
William Brown. Slst Inf., and Co. C, lS4th Inf. Died from disease 

contracteil in the service. 
Orlando Barrett. Died from disease contracted in the service. 
Charles A. Byington, 110th X. Y. Inf. I'ro. to 2d licut., and died in 

the service. 
Samuel Burnsido, Co. II, llOlh N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862; 

died in the service. 
Kobcrt Burnsidc, Co. A, UOth Inf. Died in the eorvioc. 
Isaae Borst, Co. G, 134th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 13, 1862; dis. 

June 14, 1865. 
Nicholas Bradley, Co. H, 1 1 lib X. Y. Inf, Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; dis. 

for disability, Deo. 29, 1863: wounded in battleand pris. of war. 
Ethan Benn.tl, Co. I, 75th Inf. Enlisted Nov. 18, 1.S61. 
Levi Bennett, Co. I, 75th Inf. Enlisted Xov. 2, 1861. 
James Barner, Co, I, 184th Inf. Enl'.l Aug. 27, '64 ; dis. with regt. 
Wni. Biekley, Co. F, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864. 
Michael Brennan, Co. E, 24th N. Y. Inf. Mustered May 17, ISOI. 
Edwnril Brinck, 75th N. Y. Enlisted Sept. 21, 1801. 
.S. W. Barnes, 75th N. Y. Enlisted Oct. 14, 1801. 
Elijah Barner, 75lh N. Y. Enlisted Oct, 4, Isoi. 
Ezra R. Bennett. Co. I, 75th N. Y. Enlistc<l Xov. 2, IsOl ; dis- 
charged with regt. 
Cicero Brinck, Slst N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 25, ISOI. 
William Burnsidc. Slst Inf. Enlisted Dec. 10, ISOI. 
E. Bassclt, 59th N. \. Inf. Missing at Antietam. 
Riverous Bamcr. Died in the service. 
Stephen Barner, 75th N. Y. Inf, Died in the service. 
Moullon D. Cox, Corp., Co. B, 147th Inf. Enlisted July, 1862; dis- 
charged for ilisability. 
Martin H. Co.x, Co. D, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1862; mustered 

out with regt. 
Geo. Cox. 5th .Mich. Battery. Discharged for disability. 
Oscar (!. Chapman, Co. A, llUth. .Mustered Aug. 25, 1862. 
Jeremiah Cole, Light .\rt. Died in the service. 
Lyman Church, Corp.. Co. I, 75th X. Y. Inf. EnlM Xov. 2, 1861 ; 

died in ho!<i)ital after receiving his discharge. 




Res. of Avery Gre.en 
Hannibau, Oswego co. n. y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



313 



Silas D. Crofoot, Co. C, ISUh Inf. Eulistod Aug. 25, 1861; mus- 
tered out with regt. 
Ziba Cook, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept. 12, ISGl ; dis. on account of 

wounds: re-enlisted in 2Uh Cav. ; killed in front of Petersburg, 

July, 1S64. 
Henry J. Cook, 24th N. Y. Inf. Mus. in and out with rogt. ; rc-cnl'd 

in 24th N. Y. Car. ; scrgt., and killed in battle near Ilichniond. 
Rev. D. A. Cook (father of the above two Cooks), Co. E, 9th II. Art. 

Killed in battle. 
Petor J. Cavis, Co. F, 11 0th Inf. Corp. 0th H. Art. 
I Charles W. Cooper, Co. F, llOth N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1802 ; 

died in the service. 
Frank Chase, Co. P, 110th N. Y. Inf. Mus. Aug. 25, 1S02; died in 

the service, with his discharge under his pillow. 
Win. F. Clark, sergt., Co. F, 1 10th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; 

disch. with regiment. 
Milton Clark, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; diseh. 

with regiment. 
Stephen Clark, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. 

with regiment. 
Thomas Clark. 

Peter W. Cooper, Co. F, 1 10th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1S62 ; dis- 
charged with regiment. 
Wm. Curtis, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. 

with regiment. 
Chauneey A. Cummings, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 20, 1802 ; 

died in the service. 
Nile Case, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. with 

regiment. 
John C. Crofoot, ud N. Y. Lt. Art. Disch. for disability ; corporal in 

Co. C, lS4th N. Y. Inf. ; enl'd Aug., 1864 ; disch. with regiment. 
Sylvester Clark, Co. C, 24th N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Apr. 28, 1861 ; disch. 

on account of wounds, Nov. 19, 1862. 
John Clark, Co. E, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1864. 
William Carter, Co. C, 184th Inf. Enl'd Aug. 29, 1864; disch. with 

regiment. 
Waters Chilson, Co. E, 24th Inf., and sergt., 24th N. Y. Cav. W'd 

in battle. 
T. Cady, Co. E, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864. 
John Chappell, Co. H, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1SG4; 

mustered out with the regiment. 
Wm. Chappell, Co. F, 81st N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. 
Dyer Chappell, Co. F, 81st N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 30, 1861. 
William Castilies, 75th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Nov. 2, 1861. 
James Clark. 

AVillis Dada, 24th N. Y. Cav. Disch. on ace. of w'ds rec'd in battle. 
Thos. Dunton, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; died in 

the service, Sept. 22, 1863. 
William Dibble, Co. I, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 27,1864; disch. 

with regiment. 
Seneca Dibble, Co. I, 75th N. Y. Inf. Eul'd Nov. 2, 1861; died in 

the service. 
Asa Dibble. Died in the service. 

Kichard Dibble, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862. 
Ira Dibble, 9th II. Art. Died of disease contracted in the service. 
William Dickson, 147th N. Y. Vols. 

Henry A. Dada, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; dis- 
charged with regiment. 
Ira Darling, Co. C, lllth X. Y. Vols. 
Verona L. Dada, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25,1862; trans. 

to band of 19th Kegt. Vet. Res.; diseh. July, 1865. 
E. G. Demott, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; disch. 

for disability. 
Jas. Draper, Co. F, 1 10th N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1SG2 ; disch. for 

disability; re-eul'd in Co. C, 184th Inf., and mustered out with 

regiment: wounded in service. 
James Donnelly, Uarnes' liat., and Co. I, 7Gth N. Y. Inf. ; wounded 

and jirisoncr of war. 
Frank Dudley, 16th N. Y. 11. Art. 
Alfreil Draper, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; dis. 

with regiment. 
Robert Draper, Co. E, 2ah N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, ISIil ; dis. for 

disability. 
Moses A. Dumas, Co. C, 44th N. V. Inf. Enl'd .Vug. 8, '61 ; wounded 
in battle ; lost a leg. 

21 



Edward Drake, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 29, 186 1 ; dis. 

with regiment. 
Thomas Dolan, 81st N. Y. Inf. Said to be the first man of the regi- 
ment killed in battle. 
Joseph Demott. Mexican war and war of the rebellion. 
Theo. Demott, Co. I, 184th. Eulisted Sept. 2, 1864. 
James Doris, Co. E, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 2G, ISGI. 
Charles Deacons, Co. E. lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 
Garrett De:u:ons, Co. E, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 
Milton Dodge. 
Eli Emigh, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1865; dis. with 

regiment, 1865. 
Augustus Eldridge, Co. D, 10th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Oct. U, 1S61 ; 

dis. Dec. 25, 1864; woumled ami prisoner of war. 
Nicholas Ecker, Co. E, 153d N. Y. Inf. Eul'd Aug. 27, '02; wounded 

in battle. 
John Eaton. Died in the service. 
Edward Eggleston, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; died in 

the service. 
Robert S. Fender, Co. C, 18Uh N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. I, 1864; 

must, out with regiment. 
Alfred 11. Fo.k, Co. A, 1 10th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1862 ; died 

in the service. 
Charles FoUctt, corp., Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; 

died in the service. 
Mason D. Farnham, sergt., 147th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted July 31, 1862 ; 

dis. for disability, and died from disease contracted in the service. 
Chas. 11. Fox, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 29, 1864; must. 

out with the regiment. 
Aaron Ferry, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enl'il Aug. 27, 1864 ; must, 

out with the regiment. 
Albert M. Fox, Co. E, 24th N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1861; dis. for 

disability. 
Geo. Fairchilds, Co. I, 12.3d N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 8, '62; dis. July, 

1865; wounded in battle. 
Loaniler Fuller, Co. I, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 26, 1864. 
Christopher Frear, Co. E, 24th N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1861. 
W. II. Finohout, Co. C, 24th N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1861. 
Herbert Finehout, Co. C, 24th N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1861. 
George Fiske. 
John Fender, 1st sergt. and 2d lieut., 24th N. Y. Inf. Dis. with regt ; 

re-enlisted in Hancock's 1st Army Corps of Veterans; dis. at 

the end of the war. 
Charles A. Gillis, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 25, 1862; dis. 

for disability, and died of disease contracted in the service. 
Larnion Galloway, sergt., Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 

1862; dis. with the regiment. 
James Gifford, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 1862 ; died 

in the service, March 27, 1863. 
Ogden N. Green, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 1862 ; dis. 

with the regiment. 
Alexander Galloway, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 1862; 

dis. with the regiment. 
Andrew Galloway, 24th N. Y. Cav. Served during service of the 

regiment. 
Wm. H. Galloway, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864; 

dis. with regiment; captiireil. 
Smith Gary, 25th Mich. Inf. Enlisted June, 1861 ; dischiirged for dis- 
ability. 
John Green, Co. C, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 29, 1864. 
Alanson Gifford, Co. A, 147th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 25, 1862; 

prisoner of war. 
James Goodell, Co. G, 147th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Se|)tember 4, 1862 ; 

wounded ; lost an arm. 
Austin GiUett, Co. C, ISlth N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 29, 1864 ; 

mustered out with regiment. 
Wm. Gaull, Co. I, 193d N. Y. Inf. Enlisted March 24, 1865. 
Albert M. Guernsey. 
Philos C. Glover, Co. E, 18lth N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 27, 1864; 

mustered out with regiment. 
M. A. Godfrey, Co. E, 181th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug- 20, 1864. 
Andrew German, Co. E, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlistqa Sept. 2, 1864. 
Wm. R. Gore, Co. E, 24th N. Y. Inf. MuBt. May 17, 18til : 24lh N. Y. 

Cav. : pris<Mier of war. 
Griffin D. Green, 75th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. 



314 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Warren D. Ilannum, scrgt., Slat N. T. Inf. EnliBlrd Sept. 30, 1861 ; 
(lipcliiirf^tMl M end of thrt'e years. 

UalKi'V llutchcran, 24th N. V. Inr. Must. .Mar 17, Isfil : discb. fur 
ili^nliility ; died of diseat^e cnntractcU in tho service. 

Juhu lliilelu'son, Co. F, 8l9t N. Y. Inf. Enlitted Sc|<t. 3U, 18G1 ; killed 
nt Fair Oaks while nick in hospital. 

Charles I). Hortim, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 1862; 
discharged with the regiment. 

Benjamin F. Hull, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Must. August 25, 1862 ; 
discharged with regiment. 

James A. Haven, Corp., Co. F, 81st N. Y. Inf., and Olh N. Y. H. Art. 

William H. Havens, 81st N. Y. Inf. 

James A. Hawks, Bat. I, 3d N. Y. Lt. Art. Prisoner of war. 

David A. Hcndrick, Co. H, Olh N. Y. H. Art. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864 ; 
di.tcharged June 13, 1865. 

John Hulluni, Co. E. 152d N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 26, 1862 ; wounded; 
trniisfcrred to 16lh Rcgl. Vet. Res. Corps; disch. 1865. 

Joseph J. Ihilch, "ith .\. Y. Inf. 

Alulou Ilulclt, Co. C, I84th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 29, 1864; 
discharged with the regiment. 

Arnold llulett, Co. C, 184lh .V. Y. Inf. Enlisted August 29, 1864 ; 
discharged with the regiment. 

Anlh(iny P. llompe, Co. C, 181th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, 18C4 ; 
murtcrcd out with regiment. 

John Hompe, Co. D, 147lh N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 6, 1862; dis- 
charged wiih regiment. 

James llyalt. II 1th N. Y. Inf. Prisoner of war. 

Jerome Hyatt. 11 1th N. Y. Inf. 

Charles I>. lliinnum, sergeant. Co. D, 19th Ohio Infantry. 

Wallace Hannibal, Co. E. lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted .Sept. 3, 1804 ; 
mustered out with regiment. 

William H. Howell, Co. E, I.'<4lh N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864. 

Willett L. Ilyati, Co. F, 81st N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Oct. 18, ISfil. 

William Howard. 

William Hornkostic, Co. D, I84th N. Y. Inf. Mustered in and out 
uilh regiment. 

Orrin D. Huick. 

Moses Hawks, Hal. A, Chicago Light Artillery. Three years. 

James Lyinnn, Co. C, 147lh X. Y. Inf. Enlisted March 14, 1864; dis- 
chargeil January 2, 1866 ; prisoner of war. 

John JclTrys, Co. F, Slst N. Y. Inf., and Co. I, 184lh X. Y. Inf. 

George Johnson. 

Henry James, 147lb X. Y. Inf. Discharged on account of wounds 
receiveil in hattlo. 

Otis A. Kip, Co. C, 184th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864; dis- 
charged with regiment : caplure<l. 

John J. Ketney, Co. K, 9tb X. Y. H. Art. Wounded in battle, 

C. II. Keycs, Co. I, 7Jlh N. Y. Inf. Enlisted November 2, 1861. 

Thomas Kennedy, Co. C, 184th N. \. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864. 

Julius A. Knapp, Co. F, 75th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Oct. I, 180! ; dis- 
charged June 23, 1865; sergeant. 

William H. Kilmer, Co. E, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1864. 

Abrani Kilmer, Co. E, 184th N. Y. V. Must, in and out with rcgt. 

William Kcnneday. 

John Kope, 5lh X. Y. Heavy Artillery. 

Thomas I.esler, Co. F, I lOth N.Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862; dis- 
charged with regiment; prisoner of war. 

George A. Leonard, Co. C, 184lh X.Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 16, 1864; 
discharged with regiment : 1st lieutenant. 

Simon Leroy, (^o. II, 81st N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 14, 1861. 

Leroy, 9th N. Y. Heavy Artillery. 

Albert G. Maltby, Co. E, 184lh X.Y. Inf. Mustered in and out with 
regiment. 

Albert Marback, Co. H, lllth Inf. Died in tho service. 

William H. .Matteson, Co. F, llOth N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 
ISIi2; dii-tl while a prisoner of war, 

John Milligan, Co. F, 110th N. Y^. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862; dis- 
charged with tho regiment. 

Ja«. H. Morehouse, corp., Co. C, I84th X. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 2G, 
1864; dis. with regiment. 

James Montgomery, Co. C, I84lh N. Y. Inf. Eul'd Aug. 25, 1864; 
dis. with regiment. 

Thco. MaileluMg. 9lh X. Y. Heavy Art. 

J. J. .McDougall. 

Michael Marback. 



Alexander Marback. 751b N. T. Inf. Snl'd Oct. 2, 1861 ; dis. with 

regiment in I8fi.>. 
Sidney .Murlell, C). I, linih N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862. 
.Samuel .Mosher, 24tb X. Y. Cav. Must, in and out with regiment. 
George .Merritt, Co. I, 7ith N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Nov. 14, 1.S61. 
Peter Myres, Co. F. 81st N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Sept. 16, 1861; dia. 

with regiment, 1865. 
Chas. E. Matteson, Co. C, Slat N. Y. Inf. Enid Sept. 13, 1861 ; ro- 

enlislcd in 24th X. Y. Cuv. ; died in .\ndcr8onrille prison. 
Wellington Matteson, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 27, 1804 ; 

dis. with regiment. 
John W. McFarland, Co. F, llOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1862; 

dis. with regiment. 
Chas. W. Maze, Co. E, 24lh N. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1861 ; supposed 

to have been killed by guerrillas. 
George Miller. 

Giles Norton. 24th N. Y. Cav. Died in the service. 
William Norton, Co. C, 24th N. Y. Inf. Died in the service. 
Eraslus Norton, Co. C, 24th N. Y. Cav. Must. May 17, ISOl; dia. 

with regiment; woundetl in battle. 
Levi Norton, Co. C, 24th X. Y. Inf. Must. May 17, 1801 ; dis. with 

regiment. 
Wm. Nightengale, sergl., Co. F, llOlh X. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 25, 

l.'*02; dis. with regiment. 
J. V. Norton. Co. F, IlUth X. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 1802 ; dis. 

with regiment. 
Chauncey A. Xims, Co. C, I84lh X. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 31, 1864; dia. 

with the regiment. 
William Xarricon. 
Wm. O'Connor, (quarter-master scrgt., 125tb N. Y. Inf.. and 2d N. Y. 

Cav. Prisoner of war. 
Wm. O'Prcy, Co. B, 1681b X. Y. Inf., and Co. K, 15th X. Y. Cav. 

Wounded in battle. 
John Oakley. Co. C, lS4th .\. Y. Inf. Enl'd Aug. 25, 1804 ; must. 

out with regiment. 
David H. O'I'rey, 81st X. V. Inf. Died of disease contracted in tho 

service. 
Michael Olt, sergt., Co. I. 24tli N. Y. Inf. .Must. May 17, 1861. 
Edward J. O'Neil, Ist sergt.. Bat. D, 10th X. Y. Heavy Art. 
Charles O'Xeil. 
Edward Powers, Co. II, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 18, 1863; dia- 

chorged October 10, 1805. 
II. A. Peckbani, Co. C, 184th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 19, 1864 ; 

disehargeit with the regiment. 
W. H. Parsons, Co. I, 75th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Nov. 2, 1861. 
John Palmer, Co. I, 75tb X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Nov. 2, 1861 ; ilied of 

wounds received in battle. 
Morgan Palmer, sergeant, Co. F, llOth N.Y. Inf. Mustered .Aug. 

25, 1802; died in the service. 
Sandford L. Palmer, Co. F, 110th X. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 

1862; discharged with the regiment. 
Joniis Palmer, Co. I, 75th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Xov. 2. 1861; dis- 
charged with the regiment; wounded in battle. 
George W. Palmer, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864 ; 

discharged with the regiment. 
Henry J. Peekham, Co. I, 75tb N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Xov. 2. 1861 ; 

died from wounds reccivetl in battle, Oct., 1864. 
Alpbonso Patchin, 3d N. Y, L. Art. Died in the service. 
Franklin K. Pierce, Co. E, 04th N. Y. Inf. Missing at Spottsylvania. 
Alexander Prou.lfit, Bat. F, 3d X. Y. L. Art. 
Alanson Polhiy. Co. E. 184th X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 23, 1804; 

discharged with the regiment. 
Eli Parsons, Co. E, 184ih X. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1804: dis- 
charged with regiment. 
Isaac H. Peckhnm, Co. F, llOth X. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1802 ; 

1st lieut., captain, and brevet-major; dischargeil for disability. 
Willie Phelps. 24th Cav. Mustered in and out with regiment. 
Myron C. Peters, lllth New York. 
George Pulsifer, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; 

discharged with the regiment. 
John C. Peters. 
Byron Patchin, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864; 

discharged with the regiment. 
John A. Perkins, Co. C, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1864; 
discharged with the regiment. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



315 



Jacoli Putnam, IHSIli N. Y. Inf., anil 9th N. Y. II. Art. Enlistc.l 
July 23, 18G2 ; transfermi to 1 Uh Rcgt. Vet. Res. Corps ; anil 
dischargeii Juno 3, ISO 1. 

Henry Pattison. 

John C. Peters. 

Orriu Pattison, 147th N. Y. Prisoner of war. 

Luraan Pincliney, sergeant, .3(1 N. Y. L, Art. 

John L. Parks, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1882; 
(lischnrged for disability. 

R. A. Powers, Co. F, 1 10th N. Y. luf. Mustered Aug. 25, 18G2 ; dis- 
charged with the regiment. 

George Palraiticr. 

Willard Pierce, 81st N. Y., and 0th N. Y. II. Art. Wuumleil in battle. 

Henry Phillips, Co. F, Slst N. Y. Inf. Enlisted March 28, 18U4 ; 
discharged for disability. 

William Patten. 

Norton Randall, llth H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 25, 1803; died July 11, 
1SG4, from wounds received in battle. 

Dwight Rhoades. Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1802; 
died in the service. 

M'illiam Rose, Co. C, 147th N. Y. Inf. Prisoner of war. 

II. Rowland, Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf., and 1st Louisiana Cav. Died. 

Geo. Rowland, Co. F, llOth N. Y., and Co. I, 184th N. Y. 

Alfred Rice, 2d ass't, 1st ass't, and surgeon, 110th N. Y. Inf. Mus- 
tered in and out with the rcgt, 

Phineas T. Rose, assistant-surgeon, Volunteers. 

Wm. E. Roche, hospital steward, 24th N. Y. Inf. 

Horace N. Rice, 44th N. Y. Inf. Mustered in ami out with the rcgt. ; 
wouuiled in battle. 

Lyman Randall, Co. D, 147th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted .Sept. 0, 1802. 

Eugene Rose, Co. C, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1804; dis. 
with the rcgt. 

John C. Rowe, 7th N. Y. Cav, Prisoner of w.ar. 

Ira L, Rowe, Co. E, ]84th N. Y, Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864. 

Edward Reed. 

Alvin S. Rudd, Co. F, Slst N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1801. 

Dwight Reed. 

Amos Reed, Co. D. 185th N. Y. Inf. Mus, in and out with the rcgt, 

Geo, Sanders, Corp., sergt., and 1st sergt., Co. F, 110th N. Y. Inf. 
Mustered Aug. 25, 1802 ; discharged with regt. 

J. H. Skinner, eorp., Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf Enlisted Aug. 19, 1804 ; 
discharged with the regt. 

Harvey W. Smith, Co. F, 110th. Mus. Aug. 25, 1862; dis. 1865. 

Alfred N. Strong, Co. F, II 0th N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1802 ; 
discharged with the regt. 

Henry Snyder, 24th N. Y. Inf. Mus. May 17, 1861; served two 
years, ami re-enlisted in Gen. Hancock's 1st A. C. of Veterans. 

Chauncy A. Smith, Co. F, 11th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1S64; 
discharged .Tune, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Emery Shutts, Battery F, 3d N. Y. Light Art, 

Walter Sturge, Co. E, 193d N. Y. Inf. Enlisted March 28, 1865; 
discharged with the regt. 

Geo. Smith. Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864; dis- 
charged with the regt. 

P. M. Schuonmaker, Co. E, Ist Wis. Inf. Enlisted May, 1801 ; dis- 
charged for disability ; wounded in battle. 

R. A. Schoonmaker, corp. and sergt., Co. G, l-47th N. Y. Inf. ; Bat. 
L, Ist N. Y. L. Art. Enl'd Aug. 22, 1862; dis. June, 1865. 

Lemuel P. Storms, Co. .\, UOth N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1802; 
2d lieut., 1st Louisiana Eng. ; discharged for disability. 

George W. Shaff, Co. A, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1803; dis- 
charged .\ugust, 1865. 

Alfred Shults, Co. C, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1864. 

John H. Snyder, Co. C, lS4th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1864; 
discharged with the regiment. 

Burr B. Scott, Co. I, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1804 ; dis. 
with the regiment. 

Joseph Spein, lOlh Cavalry. Four years. 

Rev. F. D. Seward, corporal, 91b Minn. Inf. ; 1st licut., 72d U. S. Col. 
Troops: captain, ]17lh U. S. Col. Troops. 

John .M. .Schoonmaker, Co. I, 184th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 25, '04. 

N. Shaltuck, Co. I, 193d N. Y. Inf. Enlisted March 28. 1865. 

Joshua Spickerman, Co. E, 24th N. Y. Inf. Mustered May 17, 1801 ; 
discharged for di.«ability. 

Joel Sprague, 3d N. Y. Light Artillery. 



N. D. .Spade, Co. K, 147th N. Y. Vols. Wounde.l in action. 
Robert Simpson, Co. G, 184th N. Y'. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1864; 

discharged with the regiment. 
William S.abins. 

Ervin .Shutts, Co. I, 24th N. Y, Vols, Wounde.l in ;\ction, 
Jabez Tuttle, 9th N, Y, H, Art, Enlisted Dec, 19, 1803; dierl in the 

service, July 19, 1804, 
James Tcaguc, Co, C, 184th N, Y. Inf, Enlisted Aug, 15, 1864; die.l 

in the service, 
Albert J, Teague, Co, F, IlOth N, Y, Inf, Mustered Aug, 25, 1862; 

died in the service, 
G, Traver, — Light Artillery, Died in the service, 
Isaac Teller, Co, II, 111th N, Y, Vols, Discharged for disability, 
A, C, Thompson, Co, F, 110th N, Y, Inf, Mustered Aug, 25, 1862; 

died in the service, 
Stephen M. Titus, Co, F, 110th N, Y, Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862; 

discharged with the regiment, 
Parker Tallman, Co, A, llOth N, Y. Inf, Mustered Aug, 25, 1862, 
Henry Trombley, Co, E, 24th N, Y, Inf, Mustered May 17, 1861, 
Lewis B. Teller, 81st N. Y. Enlisted Oct, 3, 1861 ; dis, with thcreg, 
Clarence Van Auken, Co, F, II 0th N, Y, Inf, Mustered Aug, 25, 

1862; died in the service, 
Hiram Van Auken, Co, F, 1 1 0th N, Y, Inf, Mustered Aug, 25, 1802; 

died in the service. 
Elias Van Vleck, corporal, Co. F, 110th N, Y, Inf, Mustered Aug, 

25, 1862; discharged with the regiment, 
Robert Van Vleck, Co, F, 110th N, Y, Inf Mustered Aug. 25, 1862 ; 

discharged with the regiment, 
Ulysses G, Van Vleck, 32d N, Y, Inf, Mustered in and out with 

the regiment, 
George Van Pelten, Co, I, 193.1 N, Y, Inf, Enlisted March 28, 1865 ; 

discharged with the regiment, 
J, J, Van Pcltcn, Co, I, 193d N, \', Inf. Enlisted March 24, 1865 ; 

discharged with the regiment. 
Silas Vermilyea. 

Sandford Wiltse, Co. F, UOth N. Y. Inf. Mustered Aug. 25, 1862. 
Martin Wheeler, Co. F, IlOth N. Y. Inf Must. Aug. 25, 1802; dis- 
charged with the regiment. 
William R. Wilson, corp., Co. F, llOth N. Y. Inf. Must. Aug. 25, 

1802 ; discharged with the regiment. 
Albert J. Williams, Bat. I, 3d N. Y, L. Art, Enlisted Aug, 31, 1804 ; 

discharged July 8, 1865, 
Albert B, Wheeler, Co, F, 110th N, Y, Inf,, and 1st sergt,, Co, C, 184(h 

N, Y, Inf, 
Joel Whiting, 9th N, Y, Heavy Art. Wounded in battle, 
Henry Warner, Bat, B, Ist X, Y, Light Art. Four years. 
James Warner, 9th Vermont Inf. 
John H. AVallace. 

Julius Westgate, 12th N. Y. Inf. Killed in action, July 21, ISOl, 
Frank Williamson, Co, C, 147th N, Y Inf, 
John Whelen, II, S, Regulars, Died in service, 
Riley Wormer, sergt,, 1st sergt,, 2d lieut., Co. H, Slst N. Y. Inf. 

Must, in and out with the regt,; wounded in battle, 
Benj, White, Co, I, I93d N, Y, Inf, Enlisted March 24, 1865 ; dis- 
charged with the regiment, 
Frank R, Wiltse, Bat, F, 3.1 N. Y, Lt, Art. Enlisted Sept., 1801 

discharged for disability. April, 1802, 
Chas, H, Wilsou, Co, C, 184th N, Y, Inf, Enlisted Aug, 27, 1864 

discharged with the regiment, 
James (i. Wilson, Co, C, 184lh N, Y, Inf, Enlisted Aug, 25, 1804 

discharged with the regiment. 
Fort Wiliier, 3d N, Y, Light Artillery, 

Hugh W, Ward, Co, E, 241h N, Y, luf. Must, May 17, ISOI, 
James Wctherhcad, Slst N, Y, Inf, 

Dennis Weaver, 75th N, Y, Inf, Enlisted Oct, 8,1801; lost over- 
board from transport coming north from New Orleans in 1801, 
Henry Welling. Co. D, I47th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1862 ; 

discharged with the regiment, 
.Toseph Worden, 
Peter Young, 

Leman Larrabee, Co, I, IS 1th N, Y, Inf, Enlisted Aug, 26, 1864. 
Patrick Dolan, Co, F, ISlih N, Y. Inf, Enlisted Aug. 31, 1804. 
A, V, Young, 24th Inf,, anil 24th N, Y, Cav, 
Chandler D, I.aboll, Co, F, Slst X, Y, Inf, Enlisted Sept, 10, 1801 ; 

died in the service. 



316 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



John LaloDc, 75lb N. Y. Inf. EnliEctcd Nov. 12, 18A1. 

Albert SnyJer, 75th N. Y. Inf. Enlisted Oct. 4, 1861. 

Williiiin Howard. 

Jume? Lnkp. 

Mutt Lukf. 12th X. Y. Cav. 

Miller, 7.Stb X. Y. luf. Killed in bnttlc. 

Mark Uftrander, 1 1'Jth N. Y. Inf.. and lii2d X. Y. Inf. 

Cbarlc.4 Chilnon. 24lh X. Y. Cav. Must. Feb., 1864 ; died in Salisbury 
prifon, about Christmas, 1866. 

Pennif Dorrif, corp., Co. F, llOth X. Y. Inf. MiiPt. Aug. 25, 1862. 

Dennis MuCnrl.v. Co. D, 9th II. Art. Enli»«ted January 14, 1864; 
wounderl in battle; discharged May 2.1, 1866. 

Charles O'Xeil, I02d N. Y. Inf., and K-t N, Y. S. O. 

Amariab J. Grant, Co. — , 24lh N. Y. Cav. 

Random Willse, Lt. Art. 

Hctulittiouary War. — Daniel Dunham, Silas Green, cousin of General 
Xuthnniel Green, of Revolutionary fame, Daniel Lenis, Kpapbus 
Loomis, Daniel Robinson. 

^y^lr uf 1812.— Che.iter Anderson, ^il>a DIodgett, James Breed, Levi 
Blodgett, James Burt, Captain Stephen Brace. Alani^on Blodgctt, 
Ira Brook**, James D. Curtiss, Julius Colton, Eli Collins, Snmuel 
Clark, John Cox, Asa Dudley, Elijah Drnry, \ViIliam Dodil, 
John Elliott, Captain Wm. Fidlerton, Walter Gilli!<. jtrisoncr of 
war. John Gillis, Hector Gillis, M'illinni llndgdon, AVilliam 
Hawks, Xathan Janes, John Kceney, Benjamin Lewis, Roswell 
Lane, Israel Messenger, George Maxwell, Jesse Owen, John K. 
Barks, Arvin Rice, Sr., Levi Rudd, William Stevenson, James 



Stevenson, Ira Smiih, James Sehn6eld, Samuel Sanders, Jesse 
Van Horn. Abram M'al»on, Ai^a Wincbell, Solomon Whipple, 
Abner Wood. 

U"(ir \rith Mrsico. — Lyman Hodgdon was one of thirteen out of 
ninety-six volunteers that left Oswego that llxed to return: was 
wounded once, wint through all the battles of the war, came 
home, and dieil from disease contracted in the service the third 
day after his arrival. 
Joseph Dcmott. 

Cvinpnutf /i, F'trty-rujhih ftryhntiit A*, (t., S. A'. J'., IlauuHftf, \, >'. 
—The head-quarters of Co. B, 48th Regiment, X. G., S. X. Y., 
is in the village of Hannibal. The company was organizcl and 
mustered into the Slate service, Sept. 4. 1864, with the following 
commissioned officers: Capt., W. H. M'iggins; 1st Lieut., Wm. 
O'Connor: 2d Lieut., Scth Barrus. During the year following, 
Capt. Wiggins resigned, and Lieut. O'Connor was elected to fill 
the vacancy. Dr. Geo. V. Emons waa elected Ist licut. In Aug., 
1870, 1st sergt. D. F. Acker was elected 2d lieut. In July, 1871, 
the lime of (he company having nearly expired, it was re-or- 
ganized with the following officers : Capt., D. F. Acker: Ist Lieut., 
G. V. Emcns; 2d Lieut., L. V. Storms. In Xov., 1872, Capt. 
Acker was promoted to ass't-surgcon of the regiment. During 
February following. Lieut. Storms was elected captain, and 1st 
hergt. Joseph Alberny, 2d lieut.; A. X. Bradi, 1st sergt., which 
orgnnizatit>n is yet retained. *' B" Company has always btcn 
considered one of the best in the regiment. At its rc-organiza- 
tion nearly all of its members had seen service in the late war. 



PALEEMO. 



Palkrmo is ;i town geo<;;i-ai)liically situated in the in- 
terior of the county, a little northwest of its centre. The 
surface is undulating, in places hilly. The soil is generally 
a sandy loam, but around the border of the "big swauip" 
a rich alluvial dcpof^it exists. The swamp, locally known as 
above quoted, is located in the eastern part of tlie town, is 
fifiy-scvcn feet above Oneida lake, and the ridges which 
traverse the town are twenty-five feet above the swamp. A 
largo part of the waste land surrounding the swamp lias 
been redeemed, and each year some improvement is made. 
The township is watered by the Fi.sh creeks and other 
streams. 

The earliest settlement of wliith any record exists was 
made a little more than seventy' j'cars ago, and the redemp- 
tion (if the wild land from the primitive and dense forest to 
a fertile and highly productive agricultural state was a 
Work of considerable magnitude, and fraught with a great 
deal of toil and care. But the pioneers of Palermo, like 
those of other new sections, were a hardy and industrious 
class, and sought to cstablisli their homes with the greatest 
pcpssible expedition. The process was naturally slow and 
laborious. But diligence and unremitting labor triunijihcd, 
and we behold to-day the magnificent re.'-ults of the work 
of their hands and the benefits of their intelligence. 

The first white .settler who ]ienetratfd the wilderness of 
which Palermo was originally constituted was David Jen- 
ninga, who came in from Paris, Oneida county. New York, 
and settled on what was subsc(|uently long known as the 
" old Shepjiard farm." He afterwards removed on to the 



f'iirni now in'en]ii(il by Timothy Dulbear, and finally, in 
1852, to the one now owned by his son, E. L. Jennings, 
and died there July 1, ISG'.t. 

Mr. Jennings was born March 2, 1791, and commenced 
housekcc]iing, in tlie smiling forest of his new home in I*a- 
lermo, in June, 1810, having been married on the 2tlth of 
March of the preceding year to Lois Hartson, a native of 
Litchfield, Connecticut. Thej- Lad no capital, but they 
enjoyed good health, and pos.scsscd largely the (jualilica 
of indu.stry and perseverance, which, coupled willi a com- 
mendable ambition, ultimately secured to them a com- 
petence. They raised a family of ten children, of whom 
but two survive, — Alvira, the widow of Charles Keller, 
now a resident of Palermo, and E. L. Jennings, who, 
being the only direct male representative of the family, 
deserves more than a passing notice at our hands. Eli- 
phalet Jennings (who uses the initials E. L. to avoid con- 
fusion, as there are others in the township who go by the 
initial E. ) was born in Palermo, October 5, 1822, and has 
resided all his life in his native township. On the 2d of 
October, 1845, he married, and after four years of wedded 
life his wife died. In 1850 lie married airain, and losinj; 
his second wife in 18G8, he married his present wife on the 
22d of May, 1872. He had one daughter by his second 
wife, Ida C, who was born June 5, 1858. 

In politics Mr. Jennings is a Republican, as was his 
father before him. He and his wife attend the Methodist 
Episcopal church. He is a gentleman very extensively and 
very favorably known throughout his township, is honest 




/ / 




D. H. Jrimblc. 



Mrs.D.H. Trimble. 




SJOIfE &. RdSIDLNCZ of D. H.TfflMBLEyFAUfjMoCeNrc^.OswEGoCo.N.Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



317 



and upi-iglit in liis dealings with his fellow-men, and as 
such enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him. 

About 1809, Simoou Crandall and Sylvanus Hopkins 
came into the township, but no descendants of either now 
reside therein. About the same time Zadock Hopkins 
arrived, and some years subsequent was killed by the caving 
in of a well which he was digging. 

In 1812, Stephen Blake, Sr., came in and purchased 
about one hundred acres, including what is now known 
as "Jennings' Corners." He resided there a number of 
years. 

Elder Asaph Graves, a native of Vermont, and subse- 
quently a regularly ordained minister of the Baptist church, 
settled in the township in 1813, his location being about 
one mile east of Jennings' Corners, on the farm afterwards 
familiarly known as the Lewis John.son place. Two of 
his sons, Alanson and Cyrus Graves, still reside in the 
township. 

In 1814, John Trim settled a little east of Palermo 
Centre, and lived to the advanced age of eighty-three. 
There are circumstances connected with his history that 
deserve more than a passing notice. At the early age of 
sixteen years, his father and mother, two sisters, and one 
brother were murdered by the Indians in the Mohawk 
valley, near Schenectady. His father was tomahawked at 
his own door, and killed while defending his home and 
family. His mother and two of his sisters were hung up 
by the skirts, their clothes and their bodies were lacerated 
with arrows and knives until life became extinct. The 
younger brother, who was an invalid, was taken prisoner 
with John. After one day's marching the invalid brother 
could not endure the hardships of travel, so the Indians 
told him he could go back, which he attempted to do. As 
soon as he got fairly in the rear of the Indians they com- 
menced a fusilade at him with their arrows, and shot him 
dead. After enduring untold hardships, traveling on foot in 
the winter-time, with insufBcient clothing to protect him 
from the inclemency of the weather, by the time John arrived 
in Canada his feet were bare and nearly frozen. While 
warming them by the fire one of the squaws induced the 
children to throw hot embers on his feet to see him jump, 
and then laugh at the sport. In his desperation he took 
a tomahawk and split her brain open. He expected to ex- 
piate the deed by his death, but the Indians, after a coun- 
cil, immediately acquitted him, and deemed it an act of 
bravery to brain a squaw. After enduring two years of 
captivity and great jirivation he escaped -from the .savages. 
He slew two Indians the night he made good his departure. 
During his life he killed eight Indians and one squaw. 
After his eye grew dim with age and his nerves were 
unstrung, at the name Luliuii his eyes would dilate, and all 
the latent energy and courage of the old man wonli] be 
aroused. He diiMl one-half mile south of Palermo Centre, 
in the eighty-third year of his age?, Imnored and respected 
by his neighbors and acquaiut;inces. Peace to his ashes. 

In 181 6, Barzil Candee settled in the town, and remained 

there until 1837, when he removed to Schroepjiel, and 

located on the farm now occupied by his son, C. W. Candee. 

In 1820, Josiah Chaffee, fiither of Deacon Josiah Chaffee, 

of Schroeppcl, came in from Connecticut and settled near 



the base-line of the township. He resided there until his 
death, which occurred September 17, 1839. 

About one mile north of Flint's Corners Captain Ephraim 
McQueen settled on the farm he still occupies, in the year 
1820. 

Peter Tooley and family located on lot No. 52 in Febru- 
ary, 1828. His son, George M. Tooley, still resides in the 
town. They came from Oneida county. 

The year 1830 was quite prolific in accessions to the 
population. Among others who came in this year were: 

Isaac N. Lansing, who came from Madison county, and 
settled on the farm which he and his son, W. S. Lansing, 
now occupy, on lot 45. 

Frederick Wilcox and wife, parents of Mrs. I. N. Lan- 
sing, came from Simsbury, Connecticut, and settled on the 
farm now owned by J. Fitch Lansing. 

Elder Hills came in from England this year, and made 
his home near Jennings' Corners, on the farm now occupied 
by his son, John Hills, Esq. 

Leman Austin came from Oneida county, and settled on 
the farm upon which his daughter, Mrs. Sarah Wright, 
now resides. 

Harvey Whitmore, this year, settled on the farm now 
owned by George Babcock. 

In 1832, D. C. Burritt located on the place now owned 
by A. Mason, and erected a blacksmith-shop there. 

In 1832, George W. Hicks came in and settled on lot 
72, where he has since resided. 

In the spring of 1834, George Tinker, Esq., came in 
from Marshall, Oneida county. New York, and made his 
home on lot G3, on the farm now occupied by Willis Jen- 
nings. 

Among the prominent settlers coming into the town prior 
to 1840 we might mention the following, it being utterly 
impossible to particularize individually: A. K. Beckwith, 
Lovwell Johnson, William F. Shepard, Elijah Dickinson, 
Asahel Dolbear, Reuben T. Hanchett, Anion Wood, David 
Gardner, A. E. Noble, Alvin Osboru, Ezra Green. 

Above is presented a brief history of the early settlement 
of Palermo, and the next item for consideration is its 

SUBSEQUENT DEVELOPMENT. 

The first clearing within the present limits of what was 
originally township 14 of Scriba's patent, and which, as 
will be shown farther on, was at one time a part of Vol- 
ney, was made by David Jennings, Esq. The fii-st farm 
improvements were also made by him, for it is a well-au- 
thenticated fact that he first came on his land in 1806, and 
worked during each season, returning to his home in Oneida 
county, until June, 1810, when he brought his newly- 
wedded wife with him and made his permanent settlement. 
He also built the first log house in the township, which 
served as his habitation for many years. 

The first frame house was erected by Enoch Hyde, in 
1814, and stood in the vicinity oC Jennings' Corners until 
within a few years. 

The first saw-mill was erected by Phine:is Chapin, in 
1812. It .stood on Kilby creek, and occupied the present 
site of the mill now operated by Martin Chaffee. 

The first tavern was a log structure, wliich stood in what 



318 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



in now the centre of the road, a little south of Palermo 
Centre (Jennings' Comers). It w;is erected by Stephen 
Blake in 1816. 

The flrst school-huuse was built at Jennings' Corners as 
early as 1820. It wa.s a log building, and belonged to old 
school district No. 1. A school had been taught "by Har- 
riet EiLSton ill jirivate houses about eight years previous to 
the c.-italili.shini-nt of a coniiiion school. 

The first church edifice* erected in Palermo was by the 
Bafitist denomination, at the centre, in 1836. It still 
stands, alter a servict of more than forty years. 

The first biiih \v:is iliiii iif Alviu Walker, in September, 
1811. 

The first marriiigc .solemnized within the jiresent limits 
of the town was that of Jose]ili Jennings and Sally Chapin. 

The first death was accidental, and occurred in 1811. 
The victim was Zadock H(i]ikiiis. 

The first biiiying-ground was laid out in 1816, on a piece 
of land containing a trifle more than half an acre, purchased 
of Stephen Blake, and is the same now u.sed at the centre, 
only it has been added to iis necessity rei|uired. 

N. B. Ellsworth settled in the town in 1853, and ten 
yeai-s later purchased the saw-mill and stave-machine he 
now operates. The past year he cut one hundred thousand 
staves, sawed two hundred thousand feet of lumber, and 
made twenty thous;iiid barrels, lie employs in all about 
thii'tcen hands. 

CIVIL OR(i.\NIZATI()N. 

The territory now compri.sed within the limits of Palermo 
was formed from Yolney on the -Ith day of April, 1832, by 
an act of the State legislature. The first town-meeting was 
held at the house of Alva Jennings, March 4, 1833, at 
which time and place the Ibllowiug ofiicers were elected : 

Supervisor, William F. Shepard ; Town Clerk, A. E. 
Niible; A,s.sessois, Lovwell Jolinson, Ansel Goo<lwin, Ethan 
Burdick ; Overseers of the Poor, Wm. K. Burt, Azariah 
Parmelce; Commissioners of Highway, Alva Jennings, 
PhinoiLS Converse, Alexander McQueen ; Couimis-sioners of 
Schools, IJarzil Candee, An.sel Goodwin, Lemaii Austin ; 
School Inspectors, Asahel Dolbear, Leman Austin, Alan- 
son Graves; Justice of the Peace, Lovwell Juhnson, Har- 
low Merrill, Matthew V. i). Backus, Peter Tooley ; Collec- 
tor, Thomas Burdick ; Constables, Asahel Dolbear, Thomas 
Burdick, Theodore Humphrey, Alvin Cass. 

The following-named persons were chosen path-masters 
for the ensuing ye;ir for the respective districts in which 
they severally resided : 

District No. 1, Jereniiuli Hull; No. 2, David (Janlncr ; 
No. 3, N. C. Munger; Nn. 4, Henry Chapin ; Xn. '), Lewis 
Babbitt; No. (>, David Thurston; No. 7, William Bcels; 
No. 8, Ethan Burdick; No. 9, Alvin Lord; No. 10, 
Henry Cole; No. 11, John Sails; No. 12, Cliauncey 
Jerome; No. 13, Daniel Eastwixid ; No. 14, Ebenezer 
Pierce; No, 15, Obed Gulis ; Nn. K;, John Pettis; No. 
17, Joseph I'rc ; No. 18, John Han.son ; No, 19. Anion 
Wood; No, 20, Alvin Cass; No, 21, Gamaliel Oliihslend ; 
No, 22, Levi l>hillips; No, 23, Alpheus C. Wheeler; No. 



' tnrtlier purticului'd un pAge .120, 



24, ; No. 25, Lester Goodrich ; No. 26, G. Good- 
win ; No. 27, Benjamin Dennis; No. 28, Oliver Chaffee; 
No. 29, Thomas I. Cattington. 

" Voted, That a fence four and one-half feet high shall 
be a lawful fence. " 

" Voted, That we raise thesjime amount of money for the 
support of common schools as we receive from the State for 
that purpose." 

The list of supervisors from 1833 to 1877, inclusive, com- 
prises the following names : 

Supervisors. — Win, F, Shepard, Jeremiah Hull, Lov- 
well Johnson, Elijah Dickinson (^three years), John iiost- 
wick, George Blossom (four years), Elijah Dickinsoa (two 
years), David Jennings (two years), Abner Chaffee (two 
years), David Jennings (two years), Al>iier Chaffee Uwo 
yeai-s), Leman Austin, David Jennings, Abner Chaffee, 
David Jennings, Sherman L. Decker (two years), George 
Tinker (two years), Joseph Harding (two yearsj, Guy P. 
Loomis, Abner Chaffee, Jay L. Johnson (four years), David 
L, Brown (two years i, Samuel 11. Smith ( two years), Henry 
F, Parsons, George M, Ilanehett, Samuel II, Smith, David 
II, Trimble, present incumbent. 

TowHshtp Clerks. — A. E. Noble, Stephen Blake (seven 
years), Alvin Osborn, Edwin Easton, Harvey Whitinore, A. 
K, Beckwith (two years), Harvey Wbitmore (three yeare), 
John Hills (four years), Alanson B. Ingersoll, A. K. Beck- 
with, Alanson B. Ingersoll, Stephen Blake, Harvey Whit- 
more, David Jennings, Jr., Alanson B, Ingersoll (two 
years), E. A, Iluntingdoii, John Hills (two years). Jay L. 
Johnson (two years), John Hills (six years), Ezra Green, 
present incumbent (six years). 

Justices I if till- I'edce. — Lovwell Johnson, Harlow Mer- 
rill, Matthew V, 1), Backus and Peter Tooley (1833), 
David Jennings, Peter Tooley, Elijah Dickinson, Alvin Os- 
born, Ile/.ekiah Lee, Elijah Dickinson, Jared W. Laniphire, 
George Tinker, Phineas Converse, Charles Conklin, Reuben 
T. Hanchett, Ezra Green, Phineas Converse, Martin B. 
Campbell, Reuben T. Hanchett, Ezra Green, Joseph Hard- 
ing, Wm, B, Forsyth, Ansel Goodwin, Ezra Green, Lo- 
renzo W, Robinson (vacancy), Julius Hall, C. B. Ashley, 
Henry Goodwin, Horace Decker (vacancy), J. B, Ingersoll, 
Horace Decker, Henry Goodwin, John Hills, Joiuih H, Sny- 
der, Wm. B. Forsyth (vacancy ), John McComber, Wm. H. 
Eggleston, Wm. B. Forsyth, David L. Brown (vacancy) 
Jonah IT. Snyder, David L, Brown, Samuel R. Smith, 
Wm, B, For.syth, Alanson B. Ingersoll, l)avid L, Brown, 
Samuel R, Smith, William B, Forsyth, Jonah H. Snyder. 

JENNINGS COR.NERS i i-.\i.er.M(i po.st-okkick), 

an enterprising village situated a trifle west of the geo- 
graphical ceiilie of the town, was first settled by Slejihen 
Blake. Sr., in 1.S13. Among the early setllei's who followed 
Mr. Blake, and located at or in the vicinity of the corners, 
were Alvin Walker, Sylvanus Hopkins, Turner Jennings 
and son O, P, Jennings, wh<i was born there, Alvin Osborn, 
Truxton Seeley. Lovwell Johii.soii, Humphrey Dolbear, 
A, E. Noble, M,D., William N, Burt, and others. 

The firet log house in the jilace was erected by Stephen 
I5l;ike. in 1813, and three years later an addition having 



J 




STAVE BARREL FACTO ffY &HOTCL of W.H.HANNAN . 




Residence of J. F. LANSIN&, PALEffm,Osv/EGO Co.N.Y. 




Resioench of FRIORICK C. church, t'ALLRmCLmLK,OswE.ooCo..H.l 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



319 



been made to it, he opened the first tavern kept in tlio 
township. 

The first frame house in the village and township was 
erected by Enoch Hyde, as stated in the history proper of 
the town. 

The first store was built by iMessrs. Bush & Babbott, 
in 1817. It stood on the present site of Hannan's hotel. 
After some years the proprietors failed, and the store 
remained vacant for a time, when William T. Shepard 
brought in a stock of goods, and re-opened the store, and 
continued business therein until about 1830. He then 
disposed of the business to Amasa Botchfurd, who, after a 
few years, failed. After this the building was converted 
into a dwelling, and subsequently a tavern was kept in it, 
and finally, in 1860, it was destroyed by fire. 

As mentioned elsewliere, the first tavern in the township 
was erected by Stephen Blake, in 1816, at or very near the 
corners. It was the only one in this section of country 
until about 1825, when Messrs. David and Alva Jennings 
erected the frame building now owned by Willis A., son of 
Alva Jennings, and used as a dwelling. The village now 
contains one general store, kept by David H. Trimble, one 
hotel, of which William H. [lannan is the proprietor, one 
extensive steam heading- and stave-mill, also owned and 
operated by William H. Hannan. This is the largest mill 
of its kind in this part of the country. There are two 
wagon- and blacksmith-shops, one church, of the Baptist 
denomination, a neat and tastefully laid out cemetery, and 
one public school. The estimated population of the village 
is one hundred and eighty-five. 

DENTON'S CORNERS, 

a pleasant hamlet situated a little northwest of the central 
part of the town, was first settled by a Mr. Spencer, in 
1816. About 1823, Robert Denton, a hatter by trade, 
whom the old pioneers still living will remember as an in- 
dustrious and enterprising individual, came in and settled 
on the northwest corner of the cross-roads. He manufac- 
tured and sold hats, and after the corners became settled 
they received the name of Denton's Corners, in honor of 
liim. 

The place now contains one general store, one blacksmith- 
shop, one saw-mill, one stave-mill, two cooper-shops, and 
two churches, one each of the Methodist Episcopal and 
Union Congregational denominations, and an estimated 
population of one hundred. 

VERMILLION 

is situated on Catfiish creek, in the north part of the town, 
and near the line between New Haven and Palermo. 
Among the early settlers in the village and vicinity were 
Elijaii Dickinson, Esq., Rev. Asel Harrington, Ehenezer 
Wallace, Mo.ses Gains, John Sayles, Sr., Benjamin Spencer, 
Candlipp Pitcher, James Walworth, John Scott, Samuel 
Perkins, some of whom settled as early as 1816, and most 
of them prior to 1825. 

The village now contains a grist-mill, a general store 
owned by Ezra Ure, a pump-factory of which IngeraoU & 



Hill are the proprietors, a tannery, and a Methodist Epis- 
copal church. It is a post-village, and has an estimated 
population of one hundred and seventy-five inhabitants. 

PEATS CORNERS 

is situated in the oast part of the town, and has a general 
store, a church of the Methodist Episcopal persuasion, and 
a common school. Among the first settlers were Peter 
Howe and Jesse Holbrook, who settled there in 1813, also 
Leander Scudder, Sr., Nathan Miller, Charles Peat, Alpheus 
Wheeler, Nathaniel and Daniel Rowls, Elijah Munger, and 
St<;phen Clark, who moved and settled in the town in 
1820. Elom Thomas and family moved from Vermont, 
with an ox-team, during the year 1818, and became per- 
manent residents. 

FLINT'S CORNERS, 

a mile north of Peat's, has a store and post-office, and a 
blacksmith-shop. Among the first settlers in this vicinity 
were Jacob Flint, Timothy Phelp.s, William Phelps, who 
settled as early as 1830. 

SAYLE'S CORNERS, 

a small hamlet one mile north of Denton's Corners, contains 
a blacksmith-shop and a carriage- and wagon-shop, and has 
a conglomerate of a few families. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION CHURCH AT DENTON's 
CORNERS. 

The history of this church is somewhat complicated, 
henee we deem it expedient to subjoin the following sketch 
prepared by Mr. Jacob Kendall, of Volney, and furnished 
us by Mr. J. L. Getman, of Palermo : 

" The First Congregational church of Volney was organ- 
ized in June, 1812. The church record prior to December 
20, 1817, is missing. On that date I notice the name of 
Obadiah Albe, who had previously united with the church. 
Stephen Blake's name is also mentioned as a member. At 
this time the church adopted the Presbyterian form of 
government, and remained under such for nine years, when 
it again adopted the Congregational polity. I see by the 
record that as early as 1819 our church held meetings at 
Jennings' Corners, calling it a branch of the church. Ste- 
phen Blake and Seymour Coe were chosen ruling elders by 
this part of the church on the 3d of August, 1823. This 
branch of the church requested to be set off as a distinct 
church, when Stephen Blake, Charity Blake, Miles Dun- 
bar, Triphosa Dunbar, Seymour Coe, Phoebe Coe, Zenas 
Dunbar, Lydia Dunbar, Obadiah Albe, Silas Bellows, Mary 
Coe, Hannah Gaines, Hannah Jennings, Laura Blake, and 
Hannah Harding were constituted the church of Palermo. 
This church held it« organization till the Congregational 
Union church at Denton's Corners was formed, when the 
members voted to change their organization, and with others 
form that church. The first officers at Jennings' wei'e 
Oliver Leavitt, pastor; Miles Blake and Seymour Coe, 
rulinK elders, and, 1 think, also deacons." 



320 



mSTOKY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



The pastors of the chnrch at Denton's Corners have been 
A. C. Lord, Norris Day, David Davis, George Blossom, 
Olney Place. The present incunibeiit is Rev. Mr. Day. 
The ]ire.sent oflScers are J. L. Gctnian, Peter Toiiley, Reu- 
ben liunton, Wiiiiani II. LVibie, and George M. Tooley. 

Tlie cliureh edifice wa.s erected in 1838, meetings having 
been previoii.sly lield in the log school-liouse. Its size is 
thirty by forty feet. 

The fii'st Sabbath-school was organized in 181 G, by Sey- 
mour Coe, wlio was its superintendent. The school was 
held in his log dwelling-house. 

TIIK FIRST H.VPTIST CHURrH OF PALERMO 

Wiis organized in 1817, with Elder Enoch Ferris, pastor, 
and the following-named persons as constituent members : 
Elder Asaph (Jraves, Phineas Chapiii, Rachel Chapiii, 
Henry Chapin, Harriet Cliapin, Haniiali Williams, Jona- 
than Munger, and Rachel Munger. The place of holding 
public Worship was near Palermo Centre, in private dwell- 
ings and in the sciiool-house. The preachers from the 
organization to the present have been Elders Enoch Ferris, 
John Evans, George Hills, Asaph Graves, and Rev. Mr. 
Merritt. 

The .society was legally organized in 1 835, and commenced 
at once the erection of their church edifice, which was com- 
pleted in 183(>. It is located near Palermo Centre, is of 
Wood, and its dimensioTis are twenty-four by thirty feet. 

The first deacon of the church was Asaph Graves. The 
present deacons are Harvey Whitmore, Samuel Hart, Cyrus 
Graves, Albert Graves, Alansoii Grave.*, and John Hills. 

There is no Sabbath-school at present connected with the 
church, it being temponirily suspended. 

TIIF. MF.THODIST KPISCOPAI, CHURCH OP DENTON'S 
CORNF.KS 

was not organized until IStid, although a class cxi.sted there 
for more than a quarter of a century prior to that date. 
The site for the church edifice wiis purcha.sed in 1858. 
The church was incorporated as the " Anti-Slavery Jletho- 
dist Episcopal church," etc., and is now known as such. 
The first trustees after the organization were Freeman 
Waugh, Alexander Flint, and David L. Brown, Esq. 
Among the jironiinent early members were David Andrews 
and wife, Alexander Flint and wife, Harry Lansing and 
wife, Charles Conkling and wife. Father Morris and wife, 
David L, Brown and wife, K. L. Wallace and wife, Stephen 
Melvin and wile, Henry Cole and wife. 

The house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1 860. 
The present officcfrs are William B. Ellsworth, Wm. Cu.sack, 
and Aaron Keller, trusti-cs ; Sanford Willis and Aaron 
Keller, stewards; Rev. L. I!. 1 1 rant, pastor. Present mem- 
lier-xhip, forty-six. 

The Sunday-school connected willi the church has a 
membership of sixty teachers and scholars. The oflRcers 
are J. Y. Wilcox, superintendent ; Miss C. M. Graves, 
as.sistant .superintendent ; Mi.ss Eunice Lansing, secretary ; 
Mi.ss Cora Lansing and Millard Brown, librarians. There 
are one hundred volumes in the library. 



THE MF,TH0D1ST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF VERMILLION 

was organized about 1840, and the church edifice erected 
in the neighborhood of thirty years ago. Among the 
first members of the society may be mentioned Rev. Asel 
Harrington, Benjamin Spencer, D. C. Coe, Burt Harring- 
ton, James Harrington, Ezckiel Lewis, and Martin Camp- 
bell. The present trustees are Henry Davis, Henry Phil- 
lips, and G. P. Sayles. 

There is a Sunday-school connected with the church, 
having a membership of seventy teachers and scholars. 
Superintendent, Henry Davis ; Assistant Superintendent, 
John KnowltoD ; Secretary, Albert Green. 

peat's CORNERS METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

During the year ISGl the Methodist Episcopal society 
at Peat's Corners erected their church. The trustees were 
Job Bradford, S. D. Coon, Gilson Goodwin, F. Richardson, 
Jr., and A. Scuddcr. There is at present but one trustee 
on file, nameh', A. Scuddcr. Among the first members of 
the society were L. Scuddcr, Sr., and wife, Nathan Miller 
and wife, L. Goodwin and wife. Rev. Elijah Munger and wife, 
Peter Howe and wife, Joseph Ure and wile, Elom Thomas 
and wife, and Andrew Parsons. The present membership 
of the church is si.xty-eight ; number of members in the 
Sabbath-school, fifty-eight. Superintendent, William H. 
Egglcston ; Assistant Superintendent, Mrs. Maiy Bunn ; 
Secretary, Amos Wood. 

THE ROOSEVELT .METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

In 18G4 the Methodists of Roosevelt and the southeast 
part of the town erected a church edifice. The trustees 
were A. G. Clark, Lyman Trcadwell, and R. T. Harris. 
The present trustees are A. U. Clark and R. T. Harris. 
The membership of the society is nineteen ; Sunday-school 
teachers and scholars, sixty-two. Superintendent, L. D. Har- 
ris; A.ssistant Superintendent, Mrs. Peter Day. Among 
the early menibei-s were Father Sherman and wife, L. 1). 
Harris and wife, Chauncey Hamilton and wife, Rul'us Har- 
ris, and A. G. Clark and wife. 

The pastor of these appointments is Rev. L. R. Grant. 

We arc indebted for information relative to the history 
of Palermo to the following-named gentlemen: E. L. 
Jennings, David \j. Brown, Es(|., Isaac N. Lansing, George 
Tinker, Esq., Oliver P. Jennings, Almon Miuion, Alanson 
and Cyrus Graves, John L. Getnian, (Jcorge W. Tooley, 
D. C. Burritt, Ezra Green, Esq., and others. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 

ISAAC N. LANSING 

W!is born at Hoosac, Rensselaer county, New York, Novem- 
bers, 17116. In 1812 his parents removed to Madi.son, and 
two years afterwards his father died, and part of the responsi- 
bility of the supjiort of the family fell upon him. In Novem- 
ber, 1830, he removed to Oswego County, and settled on the 
farm he now occujiies in the town of Palermo. On the 8th 




Isaac Lansino. 










?-/ii'''A^- ''■•■;.'/■/ WSc'" ''J'SiiiJm^JPfF^SSr^ '»^<iT 




RESIDENCE OF V/. S. LANSINO . fALEffMO, OSVfEGO CO.,N. Y. 




1/ 




V 



A 



f 




:c^=-,^- 



Dh. Addison Beckwith. 



Almon MaSON- 



f^ffS.LYOIA ^ASON. 




ffES- of a L. BROWN, Palerhio.Oswlgo Ca.NY. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



321 



of November, 1819, he married Miss Lucretia Wilcox, who 
was born at Cazenovia, Madison county. Now York, April 
24, 1803. They had five children, of whom two sons and 
one daughter survive, namely, Joseph Fitch, born Septem- 
ber 10, 1831, William S., born March 10, 1840, and Sarali 
E., born March 25, 1828, now the wife of Benjamin G. 
Eaton, of Palermo. The two children deceased were Eunice 
L., born July 20, 1820, and Erastus Wilcox, born January 
3, 1837. 

Mr. Lansing is Republican in politics, although he never 
desired or would accept of any office at the hand.s of his 
party. He was recently elected vice-president of the 
Oswego County Pioneer society, which he deems a greater 
honor than any political preferment. In religion he and 
his estimable wife are members of the Baptist church. 

In 1852 Mr. Lansing went to California, and during his 
absence his wife conducted the aflairs of the farm in a very 
creditable manner, assisted by her sons. He made two sub- 
sequent visits to the " Golden State," spending in all five 
years therein. One son resides at home, and the other lives 
on an adjoining form. They work mutually, father and 
sons, and no dissatisfaction or misunderstanding exists be- 
tween them. 

Mr. Lan.sing is now in his eighty-first year, carries his 
more than fourscore years well, thanks to a life of modei-a- 
tion and industry. He and his partner of nearly sixty 
years are going quietly down the stream of time together, 
happy in the memories of the past, and enjoying a lively 
hope of future felicity, as promised to those who lead 
blameless lives, and do their duties faithfully in the sphere 
of life to which it has pleased an all-wise Providence to call 
them. 



ALMON MASON. 



[.VUTOmOGKAPHY.] 

I was born in Fairfield, Herkimer county. Now Jersey, 
on Monday, May 11, 171)5, and resided there until I was 
seven years of age. In the year 1802 my father moved 
into the town of Warren, in the same county, where he re- 
sided until his death, which occurred in 1811. It was here 
that I spent my childhood. In an old log school-house 
situated on one corner of my father's farm I was taught my 
alphabet by an old-fashioned pedagogue. Though I have 
forgotten his name, his looks were so impressed upon my 
memory that -they are often recalled to mind. I commenced 
going to school at the age of eight, and attended quite 
steadily until my father's death ; then came the burden of 
maintaining tiie family ; and, as I was the oldest son at home 
at the time, I was taken from school to assist in supporting 
my motlier and four children younger than myself I was 
soon called to do duty iu the war of 1812, in which I 
entered with the ^lassachusetts militia, under General Ru- 
dolpli I. Shoemaker, September 14, 1814. The company 
was discharged at Sackett's Harbor in November of the 
same year. I came himie and married Lydia Thomas, who 
was boru in Herkimer county, November IG, 1700, and who 
has lived with mc faithfully since the day of our marriage, 
September 20, 1815. We commenced housekeeping in a 
part of mother's house, and I managed the farm. June 



25, 1817, being the forty-first year of our Independence, I 
received a commission as ensign in the twenty-seventh regi- 
ment of infantry of the State militia of New York. In 
1822, 1 moved from the homestead farm to Deerfield, Oneida 
county, where I kept a hotel until 1825. I then removed to 
Richland, Oswego County, — the country at that time being 
covered with timber, and very wild, with only here and 
there a clearing, where some squatter had located. I was 
obliged to live in my wagon fourteen days, until I could 
get a log house built suitable to live in. I lived in the 
vicinity of Richland until 1838, when I moved into the 
town of Granby, where I remained until 1851. In the 
latter year I removed to Palermo, and settled on the place 
where I now live. Myself and wife are members of the 
Baptist church at Gilbert's Mills, with which we united 
soon after coming here. 

(See portraits.) A. Mason. 

DAVID L. BROWN, Esq. 

David L. Brown was born in the town of Deerfield, 
Oneida county. New York, February 2, 1827, five miles 
north of Utica. He was reared on a farm, and was early 
taught habits of industry and self-reliance. He received 
an academic education at Clinton Liberal institute and 
Whitestown seminary. On the 5th of April, 1855, he 
married Miss Hannah F. Harris, of Florence, Oneida 
county. New York, and on the 20th of the same month 
and year removed to Volney, Oswego County. After a 
residence of four years in that town he removed to Palermo, 
where he still resides. In early life Mr. Brown taught 
school, and was quite successful in that laudable calling. 
He has always been a warm friend of the cause of educa- 
tion. He now resides on a farm of eighty acres of land 
on the road leading from Denton's to Getman's Corners, 
which farm he keeps in a high state of cultivation. 

Mr. Brown is a justice of the peace, which office he has 
held for ten years. In the administration of the legal 
business that comes before him he always renders an im- 
partial decision ; hence, as a justice, he enjoys the confidence 
of the community. In 1870-71 he served his township 
on the board of supervisors to the general satisfaction of his 
constituents. 

He and his amiable wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church of Denton's Corners, and are generally 
considered consistent Cliristians, and a worthy couple in 
every respect. They have a family of five children, upon 
whose bringing up they bestow a great deal of care and 
parental affection. (See illustration.) 



MILirARY RECORD OF PALER.MO.* 



Sterhcn N. Viokery. Enlisted in Co. K, 184tli laf., Aug. 30, ISni ; 

disch. June 29, 1805. 
Dennis Vickciy. Enlisted in Co. C, 16th Regt., Dec., ISC'!. 
Anilrcw J. Taylor. Enlisted in Co. C, 10th Kegl., Dee., ISM. 
Edward Willis. Enlisted in Co. K, ISlth Inf., Aug. 25, 1861: diseh. 

June 29, ISfi.i. 

* As copiod fruin the list on tile iu the town clerk's office. 



322 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Cbu. E. Becra. EDiigtcd u private in Co. 0, Slat Rog. Inf., Sept. 24, 

I8GI ; pniiuotcd to aergt. ; io nineteen batlloa; luat left leg beTore 

I*ctcri»biirg. 
Jo«. IlagiT. Enliatcd aa corp. in Co. K, Slsl Inf., .\ug. ."il, 1S61 ; w«8 

in three battlca ; wounded at Cold Hiirbor; dii'd Juno 4, 1S64. 
Marshall E. llccre. Enliatcd in Co. I, 2l(h Car., Dec. 21, 1^65 ; died 

March III, 1865. 
John Ilnckua. Enlisted in Co. E, llOlh Inl'., Aug. 8, 1863; died at 

New Orleans. 
Oscar .McQueen. Enliatcd in Co. F, I47th Inf., Sept. 5, 1861 ; discb. 

June 2V, 1865. 
Horace J. Bing. Enlisted in Co. I, 24th Cav., Dec. 21, 1S6.1; died 

June 28, 1864. 
Aina»a Hall. EnlM aa scrgt. in Co. II, MTtli Inf., Aug. 28, 1802; waa 

in fcreral liattlei', and waa woundcil in (he head at Uetlyaburg. 
Adclbcrt C. Hall. Enlisted in Co. B, I47th Inf., Aug. 28, 1862; waa 

instanllj- killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1. 186.3. 
Augustus Thiebeau. Enlisted as aergt. in Co. I, 24lh Cav., Dec. 21, 

1863; was in battle of Petersburg; wounded in loft leg. 
Adam Dennis. Enliatcd in 2d Bat., 48lh Reg., Sept. 10, 1861 ; was in 

thirteen battlea. 
Jas. A. Wilson. Enlisted in Co. G, 0th V. R. C, Doc. 21, 180.3 ; in the 

battle ncnr Camp .Stevenson ; disch. Aug. 5, 1865. 
Hubbard S. Temple. Eul'd in Co. E, llOth Inf., Aug. 8, 1802; died 

at Hat«in U'ougc. 
Joseph E. I'rcston. Enl'd as corp. in Co. E, IKIth Inf., Aug. 8, 1.862; 

disch. Aug. 31, 1865. 
Wm. C. Gilson. Enlisted in Co. E, UOih Inf., Aug. 9, 1802: disch. 

Aug. 31, 1865. 
Thos. Clark. Enliateil in Co. E, 9lh II. Art., Aug. 5, 18(13; was in 

several battles; disch. July 7, or thereabouts. 
David II. Holmes. Enlisted in Co. G, Slsl Inf., Nov., 1801 : disch. 

Nov., ISOl. 
Charles C. Holmes. EnlM in Co. K, liuth Inf., Aug., 1862; died of 

wounds received at Gettysburg, July 31, 1803. 
Jeremiah I.upp. Enl'd in Co. F, 81st Inf., Dec, ISOI ; wounded in 

the buttle of the Wilderness. 
Wm. Lupp. Enlisted in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1802 ; disch. Aug. 

31, 1805. 
Romsford Lupp. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Cav., Doc. 21, 1863 ; was in 

seven battles; discharged March 15, 1805. 
Lorcnio W. Burt. Enlisted in Co. B, Uth V. R. C, Aug. 8, 1862; dis- 
charged June 26, 1805. 
John F. James. Enl'd in Co. E, 24lli Inf., Apr. 20, 1861 ; in six bat- 
tles; disch. fordisab., Oct., 1862; rc-enl'd in Co. K, II. Art., Dec. 

26, 1803: eerveil through ten engagements. 
Zaohariah Clark. Enlisted in Co. K, H. Art., Dec. 26, 1803; iu two 

battles: died July, 1804. 
Elijah Browuill. E.ilisted in Co. F, Itilh Inf., Aug. 22, 1362 ; waa 

in Gettysburg, and with Gen. Grant during his laat campaign. 
George Button. Enlisted in Co. F, 147tb Inf., Aug. 23, 1862; died 

Doc. 21, 1862. 
Auatia D. I'anglum. Enlisted in Co. F, 117th Inf., Aug. 20, 1862; 

in sev. b.ittlcs; dis. D.!i:. 18, 1863, on ajojunt of sijknjss. 
Thomns Warner. Enlisted in Co. F, 117th Inf., Aug. 23, 1862; at 

Chancellorsville: dis. June 7, 1865. 
Sylvester Aurin;;or. Eul'd in Co. H, 117th Inf., .\ug. 27, '62 : missing. 
Seymour Smith. Enlisted as sergt. in Co. I, 24th Cav., Dec. 21, 1863; 

in several buttles: tlisoharged June, 1865. 
Wm. E. Collins. Enlisteil ns private in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 

1802: died Aug. lit, |S03. 
Clinton Owen. Enlisted us private in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 15, 

1862: in Chancellorsville: dis. Aug 31, 1865. 
Judson B. Wyant. Enliito 1 as sergt. in Co. I, 2Uh C.iv., Dec. 21, 

180:1; in several battles: <liseharge>l .March 10, 1865, 
Wm. .MjCuinbur. Enlisted as private in C.i. I, 2llli Civ., Dej. 21, 

1803: in several battles; dis. June, 1805. 
Sylvunus D. Wilson. Enlisted as private in Co. G, 1st L. Art., Sept. 

II, 1801 : in .sev. battles; dis. Feb. 12, 1861 : re enl'd same day. 
U.Miry 11. .M.iyo. E ilistcd ai p.ivato in Co. H, I I7lh Inf., Aug. 25, 

1862; killed at Gettysburg. July 1, 1863. 
Matthew C. Danforth. Enlisted as private in Co. H, 81sl Inf., Dec. 

14, 1861. 
lloruee H. Snow. Enlisted aa private in Co. E, llOth Inf., .Vug. 8, 

1802; in two battles: dischargeil .\ug. 31, I.S05. 



Oaorge W. Snow. Enliated u private in Co. E, 1 10th Inf., Aug. 9, 

1862; died March 25, 1863. 
Joseph Pagiot. Enlisted as private in Co. E, 4th II. .\rt., Nov., 18tl 

served three years. 
Bradley S. Joice. Enlisted aa corp. in Co. B, 7th Car., Sept. 13, 

1861 : re-colisled April 10, 1802: waa in two battles. 

Lyman Spencer. Enliated as private in Co. E, 5Uth Inf., Sept. 23, 

1801.; discharged April 21, 1S02. 
Wm. A. Smith. Enlisted aa 2d lieul. in Co. E, llUlh Inf., Aug. 29, 

1862 ; dis. Feb. 28, 1803, for disability : re-cnl'd aa private in Co. 
I, 131th Inf., Sept. 5, 1861: discharged Juno 29, 1865. 

Loonanl Smith. Enlisted as corp. in Co. E, llOtb Inf., Aug. 6, 1862 ; 

io several battles; discharged June 1, 1865. 
George Lord. Enlisted as private in Co. 1, 184th Inf., Aug. 24, 1864. 
Albert E. Andrews. Enlisted aa private iu Co. E, 59th Inf., Sept. 

26, 1801 : discharged Dee. i, 1804. 

Thomas Johnson. Enlisted aa private in Co. I, 24th Car., Dec. 21, 

1863; discharged Juno, 1805. 
Eli Cobb. Enlisted as corp. in Co. II, 181th Inf., April 29, 1861 ; 

was in four battlea; re-onl'd as corp. in Co. I, 184th Inf., Sept. 

5, 1864; discharged May 29, 1805. 
Eli D. Babeock. Enlislei as sergt. in Co. E, SQth Inf., 0;:t. 3, 1861 ; 

in several battlos; dis. Dos. 28, 1803: rc-enl'd aa sergt. in Co. E, 

59th Inf., Dec. 28, 1803; pro. to aergl.-major July 3. 1863. 
Loater Hastings. Ehlistod as private in Co. E, 59th Inf., Sept. 26, 

1861 : dis. in 1804. 
Joseph B. Joice. Enliste 1 as private in Co. E, 59th Inf., Oct. 1, ISOI. 
George Church. Enlisted as private in Co. F, 1 I7th Inf., Aug. 25, 

1802: killed at Gettysburg. 
Edgar F. Morris. Enlisted as or<l. -sergt. in Co. (', lOlsl Inf., Sept. 

21, 1861 : in several battles : wuundod in the hip at 2d Hull Uun : 

dis. Dec. 12, 1862: ro-enl'd as 1st liout. in Co. I, lOlst Inf., .Sept. 

10, 1864; ilia. June 29, 1805. 
John .M. Flint. Enlisted as drummer in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 31, 

1804; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Harvey 0. Flint. Enlisted ns 2d lieut. in Co. F, 1 I7lh Inf., Sept. 10, 

1802; did Nov. 23, 1802. 
Alexander Flint. Enlisted as private in Co. F, 3<l L. Art., .\ug. 14, 

1803; deserted. 
Adelbert Penner. Enlisted as private in Co. K, 9th H. Art., Dec. 20, 

1803; killed July 9, 1804. 
Andrew J. Tenner. Enlisted as private in Co. H, 2lth Inf., Apr. 28, 

1801; served through thirteen battles: dis. May 29, 1861: ro- 

enl'd as private in Co. G, 15th Cav., .\ug. 4, 1863 ; served through 

fourteen battles: dis. .\ug. 9, IS65. 
Alvin B. Flint. Enlisted aa corp. in Co. I, 24th t^av., Dec. 7, 1863 ; 

wounded at Petersburg; dis. July 19, 1865, 
Ransom G. Ball. Enliated aa eorgt. in Co. D, 147th Inf., Aug. 22, 

1802 ; sorved in aevcntoen battles; wounded at Gettysburg ; tlia. 

Aug. 2, 1865. 
Wm. H. Forsyth. Enlisted as private in Co. I, ISlth Inf., Aug. 29, 

1804; dis. Juno 15, 1805. 
Willard Ure. Enlisted as aergt. in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 27, 1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg ; dis. Juno 2, 1865. 
Earl G. Prowly. Enlisted ns musioiau in Co. A, Slat Inf., Sept. 12, 

1861 ; served two an I a half years ; re-enl'd Jan. I, 1864 ; sorved 

in fifteen battles : dis. Sept. 3, 1805. 
Daniel W. Hart. Enlisted ns private in Co. E, llOth Inf., .Aug. 9, 

1802; served in tlirec battles. 
Albert Cro. Enlisted as 2d lieut. in Co. E, llOth Inf., Aug. 7, 1802; 

taken pris. at Port Hudson: dis. .Aug. 31, 1805. 
Alonzo R. Raymonil. Enlisted as private in Co. I. Islth Inf., .Aug. 

27, 1804 ; ilis. June 29, 1865. 

Lueollus E. Looniis. Enlisteil as private in Co. I, l>^lth Inf., Aug. 

27, 1864: ilis. .lune 29, 1S05. 
Wnllord Sweetlan I. Enlisted as sergt, in Co. E, llOih Inf., Aug. 7, 

1802; ilis. Aug. 20, 1865. 
James Swcetley. Enlisted ns corp. in Co. 1. isirh Inf., .Aug. 29, 

1861 ; dis. June 27, 1365. 
Pelaon Alsaver. Enlisted as private in Co. I, ISIili Inf., .Aug. 27, 

1.804; dis. June 29. 1864. 
Martin Mason. Drafle 1 as private in Co. I, Otth Inf.. .Aug., |Ki;;{ ; 

taken prisoner an I died from ill-treatment. 
Eliaha Bobbins. Enlisted as private in Co. I, Islih Inf., .Aug. '29, 

1801; died June 15. ISOI. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



323 



Cbarlcs Browncll. Enlisted as oorp. in To. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 18, 
1SG2; killed at battle of tbe Wilderness, May 6, 18G4. 

Harvey Powers. Enlisted as corp. in Co, E, llOlh Inf., Aug. 8, '62; 
in battle; dis. Aug. 20, 1SC5. 

Cbarles C. Loomis. Enlisted as private in Co. I, lS4th Inf., Aug. 

29, 1864; dis. June 29, 18C5. 

Clayton A. Loomis. Enlisted as private in Co. I, UOth Inf., Aug. 

11,1862; wounded at Port Hudson ; died at sea. Sept, 11, 1803. 
Eugene Cole. Enlisted as corporal in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 26, 

1SC4; discharged June 29, 1805. 
William A. Cole. Enlisted as private in Co. F, .Id Light Art., Aug. 

14, 1863 i discharged July 24, 1865. 
Joseph Alley. Enlisted as private in Co. C, 161st Inf., .Scjit. 14,1861 ; 

discharged September 14, 1864. 
Elbert Mason. Enlisted as private in Co. B, 184tb Inf.. Aug. 1.8,1864; 

in battles of Shenandoah valley. 
Ira Markcs. Enlisted as private in Co. B, 14"th Inf., Sept., 1862 ; 

discharged June, 1864. 
Jerome B. Davis. Enlisted as private in Co. B, 12th Art., March, 

18G4; in three battles; wounded twice at Petersburg. 
Thios Bragle. Enlisted as private in Co. 1, 184th Inf., Sept. 5, 1864; 

died in Syracuse. 
Jerome W. Goodwin. Enlisted as private in Co. K, 'Jth Art., Dec. 

30, 1863; in several battles; lost at sea, April 1, 1865. 
Marshall D. Purdy. Enlisted as private in Co. G, 81st Inf., Sept. 17, 

1861 : served in several battles; re-enlisted Feb. 26, 1864; killed 

at Petersburg. 
Henry Drake. Enlisted as private in Co. B, 147lh Inf., August 22, 

1862; discharged July 12, 1863; re-enlisted in Co. D, 24th Cav., 

April 16, 1864; served in fifteen battles; disch. July 29, 1865. 
Jonathan D. Hungerford. Enlisted as corporal in Co. I, 184th Inf., 

Aug. 26, 1S64; discharged June 29, 1S65. 
Daniel Gilman. Enlisted as private in Co. D, 16th Regular Inf., 

February 27, 1864; died October 1, 1864. 
John H. Stoke. Enlisted as private in Co. C, 16th Regular Inf., Mar. 

28, 1864; killed at Chattanooga. 

David HolUnbeck. Enlisted as private in Co. A, 9th Art., Jan'y 5, 

1864; discharged April, 1864. 
William H. BcUcharaber. Enlisted as private in Co. I, 184th Inf., 

Scjitember 1, 1804; discharged June 29, 1805. 
Cornelius L. Woolscy. Enlisted as corporal in Co. 1, 184th Inf., Aug. 

29, 1864; mustered out June 29, 1865. 

Nelson McDonald. Enlisted as private in Co. I, 184th Inf , .^ug. 27, 

1864: discharged June 29, 1805. 
Charles H. Hastings. Enlisted as private in Co. E, 24th Cav., Dec. 

28, 1S03: iliseharged May 7, 1864. 
David W. Spencer. Enlisted as private in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 

30, 1862; discharged February, 1863. 

Franklin 0. Spencer. Enlisted as private in Co. E, 24tb Inf., Ai)ril, 

1861 : discharged May 17, 1863. 

Jonathan Sherman, Jr. Enlisted as private in Co. I, 184th Inf., 

April 5, 1864; discharged June 29, 1865. 
Frederick Hills. Enlisted as private in Co. E, lUlth Inf, August 7, 

1862 ; discharged August 20, 1865. 

Jarvis Dryer. Enlisted as sergeant in Co. E, 59th Inf., Sept. 20, 1861 ; 
promoted three times; discharged Nov. 14, 1862; re-enlisted as 
private, Co. I, 184th Inf., Sept. 1, 1864; diseh. June 29, 1865. 

William P. Uerry. Enlisted as private in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 9, 
1862; promoted to corporal, Nov. 25, 1863; wounded; disch. 
Aug. 28, 1865. 

Joseph Dolbear. Enlisted as corporal, in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 23, 
1802; killed at the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1863. 

Martin Van B. Richnrdsttn. Enlisted as jtrivate, Co. F, 147th Inf., 
August 12, 1862; wounded at battle of Gtttysburg; discharged 
October 21, 1863. 

James P. Sackott. Enlisted in Co. I, lS4th Inf., Aug. 14, 1864; dis- 
charged June 29, 1865. 

Eben H. Duell. Enlisted in Co. E, llOth Inf, Aug. 9, 1864; disch. 
Aug. 28, 1865. 

Francis Loomis. Enlisted in Co. B, 147th Inf., Aug. 22, 1862; dis- 
charged May 12, 1805, 

Stephen G. Babcock. Enlisted in Co. E, 184th Inf., Sept. 5, 1864; 
died September 27, 1864. 

Martin Bates. Enlisted as corporal in Co. I>, lloih Inf., .\iig. 8, 
1862; discharged Aug. 28, 1805. 



Pelson D. B.ates. Enlisted as sergt. in Co. K, 81st Inf., Sept. .5, 1861 ; 
served in several battles; re-enlisted as sergt., Co. K, 81st Inf., 
Jan'y 1, 1864; through eighteen or twenty battles; discharged 
August 31, 1865. 

Jonathan D. Wright. Enlisted in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 27, 1864 ; 
discharged Juno 29, 1865. 

William K. Wright. Enlisted in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 24, 1804; 
discharged June 29, 1865. 

Roland 11. Sweet. Enlisted in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1862; killed 
by shell, Nov. 11, 1863, at Vermilionville, La. 

Arvis B. Sweet. Enlisted in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1802; dis- 
charged Aug. 28, 1864. 

John W. Sweet. Enlisted in Co. I, lS4th Inf, Aug. 22, 1864; dis- 
charged June 29, 1865. 

Henry A. Sweet. Enlisted in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 22, 1864; dis- 
charged June 29, 1805, 

George E, Sweet. Enlisted in Co, I, 184th Inf, Aug. 22, 1864; dis- 
charged June 29, 1865. 

John Chcstlcy. Enlisted in Co. I, 24th Cav., August 23, 1863; died 
November 30, 1864. 

Thomas .L Chestley. Enlisted in Co. I, llOlh Inf., August 25, 1802; 
died July 20, 1803, 

John M. Wiltsc, Enlisted in Co, F, 147th Inf., Aug. 25, 1862 ; died 
June 30, 1865. 

Anderson G. Goodwin. Enlisted in Co. K, 3d Light Art., August 4, 
1863; discharged June 24, 1865. 

Lafayette Hanehett. Enlisted as scrg't in 8l3t Inf, Sept. 10, 1861 ; 
served at Fair Oaks; died of typhoid fever, June 15, 1862. 

Philander S. Fuller. Enlisted in Co. 1, 184th Inf., Sept. 1, 1864 ; dis- 
charged June 29, 1805. 

George Bohanan. Enlisted in Co. A, 110th Inf, Aug. 7, 1862; dis- 
charged August 28, 1865. 

Cassius V. Snyder. Enlisted in Co. F, 81st Inf, Oct. 23, 1861 ; dis- 
charged August 24, 1864. 

Gilbert L. Fletcher. Enlisted in Co. I, 110th Inf., Aug. 12, 1862; 
discharged September 1, 1865. 

Gilbert B. Mace. Enlisted in Co. F, 147th Inf., Sept. 2, 1802 ; pro- 
moted 1st lieut. ; killed at Gettysburg. 

Lueian Moss. Enlisted in Co. A. 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1862 ; wounded 
and taken prisoner at Port Hudson ; died July 6, 1863. 

Leonard Gault. Enlisted in Co. A, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1802; died of 
fever at Port Hudson, July, 1803. 

Charles C. Barker. Enlisted in Co. A, 193d Inf., March 30, 1863; 
discharged July 31, 1865. 

Warren Barrett. Enlisted in Co. D, 110th Inf, Aug. 11, 1862; dis- 
charged September 1, 1865. 

Sylvester Copcl.and. Enlisted in Co. E, llOlh Inf, August 8, 1862; 
discharged July, 1803. 

AIouzo Ellis. Enlisted in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 26, 1862:'died 
February 12, 1862. 

William Edmonds. Enlisted as serg't in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 26, 
1862: wounded at Gettysburg, July 1,1863; died Sept. 17, '63. 

Martin AVheeler. Enlisted in Co. K, 81st Inf, Nov. 31, 1862; dis- 
charged May, 1863. 

Levi L. Gillman. Enlisted as serg't in Co. K, 81st Inf., August 16, 
1861; served in several battles; rc-cnlisted as sergt., Jan'y 1, 
1864; taken prisoner, Oct. 27, 1804; in Libby and Salisbury; 
discharged September 18, 1865. 

David Slanson. Enlisted in Co. D, 184th Inf , August, 1865 ; disch. 
June 29, 1865. 

Peter Laniay. Enlisted in Co. D, 24th Inf., May 2, 1861 ; wounded at 
Bull Run: discharged May 17, 1863: rc-enlisted in Co. K, 15th 
Cav., Aug. 20, 1803: in several battles; disch. August 23, 1865. 

Walter Seu.lder. Enlisted in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1862; dis- 
charged July 6, 1865. 

William Scudder. Enli.«ted in Co. E, I loth Inf., Aug. 7, 1802: dis- 
chargccl September 2, 1864. 

William H. Richardson. Enl'd as music'n in Co. F, 147th Inf., Aug. 
22, '62; in battles of Chancellorsville, Gottysb'g; dis. Aug., '64. 

Oilson Goodwin. Enlisted in Co. I, 18lth Inf., Sept. 5, 1804; died 
July !>. 1805. 

Thomas Fane. Enlisted in Co. I, 184th Inf., Aug. 25, 1862; died 
December 25. 1863. 

Joseph Preston. Enlisted in Co. E, UOth Inf, Aug. 25, 1862; disch. 
September 2, 1864. 



S C H R O E P P E L. 



A RETROSPECTION of Httlc inorc than three-quarters of a 
century carrit-s us hack to the time of the first settlement 
of what now constitutes the town of Selirocppel. Seventy- 
seven years, with their momentous events and changing 
vicissitudes, have passed into tlie silent night of eternity 
since the first white settler made his permanent location 
within the borders of the town. Consequently, our labors 
in the preparation of a brief historical sketch of Schrooppel 
only re(|uire a record of events transpiring in and subse- 
quent to the year of our Lord 1800. 

Although there are none now living within tlie scope of 
our work who remember that time, yet there are those 
whose years antedate the settlement of the town. Some 
there are whose memories extend back nearly sixty years, 
to a time when the log cabin constituted the only habita- 
tion of the pioneer, and not a semblance of the present 
progress and development existed. Thcj/ remember the 
trials and hardships they had to endure in order to effect 
the marvelous change their industry has wrought. Yet, 
blended with the recolloclion of their troubles are memo- 
ries of the broad hospitality, the Christian fortitude, and 
the cheerfulness under difficulties that characterized the 
early settlement. Indeed, 

" There are moments in life that we never forget, 

Which brighten an<l brighten as time steals uway ; 
They give a new ehanu to the happiest lot, 

And they shine on the gloom of the loneliest day." 

The imagination can scarcely depict the realities of those 
days, — the unbroken wilderness, which presented a wildncss 
in every object uptJii which the eyes rested, except the sky 
o'erhead. The only marks in all this region that gave 
any evidence that the fool of civilized man had pressed the 
soil were the blazed trees that denoted an indefinite path- 
way. Such was this town withnut inhabitants, except 
the aborigine and the wild beast of the forest, when Ahram 
l^addnck erected his log cabin, and sought a permanent 
home amid the sea-like solitude. 

Geographically, Schroeppel is located in the .southern 
part of the county, in the northeast angle formed by the 
junction of the Oneida and Oswego rivers. The surface is 
level or gently rolling, the soil is a rich Siindy loam, inter- 
mixed, in places, with clay. It is susceptible of high cul- 
tivation, and is generally very fertile and pmduclive. The 
township is watered by Six-Mile, Fi.sh, and Hell creeks, 
and several minor streams. A swamp extends iKnthward 
from the mouth of Fish creek nearly to the porthern border 
of the township, and varies from half a mile to a mile in 
width. Much of it has been redeemed, and future drain- 
ing and other improvements will materially les.sen its area. 

The streams, particulaily Fish creek, originally abounded 
in brook-trdiit, IVnm which fact it received its name. Tlicy 



are all plenteously supplied with various kinds of fish 
common in this locality. They also furnish abundant and 
excellent water-power, and many mills have been erected 
on their banks. The southern, and part of the eastern 
boundary of the township, is formed by Oneida and Oswego 
rivers. 

No records exist whereby can be determined, definitely, 
whether any settlements were made in the town between 
ISOtl and 1807. In the former year Abram I'addock* 
arrived, and in the latter Thomas Vickery and one L'Hom- 
inedieu (commonly written La Hommedieu), the former as 
a permanent settler, and the latter, evidently, as a specu- 
lator. L'Hommedicu purchased a tract of land containing 
one thou.sand acres, de.signated on the map as " La Hom- 
medieu's location," and situated in the southern extremity 
of the angle formed by the Oneida and Oswego rivers, 
and coming up to the eastern boundary of the village of 
Phccnix. 

Thomas Vickery settled on the Oneida river near Three- 
River point, where Joseph Vickery, his son, was born. At 
an early day he removed to the other side of the river, and 
w;»s for a number of years a prominent citizen of the town of 
Clay, Onondaga county. When Joseph arrived at man- 
hood he bought the farm on which he now resides, and soon 
became an influential citizen and a wealthy farmer. He 
has held several offices of trust in the town government. 

In 1818, Henry W. Schroeppel, eldest son of the proprie- 
tor of the township, settled at Oak Orchard, on the prem- 
ises now occupied by Mrs. Anna Sehrocjipel, his widow. To 
him is accredited the honor of having opened the first farm 
in the town, or rather, the fii-st upon which any extensive 
improvements were made. 

In March, IS 11), Hynian and Stephen Sutton, two 
brothers, came in from Maiilius, Onondaga county, and set- 
tled on lot 13, in the 16th township. They had purchased 
the land the fall licfore. and Stephen had erected a log house 
on his part. At the same time Alvin Sutton, cousin to the 
above, and one Phelps, settled on lot 12, and Azoe Parkin 
on the north end of lot 18; also a man named liillings tm 
lot 27. Lyman Norton settled on the farm now occupied 
by his son Hiram, who was born on the place fifty-five years 
ago, and has since remained there. 

In ISID, Andrus Gilbert and Iliram. his brother, came in 
and commenced the .settlement of (Jilbertsville, as stated in 
the history proper of that village. 

Israel Burritt came in from Paris, Oneida cminty, in 
1819, and settled in Gilbertsville, where he assisted in build- 

• For further pnrtiuul.irs of Padilock see " History of Phoenix 
village." We designate hitn n |ierDlanent settler bocauiie he reinaineit 
in this vicinity until his death, in 1S21. although ho never purehasecl 
liny liind. but nas chielly employed in hunting and trapping. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



325 



ing the mills, etc. He died about 182G, on the farm now 
owned by James Simmons. 

Jonathan Hall, fiither of Mrs. Waring, settled on lot 20, 
in 1822, on a part of the fiirni which he occupied until his 
death, which occurred in June, 1868. Mr. Hall had been 
in the township some years prior to his permanent settle- 
ment. 

George Waring came in about the same time as Mr. 
Hall, for he married the latter's daughter in 1824. His 
widow still survives, and Ls well versed in the early history 
of the township. George Waring was born at Constantia, 
in 1796, and it is claimed by his friends (and the claim is 
evidently well authenticated) that ho was the first white 
child born in Oswego County. 

In 1822, Samuel Merry, Esq., .settled at Gilbert's Mills, 
and entered into partnership with Andrus Gilbert. He 
resided there until 1837, when he removed to Fhcenix, 
where he now lives. 

John Curtis made the first settlement on the State road 
in this town in 1826-27, on lot .5, on the farm now owned 
by Enoch Douglass. John Curtis, Jr., settled at Roosevelt. 

Deacon Stephen Griffith came into the township and set- 
tled on lot 26, in 1827. He was born in Saratoga county. 
New York, in 1797, and is consequently eighty years of 
age, and one of the oldest living residents of the town in 
point of age, and among the oldest in point of settlement. 

Among the prominent early settlers of the town who 
came in during the decade ending in 1840 we might men- 
tion the following : 

Allen Gilbert, Asa McNamara, John Bottom, 0. W. 
Childs, Esq., John Ingersoll, Isaac Like, Asa Gilbert, John 
Fitzgerald, Michael Grifiin, J. E. Gregg, A. Gregg. 
Deacon G. W. Turner came in 1831, and settled on big lots 
1 and 6, where he has since resided. Thomas R. Hawley, 
Esq., came in 1832, and settled on lot 39, where he resided 
thirty-one years. He came from Lysander, Onondaga 
county, in which county he was born. Wm. Dingman and 
five sons, of whom Ephraim, Benjamin, and Minard are still 
residents of the township ; Nathan Huntley, whose widow 
survives at the age of eighty-two years, and several of whose 
sons are settled in Schroeppei ; Elias Thomas, Junius Wood, 
Duncan Conger, G. C. Sweet, Ira Davis, Jesse Page, and 
many others. 

The first log house erected within the limits of Schroep- 
pei was by Abram Paddock, in 1801, as mentioned in the 
history proper of Phoenix village. 

The first frame house was built by George Caspar 
Schroeppei, about the year 1818. He lived in a flat-roofed 
shanty while building his house. 

The first gri.st-mill was built by Andrus and Hiram Gil- 
bert, in the year 1819. It still stands at Gilbertsville, on 
Six-Mile creek, and has done good service for nearly sixty 
years. The mill has two run of stones, and was operated 
by the Gilberts jointly until 1832, when Andrus sold his 
interest to liis brother, who conducted the business alone 
until about 1844, when he sold to Jared Shepard, who 
managed the concern for three or four years, and then sold 
to Josiali Chafiee, who, after a few years' proprietorship, 
sold to the present owner, Amos Mason. 

The first saw-mill was built by George Caspar Schroep- 



pei, in 1819, and conducted by his son Henry W. after- 
wards for some years. 

The first store was opened and kept by Andrus Gilbert, 
in 1821. It was located at Gilbertsville, and ultimately 
destroyed by fire, as mentioned in the history of the village. 

The first tavern was kept by Simeon S. Chapin, in 1822. 
This was at Phoenix village, and was a log structure, built 
by Aaron Paddock, with an addition, which was erected by 
Mr. Chapin, and was known as the double log house. It 
stood across the street east from the residence of Joseph 
Gilbert, deceased. 

The first birth in the town was that of Joseph, son of 
Thomas Vickery, September 11, 1807. This gentleman 
is still living in the town, having spent the allotted three- 
score years and ten in one locality, — a remarkable fact 
connected with the history of a native-born American, who 
are generally so prone to move around. 

The first marriage was performed, under peculiar circum- 
stances, in 1807. It appears that the parties to the inter- 
esting contract — John Lemanier and Sally Winters — got a 
justice of the peace, who resided over in Onondaga county, 
to perform the nuptials. He did so in good faith, but on 
reaching home, some one evidently better versed in the law 
governing the jurisdiction of magistrates informed him that 
he had exceeded his powers, and that the marriage was 
consequently ilhgal. The next morning the justice of the 
peace posted over the river, and requested the newly (appa- 
rently) married couple to accompany him over to the other 
shore, where the ceremony was performed according to the 
law " in such cases made and provided." 

The first death, of which any authentic record exists, 
was that of Abram Paddock, the pioneer of the town, . 
which occurred in the early part of the year 1821. 

The first school taught was by Horatio Sweet, at Three 
River point, in 1813. 

The first religious organization was a Methodist class 
formed at Gilbertsville, in 1826.* 

INCIDENTS. 

About 1816 this region of country, from Three-Rivers 
point to Brewerton, and from Onondaga outlet to Oswego 
falls, was almost an unbroken wilderness. White .settlers 
were few, but Indians were numerous. Among the white 
settlers there was one McGee, son of Captain McGee, of 
Revolutionary times, who was noted for his daring and 
bravery, and who was always averse to the society of the In- 
dians. Occasionally he had his troubles with them, and as 
often had his revenge on them. On one occasion, up the 
Oneida river, about four miles from Three-Rivers point, 
where he was trapping, he left his canoe on the north shore 
to take a stroll back from the river, but soon returned and 
found an Indian had taken his canoe and some of his trap.s, 
and started for the opposite shore. McGee called to him 
in English to return, but he did not heed it. Then McGee 
called to him in their native language. The Indian's reply 
was "Yah-ho," meaning " I won't." At this McGee shot 
the Indian as he was paddling, the ball entering his left 
side and coming out of his right shoulder, killing him in- 

* Seo history of tho Methodist Episcopal cburcb, farther on. 



32G 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



stanlly. McGee swam to the canoe, and brouglit it, with 
lii.s victim, to land, and ImriL'd the Indian, whose name was 
Sidney, by the side of u loj;, at the muuth of a creek known 
by the boatmQn in after-years as "Sidney creek," taken 
from the name of the Indian. This creek runs through 
the farm now owned by GiJson D. Carrier, and emiities into 
the Oneida river. 

LOST IN THE WOODS. 
Among the early pioneers of Schroejipel, one John Has- 
kin and family came from Vermont, and settled on lot No. 
18, twenty-fourth townslii|i, in January, 1833, then an 
unbroken wilderness, without roads for egre.<s or injrress. 
It is not known that there was a family in the town who 
suffered as much as did this family. Mr. Ilaskin was for- 
merly from I'hiladel]iliia, and unaccustomed to pioneer life. 
" I have known him," says Mr. Ilawley, " to grind corn 
for food by pounding it with a maul on a hard wood block, 
hewn for that purpose. At that time there was a grist-mill 
at Coughdenoy, on a small scale. One day in June of the 
above year, Mr. Ilaskin started for this mill with a half- 
bu.shel of corn on his shoulder to be ground, taking one of 
those circular roads made by Mr. Peck and others. When 
returning with his grist at night he lost his way. By the 
time it became very dark he had got into a tamarack swamp, 
where he was obliged to remain, and be tortuied by mos- 
quitoes, or keep moving, with brush in hand, until nearly 
exhausted by hunger and fatigue, during the whole of that 
night. As morning appeared but little encouragement fol- 
lowed, for it w;us very cloudy the whole day ; but with the 
courage he had he started in good faith to get out of his 
perilous situation. To his a.stonisliment, afler two hours of 
hard work, going through bru.'sh and over logs, he found 
him.self back again to the same swamp where he had lodged 
during the night previous. He was not to be deceived in 
that way again. As the day continued cloudy, his only 
alternative was to take a range from one tree to another, 
which he resolved carefully to do, by which he came to one 
of those circular roads. Keeping on this road, he soon 
came in sight of Coughdenoj'. Now his third and last 
effort was to retrace his steps on the same road, by which 
he returned to his place of abode about sunset, being one 
night and two da^'s lost, and loaded with a bag of corn- 
meal. The distance to the mill was about three and one- 
half miles, but Mr. Haskin said he traveled about fifty 
miles without anything to eat." 

THE CIVIL ORGANIZATION 

of the town was effected by the State legislature. April 4, 
1832. The town was detached from Volney at that time, 
and organized as a s<'parate and distinct town. The fii-st 
annual meeting for the election of town ofl5eers and the 
transaction of other mutiieipal business was held at the 
house of James B. Richardson, in the village of Phoenix, 
March 5, 1833. 

At the first meeting there were 117 votes cast. In 1834, 
97; in 1835,125; in lS3f,, I'.ll; in 18:{7,15!»; in 1838, 
218; in 1839, 285; and in 1840, 308. 

The subjoined resolution w;ls unanimously passed by the 
freeholders and inhabitant^ : 

" That James B. Richardson be the clerk prv tern. 



"That Orville W. Childs be assistant clerk. 

" That the next annual meeting be held on the first 
Tuesday in March next." 

The officers elected at the first meeting were : Samuel 
Merrv, supervisor ; James B. Richardson, town clerk ; 
Orville W. Childs, Artenius Ross, justices of the {>eace ; 
Andnis Gilbert, Walter Peck, Stephen Griffith, assessors ; 
Hiram Gilbert, James B. Richardson, overseers of the 
poor; Samuel C. Putnam, Aliram Vanderpool, Leman Car- 
rier, commissioners of highways ; Joshua M. Rice, collec- 
tor ; Thomas R. Hawley, Joshua M. Rice, Leman Carrier, 
Alexander Ro.ss, constables. 

Overseers of Highways. — For district No. 1, AV'alter 
Peck; No. 2, John Dale; No. 3, Jesse Page; No. 4, Mil- 
ton Fuller; No. 5, John Porter ; No. 6, Allen Gilbert ; No. 
7, Leman Carrier; No. 8, Andrus Gilbert; No. 9, George 
W. Davis; No. 10, Patten Parker; No. 11, Levi Pratt; 
No. 12, Asa Sutton; No. 13, John Curtis, Jr.; No. 14, 
Lawrence Seymour; No. 15, Henry W. Schrocppel. 

It was voted to raise two hundred and fifty dollars for 
the improvement of highways ; also, that the town raise 
an amount equal to that received from the State, for the 
support of common schools. 

The supervi.sors of the town from 1833 to 1877 inclu- 
sive have been: Samuel Merry, Andrus Gilbert, Samuel 
Merry, James B. Richardson (two years). Patten Parker 
(two years), Barzil Candee (two years), Joseph R. Brown, 
Garrett C. Sweet. Samuel Foot, William Conger (two years), 
William Hall (three years), Alvin Breed (five years), Ira 
Betts, Seth W. Alvord (two years), John P. Rice, Fred- 
erick D. Van Wagner, John P. Rice, Edmund Merry (three 
years), Charles W. Candee, Edmund Merry (three years), 
jMoses Melvin, John C. Hutchinson (two years), Hiram 
Fox (four years), William Patrick, present incumbent (two 
years). 

The town clerks for the same period have been : James 
B. Richardson (three years), Otis W. Randall (four years), 
Solomon Judd, William Conger (two years), Seth W. 
Burke, Joshua M. Rlee, Elmer W. Hall, Oliver Breed 
(two years), Edward Baxter (two years), Ilarvey Bigsby, 
Jerome Duke, John C. Hutchinson, James M. Clark, Geo. 
W. Thompson, 0. B. Fergu.son, Edmund Merry (two years), 
Lewis C. Rowe (four years), Alfred .Morton, Stephen A. 
Brooks, A. 5L Sponenburgh, James L. Breed, Stephen A. 
Brooks, W. H. H. Allen (two yciirs), James McCarthy, 
Harvey Wandell, R. A. Diefendorf, Martin Wandell, present 
incumbent (six years). 

The justices of the peace have been : Orville W. Childs, 
Artemus Ross, Samuel Merry, John Fitzgerald (vacancy), 
Artemus Ross, Joshua .M. Rice (vacjiney). Dyer Putnam, 
Levi Stevens, Abram Vanderpool (vacancy), James B. 
Richardson, Abram Vanderpool, Artemus Ross, Dyer Put- 
nam, Henry Ciiapin, Benjamin Hiiinian (vacancy), Ben- 
jamin Hinman (full term), Artemus Ross, Seth W. Burke, 
William Leslie, Nathaniel Coburn ( vacancy), Samuel Merry, 
James B. Richard.son, Andrus Gilbert, John H. Brooks, 
Augustus Diefendorf, John H. Hrooks (vacancy), Josiah 
Chaffee, James S. Gregg, Andnw Baird, Samuel Allen, 
Lewis McKoon, .\. C. I'aine, Joseph B. Powers ( full term), 
Andrus Gilbert, Edmund Merry, Jumes Barnes (vacancy), 













R[sioeNcc: of NELSON COREY, Son 




OswEoo Co., N Y. (House built in 1876 J 







HISTOKY OF OSWEUO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



327 



James Barnes (full term), Rosea B. Russ (vacancy), Geo. 
M. Tainer (vacancy), John C. Fuller, Nelson Corey, Isaac 
N. Soulc, Seth W. Alvord (vacancy), James H. Loomis, 
John A. Fuller, Zachariah P. Scars, Ira Betts, James H. 
Loomis, Henry Ellis, Vincent L. Kimball, H. A. Brainard, 
Seth W. Alvord, J. C. Fuller, Stephen Hinkley, Hiram D. 
Fos, Edward Cathcart, Phineas Converse, James Barnes, 
William B. Corey (vacancy). 

PHCENIX VILLAGE. 

The early history of Phoenix (formerly called Three- 
River Rifts) presents many features of interest. We are 
enabled, through the kindness of Mr. Thomas R. Haw- 
ley, — a gentleman well qualified to impart important his- 
torical information, — to present many fiicts relative to 
Phoenix not generally known. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

The present site of the village is included in George 
Scriba's patent. Right here it may be of importance to 
mention the manner in which Scriba became possessed of 
his patent. We quote from the "Documentary History of 
New York ;" " George Scriba, a German by birth, and a mer- 
chant in the city of New York, purchased of the Roosevelt 
brothers, delinquent contractors with the government of the 
State, five hundred thousand acres, for which he paid 
eighty thousand dollars, in 1791." The first white settler 
since 1800 was Abram Paddock, who erected a log cabin, 
near Ho.sea B. Russ' mill, in 1801. He suffered the usual 
privations incident to pioneer life. The Indians were very 
troublesome to him, and often threatened to shoot him if 
he did not desist from shooting their bears (he was known 
as Bear-hunter Paddock). In 1812 a great number of 
Onondagas, on their way to Oswego, encamped near Mr. 
Paddock's. Four of them went into his house and de- 
manded food. On being refused, one of them, in broken 
English, addressed him; "Good 'Jlerican man, we go to 

Osh-wa-kee ; fight British like h 1 !" During their 

stay, Mr. Paddock and family, in fear of them, crossed 
the river, and took refuge in a thicket below the point, at 
Three-River bar, and the Indians dispersed, and he and his 
family returned. Aaron Paddock (no connection to the 
Paddock spoken of above), familiarly known as Eel-butcher 
Paddock, settled at that place, across the street east from 
the residence of the late Joseph Gilbert, in 1822. He was 
succeeded by Simeon S. Chapin, who built an addition to 
the house, and opened the first tavern in the place. 

A man known familiarly as " Tory" Foster settled near 
A. W. Sweet's residence, and built a log house in 1823. 
He soon afterwards removed, but returned in 1833, and 
lived in a shanty east of C. W. Candee's present residence, 
and died there in 1834. An incident is related of him, 
in Clark's " History of Onondaga," which we subjoin. 

" He one day went into the blacksmith-shop of Judge 
Towsley, at Manlius, and commenced narrating his cruelties 
and exploits against the Americans in the Revolutionary 
war. The judge, then at the anvil, sledge-hammer in hand, 
listened patiently for some time, and at length, his patience 
becoming exhausted, he seized a heavy bar of iron, and 



struck at Foster with his full strength. As luck would 
have it, the force of the blow was arrested by the iron 
striking a beam overhead. The miscreant instantly left the 
shop, not caring to continue his favorite theme in the 
presence of American patriots, contented with escaping 
with his life." This and similar circumstances in the life 
of Foster are authenticated by Thomas R. Hawley, Esq., 
who knew him well. 

The first frame building was the addition made to the 
old log house of Aaron Paddock, by Simeon S. Chapin, in 
1825. 

The first store was kept by Walter Peck, in 1828, in the 
old building now owned by H. B. Russ, which has under- 
gone such extensive improvements since as to almost lose 
its original identity. 

The first saw-mill on the east side of the river was also 
built by Walter Peck, in 1827-28. 

The first saw-mill on the west side was erected by John 
Wall, in 1829. 

The first grist-mill was built by S. W. Burke, Esq., for 
Alexander Phcenix, whose agent he was, in 1829-30. This 
was destroyed by fire a few years since, and was rebuilt by 
the present proprietors. Glass, Breed & Co. This was the 
old " red mill," known as such far and wide. 

The first black.smith was Seth W. Burke, who established 
himself in that business at Phoenix, in 1828. 

The first school-house was erected in 1827, and stood on 
Main street, a little south of Dr. Smith's office. The first 
teacher in it was Elvira Knapp, afterwards the wife of 
Thomas R. Hawley, who died in March, 1856. 

The first bridge across the river at Phoenix was built in 
1836, by a company, and was a toll-bridge. The present 
bridge was built by the counties of Onondaga and Oswego. 
It is a fine iron structure, supported by stone piers. 

The first birth was that of Jane, daughter of Aaron 
Paddock, in 1820. 

The first marriage was that of James Miles, and Miriam, 
daughter of Aaron Paddock, in 182-t. 

The first death was that of Abram Paddock, in 1821. 

THE OSWEGO CANAL. 

The construction of the canal through the place, in 
December, 1828, gave an impetus to its growth and pros- 
perity long felt by the community. Some years subsequent 
boat-building was quite extensively carried on at the village, 
which about 1850 had assumed large and interesting pro- 
portions. In fact, the most prosperous epoch in the history 
of Phoenix was included in the period embraced between 
the yeara 1850 and 1873. In the latter year the general 
financial depression of the country began to be felt in boat- 
building circles, and the business commenced to decline, 
until, from four large establishments, employing an aggre- 
gate of over one hundred hands, not one of them is now 
in existence. The depreciation in freight tariffs, and the 
consequent inability of boatmen to meet their financial 
obligations, caused a general suspension of ship-building at 
this point, and a corresponding depression in business. A 
good dry-dock, owned by J. S. Pierce, is in operation, and 
a fair share of the boat-repairing of the canal is done by 
him. 



328 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



INCORPORATION. 

Phoenix received corporate honors in 1848, tlie first 
election for village officers having been held in March of 
that year. We are unahle to give the pwceedings of the 
first election, as the records were destroyed by fire. The 
presidents and clerks of the village since 1863 (the date of 
the earliest record now in existence) have been as follows : 

J'retnleitts. — Wui. Waite, Adotiiruni Hart, Hiram Fox, 
Sainl. Avery, Ilufus Diefendorf (two years), Nilos Strcevcr, 
Henry H. Smith, Rufus Diefendorf, Niles Streever, J. E. 
Hamill, E. J. Vickery, John E. Hamill, Martin Wandell, 
John E. Haniill. 

Clerks. — William H. Shumway (two years), M. M. 
Cartter, H. W. Weeden, Henry A. Braiiiard, L. F. Ben- 
nett (two years), F. T. Gilbert, Bonville Fuller, W. H. H. 
Allen, F. T. Gilbert, C. W. Avery, R. G. Barnes, W. II. 
H. AUen, Add P. Hart. 

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

In the past, ship-building constituted the principal in- 
dustry of Ph<eni.'c. No extensive manufacturing establish- 
ments have existed in the place, notwithstanding the fact 
that it possesses one of the best water-powers on the Oswego 
river. 

Among the establishments that liave been successfully 
operated for the pa.st fifty-eight years is the grist-mill, 
which, before its destruction by fire in 1867, was known as 
the " old red mill." It Wiis erected by Seth W. Burke, 
for Alexander Phtcnix, whose agent he was, in 1829-30. 
It was conducted on a small scale by the original propri- 
etor until 1835, when it was purchased by Hezekiah 
Barnes. The proprietors since that date, with the time of 
their possession (or part possession, for it was pretty much 
divided up at times), have been as follows : Job C. Conger, 
NovembiT 14, 1837 ; Wm. Conger, one-half interest, in 
1841 ; Keris.selaer Northrup, one-quarter interest, in 1843 ; 
Solomon Judd, same portion, same year ; Oliver Breed, 
half interest, in 1853; Joseph Breed, one-tliird, in 1856; 
William Sjirague, same, in 1858. Jo.seph G. Glass pur- 
chased Sprague's interest, in 1860; Edwin P. Hopkins J. 
Breed's interest, in 1803; Charles J. Gla.ss Hopkins' in- 
terest, in 18()7. The present style of the firm is Breed, 
Glass & Co. In the fall of 1867 the mill was burnt, and 
rebuilt immediately and commenced operations in 1860. It 
has five run of stones, and Joliuson'.s reacting cast-iron 
wheels. The business from May 1, 1876, to May 1, 1877, 
was as follows : merchant, twenty-one thousand barrels ; 
custom, ten thousand bushels. 

The gri.st-mill of Amasa P. Hart & Co. was erected by 
Pliny F. Conger in 1858. Immediately after its com- 
pletion E. Merry entered into partnership, and subsequently 
G. G. Breed purcha.scd an interest in it. The mill was 
operated by the above firm until ISOtl, when it was sold to 
H. Wetherbee & Co., and the following year was destroyed 
by fire. It was rebuilt and the business conducted by H. 
W. & Co. until July, 1876, when they made an assign- 
ment, and Captain Amasa P. Hart rented the property of 
the assignee, under the style of A. P. Hart & Co. The 
business transacted for the year ending July 31, 1877, was 



as follows : merchant, thirteen thousand barrels ; custom, 
five thousjiiid bushels. 

OswKuo River Cheese- Factory was erected by Ira 
Gould in 1863, and operated by him until 1868, when it 
passed iiit<j the iio.=session of Hart & Carrier, by whom it 
was conducted until the spring of 1875. In the latter year 
Kimball & Martin, its present proprietors, purchased the 
concern. In 1877 they manufactured one hundred and 
thirty thousand pounds of cheese, valued at thirtt'cn thou- 
sand two hundred dollars. This factory has a total of six 
hundred cows. 

A. W. Sweet & Co., proprietors of the Phoenix Coffin 
and Casket works, which were established by A. W. 
Sweet, in 1868. In 1872 G. M. Sweet was admitted as a 
partner, and the title of the firm changed as at present. 
The company manufacture the best class of cloth-covered 
burial cases, coffins and caskets, which find a ready market in 
various parts of the State. They employ from fifteen to twenty 
hands, and have (|uito an extensive demand f<ir their goods. 

The Pikjo.MX B.vnk was incorporated under the State 
banking law in 1869, by E. G. Hutchinson, Samuel Avery, 
M. T. Butts, Joseph Gilbert, Edmund Merry, H. T. Sweet, 
Moses Wood, Amasa P. Hart, G. G. Breed, S. A. Howard, 
E. C. Fitzgerald, Calvin Yeoman, Davis Conger, H. H. 
Smith, J. H. Looniis, E. Chesebro, J. H. I. Diefendorf, R. 
A. Pricliard, R. Diefendorf, Adonirum Hart, Moses Melvin, 
E. S. Brooks, J. S. Pierce, Edson J. Vickery, J. L. Breed, 
N. P. Eno, Saml. Merry, M. Chesebro, Levi Carrier, S. M. 
Parsons, Ira Betts, and Samuel Flynn. The first officers 
were Samuel Avery, president; E. G. Hutchinson, vice- 
president ; E. Merry, cashier. These have continued the 
same except the president, who was succeeded by G. 6. 
Breed. The paid-iu capital of the bank is one hundred 
thousand dollars; surplus, five thousand dollars; individual 
deposits, seventy-one thousand dollars. 

The business interests of Pha'iiix are represented by five 
general-, two grocery-, two hardware-, and two drug-stores, 
one clothing-, one gents' furnishing goods-, and three milli- 
nery-stores, one furniture estalilishmont, one bakery, two 
meat-markets, one tin-shop, three hotels, and two livery- 
stables. It has two grist-mills and one saw-mill, one coffin- 
and one cheese-factory, three blacksmith- and two carriage- 
and wagon-shops. There are in the place throe churches, 
denominationally classified as Congregational, Methodist 
Episcopal, and Baptist; also an organized society of the 
Protestant Episcopal church, a union school, with which is 
connected a free academical de[)artment, a weekly news- 
paper, published by J. M. Williams, and a State bank. It 
has a post-office, and a private telegraph-office connecting 
with the main lines at Lainson's station on the Oswego and 
Syracuse branch of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western 
railroad, which is distant from Pha-nix about three and one- 
half miles. A stage also connects with all trains on that 
railroad. The village is situated on the Oswego canal, and 
has a steamboat, which makes daily trips to Syracuse. The 
location of Plui-nix is admirably suitable to, and convenient 
for, manufacturing purposes, and as soon as proper railway 
communication can be secured the prosperity of the place 
as a manufacturing centre, a retiring locality, and a popu- 
lous village will be assured. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



329 



PHCENIX FREE-SCHOOL DISTRICT. 

By act of legislature passed April 19, 1865, tlie territory 
at that time known as school district No. 12, of the town 
of Schroeppel, and all territory at that time included in the 
village of I'htcnix, and which should be thereafter added 
to said village, w;us organized as a free-school district, under 
the name of the Phoenix free-school district, and power 
was by that act granted to establish an academic depart- 
ment. A board of education was by that act constituted, 
consisting of six trustees. E. S. Brooks, Alfred Morion, 
J. N. Gillis, Edmund Merry, M. S. Cushman, and Gover- 
neur M. Sweet, with M. M. Carter as clerk, comprised the 
first board. Wm. B. Howard was the first principal of the 
school under this organization, and served as such until 
April, 1868. He was succeeded by B. F. Stanley, who 
taught only one term. Mr. B. G. Clapp, the present prin- 
cipal of the school, was first employed in the fall term of 
1868, and, with the exception of a full term as school com- 
missioner, has since that time occupied the position of prin- 
cipal. While Professor Clapp was school commissioner W. 
B. Howard served as principal. Carrie V. Hawthorn, 
Jane McKoon, Hattie J. Crane, Belle W. Taylor, Ella 
Richardson, Ella Warner, Mary Miller, Carrie Byington, 
Mary Cook, Gertie Conger, and Maggie Murphy are some 
of the lady teachers who have served longest as such. 
Samuel C. Putnam was the first librarian, and since his 
death his widow has served in that capacity. Wm. Turner 
has been janitor since the organization of the district. M. 
M. Carter, J. H. Loouiis, and Henry A. Brainard have been 
clerks of the board of education, Mr. Brainard serving ten 
years, from 1867 to 1877, when he was succeeded by Mr. 
Carter. The academic department wa.s organized and ac- 
cepted by the regents November 23, 1875, and is now in 
very successful operation. 

The .school building is a substantial one, of brick, three 
stories in height, standing in an elevated portion of the 
village. The school-grounds consist of about two acres, 
neatly inclosed, finely shaded, and pleasant. The rooms 
are warmed by two hot-air furnaces, situated in the base- 
ment. The school and academy library together have about 
sis hundred and fifty volumes, about half of which have 
been recently added. The academic department has a good 
philosophical apparatus, of modern construction, and stu- 
dents are prepared for college or advanced in special lines 
of education. Much credit is due to Professor Clapp, under 
whose direction every department has been thcjroughly 

, graded and arranged. The usual attendance during winter 

I is about four hundred pupils. 

Tlie present board of education consists of J. E. Hamill, 
president ; C. W. Avery, G. G. Breed, A. R. Sweet, E. G. 
Hutchinson, and F. David ; M. M. Cartter, clerk. 

. The attendance of students from abroad in the academic 

f department is continually increasing ; tuition is cheaper than 
usual in the academies, and its graduates stand higher than 
usual in the colleges and universities to which they pass. 

ATTORNEYS. 

Henry W. Weeden was admitted to the bar in April, 
1853, and immediately afterwards opemd an office in 



Phoenix, where he has continued to practice till the present 
time. 

Francis David was admitted to the bar February 7, 185-1, 
and came to Pliainix in autumn of the same year. 

Lorenzo W. Robinson was admitted to the bar in 1861, 
since which time he has practiced at Parish for a short 
time, and at Phoenix, where he now resides. He makes a 
specialty of pension and bounty claims. 

Charles W. Avery was admitted to the bar in 1851), and 
located at Central Square, New York, where he enjoyed an 
extensive practice for ten years. Coming to Phoenix in 
1869, he has since that time been in practice here. Mr. 
Avery has been admitted to practice in the United States 
courts. He is an ardent advocate of public education, and 
for several j'ears has been a member of the board of educa- 
tion of the Phoenix academy, for several years serving as 
president. 

Henry A. Brainard began the study of law in the office 
of David & McKoon, in Phoenix. He enlisted in the army 
in 1864, and served till the close of the war, was admitted 
to the bar in April, 1866, and has been in constant practice 
of his profession, to which he unites that of engineer and 
surveyor, just for the love of it, since that time. Mr. 
Brainard is at the present time special county judge of 
Oswego County. 

James R. Shea studied law in the office of C. W. Avery, 
Esq., and was admitted in June, 1877. He has opened an 
office in Phoenix. 

PIIYSICI.^NS. 

Joseph R. Brown* came to Phoenix in 1834, and left 
in 1848. 

Otis W. Randall* came in 1837, practiced several years, 
and then removed to Utica. 

Ransom Howard* settled at Gilbert's Mills, in 1838, 
where he practiced several years. 

Nathan Williams* came to Phoenix in 1841, and in 1847 
removed to Michigan. 

Davis Conger began to practice in Phoenix in 1841, and 
after several years at his profession he, in company with Dr. 
C. M. Lee, opened the first drug-store in the place, in which 
business he still continues. 

Tho.se coming into the village and town since 1840 
have been M. M. Cartter, Samuel Avery, William B. Coy, 
Andrew P. and John Hamill, John E. Hamill, T. D. 
Whyborn, William H. Rice, G. H. Whitcomb, and Garrett 
Smith, Ilomoeopathist. 

THE PHCENIX UNION A01lICULTnR.\L SOCIETY. 

Not strictly an Oswego County institution, yet so large 
a portion of its territory and so many of it.s members being 
of this county, it finds properly a place among the public 
societies of the town of Schroeppel. 

It was organized February 6, 1873. At the first elec- 
tion E. N. Carrier was elected president of the society, 
Jo.seph Soiners, of Clay, and David Sutfin, of Lysander, 
vice-presidents ; Henry A. Brainard, secretary ; William 
H. Allen, corresponding secretary; E. Merry, treasurer. 
The territory of the .society comjirLses the town of Schroep- 

* Deceased. 



330 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



pel, and also the towns of Clay and Ljsander, in Onondaga 
count)'. I'er-oiis ri'sidiii^ in the counties of Oswcjio or 
Ononduifu may compete for iircuiiunis. The j^roundu of 
tlie sticii'ty arc known a.s " The Pendurf:i\jit Priviiii: Park," 
of which the society has a lease, and are situiitcd just across 
tlie river from the villa'ie of IMncnix. The flr^t fair was 
held in liSTM, and the society has held uu annual exhibition 
since that time, all of which have been very successful as 
e.xhibition.s of stock, agricultural products, and largely at- 
tended. They have erected a commodious building on their 
grounds, and the premiums paid since its organization 
amount in the aggregate to nearly five ihoii.sind dollars. 
Mr. David Sulfiii, of Lyrander, is now president, and has 
held the office almost from the organization of the society, 
Mr. Carrier having resigned early in 1873. Henry A. 
Urainard is secretary and E. !Merry treasurer, both of 
whom have held the office since the organization of the 
society. The business office of the society is located at 
Phtt-nix. 

THE l'Iia:NI.\. UUIl.M, CEMETERY ASSOCIATION 

was organized April 27, 1863, by the election of the fol- 
lowing trustees and officers: M. 8. Cushman, iiresidcnt ; 
1). U. McKoon, secretary ; Oliver Breed, (.'. W. Candee, 
AVilliam Leslie, G. G. Breed, Amasa P. Hart, Edmund 
Merry, JI. S. Cushman, G. M. Sweet, Davis Conger, 
William Hart, D. D. McKoon, and Samuel Avery, trustees. 
The present trustees and officers are : G. C. Fitzgerald, 
president ; Amasa P. Hart, vice-president ; Edmund Merry, 
secretarj' ; Davis Conger, treasurer; A. N. Hart, G. M. 
Sweet, Oliver Breed, Samuel Flyim, G. G. Breed, Henry 
J. Sweet, C. W. Candee, and Jonathan Butts, trustees. 
The burying-ground of the association is kept in a neat 
and tasty condition ; and the remains of many of the most 
prominent and influential citizens of the village and vicinity 
are interred therein. 

ent?:rp!use kiue company, no. 1, 

was organized in .January, 1852. The first chief was 
Thonia.s Freeborn ; Fireman, T. J. Davis ; First A.s.sistaiit, 
O. H. Smith; Second Assistant, E. Conger; Secretary, 
Jerome Duke. 

EAGI.E HOSE 

was organized in 1867 with six men, who were set off from 
the original fire c(jnipany. J. Goodwin was chosen fore- 
man, and J. C. Spaulding iussistant. It was afterwards 
united with the Enterprise fire company, and the two now 
form one department, with the following officers : Chief, C. 
W. Tubbs; Assistant Chief, George D. Henderson; Fore- 
man of Engine, A. lIo])kins; First Assist^mt, C. E. 
Williams; Second As.sistant, A. Chambo ; Foreman of 
Hose, N. G. Spaulding; Assistant, William 0. Dingman ; 
Secretary of the Department, John A. Spaulding ; Treas- 
urer, Adel. P. Mart; number of uiembers, twenty-six. 

The secret and benevolent societies of the town arc as 
follows, arrangcil according to date of instilulion : 

GoLUKN Ki i,E L()i)(iE, No. 17, 1. O. O. v., Wits in- 
stituted August 15, 1846, and the first officers were 0. W. 
Handle, N. G. ; D. I). Bachelor, V. G. ; Dudley Fish, Quar. 



Sec. ; Edward Baxter, Per. Sec. ; William Conger, Treas. 
The officers elected for 1877 are Albert Hopkins, N. G. ; 
John Dada, V. G. ; Wm. Dixon, Sec.; Adel P. Hart, Per. 
Sec. ; L. D. Ilaynes, Treas. Present number of members, 
eighty-two. 

LoDUE No. 31)0, F. A. M., was instituted June 30, 
1855, with the following officers: A. B. Simons, W. M. ; 
J. C. Fuller, S. W. ; Ira Betts, J. W. ; Samuel Allen, Sec. ; 
H. B. Russ, Trexs. The present officers are C. W. Tubbs, 
W. .M.; H. A. Braitiard, S. W. ; J. R. Shea, J. W. ; M. 
M. Cartter, Sec. ; Wm. Patrick, Treas. Membership, one 
hundred and twenty. 

OswEiio RivEK CnAiTER, No. 270, R. A. M., organ- 
ized uuder a dispensation November 14,1 873. The officers 
installed February 27, 1874, were W. B. Howard, H. P.; 
Ira Betts, K. ; D. P. Staflord, S. ; G. C. Witlurs. C. of H. ; 
J. L. Breed, P. S. ; S. B. Betts, R. A. C. ; Mo.scs Melvin, 
M. of Third V. ; Nathan Perry, M. of Second V. ; 0. C. 
Breed, M. of First V. ; J. C. Hutchinson, Sec. ; S. 0. 
Howard, Treas. ; E. F. Richardson, Tyler. The present 
officers are Wm. H. Rice, H. P.; B. G. Clapp, K. ; J. C. 
Hutchinson, S. ; Will Smith, C. of H. ; J. L Breed, P. S. ; 
Jud. W. Loomis, R. A. C. ; Moses Melvin, M. of Third 
\'. ; Maynard Sjiencer, M. of Second V.; W. H. H. 
Allen, M. of First V. ; H. C. Breed, Sec. ; Wm. Patrick, 
Treas. 

The Piia;MX A.ssociation of Science was org-aiiized 
in December, 1876, for the purpose of theoretical and 
]iraclieal advancement of scientific research. It has a 
chemical laboratory and some other scientific apparatus, 
maintains a regular weekly course of lectures at itii own 
rooms, with occasional public lectures. Certain ((Ualifi- 
cations arc required of its members, all of whom have 
thus far been enthusiastic in its support and welfare. 
Professor B. G. Clapp is president; Dr. G. H. Whilcomb, 
vice-president ; and Charles F. Loomis, secretary, — though 
being now ab.sent the duties of the office are pcrfoimed by 
H. A. Brainard, E.sq., pro Icm. 

GILBERTS MILLS 

was first settled by Archibald Cook in 1818, who was fol- 
lowed by Andrus and Hiram Gilbert in 1819, and by 
Samuel Merry, Esq., in 1822. Among other early settlers 
in the vicinity of the place were Hymen Sutton, Patten 
Parker, Josiah ChafTec, Deacon G. W. Turner, Stephen 
Griffith, I'zekiel (lardiier, and one .Mr. Brownell. 

Andrus and Hiram Gilbert Imill their grist-mill, in 
1819, on a stream that passes through the place, commonly 
known as the north branch of SixMile creek. Here, also, 
Andrus Gilbert erected the first store in the township, in 
1821. Samuel Merry, Es((., became a partner of Mr. 
Gilbert's in 1822. It was destroyed by fire in 1848. The 
Gilberts carted their lumber from Oliver Burdiek's mill, 
which stood one mile cast of Oswego falls. A few years 
later they erected the saw-mill, which had two upright saws, 
and Wits one of the most extensive in this jtart of the county 
at that time. 

The village now contains one general store, a black- 
smith-shop, .saw- and grist-mills, three churches, — one 




Co 

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§ 



CTi 




HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



331 



each of the Methodist and Episcopal, and one Baptist. 
One remarkable feature about the place is that no intoxi- 
cating liquors have been sold there since 1831. It is a 
post-village, of which Andrus Gilbert was the first post- 
master. The present incumbent is S. P. Mason. 

Quite a furor w;is experienced in the place by the dis- 
covery of and drilling for salt, in 1804. A well was drilled 
three hundred and forty feet, and pure lime was found 
which contained ten and one-half per cent, of good salt. Six 
kettles were put in an arch, in which more or less salt was 
made. The business was conducted by Captain E. S. Cook. 

ANDRUS GILBERT. 

As the founder of the village of Gilbert's Mills, it is 
right and proper that Mr. Gilbert should have more than 
a passing notice in the pages of this history. Andrus Gil- 
bert was born in Oneida county, New York, August 30, 
1799. He continued his residence there until 1819, when 
he removed to the town of Schroeppcl (then Volney), and 
settled on the present site of the village that bears his 
name. He began life without capital, but he possessed 
good health, energy, industry, and ambition, the practical 
application of which qualities secured to him a reasonable 
success. The country was new, neighbors scarce, and the 
land heavily timbered. On his way to his new home he 
had to camp out one night in the eight-mile woods, not 
being able to get through before night-fall came upon him. 
After making preparations for a settlement he returned to 
Utica, where he married Sarah S., daughter of Captain 
George Maconiber, one of the earliest pioneers of Utica. 
They have had eleven children, of whom seven survive. 
Three of these — two sons and a daughter, the latter the 
wife of Charles B. Allen — reside in Warrensburg, Mis- 
souri ; Mary, wife of Judge D. D. McKoon, lives in New 
York city ; Ellen Is the wife of G. Fred. Savage, of San- 
quoit, Oueida county ; Morris D. resides with his parents. 

Mr. Gilbert was for a quarter of a century engaged in 
the mercantile business, and in the manufacture of pot and 
pearl ashes for twenty years, and made more of these arti- 
cles than any other man in the county. While keeping 
store he was also interested in the milling business. 

In 1847 he moved on to the farm he now occupies, which 
contains one hundred and sixty acres. For twelve years he 
held the office of justice of the peace, and that of super- 
visor one year, and was pastmaster for sixteen years. In 
polities he is Republicnn, and long before the war was a 
strong abolitionist. Has also been a firm and uncompro- 
mising advocate of temperance, at the risk of pecuniary 
and other considerations. At one time he was read out of 
church for refusing to support a pro-slavery minister, but 
the resolution favoring his expulsion was subsequently re- 
scinded. For fifty-eight years he has been a member of 
the Presbyterian church. His life has been a busy and 
useful one, and his business career has been characterized 
by the strictest probity. His generosity and liberality have 
been the mo.st salient traits of his life, and no man has tiiken 
a livelier interest in the general public good than he. His 
earnest 7,eal in the promotion of the best interests of his 
townsliip has gained for him a host of friends, and no man 
enjoys to a greater extent the respect and esteem of the 



community at large. Undue laudation would meet with 
his disapproval we know, and as a residence of nearly sixty 
years has made his name and virtues as " familiar as a 
household word,' a lengthy tribute to his praise is unneces- 
sary. Portraits of himself and wife are inserted in this 
work, at the solicitation of his numerous friends. 

HINMANSVILLB, 

formerly Six-Mile Creek, was first settled by John F. 
Withey, in 1821. He emigrated from Vermont, and built 
a log house near the east end of the bridge. The Oswego 
canal (completed in 182S) runs thi'ough the place. Ben- 
jamin F. Sweet erected the first frame house, which stood 
between the canal and the river, in 1827. About this time 
John E. Hinman, whose wife was one of the heirs of the 
Schroeppcl estate, caused buildings to be erected ostensibly 
for the purpose of establishing a village there. A spring 
or run of water came out of the high bank at the head of 
Ilorse-Shoe Rift.s, called by the Indians Te-tunr/sut-a-ijagh, 
signifying a deep .spring, supposed to bo a subterranean 
water-course caused by a short bend in the river, a half-mile 
above, known as Fiddler's Elbow. It has disappeared since 
the construction of the canal. Hiumansville received its 
name from John E. Hinman, of Utica, New York, whose 
wife was the proprietress of the place, who caused a church 
to bo erected there, and also contributed to the erection and 
support of a school-house, both of which, since he has re- 
tired, have disappeared. At present the school-house is 
on the west side of the river. There are now one general 
store, one grocery, a blacksmith-shop, a shoe-shop, and one 
tavern. It is quite a harbor for boats. Its population is 
estimated at two hundred and fifty. 

PENNELLVILLE 

was named in honor of Richard Pennell, M.D., of New 
York, whose wife fell heir to a large tract of land left her 
by her father, George C. Schroeppel. Dr. Pennell erected 
a saw mill there in 1833. The building was done by Lauren 
Seymour, on a stream that passed through the place, called by 
the Indians Ah-iii-ah-ta-na-ga-tuis, signifying big fish water. 
The place is located on the New York and Oswego Midland 
railroad, and contains one general store, a cheese-factory, a 
saw-mill, a brick-yard, a blacksmithy, a railroad depot, tele- 
graph and express offices, and a hotel, a church (Univer- 
sali.st), and a brick school-house, and about one hundred 
and fifty inhabitants. There is a burying-ground here, in 
which repo.se the remains of Dr. and Mrs. Pennell, and 
also tho.se of Henry W. Schroeppel. Near the place Mr. 
Nelson Corey has recently erected a fine brick residence 
(the largest farm dwelling in the county), and also the 
largest barn in the county, illustrations of which can be 
seen elsewhere in this work. 

OAK ORCHARD RIFTS, 

formerly used as a ford by the Indians, being the most con- 
venient place for that purpose west of Brewerton. 

On the south side are evidences of an extensive burying- 



332 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



p-ouiiJ, near wliich have been fuuiid many interesting Indian 
antiijuities. 

The first settler was D-.ivid Winters, who built a log 
house on the bank of the river, on lot of), in 18(17. Georfrc 
F(wter settled on the same lot in 1811. This i.s the same 
party of whom we have written more fully in the history 
of Phoenix. 

In 1815, George C. Schrocppei settled on his estate, then 
consisting of twenty-thou-saiid acres. He s<'ttled on lots 
34 and .(5, and caused a saw-mill to be built on the Rifl.>i, 
in 1819 ; also a grL-it-mill w;is begun, but never finished. 

There is a lock of the Oneida Slaek-Water company's 
canal at the place, and it contains about one hundred in- 
habitants. 

THE .METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OK OII.BERT'S 
.MILLS. 

A el:i.«s of the Jlethodists of Gilbf-rt's Mills and vicinity 
was formed in the year 1826, and Ilynicn Sutton was 
chosen class-leader, and held that position in 1831. In that 
year there wa.s i|uite an cxten.sive revival, which was not 
conliiieil exclii.sively to the Methodi.'^ts, but to all religious 
denominations then represented in that locality. Prior to 
this year the services consisted of week-day prcachinj: once 
in four weeks. 

Among the members of the class in 1831 (no records 
exist, and our informant, Mrs. Dr. W. B. Coy, could not 
remember farther back) were Hymen Sutton and wife, 
Eliiis Newton and wife, Asa Bailey and wife, Ira Sutton 
and wife, Artemus Ross and wife, Patten Parker, wife, and 
daughter (Mrs. Coy). Worship was held in private dwell- 
ings and in the school-house until ISli", when the church 
edifice was erected at Gilbert's Mills, but owing to a lack 
of funds it was not completed until 1839, and was dedi- 
cated early in 1840. The dedicatory sermon was preached 
by Rev. Isaac Stone, the presiding elder of the district. 

Among the first preachers were Revs. Densmorc, Elisha 
Wheeler, and Charles Northrup. 

The present pastor is Rev. he Roy Grant. The tru.stees 
for Gilbert's Mills charge arc A. C. Snyder, Hiram Parker, 
and William Diefendorf The stewards are William P. 
Wallace (recording steward). Win. II. Eggleston, Sylvanus 
Scudder, O.scar Smyth, William Ellsw<irlh, .\aron Kellar, 
John Perry, A. G. Clark, and G. Groff. The jiresent 
membership is twenty-one. 

The Sun<lay-sehool was first organizeil as a uiiiim sehool 
about contemporary with the I'ormalion of the church, and 
was conducted as such until 18G1, when the schools were 
separated, and the Ba])tists and Methodi.sis each have one 
now. The ]iresent sujierintenilcnt is Mrs. Adelphia (Jraiit, 
Mrs. S. P. Coy assistant supi'rintendent, and Addie C. 
Grant secretary. The present niind)er of teachers and 
scholars is thirty-seven. 

TIIK .METHODIST EPI.SCOPAL CHl'KCIl OK PIKKNIX. 

The first Methodist sermon in this village was preached 
in the school hou.so, by the Rev. L. Adkins, in 1838, at 
which time the society was orgatii/.ed with ten luembers, 
namely : Liberty Worden and wife, Thomas Flower, Har- 
vey Loomis and wife, J. R. Names and wife, I. N. liutts 



and wife, and Mrs. Davis. This little band had n hard 
struggle for many years to maintain its existence. They 
commenced to erect the present church edifice in 1838, but 
did not complete it until 1836. Tlie pastor under whose 
labors it was built was Rev. P. H. Willis, but it was not 
dedicated until Rev. W. L. Lisdcll had been appointed as 
pastor. It is a plain frame chun-h, and cost about four 
thou.'^and dollars, and will accommodate about three hun- 
dreil persons. 

The first trustees were I. Butts, M. Clicsi'bro, Wm. Gil- 
bert, Thomas Flower, G. Morehouse, and Dr. Cobb. 

The pres<>nt membershiji of the church is two hundred. 
The pastor is Rev. A. H. Shurtlifi", who has been with the 
church one year. During the past winter he held very 
successful revival meetings, at which about three hundred 
conversions were made. The Sabbath-school numb<Ts one 
hundred and seventy-five members, and is under the ad- 
mirable superintendence of Prof Boolhley. than whom no 
bettiT Salibatli-school disci{ilinarian or teacher exists in the 
State. A devotion and earnestness pervades his manage- 
ment of the school that is highly commendable. Among 
the teachers are also Prof. B. G. Clapp and wife. Both 
church and Sunday-school are in a prosperous condition. 

There is quite a prosperous s<x;iety of Methodi.sts at 
Hinmansville, but we were unable to procure the necessary 
inl'ormation for its history. 

An Advent church also exists in the town, but no one of 
its members to whom we applied took snificient interest in 
it to furnish the data for a historical sketch ; hence the 
omission. 

FREE BAPTIST CHURCH OF GILBERT'S MILLS. 

Prior to 1830 meetings were held, and the ordinance of 
baptism was celebrated in some few instances by ministers 
of the Bajitist denomination. The church society, how- 
ever, W!is not regularly organized until February 26, 1831. 
The organization was effected by Rev. Elder Benjamin 
McKoon, who had previously preached in the vicinity, and 
who afterwards became the pastor of the church. The con- 
stituent members of this religious body were Josiah Chaf- 
fee, Charles Smith, Jonathan Babcock, Albigonce Chaffee 
and wife, Percy Ayre, Polly Gardner, Clarissa Dayton, and 
Johanna Chaffei'. 

The first deacons were Stephen Griffith ami Harlow .^Ier- 
rill. The first clerk was Deacon G, W. Turner, who has 
belli the office forty-five years coiLsecutively. 

The list of pastors from 1831 to 1877 includes the fol- 
lowing names: Elders Benjamin McKoon, Ansel Griffith 
(brother of Deacon Stephen Griffith), — who lield the pas- 
torate of the church for thirteen years, and Wiis an earnest 
and efficient divine, — John R. I'age, Stephen Krum, Joseph 
Wilson, Jnlin Noye, William Russell, William C. Bycr, 
David J. Whiting, H. A. Barker, William A. Stone. Amos 
E. Wilson, S. W. Schoonover, and (i. H. Button, the 
present incumbent. 

The eluiieli edifice was erected in the summer of 1837, 
prior to which the society worshiped in the school-house 
or in private dwellings. Deacon Turner, who did the 
carjienter work on the hou.se, informs us, from records in 
his possession, that the frame was rai.scd in July, 1837, 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



333 



but the sacred edifice was not completed until 1839, in the 
sjjiing uf which year it w;is appropriately dedicated to the 
worship of (lod, the sermon for the occasion being preached 
by Eider Robert Hunt, and the pastor in charge, Elder 
Griffith, assisted in the exercises. The house is still stand- 
ing, but in 1875 extensive repairs, alterations, and im- 
provements were made to it, and in October of that year it 
was rededicated by Elder R. L. Howard, assisted by the 
pastor. Elder Schoonover. 

The present officers of the church and society are 
Stephen Griffith, G. W. Turner, and Elias Thomas, dea- 
cons ; G. W. Turner, clerk ; Avery Smith, X. A. Willard, 
and Stephen P. Mason, trustees. The present membership 
is one hundred and six. 

There has been a Sabbath-school connected with the 
church mo.st of the time since its organization, sometimes 
in connection with other religious denominations. There 
is now a flourishing and pro.sperous Sabbath-school, num- 
bering eighty teachers and scholars, with Elmer W. Coe as 
superintendent. 

[^Note. — We wish here to compliment the efficient clerk 
of the church. Deacon G. W. Turner, for the admirable 
manner in which he ha.s kept the church records for nearly 
half a century. There is so great a laxity in this matter in 
the churches generally that when we meet with a well-kept 
and accurate record, we feel as though those who have been 
instrumental in its preservation deserve an everlasting crown 
of glory, or some other inestimable reward. — Editor.] 

THE FREE BAPTIST CHURCH OP PHOJNIX 

was organized September 2, 1S4G, with eighteen members, 
namely : Walter Peck, Thos. Clough, Albert Clough and 
wife, Almira Clough, Harvey Hollister and wife, Stephen 
Bachelder and wife, G. W. Oakes and wife, Sally Ann Rice, 
Chas. Higby and wife, Joel Morseman and wife, John G. 
Hull and wife. 

The first church officers were Walter Peek, deacon ; Har- 
vey Hollister, treasurer ; John G. Hull, clerk. The suc- 
cession of pastors has been : Elders J. B. Page, 0. W. 
Smith, W. W. Sterricker, S. Bathrick, B. H. Damon, C. 
Putnam, D. Jackson, C. Cook, S. Aldrich, E. Crowell, Wm. 
McKee, J. II. Durkee, the present incumbent. 

The church edifice was erected in 1851, during the pas- 
torate of Rev. W. W. Sterricker. The building committee 
were Walter Peck, John P. Rice, W. W. Sterricker, David 
S. Tabor, and Josiah Chaft'ee. The dimensions of the build- 
ing are forty by fifty-eight feet, and its cost about two thou- 
sand dollars. The pre-sent membership is one hundred and 
thirty-five. Deacons, Josiah ChaffiiC, S. M. Parsons, and J. 
P. Burleigh. 

A flourishing Sunday-school is connected with the church, 
having a membership of one hundred and twenty. Super- 
intendent, G. H. Parsons ; Secretary, William Thompson ; 
Treasurer, Mrs. Saddlemire. 

THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OP PIICENIX 

was organized June 14, 1837, with the following constituent 
members, namely: John Sijuire and wife, Jlrs. Delia Buell, 



Hezekiah Barnes and wife, Catharine Barnes, Mrs. Theo- 
dosia Wall, Mrs. Anna Bourke, Isaac Wing and wife, Simeon 
Chapin, Ira Davis and wife, Mrs. C. Davis, Mary Ann Hill, 
Samuel Merry and wife, Iluldah Candee, and Julia A. 
Candee. Rev. J. Eastman officiated at the organization of 
the church. The first deacons were Hezekiah Barnes, 
James B. Richardson, and Samuel Merry. 

The pastors and stated supplies have been as follows : 
Benjamin Cadwell, in 18-11 ; A. C. Lathrop, G. N. Todd, 
L. Dada, H. S. Redfield, S. R. Vorheis, J. V. Hilton, Ovid 
Miner, Rev. Mr. Bosworth, E. Perkins, J. H. Munsel, H. 
P. Bake, the present incumbent. 

The first church edifice was erected in 1837, and served 
the congregation until 1875, when the present substantial 
brick house was built. It was dedicated January 31, 1875. 
The dedicatory sermon was delivered by Rev. Mr. Robin- 
son, of Homer. The building has a seating capacity for 
about five hundred persons, and cost twelve thousand dol- 
lare. The present membership of the church is one hundred 
and seventeen. 

The present officers of the church and society are : Sam- 
uel Merry, C. W. Candee, David Porter, and Van 11. Sweet, 
deacons; and C. W. Candee, E. G. Hutchinson, G. H. 
Northrup, Samuel Flynn, A. P. Hart, and David Porter, 
trustees. 

From 18-11 to 1803 the church connected with the pres- 
bytery of Oswego, under the accommodation plan. 

The Sabbath-school was organized about 18-15. The 
present membership is one hundred and fifty. The super- 
intendent is Deacon David Porter ; and the secretary, F. A. 
Cartter. 

The church and Sabbath-school are both in a prosperous 
and flourishing condition. 

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY OP SCHROEPPEL 

was organized in 1870, and their present neat and commo- 
dious building was erected the same year, and dedicated in 
June, 1871, by Rev. S. Rice. It is thirty-two by fifty-six 
feet, and cost three thousand five hundred dollars. It has 
a seating capacity for about two hundred and fifty. The 
present membership is sixty-six. Trustees, Pbineas Con- 
verse, Nelson Corey, and Stephen Chappell ; Treasurer, 
Stephen Chappell ; Clerk, Orrin Wallace. 

The Sunday-school was organized in July, 1S71, under 
the superintendency of Rev. S. Rice. Membership, thirty- 
five ; volumes in library, sixty. 0. P. Burleigh, superin- 
tendent ; E. L. Kimball, clerk; Florence Gregg, treasurer. 

We are indebted to the following gentlemen for iiifurma- 
tion and assistance in the compilation of the ab(jve history 
of Scbroeppel : 

Thomas R. Hawlcy, Reuben Sutton, Andrus Gilbert, 
Deacons Stephen Griffith and G. W. Turner, A. W. 
Scbroeppel, Joseph Vickery, Dr. D. Conger, 31. M. Car- 
ter, A. H. Brainard, Esq., Enoch S. Brooks, Captain Amasa 
P. Hart, J. I\I. Williams (editor of the Phtenix Register), 
Samuel and Edmund Merry, C. W. Candee, Harvey Wen- 
dell (for access to the township records), and many others 
not mentioned. 



334 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, iNEW YORK. 



liiOCiKAlMIICAL SKETCH. 



REUBEN SUTTON 

was born at M:iiilius, Onondaga county, New York, July 
!), 1818. In March followinj; his jiarentis rcuuivoJ to Os- 
wej;o County, where he has since resiili'd. They settled 
on the east half of lot 13, on Scriba's patent, at a time 
when the present town of Sclirncppel was a wilderness. 
Tiiey experienced the usual hard.ship.s and difficulties con- 
nected with the lives of pioneers. Mr. Sutton, Sr., pur- 
chased and improved two or three different farms, and 
finally bou>:ht one hundred and twenty acres on large lots 
2 and !!, which Reuben helped to clear. At the ajie of 
twenty he taught schoul in Palermo, having qualiticd him- 
self for the position of te;ieher by self-study and close ap- 
plication to the books contained in the old Vi>Iney library, 
of which his father was a stockholder, and some of the 
books of which the subject of this sketch still possesses. 
At the age of twenty-one he was elected school in.^pector. 
which (iffice he held until it was abolished. On the 12th 
of November, 1843, he was joined in wedlock with Miss 
Eliz;i Ann Gregg, by whom he has (bur children, — two 
girls and two hoys. 

Mr. Sutton is a public-spirited man, and always does 
his share towards any enterprise calculated to benefit his 
town. He subscribed five hundred dollars to the Midland 
railroad, but when, in 1871, they tried to bond the town- 
ship to the extent of one hundred and twenty thousand dol- 
lars, in behalf of a worthless railroad corporation, he fought 
against the measure, and was largely iu.struincntal in its 
defeat. Hi; spent a great deal of time and some money in 
preventing the h>bbyists from getting the bill through the 
legislature, and much credit is due fur his exertions in the 
cause ol' honest}' and right. 

In ISTU he sustained the misfortune of losing his beloved 
wife, who had been his faithrul companion for nearly thirty 
years. On the 14th of April, 1871, he was married to 
Amanda Hamilton, a widow lady, with wluini he was ac- 
quainted in his younger days. They live very happily to- 
gether, and asfrist each other in smoothing the rough places 
in the down-hill side of life. 

For the past two years Mr. Sutton's sons have worked 
the farm, and while not idle by any means, 3'et he purpo.ses, 
with God's assistance, to enjoy the fruits of his labors 
during the rest of his life, which is the most sensible thing 
for him to do. When a man has toiled and eared for years, 
and by dint of industry and perseverance has secured a 
competence, he is a fool to slave on to the end, and leave 
his means, perchance, for future litigation by his heirs. 
JIany such there are, but tho.se who know lleuhcn Sutton 
are aware of his sound common sen.se, excellent judgment, 
and kindly dispositimi. Long may he live to enjoy the 
fruits of his industrious ycjuth and busy manhood ; and we 
feel confident that he will maintain the good character he 
has won, and retain to the last the respect and the esteem 
of those who have the pleasure of his aci|uaiiitance. (^See 
illustration and portraits.) 



.MII.lT.vnV RKCORD OF SCHROEPPEL. 



James .\8kcll. In (he service in 1865. 

I'aniel Aiirin;jer. \u reconi given. 

Cliarleii Allen. Kulisleil in I'u. I>. llOtb Inf., Auj;. n. ISG2: inoi'len'd 

as curporal; JiicbargeU .\uj;. 2S, IHCS. 
Auguslua Albro. Kniisleil in Cu. D, lluth, Aui;. C, lS(i2: died at 

Fort JcfTersun, Flurida. Miirub 2S, ISG4. 
Edwin J. AuKlin. Knlinled in llarnes' 2d Ilatlerr, Aug. 23, 18(i2: 

di«charge<l Se|>tenil)cr 9, 1863. 
Ueurge E. Alliro. Entitled in Cu. I, 2tlh Cav., Jan. 6. ISC-i : dia- 

eharged July 9, ISGi. 
George Appell. Enlisted in Co. I, IS.Id Inf.. Murcli 2C, 1S65 ; in llio 

service in l.*<66. 
Jcilin Aniiiony. Enli.ned Jan. 28. ISGJ; substitute. 
CImrlet II. Allen. EnliKled in Co. I[, 9th Kegt., Feb. 4, 1SG4: dis- 

chiirged Sept. 29, 18G5. 
CbarlcK I.. liurley. Enlisted in Co. F, 8l!<l Regl., Sept. 14. ISGI ; 

jtriinioled (u corporal. 
William II. liro»n (2d). Enlisted in Co. F, Mst Kegt., as corporal, 

Aug. 31, ISGI ; wiia wouudetl before Petersburg. 
William Itishop. Enlisted in Co. F, 81st Itegl.. Sept. IG, ISGI. 
Edward C. liurdiek. Enlislc<l in Co. E, I49lh Kegt., March 24. 

1SG4: discharged Aug. I, ]8G6. 
Albert Ilarnard. Eulisled in Co. F, 8Ut Kegt.. Jan. 17, iMi:!; was 

wounded at the balllc of ColiI Harbor. 
Charles Urowu. Enlisted in Co. .V, 24lh Cav., Jan., 1SG4. 
Francis G. Brown. Enlisted in Co. A. 2tth Cav., Jan., 18G4. 
Peter Harlow. Enlisted in Co. I), llUth Inf., Aug. 9. 1S62: dis- 
charged Aug. 2S. ISCJ. 
William Smith Itradlc.v. Enlisted in Co. 1). Aug. 11. I8G2; promoted 

to captain .May 28, I8G4. 
John II. Brookins. Enlisted in 2Isl Ballery, Aug. 27. I8G2. 
(ieorge Bell. Enlisted in 2l9t Battery, Aug. 2G, 1862. 
Francis G. Barnes. Enlisted as 1st lieut., Sept. 13, 1862; discharged 

Sept. 9, I8G5. 
Edwin Bush. Enlisleil in Barnes' 21st Battery, Aug. 2G, 1SG2: de- 
serted at Oswego, Oct. 1, 1S62. 
Louis U. Bush. Enlisted in 2l8l Battery, Aug. 26. 1.SG2 : discharged 

from hospital. 
Horace Benedict. Enlisted in Barnes' 2Ist Ballery, Aug. .10, 1862; 

died in hospital at Baton Kouge. -Aug. 21, ISGS, with fever. 
Mosis T. Barton. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Battery, Sepl. 12, 1862; 

deserted. 
William lieekin. Enlisted in .td Art., Sept., 18G2. 
John W. Bowen. Enli^led in Co. D. llUlh Inf., Aug. 17, I.^GI; dis 

charged Aug. 28, IS65. 
Nathan Beebc. Enlisted in I.Mh Cav., Aug. 17, l.'^GS ; dis. August 

20, 1SG5. 
Benjamin Bowen. Enlisted in 6'.Mh, January 5, 1862: 4lischarged. 
Ira Burgess. Enlisted in Sth N. Y. Bat., Nov. 2S, 1863: discharged 

Jidy 6, 1805. 
Joseph Bilkcy. Enlisted in Barnes' 2Ist Battery, August, 1862. 
tieorge Bryant. Enlisted in 24lh Cavalry, January, IS64. 
lieorge Burr. Enlisted in Co. I>, UUIIi Inf., August, 18G2. 
Tli.inias Hoggy. Enlisted in Co. C, IGth Inf., February 29, ISG4. 
John Itowen. Enlisted in Co. E, 1st Art.. March I,'>. 18G4. 
Wm. II. Brown. Enlisted in Co. E, 24lh Cav., .>Jeplember 22, l.'*G4. 
Oliver 1>. Broekway. Enlisted in Co. 1>, I84lh Ki-gimeni, August 24, 

18G4 : discharged. 
Damon C. Broekway. Eulisled in Co. It, I84lh Kegt., August 20, 

1804: died October 26, 18GS. 
Wm. Blakenian. Enlisted in Co. D, ISlth Kegt., as sergeant, .August 

2i, 1864; discharged July ID, 1865. 
James Beplley. Enlisted in Co. 1), 184th Regiment, August 26, 1864 ; 

disehargeil July 12. 1865. 
Michael Bergin. Enlisted in Co. B, I84lh Regl., August :il, 1864: 

discharged July 12, 1865. 
Henry A. Bruinard. Enlisted in Co. H, IStlh Kegimenl, August 30, 

1864 ; discharged July 29, 1865. 



* As copied from the list on file in the towD clerk's office. 








MRS.IfiusEN Sutton 




f^EUBEN SUTTOIV. 



A:l ^Va pl^ ^T \ 




ficsiDENCE or R.SUITON, ScHRocppEL, Oswego Co. N. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUxNTY, NEW YOKK. 



335 



Russel G. Brockway. Enlisted in Co. E, ISltli Rogt., Sc^it.l, ISIU; 

(lischarRcd July 12, 1865. 
John H. BoKardus. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Regiment, as coiiioral, 

August 30, 18i;4 ; discharged July 12, 1805. 
Asa M. Burgess. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., August 29, 1804 ; 

discharged July 12, ISOo. 
John A. Benedict. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Rogt., August 30, ISO! ; 

discharged July 12, 1805. 
W. II. Budgely. Enlisted In Co. K, 184th Regt., September 1, 1804 ; 

dissharged July 12, 1305. 
Lewis A. Benedict. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regiment, as corporal, 

September 2, 1804; discharged July 12, 1805. 
Richard Burke. Enlisted in navy, March, 1805; in service. 
Leonard Bunsy. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., September 2, 1804 ; 

discharged July 12, 1805. 
James Burnett. Enlisted in Navy, March, 1S05; in the service. 
Joshua P. Burley. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Marcli 3, 1804; 

discharged July 12. IS05. 
Henry Branan. Enlisted in I'JSd Regiment, March, 1805 ; discharged 

July 12, 1805. 
Henry J. Burley. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regiment, September 4, 

1804; discharged July 12, 1805. 
Edward A. Bewer. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regiment, March 24, 

1805 ; in service. 
Edgar Beebe. Enlisted in Co. B, 2d Regiment, January 4, 1804 ; 

discharged. 
Charles Bromshaw. Enlisted in Co. I, iy3d Regiment, April 8, 1805 ; 

in service. 
Lcander F. Bennett. 
James Butler. Enlisted in Co. D, 149th Regt., March 20, 1804 ; dis. 

July 21, 1805. 
David Bush. Enlisted Jan. 1, 1865. 

(leorge Betts. Enlisted in Co. H, 24th Regt., March 10, 1802. 
Andrew J. Betts. Enlisted in Co. D, 50th Regt., Sept. 2, 1801 ; dis. 

Sept. 16, 1804. 
Peter Cathcart. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Regt., Sept. 23, 1861. 
Bertrand Cathcart. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Regt., Sept. 23, 1801. 
Daniel P. Cole. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Sept. 1, 1864; was 

killed at City Point by a shell, while e.vamining the contents. 
Edwin Curtis. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 1, 1804. 
Manson D. Clock. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 29, 1804. 
Wellington Chappell. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Sept. 4, '04; 

dis. July 12, 1805. 
Nicholas J. Cornell. Enlisted as corp. in Co. K, 184th Regt., Sept. 

3, 1864; dis. July 12, 1865. 
Henry Coudlin. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regt., March 29, 1805; in 

the army. 
Theodore F. Chapin. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regt., March 29, 1805; 

deserted. 
James Crane. Enl'd in Co. A, 24th Cav., Sept. 21, 1803. 
John Clancy. Enl'd Jan. 20, 1865. 
Edward D. Church. Enlisted Feb. 12, 1865. 

Edward Chappel. Enlisted in Co. F, 81st Regt., Sept. 1, 1861 ; de- 
serter from the hospital. 
Frederick H. Currey. Enlisted in Co. A, 24th Cav., Sept 1(1, 1864. 
■VVm. J. Crane. Enlisted in Co. D, 110th Inf., July 31, 1862; dis. 

Aug. 8, 1865. 
Byron C. Curtis. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 30, 1804. 
Reuben Corry. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 30, 1864. 
Cornelius Carr. 
Wm. Colison. Enlisted as Corp. in Co. D, 110th Inf., Aug. 10, 1802; 

dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
James Colison. Enlisted as sergt. in Co. D, 110th Inf., Aug. 10, 1862; 

dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Peter Conklin. Enlisted as private in Co. D, 110th Inf., Aug. 10, 

1862; dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Wm. J. Crain. Enlisted as private in Co. D, 110th Inf., July 31, 

1862; dis. Aug. 28, 1805. 
Daniel Conklin. Enlisted as private in Co. D, 110th Inf., .\ug. 5, 

1802; dis. Aug. 28, 1805. 
Russell B. Cartter. Enlisted as private in Co. D, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 
1862; died April 11, 1863, at Charity hospital, of typhoid fever. 
Wallace Chappel. Enl'd in Co. I, 110th Inf., Aug. 5, 1802; dis. Aug. 

28, 1805. 
Henry Curtis. Enlisted as sergt. in Barnes' Bat., .\ug. 31, 1802. 



James II. Campbell. Enlisted as corp. in Barnes' Bat., Aug. 23, 

1802; pro. to eapt. Nov. 10, 1802; taken prisoner Sept. 6, 1861, 

at Port Hudson, La.; dis. from hospital. 
James .\. Coril. Enlisted in Barnes' Bat., as orderly, Aug. 31, 1862; 

dis. Sept. 8, 1865. 
George Washington Cole. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 25, '62; 

discharged. 
Byron Corey. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 30, '02 ; dis. Aug. 8, '65. 
Barton D. Chorlier. Enl'd in Barnes' 2l8t Bat., Aug. 30, 1862; 

deserted. 
Joseph Cole. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 30, 1862; deserted. 
John Collins. Enl'd in lUth Regt., Aug. 5, 1862; deserted. 
Isaac Collins. Eul'd in 35th N. Y. Bat., Aug. 24, 1862. 
Alfred M. Cartter. Enl'd in Co. K, 58th 111. Regt., Dec. 8, '61 ; deser'd. 
Charles L. Chapin. Enl'd in Co. A, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863; was 

woundeil in the arm at Petersburg; dis. for disability. 
Thomas J. Chapin. Enlisted in Co. A, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863; ho 

was taken prisoner Jan. 2, 1864, at Cold Harbor; died in prison 

at Andcrsonville, July 9, 1864. 
John Chcsley. Enid in Co. C, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863. 
James A. Carroll. Enl'd in Co. B, 149th Regt., Feb. 26, 1801; dis. 

July 9, 1864. 
Harrison (J. Chappel. Enl'd in Co. B, 149th Regt., Feb. 29, 1864; 

dis. July 21, 1805. 
Aaron P. Chambcrlin. Enl'd in Co. B, 149th Regt., Feb. 29, 1804; 

dis. July 21, 1.805. 
Julian P. Campbell. Enl'd in Co. B, 149th Regt., March 20, 1864; 

dis. July 21, 1865. 
Reuben Cook. Enlisted in Co. K, 1st L. Art., Feb. 29, 1864. 
George B. Cable. Enl'd in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 24, 1864; dis. 
Nathan Dale. Enlisted in 193d Regt. in March, 1865; in the service. 
Martin Davoo. Enlisted in Co. B, 9th N. Y. Bat., Sept. 12, 1862 ; dis- 
charged June 20, 1805. 
Matthew Doyle. Enlisted in Co. 1, 193d Regt., March 29, 1865 ; in the 

army. 
Michael Duffy. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regt., March 29, 1805 ; in the 

army. 
Charles Duffy. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regt., March 29, 1865; dis- 
charged in June, 1865. 
Augustus Diefendorf. Enlisted as drum-mnjor in Co. I, 193d Regt., 

March 29, 1865 ; in the service. 
Ezra Darling. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Jan 2, 1864. 
George A. Davenport. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864. 
George E. Darling. Enlisted as corp. in Co. B, 81st Inf., Jan. 1, 1864. 
John Darling. Enlisted as corp. in Co. B, 81st Regt., Jan. 1, 1864; 

discharged Sept. 16, 1865. 
A. W. Darling. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 27, 1804; dis 

charged July 12, 1865. 
Francis J. Dorgiinc. Enlisted in Co. A, 16th Inf., Feb. 12, 1861. 
Canada Dixon. Enlisted in Co. A, 1 1 0th Inf., March 30, 1864. 
Royal M. Davis. Enlisted in Co. D, 147th Inf., Aug. 30, 1864. 
Patrick Dolan. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Inf., Aug. 24, 1864. 
John H. Dagwell. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Inf., Aug. 5, 1804; dis- 
charged July 12, 1865. 
Reuben A. Diefendorf. Enlisted in Co. B, Heavy Art., Jan. 4, 1864 ; 

discharged July 23, 1865. 
John Dimick. Enlisted in Co. A, 24th Cav., Dec. 20, 1863. 
Charles De.Kter. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Sept. 19, 1862. 
Charles Daily. No record given. 

Thomas Davis. Enlisted in the navy in March, 1865 ; in the service. 
Robert Durant. Enl'd in Co. F, 81st Regt., Sept. 4, 1861 ; deserted. 
John Evens. Enlisted in Co. D, 110th Inf., July 31, 1862; discharged 

July 6, 1864. 
Herman Ernest. Enlisted in Co. A, 81st Regt., Jan. 17, 1862. 
Reuben 0. Eldred. Enlisted in Co. F, 81st Regt., Sept. 1, 1862. 
Charles R. W. Ellis. Enlisted as eapt. in Co. K, 184th Regt., Sept. 4, 

1864; discharged July 12, 1865. 
Luman N. Eggleston. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Cav., May 10, 1861. 
Orman Eggleston. Enlisted in 110th Inf., Aug. 1, 1862. 
William Elmer. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Jan., 1864. 
A. J. Fargo. Enlisted in 110th Inf., Aug. 1, 1862. 
Charles C. Fall. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Jan. 4. 1864 ; discharged for 

disability, July 26, 1864. 
Elias A. Fish. Enlisted as eapt. in 81st Regt., Sept. II. 1801 ; fell at 
Chapin's Bluff, near Richmond, Va. ; died Oct. 1, 1864. 



336 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEAV YORK. 



CImrks FulliT. EnliKtcd in Co. A. UOlli Inf., Sipl. 12, 1862. 
Morrill I). Fuller. Knlislol in Co. I.. 26(li Cav., Out. 1, ISC4; (lis- 

cliar^cil .fiinc 7, IS6.5. 
Jnmis W. I'.ilUr. EiilisHJ in Co. F. 81»t U.'gt., S<.|.t. 1, 1,101. 
Paul Frt'cliousi'. KiiIimIlmI iu UuriieM* 2l9t Itut,, Au^, 12, 1sri2; dcs. 
Au'lrc'iv ,). Fiill. Knlii'tcd in liiirnrx' 21x1 Ilul.. Au^. 2.1, lsri2. 
Au^uslui' Full. Kulislcil in I I'.'lli Itr;;!., .Inn., I.si'.l. 
liilcs F. Full. Fnli»ti'il in lilli lluavy Art., Jiiu. 1, IS6I. 
(Irin W. Full. Kiilislod iu 'Jtb Heavy Art.. Jan. 5, 1.SC4. 
Charli'S Frerdciui. Knli^'ted in Iliirncs' 21st liul., Au);. 12, 1862. 
JamcH Full)-. Enlisted in IlarneK' 21st Hat., Sept. 27, ISC2; dcs. 
E. W. Fairliiinkf. Enlisted in .'Id Art. 
Mart. Fu.\. Enlii'ted in aUtli Uegt. ; shot in n tree in tbe Confederate 

army. 
Cyrus S. Fniliek. Enlisted in Co. E, 1 19th Kegt.. Murcli 2(1, ISfil : 

disclinrged .luly 21, l.Sfij. 
Patriek Frainlcy. Enlisted in Co. K, 1st L. Art., Mareli Ij, 1SC4. 
Daniel D. Foley. Enlisted in Co. K, ISJth Ucgt., Aug. 28,1864; 

discharged .July 10, 1865. 
Allen Frauchcr. Enlisted in Co. K, Illlh Regt., Aug. 2'.l, 18K4 ; dis- 
charged July 11, l.lOj. 
Abrnni Fretenherg. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Jan., 1S64. 
Addison 1). liates. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 7, 1SC2; dis- 
charged July 211, 186j. 
SamUcd Uilibs. Enlisted in Co. D, UOlh Inf., Aug. 10, I.1C2 ; dis- 
charged Aug. 25. ISfiS. 
Joshua (toodwin. Enlisted oif sergt. in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 28, 

18IJ2; disehargcil .Seiit. il. IStii. 
Isaac Gnivc.'*. Enlisted as scrgt. in Harnes* 21st Hat., Aug. 2S, 1862; 

discharged Sept. 9, I8C5. 
John 11. (Jreen. Enli.-'teil as jirivate in Jiaines' 2l.«t liat., .\ug. 28, 

1802. 
Charles Green. Enlisted as ]irlvate in Co. H, 14th Inf., July, ISe.f. 
Frederick 11. Green. Enlisted a.s scrgt. in Co. I), ICOth Ucgt., Sept. 

:!0, 1862. 
.lohn lircenbust. Enlistcil in l.'ith Cav., July .il, 186.1. 
Charles (Jilligan. Enlisted in Co. B, I2th Cav., July 1, 186.1. 
Jacob (iilcs. Enlisted in Co. .\, 14tli Inf., July, 1803. 
William Gleeson. Enlisted in Co. li, 1 Ith Inf., July, ISO-f. 
'riiorniis liullivcr. Enlisted in Co. 1!, lltb Inf., July, 180:i. 
Frank Gillis. Enlisted as scrgt. in Co. B, 2d H. Art., Due. 19, '6:!. 
EJnuind Gould. Enl'J in Co. B, 2d H. Art., Jan 4, 1863; disabled 

by wounds. June 16, 1864. 
Wright .^. Gilbert. Enl'd in Co. I, 24th Cav., Jan. 2, 1804 : pro. to 

2d lieutenant, .■!2d U. S. C. T. 
Morris G. Gordon. Flnlisted in Co. F, Slst Rcgt., Jan. 10, '04 : killed 

at battle of Cllapiu Blull's, Sept. 29, 1864. 
John l>. Gifl'ord. Enl'd as eapt., Co. .V, 18lth Ucgt., Aug. 20, 1864 : 

tlischnrged ,luly 13, 180.'i. 
Thomas B. Griffin. Enlisted as 2d lieut. in Co. G, 193d Uegt., March 

2, 1865 ; in the army. 
A. Giinilan. Enlisted as bugler in lialtcry, Sept., 1861. 
John Genselcr. No record given. 

John Grouse. Enlisted in 24th Cav., in January, 1S64. 
George L. Hubbard. Enlisted in Co. A, llOlh Inf., August la, '62; 

discharged Aug. 25, 1865. 
Thomas Hall. Enlisted as sergeant in (,'o. D, UOth Inf., August 10, 

1862; died of suu-strokc, at Baton Kougc, La., Aug. 25, 1863. 
Harrison B. Hcrrick. Enl'd as scrgt. in Co. D, UOtli Inf., Aug. 9, 

1802; pro. major, August 31, 1804. 
William llalstead. Enlisted in Co. D, IKiili Inf.. Aiigu.M 7, 1802; 

discharged Sept. 1, 1865. 
Lorenzo l». Iljirris. Enlisted in Co. I), Iinih Inf., August 0, 1862; 

disehargcil ,^cpt, I, 1805. 
Jonathan Henley. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l8t Bat., August 24, 1802. 
James .\. Hines. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l8t Bat., Aug. 23, 1802 ; dcs. 
Charles W. Hines. Enl'd in Barnes' 21sl Bat., Sept. 3, 1862; des. 
Henry F. Hines. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Ucgt., Aug, 30, 1864. 
Charles H. Hulstead. Enlisted in Barnes' 2lst Hat., Aug. 19, 1862; 

discharged Sept. 9, 1805. 
John llalstead. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l8t Bat., Aug. 29, 1862; des. 
Manison Herrick. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Hal., .\ngnst 12, 1862; 

ilisehargctl July 18, 1.S65. 
Samuel Herrick. Enl'd in 59lli Uegt., August 4, 1803; deserted. 
Charles llerri.k. Enlisti'd in llOth Inf., August, 1862. 



John Hoosc. EdUsIoI in 119th Ilogt., Jan., 1864 ; died in the army. 
John James Hoose. Enlistetl in 119lh Uegt., January, 1864. 
Daniel Handwright. Enlisted in 59th Uegt., .August, 18t>3. 
Alton Hatikes. Enlisted in .i9th Kegt., .\ug. 4, 1863; died in army. 
W. H. Ilungerford. Enlistetl in .'i9th Uegt.. August 4, 1863. 
Thomas W. Ilungerford. Enl'd in Co. K. 184tli Uegt., Aug. 30, '64. 
Alfred S. HefTron. Enlistetl in 24lh Cav., January, 1864. 
Charles 11. Hallen. Enlisted in 9lh H. Art.. .Ian. 4, 1864 : discharged 

.Sept. 29. 1865. 
Samuel Hill. Enlisted in inih Inf.. .March 17, 18(H. 
EdwartI Hartley. Enlistetl in ICIli Inf., Feb. 12, 1864. 
Arthur Hall. Enlistetl in 81st Uegt.. March 2U, 1863. 
Charles C. Hull. Enlistetl in 81st Kegt., March 30, 1863. 
Frank Hall. Enlisted in 24th Cuv., Sept. 21, 1864. 
Stephen llalliday. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Sept. 30, 1864. 
Ueuben 11. Hallitlay. Enlisted in 24lh Cav., Jan., 1804. 
John Harpley. Knii.'ted in Co. K. 184th Kegt., Sept. 2, 1.S64. 
William Harne.s. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Uegt., Sept. 3, 1864 ; pro. 

Corp. Oct. 24, 1804; disch. Aug. 28, 1805. 
Lester S. Hatch. 
John C. Hutchinson. Enlisted in Co. E, I I9lh Uegt.. .March IS, '64 ; 

dischargcti July 28, 1865. 
Adelbcrt P. Hart. Enlistetl in Co. A, Ist Art., Xov. 15, 1801. 
Fortlinund Ilalks. Enlistetl in Co. H, 24th Cav., May 10, 1S6I : was 

woundeil in the Inst Bull llun ; disch. June 1, 1S05. 
EdwartI Howard. Enlisted in Bates' Bat., Sept., 1861 ; was shot 

through the head. 
Theotlt>re Iloughtuling. Enlistetl in 2ltli Cav., .Ian., 1804; trans. 

to Intl. Bat., June, 1802. 
Jacob Johnson. Enl'd as lircmun, Dec. 21, 18t>3; dis. Uec. 20; '04. 
William Johnson. Nt) record given. 
William .\. Jones. Enlistuil as corp. in Co. D, UOth Inf., July 31, 

1862: disch. August 28, 1805. 
Oliver Jonos. Enlistetl as corp. in Barnes' 21st But., .\ug. 28, *62, 
Delos Jcwitt. Enlistetl in Co. E, llOth Inf., August 1, 1802. 
Bertrand Jcssup. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Uegt., August 25, 1804 ; 

dischnrgetl July 12, 1805. 
John S. Jackson. Enlistetl in 2tl II. ,\rt., Feb. 5, 1864 : disch. on 

licctiunt tif tlisability, June 15, 1864. 
Henry L. Kinney. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Ucgt., Aug. 25, 1862; 

]iro. to corp. July 18, 1S63; iliseh. .\ug. 12. 1865. 
Jacob Keibl. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 22, 1862. 
John King. Enlisted in 15th Cnv. 

Edw. R. Keith. Enlisted in Co. II, I49th Uegt., Feb. 29, 1864; dis- 
charged May 16, 1865, on account of wound in the left forearm. 
John Kane. Enlisted in 81st Uegt., March 31. 
Melvin Kirkland. Enl'd in Co. K, 184th Rcgt., Sept. 3, 1864. 
Auburn Kinney. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 31, 1862; deserted. 
John E. Kcnyon. Enlisted in Co. II, Slst Uegt , .Sept. 4, I.8C1. 
Win. Lapoint. Enlistetl Dee. 21, 1803; firenmn, prom, ttt first-class 

ti reman. 
Geo. S. Lee. Enlisted in Co. I>, lllllh Inf , Aug. 7, 1862; disch. Dec. 

2, 1864. 
Goo. II. Lake. Enlisted as eorp. in Co. D, llOth Inf, Aug. 5, 1862. 
John Letson. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 18, 1S02. 
Marnniduku Ling. Enlistetl in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 5, 1862. 
CIt.fe Laptiinl. Enlisted in the lUUth Regt., Sept. 5, 1803. 
I'eter Lapttint. Enlistetl in 149th Regt., March 21, 1864; deserted. 
Lickniun I.upoint. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l9t Bat., Aug. 26, 1.162; 

tlisch. Sept. 9, 1865, 
John 11. Lockwood. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1803. 
Oscar F. Lawrence. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 27, 1864; 

disch. July 12, 1805. 
Leriiy Limbeck. Enlisled in 24th Cnv., May, 1861. 
Jidin C. Lumpnuin. Enl'd us sergt. in Co. II, 81st Ucgt., Oct. 21, 1801. 
E. Lord. Enlistetl in Slst Ucgt. in Aug., 1861; discharged. 
Martin Listc. No record given. 

James Lctinard. Enlistetl in Co. A, Slst Regt., Sept. 17, 1861. 
Enoch Magec. Enlisted in Co. E, 149th Regt., Feb. 20, 1864 ; disch. 

July 21, 1865. 
Sylvester II. Marshall. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Uegt., Mnr. 29, 1865; 

in service. 
Edwin Mastin. Kidistcd in Co. F, Slst Rcgt., Aug. 31, ISOl : died in 

hospital. 
Alfretl Morion. Eul'tl as inajtir in 193 Kegt.. in March, 1S(!5. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



337 



William McKcIy. Enlisted in 193d Rogt., March, 18(!5 ; in army. 

Jolni McNary. In the navy. 

Charles McKcnna. In the navy. 

Dennis D. McKoon. En I'd as ist lieut, in Co. D, 110th Inf., Au^. 11, 

1802 : resigned on acconnt of ill health, Dec. 1, lSt)2. 
John McDonald. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Eat., Sept. 22, 1862; des. 
Almon Mclntyre. Enl'd in Barnes' 21at liat,., Mny 28, 18(i2; des. 
Hugh McKeever. Enlisted as Ist-cluss fireman, Dec. 21, 18G3; dis. 

Deo. 20, 1864. 
James McKeever. Enlisted as Ist-elass fireman, Dec. 21, 1863; dis. 

Dee. 20, 1864. 
John McGoney. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 27, 1862. 
Daniel McCarthy. Enlisted in IGth Inf., Fob. 12, 1864. 
Mariotte G. McKoon. Enlisted os 1st lieut. in Co. K, 184th Kegt., 

Aug. 20, 1864; resigned. 
John JIcMuliin. Enlisted as corp. in Co. K, ]84th Regt., Aug. 27, 

1864; discharged July 12, 1865. 
John McCarlin. Enl'd in ]il3d Rogt., March 29, 1865; in the array. 
William A. McKinley. Enlisted in Co. F, 193d Regt., April 7, 1865 ; 

in the army. 
Peter McQuater. No record given, 

Robert Marren. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 25, 1862. 
Alfred Morgan. Enl'd as sergt. in Co. I>, 15th Cav., Aug. 10, 1863; 

discharged Aug. 9, 1865. 
Hiram M. Marvin. Enlisted in Co. I, 24th Cav., Jan 2, 1864 ; dis. 

June 5, 1S65. 
Elijah Moore. Enlisted in Co. E, 81st Regt., Miirch 26, 1864; had 

three fingers shot off the right hand; discharged. 
Marshall Moure. Enlisted in Co. E, 81st Rogt., March 26, 1864; 

"lost a finger, at Cold Harbor ; dis, Aug. 31, 1865. 
E. 'Wicks Mills. Enlisted as 1st sergt. in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 

24, 1864; dis. July 13, 1865. 
Luman E. Munger. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 31, 1864. 
N. H. Miles. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Regt., Aug. 30, 1864. 
Edward Moore. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Regt., Aug. 29, 1864. 
John Moore. Enlisted in Co. H, 24th Cav., Aug. 10, 1861 ; was 

wounded in the leg; discharged. 
Patrick Murphy. Enlisted in Co. H, 193d Regt., March 29, 1805; 

in the army. 
Abram Mojier. Enlisted in Co. E, 193d Rogt. ; in the army. 
Simeon Nelson. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 2;J, 1862; in 

1865 was at general hospital at Fort Gaines, 
Zenos Norton. Enlisted in 9th Heavy Artillery. 
Charles Noy. Enlisted in Co. F, Slst Regt., Oct. 14, 1861. 
John F. Noble. Enlisted in Co. F, Slst Regt., Sept. 24, 1861. 
Mark Ostrander. Enlisted in Co. E, 149th Regt., March 31, 1864; 

dis. July 21, 1865. 
Lewis iM. Ostrander. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Regt., Aug. 22, 1864 ; 

dis. July 15, 1865. 
Abram Ostrander. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Regt., March 29, 1805; 

in the army. 
Joseph O'l.eary. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 31, 1864. 
Cornelius Owen. Enlisted in loth Cav., in 1863; was killed by the 

cars at Syracuse, before entering the army. 
John Phillips. Enlisted in Co. D, UOth Inf., Aug. 10, 1862; dis. 

Aug. 12, 1865. 
James Phillips. Enlisted in Co. D, 110th Inf., July 31, 1862 ; died 

of typlioid fever, Feb. 4, 1863, in Lonislaua. 
Peter Phillips. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Sept. 13, 1862. 
Edward J. Phillips. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Sept. 16, 1862. 
Charles H. Phillips. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 23, 1864. 
Clark Porter. Enlisted in Co. D, UOth Inf., Aug. 11, 1862; dis. on 

account of disability. 
Francis H. Putter. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 11, 1862; dis. 

Aug. 18, 1863. 
Peter Pear. Enlisted in Barnes' 2Ist Bat., Aug. 26, 1802; deserted. 
Henry Plumley. Enlisted in Ulth Regt. 
Grenville G. Pierce. Enlisted in 2d H. Art., Jan. 4, 1SB4; promoted 

to 2d lieut., Aug. 12, 1865 ; in the U. S. Cav. Corps. 
James Palmature. Enlisted in Co. I-, 24th Cav., Jiin. 5, 1864. 
Krastus L. Plumrner. Enlisted in Co. E, 149th Regt., March 29, '64; 

dis. July 21, 1865. 
■yVm. Henry Pritchard. Enl'd in Co. E, 149th Kegt., March 29, '64; 

was wounded in the shoulder, and sent to hospital, where he died. 
Lucius Priti-hard. Enlisteil in 24lh Cav, in 1864. 



Paul Pilkey. Enl'd in Co. E, 149th Regt., March 29, 1864 ; dis. July 
21, 1805. 

Samuel Patterson. Enlisted in 16th Inf., Feb. 29, 1864. 

Parvey Fluff. Enl'd in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 25, 1864 ; dis. July 
12, 1865. 

Darius Pangnian. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Regt., Sept. 2, 1864 ; dis. 
July 12, 1865. 

Alonzo Pickard, Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Sept. 4, 1864; dis. 
July 12, 1865. 

Thomas R. Pegden. Enl'd as sergt. in Co. D, UOth Inf., Aug. 11, '62. 

Wm. J. Parker. Enl'd in Co. F, Slst Regt., Sept. 10, '01 ; dis. in '62. 

George Potts. Enl'd as 1st lieut. in Barnes' 21st Bjit., Sept. ,'02 ; resig'd. 

Charles Palmature. Enlisted in 24th Cav., in Jan., 1804. 

George Patterson. Enlisted in 24th Cav., in 1864. 

Frank Pratt. Enlisted in 24th Cav., in Jan., 1864. 

Joseph Paskush. Enlisteil in 193d Regt., March, 1865; in the army. 

Albert Quakeubush. Enlisted in Co. I, 24th Cav., Jan'y 5, 1864. 

Lemuel D. Roos. 

Ira Hooker. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug., 1862; deserter. 

A. N. Ross. Enlisted in 24th Cav., January, 1864. 

Jay Robison. Enlisted in Co. E, 24th Cav., May 17, 1801 ; disch'gd 
May 9, 1863. 

William H, Robison. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., August 27, 
1864; discharged July 12, 1865. 

Benjamin F. Robison. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., August 29, 
1864; discharged July 12, 1865. 

Charles F. Robison. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Feb'y 11, 1864; dis- 
charged July 16, 1865. 

Alfred M. Reed. Enlisted in Co. D, UOth Inf., August 10, 1862 ; dis- 
charged August 12, 1865. 

Charles Royce. Enlisted in Co. D, UOth Inf., August 7, 1802; dis- 
charged December 7, 1863. 

George N. Root. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 27, 1862 ; dis- 
charged December 9, 1865. 

Sylvester S. Rodgera. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 31, 1862. 

Henry C. Richardson. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 12,1862. 

Frank Rieshaloo. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Sept. 10, 1862. 

Doles S. Rich. Enlisted in 24th Cav., Dec. 28, '63 ; dis. June 24, '65. 

Henry L. Russ. Enlisted in 2d H. Art., January 5, 1864. 

John G. Rowland. Enlisted in Co. 11, 149th Regt., Feb'y 26, 1864; 
discharged from hospital. 

Charles Roberts. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., August 22, 1804. 

Robert M. Rich. Enlisted as serg't, in 24th Cav., Dee. 5, 1863; dis- 
charged June 21, 1805. 

Nathan M. Reynolds. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., .\ug. 25, '02. 

.\lbert Stewart. Enlisted January 26, 1865. 

Nelson Spencer. Enlisted in Co. F, 81st Regt., Aug. 16, 1861. 

Charles D. Seeley. Enlisted in Co. L, 24th Cav., Jan'y 2, 1864; ho 
was taken prisoner at Poplar Grove, and died in Salisbury jirison, 
January 10, 1805, of starvation. 

Peter Simpson. Enlisted in Co. I, UOth Inf., July 20,1862: missing. 

Morris F. Saulsbury. Enlisted as captain in Barnes' 21st Bat., .\ug. 
26. 1862 ; discharged September 9, 1865. 

Thomas Sedgwick. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 21, 1862. 

Adam Si.\bury, Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 28, 1862; died 
at Port Hudson, October 8, 1863. 

George W. Sixbury. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 31, 1862. 

Mucan H. Sixbury. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l5t Bat., Aug. 31, 1862. 

Harlow Sixbury. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 30, 1862. 

Charles Sixbury. Enlisted in Bates' Bat., Aug., 1865. 

Charles H. Share. Enlisted as corporal in Barnes' 21st Bat., August 
28, 1862 ; discharged Sept. 9, 1865. 

Orville A. Sutton. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 31, 1862. 

James H. Smith. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st B.it., Aug. 26, 1862. 

Joseph Saddlomire. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Sept. 4, 1862. 

Frank Shoat. Enlisted in Bates' Bat., in Sept., 1801. 

Thomas Stewart. Enlisted in 149th Regt., in Aug., 1862. 

Warren Setts. Enlisted in 24th Cav., in Jan., 1804. 

llosea Smith. Enlisted in Bates' Bat., in Sept., 1861. 

Jared L. Shepard. Enlisted in Co. F, Slst Regt., Sept. 1, 1861 ; died 
in hospital. 

George A, Shepard. Enlisted in 2d H. Art.; dis. June 5, 1805. 

Stephen J. Scriba. Enlisted as 2d lieut.. May 13, 1861. 

Charles B. Scriba. Enlisted in Co. H, 24lh Cav., May 13, 1801 ; 
wouuded.by a gunshot Aug. 29, 1862; died Sept. l.S, 1862. 



338 



HISTOKY OF (3SWEG0 COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Philip H. Scriba. Enliated in Co. A, UOtb Inf., Aug. 9, \Mi. 

Charles L. Spencer. Ealiatcd in Co. II, 21th Cuv., May 10, 1801 ; 
(lis. May 30, 1863. 

Albert I. Spencer. EnliaUd in Cu. D, llOlh Inf., Aug. 11, 1862 ; 
di«. .*epl. I, 1865. 

Luther D. Slantun. Enlisted in Co. D, UOth Inf., Aug. 11, 18C2; 
promoted to principal musician SepL 10, 1S04. 

James E. Stanton. Enlisted in Co. U, UOth Inf., Aug. II, 1862 ; 
die. Aug. 11, 1SC3. 

>'rcileriol< A. Stanton. Enlisted in Co. II, 24th Cav., Aug., 1861. 

Hiram R. Sweet. Enlisted in Co. E, 110th Inf., Aug., 1862. 

Georgo Stephens. Enlisted in 3d Art. 

Alfred Stanipson. In tlio navy. 

Charles Stewart. Enlisted in 12:>d Kcgt., Aug. 16, 1863. 

George Sautaino. Enlisted in Co. 1, rj.ld Uegl., March 2'J, ISOi; in 
the army. 

Henry Showers. Enlisted in 21th Cav., Aug. 4, 1863. 

John Slick. Enlisted in I9l8t Regt., in March, 1865. 

William R. Sutton. Enlisted in Co. U, 81st Regt., July 17, 18S3. 

John E. Smith. Enlisted in Co. F, SIst Regt., Jan. 17, 1863. 

John Smith. Enlisted in 1st Art., Maroh 15, 1864. 

Charles R. Smith. Enlisted in 184th Regt., Sept 15, 1864 ; dis- 
ohargcd July 12, 1865. 

James Smyth. Enlisted in Cu. A, 1st L. Art., Out. 1, l.'<61 ; dis- 
charged Deo. 29, I86I. 

Harvey Sibers. Enlisted in Co. D, 149th Regt., Fob. 26, 1864 ; pro- 
moted to 2d liout. May 11, 1.S64; discharged June 28, 1865. 

Charles Skinner. Enlisted in Ifith Inf., Fub, 29, 1864. 

Frank Sunbrowner. In the navy. 

William Sampson. Enlisted as sorgt. in Co. K, 184th Rogl., -Vug. 24, 
1864; discharged July 12, 1,'<65. 

Lewis Scbrader. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 25. 1864. 

Charles W. Sherman. Enlisted as corp. in Co. K, ISIth Regt., Sept. 
2, 1864; dischnrgeil July 12, IStio. 

Samuel Scott. Enlisted in Co. K, Islth Regt., Sept. 3, 1864; dis- 
charged July 12. IS65. 

John J. .'ihears. Enlisted in Co. K, 184lh Regt., Sept. 5, 1864; dis- 
charged June 29, 1865. 

Wm. II. Shears. Enlisted in Co. K, 184lh lligl., Sept. 5, 1864; died 
Dec. 22. 1864. 

James .^nnders. Enlisted .January 14. 1S65. 

Harvey Tracey. Enlisted in Harncs' 2Ist Bat., .Vug. 16, 1."<C2. 

Charles Tracey. Enlisted as Ist-cluss mess, boy in the navy, Dec. 21, 
1863 : received a shot on the " North Carolina," and died on that 
boat in Brooklyn. New York. 

Samuel A. Tracey. Enlisted in Co. I, 193d Hegl., .March 29. ]S6j ; 
in the army. 

Frederick Tcale. Enlisted in Barnes' 2Ist Bat., Aug. 16, IS62. 

Albert E. Tealc. Enlisted in Barnes" 21st Bat., Aug. 17, 1862. 

Wm. L. Tillon. Enlisted in Barnes' 2lsl Bat., Aug. 29, 1862; dee. 
and afterwarils returned to his regt. 

Frederick Thompson. Enlisted in Barnes' 2l8t Bat., Aug. 18, 1862, 

James Thornton. Enlisted in I5(h Cav, 

Morgan L. Tottinghaiu. Enlisted in 16th Inf., Feb. 26, 1864; was 
aceiilcntally made blind while in the army. 

Ezra B. Tucker. Enlisted in l.silh Regt., Sept. 1, 1864, 

John Tully. Enlisted in lS4th Regt., Sept. 1, 1864. 

Aaron D. Van .Antwerp. Enlisted in Barnes* 21st Bat., Aug. 15, 1862; 
died of heart-disease at New Orleans, Sept. 8, 1.S64, 



Jomei Van .Antwerp. Enlisted as liout. in Co. B, 64th Regt., Sept. 

26. 1864; discharged May 30, 1865. 
Daniel C. Vermilyoar. Enlisted as corp. in Co. F, Slst Regt., Jan. 17, 

1863; was wounded at battles of Fair t)ak3 an<l Cold Harbor. 
George Vines. Enlistecl in Co. E, I49tb Regt., March 2. IS64 ; dis- 
charged Sept. II, 1865. 
Henry C. Vanguildor. Enlisto'l oa corp. in Co. K, 184th Regt., .\ug. 

25, 1864 ; disch. July 12, 1865. 
Geo. Van Clark. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 31, 1S64. 
Constant Vaults. Enlisted in Co. E. 193d Regt., .Maruh 24, IS65. 
Jacob Vanpattan. Eul'd as sergt. in Co. C, 193d Regt., Sept., 1805; 

in service. 
Harvey Vanwormer. Enlisted in Bates' Bat. in Sept., 1861. 
AloDzu Wandull. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 23, 1862; 

deserted. 
Jas. Wade. Eul'il in Barnes' 21st Bat.. .\ug. 2S, 1S62: deserted. 
Henry Walker. Eul'.l in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 25, 1862; deserted. 
Francis Walker. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat., Aug. 25, 1862 ; deserted. 
Jos. W. Walker. Enl'd in Barnes' 21st Bat, Sept 5, 1862. 
Lafayette Warner. Enlisted in 2d H. Art., Fob. 26, 1864 : disoh. July 

21, 1865. 
Robert W. Wallace. Enlisted in Co. F, SIst Regt, Sept 17, 1861 ; 

deserted. 
Wm. Ward. Enlisted Jan. 21, 1865. 

Solomon Walton. Enlisted in the 24th Car. in Jan., 1864. 
Willard A. Whitney. Enl'd as a saildler in Ind. Cav., .Mar. 4, 1864. 
Spencer Wheeler. Enl'd in Barnes' Bat., .\ug. 23, l.sii2; disoh. Sept. 

9, 18li5. 
Conrad R. Whitmore. Enl'd in Co. K, I8lth Regt, Aug. 27, 1864. 
John (>. Wheaton. Enlisted in Co. K, lS4th Rogt., .Sept. 2, 1864. 
Thos. White. Enlisted in the navy. 
Horace .\. Whitney. Enl'd in Bates' But., Oct. 5, 18C1 ; in the war 

department at Washington. 
A. II. White. Enlisted March 17, 1865. 
Copebmd Wilson. Kniisled in the navy, Dec, 1863. 
Samuel Wilson. Enl'd in Co. F, SIst Regt, Jan. 17, 1S04. 
Frank Wilson. Enlistetl in the navy. 
Milo W. Woller. Enl'd as corp. in Co. K, ISlih Regt, Sept 3, 1864; 

disch. July 12, 1SI15. 
Nathan D. Wiiiohell. Enlisted in 1st Lt Art 
F. Winch. Enlisted in Co. K, IS4th Regt., Sept. 2, 1864. 
Jos. W. Willit Enli.sted in Barnes" 21st Buttery, Sept 5, 1862; 

deserted. 
Levi Wells, Enlisted in l.'>th Cav. 
(ieorgo Wilco.x. Enlisted in 15lh Cavalry. 
E. Wilkinson. Enlisted in Co. A. SIst Regt., Jan. 17. 1861. 
Andrew Wild. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt, Aug. 31, I.S64. 
Warren J. Williams. Enl'd in Co. D, UOth Inf., Sept. 5, 1864; di«. 

August 5, 1805. 
George A. Woodcock. Enl'd in Barnes' 2lsl Bat, Sept. 2:t, 1863 : dis. 

Sept. 3. 1805. 
Daniel Woodcock. Enlisted in Barnes' 21st Bat., .August 26, 1862. 
James Wood. Enlisted in Co. II, 149th Regt., Feb. 26, 1864; disoh. 

July 21, 1865. 
Frank Word. Enlisted in the navy. 

John R. Young. Enlisted in Cu. H, 24th Cav., .March I, 1861. 
Levi A. Veomans. Enlisted in Co. K, 184th Regt., Aug. 16, 1864. 
Benjamin Y'oung. Enlisted in Co. K, isith Regt, .\ug. 31, 1864. 
Edward Zang, Enlisted in the navy. 




IL 



NEW HAVEN. 



This town was formed from Mexico as part of Oneida 
county, April 2, 1813, being the ninth in age of the towns 
of Oswego County. The town as first formed corresponded 
exactly to the old survey-township of Vera Cruz, the nine- 
teenth township of Scriba's patent. This, in addition to 
the present town of New Haven, had a tract half a mile 
wide running along the lake-shore through to Richland. 
The reason for this curious arrangement on the part of Mr. 
Scriba is not positively known, but was doubtless due to a 
desire to dispose of Mexico, while retaining the harbor at 
the mouth of Salmon creek, where he meant to build the 
city of Vera Cruz. In May, 1836, the strip in question, 
comprising five lots, was annexed to Mexico, since which 
time New Haven has remained at its present size. 

The town borders on the lake, and in area is the smallest 
in the county, being five miles east and west, by five and 
three-fourths north and south. The surface is rolling, but 
generally smooth and well improved, there being only about 
twenty-five acres of non-resident land. 

The town is divided into one hundred and thirty-eight 
lots (including the five taken oflF), which are numbered 
from the west eastward, beginning on the lake-shore at the 
northwest corner, and ending at the southeast corner, just 
east of the village of Vermillion. Three small streams run 
northward into the lake, viz., Catfish creek, through the 
centre of the town ; Butterfly, through the east part ; and 
Spring brook, through the west part. There is quite an 
extensive marsh near the mouth of the Butterfly, and 
another in the southwest part of the town. The Rome and 
Oswego railroad runs through the north part, about mid- 
way between New Haven village and Lake Ontario. It 
was put in operation about 1866, and is a great aid to the 
inhabitants. 

The village formerly called Gay Head is the principal 
place of business, and pleasantly situated near the centre of 
the town. 

Cheever's Mills, in the north part, is a place of some im- 
portance, and is widely known. Gridley's Mills (now 
Daggett's), three-fourths of a mile northwest of the village, 
has a saw-niill and cider-mill. At an early day a wool- 
carding and cloth-dressing mill was run there, but several 
years since it disappeared. 

Half a mile west of the village, on Catfish creek, is the 
locality called the " Hollow," where there is a grist-mill. 
The neighborhood formerly boasted of a saw-mill and tan- 
nery, but both have gone to decay. There has been a 
grist-mill in operation at this point since a very early 
period. 

Cummings' Mills, in the south part of the town, also on the 
Catfish, is a well-known locality. At this place is a saw- 



mill and cider-mill. There is a grist-mill and saw-mill at 
Cheever's, and a saw-mill on Spring brook, in the north- 
west part of the town. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

The first permanent settler of the town was Solomon 
Smith, who located on lot 47, and built the first log house 
in town, near where David Russell now resides. He also 
put up, in 1812, the first frame building, which is Mr. 
Russell's house, or a part of it. Soon after the house was 
inclosed a dance was held in it, called a " house-warming," 
when a grand time was had, Colonel Sherman Hosmer, 
now ninety years old, living in Mexico, being one of the 
party. Mr. Smith died in the town of which he was the 
first resident, November 28, 1824, aged seventy-five. He 
had several sons, one of whom, John 11., was killed at the 
raising of Orris Hart's ashery, just east of the village, in 
October, 1823. 

This ashery was a framed one ; another had been built 
of logs some time before. Another son of Mr. Smith was 
Jesse, who lived a long time in town, and died but a few 
years since, over eighty years of age. 

The next settlors after Mr. Smith were Gardner Wynian 
and Eleazer Snow, who came from Eaton, Madison county, 
in 1804. Mr. Wyman was captain of the militia in the 
war of 1812, being the first man in town who commanded 
a military company. Meres Wyman, now living in town, 
at the age of eighty-seven, was a son of the captain. 
Young Wyman, about 1810, thought he would like to 
attend a dance at Mexico Point (then Vera Cruz), and 
looked around for a horse to take his girl. He finally 
heard of an unengaged one at what is now Colosse, about 
nine miles distant. Thither he went on foot, obtained the 
horse, mounted him. and rode back to Joseph Boynton's, 
in New Haven. He took one of that gentleman's girls on 
the horse behind him, as was the custom then, and pro- 
ceeded to the party at Vera Cruz. The dance having been 
duly participated in, the young man took the girl in the 
same manner back to her father's, then rode the horse to 
its owner's, at Colosse, and then walked home. By the 
time he had made his round trip he had traveled over fifty 
miles. 

Mr. Wyman, Sr., built the second log house in town, on 
lot 57, at the east end of the present Barker farm. Mr. 
Snow located on the north side of the Catfish, on the road 
from the depot to Solomon White's. Mr. S. had at least 
three sons, by the names of Charles, Lebbeus, and Daniel. 
The last named was but two years old when they came to 
town, which was by the way of Oswego to the mouth of the 
Catfish creek. Meres Wyman, then a boy of fourteen, met 

339 



340 



HLSTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NKW YORK. 



them at the landing and carried the child in his arms to the 
shnnty jirepau'd for tiie family. 

That baby boy is now living' in town, at tlie age of 
seventy-five, and he and his faithful younjj; bearer are the 
two oldest residents. 

Soon after the close of the war of 1S12, Charles Snow 
and his brother Lebbcus both commanded vessels running 
on llie laki' between Oswego and Lewiston. During one of 
tlie down trip.s a terrible storm came uj), the ves.scl which 
Charles Snow commanded was wrecked, and none of those 
on board (about thirty in number) were ever heard of. 
The vessel came ashore near Sodus, was re]>aired, and after- 
wards did good sen'ice. The other one, commanded by 
Leb})eus Snow, was driven into the mouth of Genesee river 
and saved. 

Chauncey Drake settled near Cheever's Mills in 1804, 
and worked in the first mill which wxs built there. In 1805, 
Jo.sepli Hailey, James Jerrett, Ira Hoat, David Easton, and 
Andrew Place came into town. Mr. Bailey was from Ver- 
non, Oneida county, and located on the present farm of 
Andrew Coe. He held many offices of trust, and was the 
first postmaster. lie was an early justice of tlio peace, and 
in 1814 had the privilege of performing the marriage cere- 
mony for Colonel Ephraim Van Valkenburgh, the first 
white child born in the present town of Volney. 

Mr. Jerrett was from Paris, Oneida county, and located 
opposite to Mr. Hailey. The two were in middle life at the 
time, as they were .soldiers in the IJritish army, and de- 
8ert<'d from Hurgoyne about the time of the battle of 
Saratoga. Mrs. Polly Coo, now living in town, at the age 
of ninety-two, was the daughter of Mr. Jerrett. 

Mr. Hoat was from Kirkland, Oneida county, and settled 
at Cheever's Mills. He built the first saw-mill in town 
there in 1805, and iis men were very scarce at that time, 
tliey had to have a great deal of whisky. To get it two 
men were obliged to go to Rome, their means of conveyance 
being nothing else than the crotchcd limb of a tree with a 
yoke of cattle attached. They obtained one barrel in this 
way, it is said, and drank it up before raising the mill, so 
they had to get another before anything could be done in 
the way of putting up the building. 

David Easton located on the present ^Villis Johnson 
farm, in the east part of the t<.)wn. He was one of the 
early great men, and held man}' offices of trust. He was 
ajijiointed a ju.stice of the ])eace for the town of Mexico as 
early as 1807, and wxs elected supervisor of the same town 
in 1809. He was an associate judge of the eomninii pleas 
in lSl(i, and supervisor of New Haven at the time of his 
death, in 1823. 

Andrew Place was also quite a prominent man in many 
respects. He would go all lengths to befriend a ])er.son, 
using time and money to aecompli.sh the object, and at 
another time exert him.self as much to punish some one 
else. He was often heard to remark that he could treat a 
person as well as any one, and, if need be, could abuse him 
as had as any one. He at fii-st located on the Ira I). Smith 
farm, and afterwards at May's Corner, about two miles east 
of the village, where he kept a hotel at an early day. He 
lived at the village in 1810, and at another time kept a 
hotel where his .son, A. G. Place, now lives. During the 



last years of his life he resided at the village, and dropped 
dead in his wagon November 15, 1852, at the age of sixty- 
five. 

In 1806 we find as new-comers Roswell Harman, Daniel 
Ilewett, and Joseph Boynton. Mr. Harman was from 
Vernon, Oneida county, and located about three-fourths of 
a mile west of the present village. His son George was 
born there in 1812. and has always lived in town. Mr. 
Hewett wiis a grandfather of E. G. Hewett, and settled 
southeast of the village. Mr. Boynton settled on the 
present T. S. Doud farm, and kept a hotel there soon after 
coming into town. Boynton hill, in the western part of the 
town, was named after this early landlord. 

In 1807-8, Ezra May, Jonathan Wing. Warner and 
Anson Drake, Waldo IJrayton, and Daniel Hall became 
residents of the town. Mr. May settled at the present vil- 
lage, and in 1810 opened the first hotel in town, just east 
of the brick huu.se, which was al.so built by him for a hotel 
in 1821. and which is still standing. During the war of 
1812, Mr. May was at one time in Commodore Chauncey 's 
fleet, on Lake Ontario, as a pilot. While on this service 
one day, he saw that a terrible storm was about to burst 
upon them, and went to request the captain of the vessel 
on which he was to lash the guns. This officer happened 
to be drunk in his lierlh at the time, ami roughly tohl Mr. 
May "to attend to his own business, and he would to his." 
.Mr. .M. let down a small boat, anil two or three .sjiilors 
jumped into it, but before he could get in it himself the 
.s(|uall struck tliem and sunk the Ves.sel. Mr. May jumped 
into the lake, went down several times, and had given up 
all hope of being re.scucd, but was finally ]>icked U[i by the 
men in the boat. They reached another vessel, liut this 
was soon alter captured by the British, and May with the 
rest was carried a prisoner to Kingston. 

Here a guard was placed over them. AVIien night came 
on a bed was drawn up in front of the door of the room 
in which the prisoners were confined, and after getting 
" mellow" on whisky, the guard lay down to sleep. Mr. 
May and one or two others bribed the sentinel at the 
door, carefully pulled away the bed on which lay the 
drunken guard, and escaped. May, finally, after a great 
deal of difficulty, reached Sackett's Harbor in saft'ty, and 
was paid fifty dollars by Commodore Chauncey, on account 
of his courage and shrewdness. 

Mr. Wing settled in the eastern part of the town, near 
Mr. Ea.Nton s, and, like him, was one of the early magnates 
of New Haven. He was appointed a ju.stice of the peace 
as early as 1811, and in 181H was elected the first town 
clerk of the new town. Mr. Warner Drake located near 
where his son, Butler S., now resides. An.son Drake settled 
at the village, and opetKHl the first store there, in 1800. .Mr. 
Brayton .settled at Cheever's Mills, and put up the first 
grist-mill in town there, in 1800. 

Mr. Hall located near where A. B. Tuller now resides. 
He was one of the first officers of the town, and a promi- 
nent man of the early days. 

In 1810, Nathaniel Marvin, William Taylor, Alinon 
Lindsley, Herman Hitchcock, and Peleg Davis became 
residents of the town. Mr. Marvin settled on the present 
T. U. Austin farm, and afierw.irds at the ' Hollow." where 




StTH Severance.. 



Setii Skvkrance was one of the earliest inhabitants of 
New Haven township, liaving assisted in it.s organization. 
Nearly three-fourths of a century ago he came to this region, 
then an almost unliroken forest. Like all jiioneers, he 
struggled with the inconveniences and trials incident to the 
settlement of a new country. But he lived to see cultivated 
fields drive the forest to swamps and rock-crostcd hills; to 
see the beautifid farm-houso, with its modern conveniences, 
dot every hill and valley around him ; and to sec villages, 
one on either side of him, with their stores, wills, churches, 
schools, and comfortaljle residences. 

Mr. Severance maintained a character for unsullied integ- 
rity in his intercourse with his fellow-men. He enjoyed 
liie implicit confidence of his neighbors, and f)r many ye;»rs 
occupied, by their suffrages, the responsible oflBccs of the 
township. He rejiresented tliem in the board of super- 
visors of tliis County twenty-two years. He took a deep 
interest in the temporal welfare of this entire region. Him- 
self a model farmer, he sought by example and precept to 
induce thrift, good taste, and the highest success in that 
department of human action. In this respect his death (he 
died March S, 1S5GJ was a public loss, extending far beyond 
his own neighborhood. 

Mr. Severance was a reformer, — a friend of the drunkard, 
— a hater of intemperance, of ojiprcssion, and political cor- 
ruption. He longed to see his country free from those two 



gigantic sins, intemperance and slavery. He was a strict 
ob.server of the Sabbath, a regular attendant at the house 
of God, a supporter of the gospel and of gospel institutions, 
a lover of the groat benevolent operations of the American 
church, and testified his feelings in regard to the latter by 
bequeatliing a handsome sum to their support. 

Mr. Severance was twice married, first to Abigail S. 
Wells, who died September Iti, 1821, in her twenty-ninth 
year. This union was blessed with four children, of whom 
two survive : Decatur resides in Michigan, and Mrs. A. L. 
Green, the generous donator of this tribute to her parents' 
memories, now lives in sight of tlie old homestead. His 
second wife was Fanny Wells, sister to his first .spou.«c, who 
survived her beloved hu.sband some five years, and died full 
of years and honors September 22, ISCl, aged seventy-one 
years and three months. The result of this marriage was 
three children, but one of whom, the wife of German 
Keynolds, of Granby township, survive.". 

The disease which closed the earthly existence of the 
subject of this sketch came upon him without warning, 
prostrating him instantly. He was aware of his situation, 
but, sustained by a long-cherished hope in the Saviour, he 
contemplated the approach of death with calmness and 
Christian resignation. He left a large circle of friends, 
besides his relatives, to cherish his memory and mourn his 
loss. 




A.W.Slvehance. 



Hon. Avery W. Severance, son of Seth and Abigail 
S. Severance, was born in New Haven township, near the 
place where ho died, February 23, 1819. He departed 
this life on the evening of February 15, 1874, and at his 
decease, consequently, was nearly fifty-flVe years of ago. 
For nearly half a century he was accustomed to walk the 
streets of his township, and mingle with its people, socially 
and in business relations, and never did malice or suspicion 
whisper aught against his integrity. He was emphatically 
an honest man, and the vacuum made by his loss cannot 
be filled by another. 

Possessing rare intelligence, capacity for and knowledge 
of business, he was accustomed for many years to be the 
arbitrator to adjust differences, the counsellor to advise in 
trouble, and the trustee for the orphan and the widow in 
all ca.ses within the circuit of his acquaintance. It is re- 
lated of him by his intimate friend, Mr. L. W. Tanner, of 
O.swego, that at one time he has known him to be the guard- 
ian of twenty-five minor children, and at the time of his 
death held that relation to at least fifteen, involving some 
twenty thousand dollars. Such was his business ability 
that the settlement of all these estates, after his death, did 
not cost any of them a dollar, and was eminently satisfac- 
tory to all parties concerned. 

During nearly his entire business life he was intrusted 
with various offices in the municipal government of his 
township, cither in its material or educational interests. 
He was many years its supervisor, and for a long time a 
prominent member of the Oswego County board of super- 
visors, frequently its chairman, and in all positions his 
judgment was accejitcd and respected as superior to that 



of others, and his honesty was above suspicion. For many 
successive years he held the position of president of the 
Oswego County agricultural society. Himself a good 
practical farmer and model cultivator, he took a deep in- 
terest in all things pertaining to the advancement of agri- 
culture and the betterment of stock, and rarely fiiiled to 
secure a premium on any products of the farm which he 
deigned to exhibit. 

In 18G5 he represented the third district of Oswego 
County in the State legislature, and was faithful in the 
discharge of the duties of that position, and occupied in 
all matters an influential place. 

In public and private life he was modest and unassuming 
in his manners, courteous and gentlemanly in his demeanor, 
sympathetic and benevolent to the distressed, and warmly 
attached to his friends. He was firm and unflinching in 
the discharge of his duty; energetic and indignant against 
all appearance of chicanery or fraud. Honest himself, he 
could endure no deception in others. 

In his death his fiimily lost a kind and tender husband, 
a loving and indulgent father, and the entire county one of 
its most prominent and honored citizens, whose life and 
influence were inseparably connected with every prominent 
event in the history of Oswego County during the last 
quarter of a century, and whose memory will be cherished 
and respected more largely than that of almost any one 
who survives him. 

His widow resides in the village of Mexico, and, like 
her lamented husband, enjoys a warm place in the hearts 
of many whom lu'r benevolence has befriended or her 
Christian influence reached. 



ii 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



341 



he located permanently, at the present residence of his son, 
Orton 0. He was one of the first officers of the town, and 
held many positions of trust. 

In 1837 or '38, Mr. Marvin's little son, Rozelle, aged 
eight years, was drowned under the following circumstances : 
He and a son of Mr. George W. Allen were crossing tlie 
creek one afternoon, on a log above the pond, early in the 
sj)ring, when the boy, Rozelle, fell off, and went under the 
ice. A crowd of the neighbors soon assembled, but the 
boy could not be found that day. The ne.\t morning the 
search was renewed, by cutting away the ice at the dam and 
letting it float down the stream. As they were at work in 
this way in the afternoon, the drowned boy suddenly shot 
up lialf his length between the cakes on which some men 
were standing, and was caught by one of the men before 
he sank again. 

31r. Taylor located on the hill just west of the " Hollow," 
where S. 0. Wilmarth now resides. He was a prominent 
man, and one of the first officers of the town. 

Mr. Lindsley settled in the east part of the town, and 
was a near neighbor of Mr. Wing, joining him on the 
north. He was one of the first set of town officers of New 
Haven. 

jMr. Hitchcock .settled about one and a half miles south 
of the village, near the Kibby farm, and Mr. Davis about 
two miles east, on the State road. 

Reuben Halliday settled in the east part of the town 
about 1810. He was the first Methodist da.ss-leader in 
town, and for a great many years was a minister of the 
gospel. 

Henry Hawley came to town in 1811, and settled about 
one and a quarter miles south of the village. He was 
killed at the raising of Robert Jerrett's barn, in 1815, by 
the falling of a plate. 

Among others who came into town prior to 1813 were 
Setli Severance, Mitchel Crandall, Ezra Bi-oinley, Ansel 
Snow, William Griffin, Eliphalet Colt, Elias May, John 
Wolcott, Daniel and Lyman Hatch, Philip Delano, Samuel 
Cherry, Lyman Blakesley, and Israel Ransom. The last 
thlee, with Mr. Wing, were the first justices appointed for 
the town of New Haven after its formation. 

Mr. Severance came from Leyden, Ma.ss., and .settled just 
east of Butterfly, where he resided until his death. He 
was another leading man of the town, and lield the office 
of sujiervi.sor longer than any other man, as will appear by 
the list of officers. 

Mr. Crandall settled at first just north of Butterfly, but 
several years ago located just east of the village, where he 
now resides. Mr. Snow made his home at the village, as 
did also Mr. Cherry. Mr. Blakesley settled one and a 
quarter miles southwest of the village, and Mr. Ransom at 
Checver's Mills. Thus far. New Haven should bo under- 
stood as belonging to the old town of Mexico, but as we 
are now brcjught down to the formation of the new town, 
it will be proper to speak of the first town-meeting. 

This was held at the house of Ansel Snow (near where 
the store of Rowc & Snow now stands), April lil, 1814. 
Tliere were sixty-six votes cast, and the following persons were 
elected: Supervisor, David Easton ; Clerk, Jonathan Wing; 
As.sessor.s, David Easton, William Taylor, and Nathaniel 



Marvin ; Overseers of the Poor, Joseph Bailey and Daniel 
Hall ; Commissioners of Highways, Joseph Bailey, Jr., 
Joseph Boynton, and Anson Drake; School Commissioners, 
Jonathan Wing, Joseph Bailey, and Nathaniel Marvin ; 
Collector, George C. Bailey ; Constables, George C. Bailey 
and Crandall Kenyon ; Fence-viewers, Nathaniel Marvin 
and Daniel Hall ; Pound-masters, Almon Lind.slcy and 
Eleazer Snow ; Inspectors of Schools, David Eaiston, Eli- 
phalet Colt, and Anson Drake ; Path-masters, Elias May, 
Chauncey Drake, Jesse Smith, Robert Jerrett, William 
Taylor, Henry Hawley, Eliphalet Colt, Lyman Hatch, 
Daniel Hatch, Philip Delano, Crandall Kenyon, and John 
Wolcott. 

New Haven has had only thirteen supervisors in the 
sixty-four years since its formation. Their names and years 
of service arc as follows: David Easton, 181-1— IG, 1821— 
23; Orris Hart, 1817-20, 1831; Scth Severance, 1824- 
29, 1832-38, 1841-40, 1851; William Bullcn, 1830; 
Norman Rowe, 183I)-40, 1847-58; Hosea Cornish, 1843 
-45; Lorenzo W. Tanner, 1848, 1850, 1857, 1859; Charles 
Nichols, 1849; Abram W. Uewett, 1852 ; John C. Gil- 
lespie, 1853-54; Avery W. Severance, 1855-5G, 1800- 
71; Henry J.Daggett, 1872-7C; Schuyler M. Barker, 
1877. 

There have been seventeen town clerks, viz. : Jonathan 
Wing, 1814-16; William Taylor, 1817-18; Hezekiah 
Nichols, 1819-24; Isaac Whipple, 1825-29; Levi Rowe, 
1830-31 ; Chester R. Wells, 1832, 1838, 1849, 1853 ; 
Stephen Luce, 1833 ; John J. Aycr, 1834-35 ; Samuel J. 
Merriam, 1836-37 ; George S. Thrall, 1838-42, 1845-47 ; 
Edmund E. Wells, 1843-44 ; Robert S. Kelsey, 1850-51 ; 
1857-58; Solomon White, Jr., 1852; William H. Merriam, 
1854-56; Ralph A. I^jwon, 1859; Norman Rowc, 1860- 
61, 1866-77; Charles M. Adams, 1862-65. 

The justices of the peace who have lived in the present 
town of New Haven before and after its formation, with 
the years in which they were appointed or elected, are as 
follows. Before 1813 they were, of course, appointed for 
Mexico: David Easton, 1807, 1809, ISll, 1814, 1820. and 
1823; Bailey, 1810, 1814, and 1816; Jonathan Wing, 
1811, 1814, 1816, 1823, and 1827. 

After the formation of the town the first four justices 
appointed were JonathaTi Wing, Samuel Cherry, Lyman 
Blakesley, and Israel Ran.som. 

Then came Orris Hart, 1817, '31 ; John Par.sons, 1819; 
Hezekiah Nichol.s, 1819-21 ; Seth Severance, 1820-28; 
William Taylor, 1820; Stephen H. Kinne, 1821-23; 
Palmer Hewett, 1821 ; Theodore Gridley, 1823, '27, '28, '32, 
'36; Norman Rowe, 1827, '29, '33, '38, '44, '48, '53, '57, '61, 
'65, '69, '73, '77, making forty years' service December 31, 
1877. William Bullcn, 18^7, '30; Geo. W. Allen, 1831, 
'34, '56 ; Stanton P. Wccden, 1835, '47 ; S. G. Merriam, 
1837 ; Chester R. Wells, 1839, '50 ; Alexander H. Barton, 

1840, '57 ; Avery W. Severance, 1841 ; James H. Wright, 

1841, '49; John C. Gillespie, 1842; Geo. W. McConnell, 
1843; A.M. Andrews, 1845; Nicholas Che.sebro, 1846; 
Charles A. Tanner, 1847 ; James Talniadge, 1848, '49, '54 ; 
Henry Daggett, 1 851 ; Naaman Good.sell, 1 852 ; Lorenzo W. 
Tanner, 1855, '63; Warren J. Johnson, 1858; Abram W. 
Hewett, 1859; Albert J. Doud, 1860, '64 ; Ashbel B. 



342 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hall, 1862; Jonathan E. Robinson, 1864, '67; Schuyler 
M. Barker. 1805, 'C8, 72; Jesse Halliilay, 180G; Joseph 
Barton, 1867 ; Orla Severance, 1868 ; Geo. L. Lyon, 1870, 
'74; Chauncy L. Gridley, 1871, '75; David L. Nichols, 
1876. Of the above, Merriain, Wells, Ilalliday, and Joseph 
Burton did not ((uality. 

After the war of 1812 the population of New Haven 
increased fiLster than befDre, — the iiew-couiers beinj; mostly 
from Oneida county. About 1815 the prominent men who 
came into town were Hezckiah Nichols, Orris Hart, Stephen 
II. Kiiine, Luman Cummings, Calvin Ea.soii, Peter Kel.sey, 
Julin Parsons, and Harvey Tuller. Mr. Hart was one of 
the leaders in business and politics. He was appointed 
associate judge of the common pleas in 1817, and airain in 
1819; was appointed a surrogate in 1819, and airain in 
1845; appointed sheriff in 1821, and elected to the same 
ofi5ce in 1822. 

Dr. S. II. Kinne was the second physician of the town, 
and a very prominent man. Mr. Cumniings .settled just 
northeast of the village at first, but in 1818 located at 
Cumniinps' Mill, in the south part of the town, where he 
died in 187() at the age of eighty years. E:uson, Kelsey, 
and Parsons settled near Butterfly. Norman Rowe came in 
from Paris, Oneida county, and settled just northwest of 
the villa<re in February, 1817. About 1836 he moved 
to the village, where he has resided ever since. If he 
should live until January 1, 1878, he will have served forty 
years as a justice of the peace. He has also .served two 
terms as sheriff of the county, besides holding many other 
civil and military ofiices. 

Samuel G. Merriam should be mentioned as one of the 
leading men. He eanic to the village in 1832, and the 
next year was appointed a commissioner of deeds. He held 
the responsible position of postmaster for thirty-two vears, 
and w;is for forty years a liromineiit merchant at the village, 
where he now resides. 

BUSINESS. 

The making of potash was entered into quite exten- 
sively at an early date, and that was about the only article 
that brought ready cash. It wjus shipped to Montreal, and 
its transportation formed quite an important branch of 
business. 

The first a.shery wa.s a log one, built by Orris Hart, ju.st 
east of the village, in 1816, and was succeeded by a frame 
one in 1823. The second one was built at the " Hollow," 
about 1818, by Mr. Ilutcbins. Still another, for making 
pearl-ash, was run by Mr. Bromley about the same time, 
some two and a half miles .southwest of the village. The 
making of whisky was another branch of business; but 
that was more particularly for home consumption. At a 
later date the raising of fruit, especially apples, was quite 
extensively carried on. Later still, the raising of cattle 
and making of butter and cheese took the lead. Recently, 
the cultivation of berries is the most important branch of 
business. New Haven is an entcrjn-ising town, and the 
people arc always going into something that will pay. 

MILLS. 
The first sawmill was built at Cheever's, in 18115, by Ira 
Hoat. The second, at the " Hollow," about 1811, by Tim- 



othy Norton. The third, at Gridley's, about half a mile 
below, on the same stream, in 1816. The fourth, at Cum- 
mings', in the south part of the town, about 1816. Mr. 
Cummings has built no less than three mills on the .same 
site since 1818. In 1850 there were seven saw-mills in 
town, but there are now only four. The first grist-mill was 
built at Cheever's, in 1809, by Waldo Bray ton, and the sec- 
ond at the " Hollosv." about 1815. by Hi-zckiah Nichols 
and Nathaniel Marvin. The first stave-machine (or mill) 
was built at the " Hollow," in 1845, by Daniel B. Van Buren 
and John D. Reed. 

DISTILLERIES. 

The first was built at Cheever's, about 1810, by John 
White; the second, just eiist of the village, in 1818, by 
Orris Hart; and the third soon afVer (1820), at the Hol- 
low, by Barton and Doolittlc. It is hard to say, but ncver- 
thelass true, that there have been three distilleries in New 
Haven. At present it is a strong temperance town, and 
grants no license to sell liquor. The first distillery was a 
very small one, and was out of operation before the other 
two were built. 

FOUNDRY. 

There has been but one in town, and that was previous 
to 1840. This at first was run by Richard Eason, and 
afterwards by him and Hosea Cornish. It was .situated in 
the village, and was in existence between 1830 and 1840, 
but on rather a small scale. 

DOCTORS. 

The first was Eliphalet Colt, who was also the first officer 
of the town. He remained until about 1830. Stephen V. 
Kinne was the second physician ; he remained in town 
until near 1839. The next was Samuel Stewart, who came 
about 1827, and was followed by Dr. Lee, in 1828. The 
last was a man of especially good medical education. The 
next was John G. Ayer, in 1833, who was likewise well 
educated. Dr. E. M. Joslin came into town in 1838, and 
lea in 1S42. Dr. A. W. K.ibin,><nn came in 1842, and 
moved west about 1854. lie wxs a brother of Rev. Ralph 
Robinson, and was a well-read physician. Dr. S. P. John- 
son succeeded I'r. Robinson, and was followed in turn by 
Dr. Geo. G. Whitaker, now the only practitioner of the 
regular, or allopathic, school in town. A. S. Rockwell was 
also one of the physicians of New Haven for a short time 
previous to 1875. 

Of the eclectic physicians, the first was John Ash, some 
forty years ago. The second was Amos Austin, from 1847 
to 1862. Then followed bis brother James, who opened a 
drug-store about 1862, the first in town. Dr. James Man- 
warren succeeded Austin, and was himself followed by Dr. 
Jewell. Dr. Amos Austin has returned to town during 
the past year, and is now practicing there for the .second 
time. 

LAWYERS. 

For this class of persons we shall have to write blank, 
as there never was one a resident of the town. One at- 
torney talked about settling there, but was informed that he 
could not live in town by practicing law, and therefore aban- 
doned the project. 




--ep*. 







A.H.Barton. 



MRS. H.H. Barton. 



Alexandkr Hamilton Barton was born in that 
portion of tlie town of I'aris, Oni^ida county, New York, 
since erected into the town of Marshall, June 1, 1805. 
His parents, David and Lydia IJarton, liad removed from 
Leyden, Massaehusitts, and .settled in Paris in 1793. They 
were the Orst .«ettlor.s in Mai-shall. The .subject of this 
sketch was the eijihth in a tiiniily of nine children, and, in 
addition to the education received in the couiraoii schools 
of that day, wa.s prepared for admission to collesre in a Mas- 
sachusetts Seminary, hut never entered u])on his collcjriate 
course. In 1825 fourleen I'amilics removed from Hanover 
Society in said town to tlie town of New Haven, — no mean 
acce,s.sion to the then infant settlement. In the spring of 
1820 Mr. Barton followed, and innnediately entered into co- 
partnership with I'liauneey B. Doolittle in the mercantile 
business. In 182'J jNIr. Doolittle transferred his interest to 
Stephen Luce. In 18.'{3, at the re((uest of his father, who 
had made an unfortunate investment in a manufacturing 
business in Canada, Mr. Barton sold out his interest in the 
New Haven store, and removed to Toronto to protect his 
father's rights and close up tlie business there. In 183ti 
he removed from Toronto to IVansvillo, Oneida county, 
where he engaged in trade iintil 1838, when ho returned to 
New Haven and settled ujnm the farm where he remained 
until the date of his death, April 27, 1854. October 13, 
182!l, Mr. IJartoM was married to Miss Cornelia Kvcline 
Marvin, daughter nf Nathaniel and Julia Marvin, who were 
among the first settlers in New Haven, then a jjart of Mex- 
ico. They came from Clinton, Oneida county, in 1810, 
transporting themselves and their scanty household effects 
in a flat- or l)urhani-boat by way of the Mohawk river, 
Wood creek, Oneida lake, and Oswego river to Oswego. 
Thence by lake to Plea.sant point. Mrs. Marvin ran the 
perilous ]>as.sage of the rajiids and falls of the Oswego river, 
near Fultou, in their frail boat. They settled upon the farm 
long known as the " Tainier place," in the north part of the 
town, when not a stick of the original forest had been cut. 



Here, on the 10th day of March, 1812, Mrs. Barton was 
born. 

Mr. Barton was one of the earliest to espouse the anti- 
slavery cause, when to do so with activity was to incur op- 
po.sition and even opprobium ; but he deemed no sjicrifice too 
great in any matter when conscicnee and love of his fellow- 
men ilireeted him to act. He took the same advanced 
position in the temperance cause. 

He w:u3 engaged in trade at a time when the inhabitants 
of the new .settlement had but little money at command, 
and were obliged to depend almost wholly upon barter of 
their crops in all their dealings at the country store. Owing 
to this fact, and follnwing wliat then was a common practice 
of merchants, the firm erected a distillery to convert the 
corn and rye of the neigliborhood into whisky, which could 
bo more readily transp<irtcd and converted into cash in 
distant market.s. But the temjierance wave starting in Bos- 
ton about 1825, reached him a few years later; and so 
thoroughly was his conscience convicted of error, that ^ 
the .serious .sacrifice of investment and business interests he 
closed his distillery, refusing either to continue it him.self 
or to sell to another for such use. This action was charac- 
teristic of the man in whatever reform engaged. Under 
the old systems of town inspectors of schools and of town 
suiierintendency, he was ofleii chosen to those positions. 
As a magistrate, a position oecnjiied by him during eiglit 
yeai-s, he chose to act the ]iart of a peacemaker. Very few 
cases commenced before him were ever brought to trial ; he 
dreaded litigated contests with a shudder, because of the 
bitter pa.ssions and strifes engendered by them, so discordant 
to his own nature, llis aim was to make each litigant 
recognize whatever of justice there miglit be in hi.s oppo- 
nent's claim, and thus to establish a bxsis of compromise. 
In this he was usually successful. He wiLS never very 
robust in his jihysical development, and died while in the 
]irime of his usefulness, at the age of forty-nine years. 
His widow still survives him. 






COWARD W. ROBINSON. 



MRS EDWARD W.ROBINSON. 



^>j:^A?,*(S!:rtSflt«^^j«e!i:4^^ 




■fi 

*^'"'''^!'- '^S'SSKaSiS'^' '««■"■■'''•''" ■*' 











RESIDENCE OF EOWARD W. ROBINSON, TOWN OF NfW HAVEN, OSWEGO C0.,N. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



343 



SCHOOLS. 
The town lias twelve school districts, the one at the vil- 
lage being No. 5, with a graded school. The number of 
children between the ages of five and twenty-one in 1870 
was six hundred and two. Amount of public money, in- 
cluding the library, was thirteen hundred and seventy-sis 
dollars and forty-six cents. The first school wa.s taught, in 
180G, by Harriet Easton, daughter of David Easton. 
Sherman Hosmcr taught a school at Butterfly in 1808. The 
present school-houses are mostly new ; the one at the vil- 
lage being built of brick and the one at Cheever's of stone. 

MERCHANTS. 

Anson Drake was the first, in 1809, at the village. He 
was succeeded in 181G by Orris Hart, who was followed by 
Samuel Cherry. Samuel G. Merriam began the mercantile 
business in 1833, in which he remained for forty years. He 
retired from the business in 1873, and was succeeded by 
Howe & Wilmarth, and then by the present firm of Howe 
& Snow. Stephen Luce opened a store at the Hollow in 
1829, and was in business there ten years. Hewett & 
Goodsell had a store in the stone hotel building for several 
years, about 18G0. A store has been kept at the depot for 
a number of years, and is now run by 0. Woodworth. 
John White kept a store at Cheever's Mills as early as 1810. 
The first drug-store was kept by Dr. James Austin, about 
1862. Silas Allen and Solomon White, Jr., were merchants 
at the village from 1850 to 1856, or thereabouts. B. J. 
Hale & Son have an extensive coffin wareroom at the vil- 
lage in connection with their undertaking business. It dates 
back to about 1844. 

HOTELS. 

The first was opened at the village in 1810, by Ezra 
May. Soon after, one was opened by Andrew Place, at 
May's Corners, and another by Joseph Boynton, two miles 
west of the village. Jesse Smith built one just back of the 
present stone hotel about 1826, and Samuel Allen opened 
one a little west of the Congregational church in 1823. 
The stone hotel was built by Richard Eason about 1850 or 
1851. The brick one was erected in 1824 by Ezra May. 
The town had three at a time for a while after 1828, but 
can now boast of only one, which is a temperance house, 
kept by A. M. May. 

PO.ST-OFFICES AND POSTMASTERS. 

The first post-ofiice in town was established at West 
Mexico, January 19, 1813, with Joseph Bailey as post- 
master. The office was kept at Mr. Bailey's house, about 
two miles west of the village. Its name was changed to 
New Haven, December 25, 1819, and Orris Hart appointed 
postmaster. Samuel G. Merriam was appointed postmas- 
ter February 8, 1833 ; Solomon White, Jr., July 23, 1853 ; 
Silas Hart, January 30, 1858; S. G. Merriam, June 28, 
18G1, and Augustus F. Rowe, January 2, 1873. 

" Butterfly" was established January 31 , 1828, with John 
Parsons as postmaster. Sterling Newell was appointed 
September 14, 1844; John Parsons again Ndvember 22, 
1848; John Parsons, Jr., June 13, 1849; and Avery W. 
Severance, February 23, 1858. The office was discon- 
tinued January 13, 1870. 



" South New Haven," the third and last office, was estab- 
lished early in the spring of 1877, in the southwest part of 
the town, with George H. Patten as postmaster. 

The first mail-stage was run through the town from Utica 
to Oswego, and thence west, in 1823. 

THE CONOREOATIONAL CHURCH 

was organized July 30, 1817, the society having been 
formed just one month previously. Revs. John Dunlap 
and David R. Dixon presided. The former was a mission- 
ary, and the latter the pastor of the Mexico church. Thir- 
teen persons united with the church at its organization, 
whose names are as follows : Stephen H. Kinne, Daniel 
Hitchcock and Esther his wife, Ari Rowe and Wealthy his 
wife, Norman Rowe and Mary his wife, Atwood Aikens 
and Hannah his wife, Rebecca Hitchcock, Polly Harman, 
Seth S. Sweatland, Esther Delano. Norman Rowe is the 
only survivor. The first trustees of the society were Daniel 
Hitchcock, Seth Severance, Seth S. Sweatland, Norman 
Rowe, Roswell Harman, and William Taylor. 

The Rev. William Williams was the first settled minister. 
He was from Granville, Washington county, and began his 
labors in 1820. Previous to his coming the church was 
favored with only occasional preaching. Mr. Williams' 
successors, with their terms of services, when known, were 
as follows : Rev. Ralph Robinson, two years, beginning in 
1828 ; Rev. Oliver W. Ayer, two years ; Rev. Ichabod A. 
Hart, one year ; Rev. Isaac Headly, one year ; Rev. Samuel 
Swezey, three years; Seth Smalley, one year; Rev. Hugh 
Carlisle, Rev. Mr. Whiting, Rev. Mr. Hoyt, Rev. Erastua 
Kellogg, Rev. Amos Seeley, in 1845; Rev. Ralph Robin- 
son, who came a second time, in the fall of 1846 ; Rev. W. 
W. Warner, who came in April, 1854 ; Rev. Hiram Dyer, 
who began in June, 1855 ; Rev. John Reid, who came 
January 1, 1861, and served seven years; Rev. Thomas 
Bayne, three years; Rev. John T. Marsh, one year; Rev. 
Lewis Jessup, who began preaching in September, 1872. 
Mr. Jessup was followed by Rev. Olney Place, October 11, 
1874, who is the present pastor. 

Rev. Mr. Robinson preached for fifty years, and died in 
New Haven, in May, 1863, at the age of eightj'-thrce. 

The appointments of deacons of the church have been 
as follows: Ari Rowe and Daniel Hitchcock at the organ- 
ization, in 1817 ; Samuel Allen, 1822 ; William Marvin, 
Joseph Barton, Charles Nichols, and Job Doud, in 1834; 
Norman Rowe, December 10, 1852; and Edward W.Rob- 
inson, March 8, 1873. According to the last report there 
are one hundred and nine members of the church. The 
present church edifice was built in 1824, and has been kept 
in good repair up to the present time. 

THE BAPTLST CHIRCH. 

A Baptist society was formed in town soon after the 
Congregational, and a brick edifice was built in the year 
1825. The society had only occasional preaching, and after 
a while the meetings were discontinued on account of the 
small number of church-going people of that ileudmina- 
tion. 

The old brick church was finally sold, and taken down 



344 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUxNTY, NEW YORK. 



some years since. A leading member of that church and 
one who stood by it to tlie last was Captain C^'rus Sever- 
ance, but he was called away bj- death several years ago. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOP.VL CIIUKCU. 

The first meetings of this church were held near Peleg 
Davis', in the east part of the town, on the State road, as 
early as 1815; some of the members being residents of 
Mexico. In 1833 or 1834 a class was formcil at New 
Haven village, with Reuben Halliday a.s leader. This only 
continued for a short time, and then disbanded. Ader this, 
in 1839, a permanent class was formed, of which Henry K. 
Marvin wa.s the first leader, who held the positidn a long j 
time. The first members of this class were David Field 
and wife, Nicholas Chescbro and wife. Nelson Davis and wife, 
and E/.ekiel Lewis and wife. The first trustees were David 
Field, Nelson Davis, Nicholas Chesebro, Kzekiel Lewis, and 
Alvin Buell. The first ministers were Charles Northrop 
and Joseph Crags, then fiillowod Anson Tullcr. B. Ildlnics, 
David Stone, Freeman Hancock, II. Kiiisle}', A. M. Kowe, 
and Alnion Chapin. In 1851-52, William Peck and Reu- 
ben Reynolds were the proaehers. In 1859, J. Sniedley 
and J. Sice were on the circuit. They were succeeded in 
turn by Iliram Nichols, W. I. Richards, J. II. Burk, H. 
S. Holmes, J. S. George, W. H Brown, C. Manson, and 
E. II. Waugh. 

The first church edifice was built in 1848, and the second 
and last one in 187(). The latter is a very fine building 
for so small a village, being a frame, laid uj) on the outside 
with brick. The whole cost was about seven thousand 
dollars. To the industry, energy, and economical manage- 
ment of the pastor, Rev. Charles Manson, who was on the 
charge when the church was built, the society is very much 
indebted for their handsome edifice. The church has an 
excellent bell weighing about one thou.sand pounds, the gilt 
of two of the members of the society. 

It should have been stated that previous to 1853 the 
circuit was very large and was supplied by two preachers, 
who preached alternately, once in four weeks each ; services 
on the int(!rvening Sundays being sometimes conducted by 
Morris Place. 

SECRET SOCIETIES. 

There have been several in town, but most of tlieni of 
short duration. About 1850 the Odd-Fellows had a lodge, 
but it was .soon disbanded. After this the Sons of Temper- 
ance flourished from 1850 to 1855. The next was the 
Good Templars, a short time previous to 1874. The 
Patrons of Husbandry then organized the New Haven 
grange. No. 52, January 16, 1874, with the following 
officers : Worthy Master, Charles S. Cheever ; Overseer, 
Edwar<l W. Robinson; Lecturer, Henry J. Daggett; 
Stewar<l, Willaril W. S<|uires ; Cliajilain, E. (J. Ilewett ; 
A.ssistant Stewards, Solomon White and -Mrs. H. A. Staccy ; 
Ceres, Mrs. D. B. Van Buren ; Pomona, Mrs. W. W. 
Squires; Flora, Mrs. E. G. Hewett ; Secretary, John Van 
Buren ; Treasurer, H. A. Stacoy. The present officers 
(1877) arc as follows; Wortiiy Master, D. H. \'an IJiiren ; 
Overs(!er, W. W. S(|uires ; Lecturer, S. White; Steward, 
J. S. Oxuer; Assistant Stewards, J. M. Barker and Mrs. 



J. S. Oxner; Chaplain, C. S. Cheever; Treasurer, B. S. 
Drake ; Secretary, John Van Buren ; Gate-kecjier, Daniel 
Lawton ; Ceres, Mrs. I). B. Van Buren ; I'omtma, Mrs. W. 
W. Squires ; Flora, Mrs. C. S. Cheever. The present mem- 
bcr.<lii|i numbers fifly. Meetings are held on the first and 
thiid Fridays of each month. 

A second Odd-Fellows' lodge, called Beacon Light, No. 
464, was organized in July, 1877, with the following offi- 
cers: Dr. George <1. Whitaker, N. G. ; H. J. Daggett, 
V. G. ; George S. Hale, R. S. N. G. ; A. F. Aird, L. S. N. G. ; 
William B. Searles, R. S. V. G. ; H. A. Stacy, L. S. V. G. ; 
John Van Buren, R. S. ; Malcolm Stevens, P. S. ; J. S. 
Oxncr, Treasurer; Wallace Halliday, Chaplain; J. M. 
Barker, C. ; Marshall Parker, W. ; Charles Woodward, 
R. S. S. ; Frank Stevens, L. S. S. ; Henry Stacy, I. G. ; 
an<l A. M. May, 0. G. 

CEMETERIES. 

There arc two in town, — one at the village and the 
other at Butterfly. The fliriner is probably the finest in 
the county, considering the sniallncss of the village in 
which it is situated. It contains at least twenty monu- 
ments, from t(Mi to twenty-two feet in height, costing from 
.seventeen hundred dollars down, besides many marble slabs 
of handsome design and beautiful finish. The memorial 
of the most public interest, however, is the soldiers' monu- 
ment, dedicated to the memory of those who fell in the war 
for the Union. It stands nearly in the centre of the ceme- 
tery, and was erected May 30, 1870. It is of Italian 
marble, about eighteen feet in height, and has engraved on 
its four sides the names of forty-four soldiers who were 
killed or died from wounds received in the late war. The 
principal inscri]ilion reads, — " Erected to the memory of 
New Haven's gallant sons who died for their country." 
The names and ages upon the monument arc as follows : 
North side — William Wiles, 26; William Barnes, 34; 
Joseph S. King, 23; Henry O. Wing, 20; Seth Hubbard, 
38; Dennis Doyle, 24; Leonard Wiles, 19; Lemuel Gul- 
lion, 31; Jabez E. Spaulding, 19; J. W. Gullion, 36; 
Granville S. Woodall, 17. South .side— William H. Mays, 
17 ; John Green, 21 ; Benson Davis, 21 ; Joseph S. Mui> 
ger, 21 ; James Redding, 20 ; William II. Crawford, 30 ; 
William S. Harrington. 23; jNIanvilh' G. Looker, 19; 
Hamilton N. Wileox, 27 ; Paul W. Walsworth, 23; Fran- 
cis L. Harrington, 32. East side — A. J. Ba.ssett, 22 ; 
William W. Wood, 25; J.din Wilbur, 41; John E. 
Bowcn, 21; Eli Cornwall, 19; Oscar II. Fields. 32; 
Chauncey G. Snell, 20; Horace D. Cheever, 26; Franklin 
W. Coan, 20 ; Lorenzo D. Goodrich, 38 ; Lorenzo S. Doo- 
little, 38. West side— William II. Taylor, 18; William 
E. Taylor, 17 ; ().sear Drake, 31 ; Henry Fuller, 22 ; Amos 
N. Kibbc, 26 ; John B. Dawson, 29 ; Noble S. Green, 22 ; 
George B. Smith, 18; Chester A. Drake, 21 ; Rozelle J. 
Whitney, 22; Chandler A. Rathbun, 22. ' 

POPULATION OE THE TOW.V. 

The populaticni at diflerent periods has been as follows : 
In IS:!5, 1551 ; 1840, 'l 737; 1850, 2015; 1860, 2073; 
1870, 1764 ; and in 1875, 1728. Valuation, 8659,251. 











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NOf^MAN I^OWC 



l^O'^irb/LA.lST I^.O'WB. 



Pbominkntlt identified with the early settlement of New 
Haven and vicinity wc find the subject of this sketch. Nor- 
man, son of Ori and (Bull) Rowo, was born January 2, 

1796, in Litchfield county, Connecticut. In 1803 his father 
and family of seven children moved to Vernon, Oneida county. 
New York, and in 1808 to Paris, the same county. The family 
being large and in very moderate circumstances, young Nor- 
man, at the age of nine, went to live with another family. 
When in his sixteenth year ho was bound out to a farmer 
named Jteuben Austin until he attained his majority, the 
consideration being one hundred dollars and a suit of clothes. 
Under those circumstances his educational udvantiiges were 
slim. He gained some knowledge by the regular perusal of 
a newspaper he borrowed, and by a friend gaining access for 
him to a circulating library. He is therefore pre-eminently 
a self-educated man, for he gained quite a largo amount of 
useful knowledge. On the breaking out of the war of 1812, 
young Norman, being eligible for military duty, was ordered 
to Sackett's Harbor, and while there contracted a sickness 
from the effects of which he is still a sufferer. So much for 
his patriotism. 

On the 16th of February, 1816, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Mary Moore, of Oneida county. He and his brother 
then embarked in the boot and shoe manufacturing business, 
and also conducted a small tannery at the same time. Febru- 
ary 17, 1817, he and his wife came to New Haven, this county, 
purchased fifty acres of land, and meeting with indifferent 
success, owing to the difficulty of raising money in those days, 
was obliged to leave the land with what improvements he had 
made. He then settled on and cleared the farm now occupied 
by (leorgo W. Daggett, where he remained until the spring 
of 1836. He then removed to the village of New Haven, 
where in 1841 he erected the house in which he now resides. 
In the spring of 1827 he was elected assessor of New Haven 
township, and the following fall to the office of justice of the 
peace, which ofiSce he ha.s held almost continuously ever since, 
(except while sheriff of the county in 1840). His judgment 
was excellent, and it was seldom that any judgments rendered 
by him were reversed by the higher courts. He has held 



various other township offices, among which that of township 
clerk for fifteen years, and supervisor in 1839-40, at which 
time he was chairman of the board, to which office ho was 
elected by the Whig ])arty almost without opposition. In 1840 
he was also elected sheriff of Oswego County, which office he 
held three years. He was again elected to the same office in 
1845-51. His successor desiring him to attend to the duties of 
the office, he was virtually sheriff until 1854. He removed 
with his family to Oswego in 1850, and took charge of the jail, 
returning to New Haven in the spring of 1852. He was again 
elected supervisor in 1858. 

October 15, 1835, his wife died, leaving him with five out 
of a family of eight children. He married again, August 21, 
1836, to Mrs. Sarah Hitchcock, widow of Stephen Hilcheook. 
The result of this marriage was three children, of whom one 
survives. His first interest in political affairs was during the 
canal excitement, he voting for De Witt Clinton, who was in 
favor of constructing the canal. From that time lie nffilialod 
with the Whig party, and on the organization of the Kcpub- 
lican parly entered its ranks, where he has since firmly re- 
mained. He has always taken a prominent part in local and 
State politics, and is one of the raoiit prominent respectable 
politicians of the county. In the days when it was considered 
-essential to the welfare of the country that a well-regulated 
militia should be maintained, he took an active part in that, 
and ro.so step by step till ho attained to the rank of lieutenant- 
colonel, receiving his first commission from Governor Clinton, 
and his last from acting-Governor Pitchers in 1828. 

Mr. llowo united with the Congregational church in Paris 
townshij) in 1816, and is now a deacon of the church in New 
Haven, and has been one of the trustees nearly ever since the 
organization of the church, which ho assistcil in perfecting, 
being one of its original members. Since 1829 he has been s 
strong advocate of tlu> temperance cause; and he attributes 
his present good health and robust strength, at the age of 
eighty-three, in a great measure to his temperate and abate- 
minus life. No comment on the general characteristics of 
Mr. liowe is necessary. Everybody knows him, and to know 
is to respect him. 




'* : "Vv^ 



Michael S.Lindall. 



MaS5Sv?J 







Residence of the late M.S. LINDALL, Haw Haven, Osweo-o Co./. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



345 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



CAPTAIN HENRY J. DAGGETT, 

son of Henry and Mary D.iggett, was born at Boston, 
Massachusetts, August 16, 1826. In 1838 his parents 
moved to Oswego County, and settled at Oswego city, 
whore they remained for about four years, and then removed 
to New Haven township, where they continued to reside 
till their death, which occurred as follows : Henry Daggett, 
in April, 1870 ; Mrs. Mary Daggett, in September, 1871. 

Captain Henry J. Daggett received a good English edu- 
cation at the academy and higli school of Oswego. He 
devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until ho was 
nineteen years old, when he chose a life '• on the ocean 
wave," first as a common sailor, in which capacity he served 
three years, and then as mate one year, and master for fifteen 
years. He commanded a number of different ves.sels, and 
was afterwards associated with Penfield, Lyon & Co. in the 
grain trade, sailing-vessels being used by them exclusively. 

Retiring from the command of a vessel in 1863, he still 
retained an interest in the shipping trade. He has been 
extensively interested in farming, and also in the flouring, 
lumbering, and commission business, aiul has shipped a 
large quantity of cheese to Liverpool. He is one of the 
largest landholders in New Haven township, where he owns 
six hundred acres, besides as much more in other localities. 
By reference to the New York State records, we find him 
to have been a member of assembly from the third district 
of Oswego County in 1875, and his name appears promi- 
nently on the reports of committee on commerce and navi- 
gation, and on the sub-comniitteo of the whole. He is 
spoken of in the State documents very favorably as a legis- 
lator, and the general popularity he enjoys among his con- 
stituents, and the people generally, goes far to confirm the 
good opinion of him therein expressed. In 1872 he was 
elected supervisor of New Haven township, and was re- 
elected for five terms consecutively, the last year being 
chosen chairman of the board, the duties of which oiBoe 
he discharged in an able and impartial manner, and to the 
entire satisfaction of his brother-members of the board, as 
expressed in a resolution passed at the close of the session. 

Mr. Daggett is a man of varied and extensive experience, 
an excellent judge of men and things, and a man not calcu- 
lated to err in his estimate of human character. He has 
been a leading Republican for many years, but has always 
retained enough of the furtitcr in re so as not to be influ- 
enced by party cliques or partisan motives. Of the suavitet- 
ill modo he possesses a large share, lieuce he enjoys the 
confidence and esteem of people of all political complexions. 
He is a prominent member of the Masonic order, being 
now a Royal Arch Mason ; and is also a member of the 
I. 0. O. F. Captain Daggett married Frances L., daughter 
of Philander and Eli/.a Holly, of New Haven, who survives. 

A remarkable fact coimected with the captain's sea-faring 
experience is, that he was never once shipwrecked or lost 
a cargo. He retains a picture of the good ship " Dread- 
naught," which he commanded, and which he considers his 
pet vessel. He points tn lier with a conimciidable pride. 
23 




L. CUMMINGS. 



MILITARY RECORD OF NEW HAVEN. 



Tiveiiltf-foiirth Ra/hiient Iiif'iiitri/. — William R. Bennett, Co. I. En- 
li.stcil April 30, 1861; (lis. at Falmouth, Va., May 14, 1802, from 
jihysical disa!)ility : re-eril'd July 11, ISGo, in Ijth Cav., and dis. 
at EIniira, Aug. I'J, IStjo. 

Francis M. Davis, private, Co. C. Enlisted April 28, ISfil, and di.s. 
fur disab'y at Arlington Heights, Va., Nov. 7, 1861. 

Benson Davis, private, Co. C. Enlisted May 1, 1861 ; w'd at 2d Bull -^ 
Run, lived seven days, and buried at Soldiers' Home, Washington. 

Oscar H. Field, private. Co. C. Killed at Bull Run, Aug. .'SO, 1862. 

Oscar H. Goodrich, private, Co. C. Dis. at Arlington, 1861. 

Charles E. Jenkins, private, Co. B. Enlisted May 1, 1861 ; dis. Deo. 
2o, 1861, at Upton Hill, Va., by reason of chronic rheumatism. 

Josiah Rulison. private, Co. A. Enlisted April 16, 1861, and dis. at 
Elmira, May 29. 1863; time served out; re-enl'd in 12th Cav. 
Sept. 27, 1864, and dis. at Ncwl>ern, N. C, July 7, 1865. 

William H. Taylor, private, Co. C. Enlisted May 1, 1861; dia. on 
account of w'ds received Dec. 5, 1863. 

EHjhij/-Jir«l lleyimriii [iifitiitnj. — Orren Abbott, private, Co. .\. En- 
listed Sept. 30, 1861, and dis. Dec. l.i, 1862, for disaby. 

Henry Bracy, private, Co. A. Enlisted Aug., 1S6I, and dis. at York- 
town, Va., Oct., 1802, iinil drafted; the only man in the town who 
went in 147th. 

Hiram Bracy, private, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1861 ; dis. at Albany 
N. Y., Jan. 28, 1862, of disability. 

(Icnrge W. Cook, private, Co. D. Enlisted Nov. 18, 1,861 : dis. at 
Yorktown, Va., Nov. 18, 1862, by reason of w'd in hand; re-enl'd 
in Co. K, 24th Cav.: dis. at Washington, June 18, 1865. 

licorgc W. Davi.--, private, Co. D. Enlisted Sept. 7, 1861 ; dis. at 
Fortress Monroe, Sept. 23, 1861; lime served out. 

Chester A. Drake, private, Co. B. Enlisted Aug.. 1861; killed in 
battle of Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 

tieorgc King, private. Co. K. Enlisted Nov. 14, 1861 ; trans, to 8lU 
N. V. Independent B.i'tery, July 16, 1SC2; served until Nov. 28, 
1861: dis. Julv 7, 1865. 



34G 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



JoMph S. King, private, Co. A. Bnligted Aug. K. 1861 ; w'd at 

liBttIc uf Fuir 'inlts, May :tl, 18G2 ; liurit'il at Furtrcss Monroe. 
John W. Li.okir, primtr, Co. B. Di». at Phila., Pa.. Dec, 188.1. 
Manvillc C. Looker, private, Co. B. Killed at Fair Oaks; buried at 

Savage Station. 
Gcorj;c II. Suiitli, private, Co. B. Vif. iit flermnntowu Ilorpitat, I'liila., 

Jan. :"J, 186.1: died at home Dot. 27, 1863. 
John Wilbcr, private, Co. B. Enlisted Jan. 1, 1862: dif. Jan. I.1SB3; 

re-enl'il in 5ame reg't i^ainc day : killeil ut Cold Harbor, June 3, 

ISOI, and buried there. 
One Itawlrril niiil Truth lUijimenl. — William C. liurlUll, private, Co. 

E. Enlisted Au},'. 9, 1862: dis. Aug. 28, 180 J. 
David M. Barton, private, Co. E. Enlinled Aug. '.), 1862. 
John E. Bowon, private, Co. E. Enliifted Aug. U, 1S62; killed near 

Port Hudson, June II, 180.1: buried on bnttlc-nold next day. 
Charles Curtiss, private, Co. E. Eulirted Aug. 11, 1862 ; discb. Aug. 

28, 1865. 
Freeman Cole, private, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 7, 1SG2; dis. at Fortress 

Monroe, April 2, 1803, for disabilil;. 
John B. Dawson, jirivate, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1SG2; died at 

Currolliin, La.. Jan. 28, ISfl.t. 
Lorenzo S. Doolillle, ser^'t, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1802; died at 

New Orleans, (let. 2'J, 1SC3. 
John IL Forbes, private, Co. G, Enlisted Aug. 11, 1802: dis. at 

Bulliniore, Mnreh, 18G:|, for disability. 
Lemuel Oulliver, private, Co. E. Enlisted Aug, 9, 1802; died ut 

Brasher City, May 27, 180.1. 
Noble S. Urcen, eorp., Co. E. P^nlisted Aug. 7, 1802; died at Port 

Hudson, Aug. 8, 1803. 
Setb Hubbard, private, Co. E. Enl'd Aug. U, I8(;2; sent to hospital 

at lialon Kouge. .\ug. 11, 1803. 
L. H>iib-y, jirivate, Co. I!. Enl'd Aug. 7, 1802 ; dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Robert Lawrence, jirivate, Co. E. EnlM Aug. II, 1802: dis. at Port 

Columbus, N. Y., Aug. 0, 1803, on account of wounds received at 

Port Hudson, June 14, 1803. 
Alimio C. Lee, private, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 6, 1802. 
Phineas A. Miller, private, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862; must, out 

at end of service, Aug. 28, 1805. 
Josejih E. Penfield, private, and clerk of Co. E. EnlM Aug. 9, 1802, 

and thniugh the war; dis. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Jerome S. Pan/burn, private, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1802; dis. at 

Albany with reg"t Aug. 28, 1805. 
Edward W. Robinson, corp., Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1S62; dis. with 

reg't Aug. 28, 1865. 
James Kcdiling, private, Co. E. Enl'd Aug. !l, 1802; died at Baton 

Rouge, La., June U, 1803. 
George ,Sheflield, jirivate, Co. G. Enl'd Aug. '02: dis. with reg't. 
Alimzo C. Taylor, jirivate, Co. E. Enl'd Aug., '02 ; dis. for disnb'y, 

at New Orleans, Aug. 20, 1803 ; afterwards assis't surgeon. 
Charles F. Wright, j.rivate, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1802; dis. with 

regiment. 
Poul W. Walsworth, jirivate, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 9, 1862 ; dis. Juno 

1 3, 1 803, at Now Orleans ; died at home, by reason of disease con- 
tracted in the army, March 2, 180-1. 
One Jlinttlrcit iiiiti Forti^-acrciilh Jirtjinient hi/fiutry. — Charles C. Bur- 
roughs, Jirivate, Co. F. Enl'd Aug., 1862 : dis. nt Ft. Schuyler, 

N. Y., Dec. 22, 1803, for disnb'y. 
Arthur I. Colson, drummer, Co. B. Enlisted Sejit. 1, 1SC2 ; dis. Juno 

20. 1805, at Syracuse, at end of service, 
Horace D. Cliecver, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug., 1802: taken jiris'r at 

(icttysburg, July 3 or 4, 1804 ; jiar. on the ground : sent to Parol 

Camp, at West Chester, Pa.; taken sick, ami died at a jirivate 

house; body sent liouie. 
Anson L. Drake, jirivate, Co. F. Enl'd Aug., 1.S62; des. to Canaila. 
Chester D. Drake, jirivate, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1802; trans, to 

18lh Res. ; dis. nt Washington, D. C, July I, 1805. 
Horace Dickerson, jirivate, i;'o. F. Enlisted .\ng. 30, 1802; jilayed 

craiy, and had lits, and let off before mustered into service. 
Byron C. Earl, jirivate, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1802; trans, into 

Vet. Res. Corps, loih Rcgt. : dis. July 1;i, 1805. 
Thomas Farr, private, Co. F. Enlisted Aug., '02; dis. June 20, '65. 
James W. Gulliver, private, Co. F. Enl'd Aug. 30, '62, for three y'rs. 
Philip S. Green, priv., Co. F. Enl'd Aug. 30, '62 ; dis. June 20, '03. 
Chauncoy L. Gridley. 1st lieut., Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 26, 1802; dis. 

for phvsie.i: .iisubv „t Belle Plain, Va., Feb. 14, 1863. 



Jonathan C. Johnson, Jr., private, Co. F. Hurtcrtd in Eept. 23, 

1862; no further record. 
Sardius D. Jenkins, private, Co. F. Must'd in Sept. 23, '62; dis. '82. 
Alonio Lewis, jiriv., Co. F. Enl'd Aug., '62; deserted to Canada in 

the fall of 1S62. 
Lewis Lacome, substitute for Jacob Marshall. Enlisted Aug. 4, 1863 ; 

no other record. 
Joseph A. Marshall, jiriv., Co. B. Enlisted Aug. 27, 1862 ; trans, to 

3lsl Art.; dis. at Albany, July, 1805. 
Frederick J. Martin, jirivate, Co. F. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. at 

.*^yracuse June 20, 1865. 
J. S. Monger, private, Co. F. Enlisted Aug.. 1802: died at Fal- 

uiouth, Vu,, Jan., 1863. 
Francis M. Pease, jirivntc, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1802; taken 

pris. nt battle of Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; in Andersunville pris., 

Florence, and Danville ; held until Feb. 27, 1803; dis. with regl. 
Ansen M. Kunyan, jirivate, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1862; dii. 

Feb. 13, 1805, nt Hatcher's Run, Va., by reason of consolidatioo 

of regl. with the 76tb, and rendered sujiernumerary. 
Jesse Robbins, jirivate, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1802: dis. from the 

Invalid Corps in 1865. 
Edward Sabins, private, Co. F. Mustered Sept. 23, 1862; wounded 

May II, 1864 ; dis. June 20, 1865, at Syracuse. 
James .Sanderson, Jiriv., Co. F. Deserted to Canada in fall of 1862. 
Jabei E. Spanlding, priv., Co. F. Died in Richmond pris. in 1864. 
Alonzo .Smith, jirivate, Co. F. Dis. from hospital at Washington, D. 

C, in March, IS63, from disability. 
Chauncey G. Siiell, priv., Co. F. .Mustered Sept. 23,1862; died 

from wounds nt tJettysburg .July 8, 1863. 
llamillou M. Wilcox, private, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, I.s(i2: died 

of diseu.se nt Crt^iip Morris, D. C, in fall of '62: buried there. 
William W. Wood, private, Co. F. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1S(;2: captured 

at the Wilderness battle .May 5, 1804; died in jiris. at Florence, 

S. C, Nov. 10, 1804, of disease. 
Andrew J. Williams, priv., Co. F. Enl'd Aug. 29. '04 ; dis. Jan. 28, 

1805. 
One Unnihcd and Kitjfittf- Fourth Ileffttneiit In/nntri/. — Reuben H. 

Austin, Jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Sept. 1, 1804; dis. at >Syrocu8e May 

9, 1865, by authority of adjutant. general. 
Martin Brncy, priv., Co. L Enl'd Aug. 22, 1864; dis. July 18, '65. 
Wm. W. Bracy, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 22, '64; dis. July 18, '65. 
Isaac Barrows, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 23, '64 : dis. July 18, '65. 
John 0. Barnes, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 27, '04; dis. July 15, '65. 
William Barnes, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Sept. 2, 1864 ; died nt Soldiers' 

Rest, in Syracuse, July II, 1805 ; body sent home. 
Theodore Corliss, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 22, '64 ; dis. July 18, '65. 
Roderick Cameron, substitute, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 30, '04 ; dis. 

July 10, '65, 
Charles L. Durfce, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Sejit. 10, '04 ; dis. for disab'y 

at Fortress Monroe June 0, '05. 
Calvin A. Eason, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 31, '04 ; dis. July 18, '65. 
Rial Fish, j.riv., Co. D. Eul'd Aug. 20, '04 : dis. July IS, '65. 
Albert E. (iuile, pnv., Co. I. Enid Aug. 22, '64; dis. July 18, '65. 
John N. Gilnian, 2d lieut., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 2:1, 'C4 • dis. July 18, 

1865. 
Lucius S. Hammond, priv.. Co. B. Enl'd ,\ug. 29, '64 : dis. at Fair 

Ground hospital, Vn., June 18, '05. 
Wallace 11. llallidiiy, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 20, '64 : dis. July 18, 

1805. 
Henry II. Knight, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 22, '64 ; dis. July 18, '05. 
Chas. C. Lnoniis, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug., '04; dis. July 18, 'ti5. 
Nelson McDonald, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 29, '04 ; dis. July IS, '65. 
Sherwood I(i|iby, Jiriv., Co. 1. Enl'il Aug. 27, '64 ; dis. July 18, '05. 
Orren F. Smith, jiriv., Co. B. Enl'd Aug. 24, '04 ; dis. July 12, '05. 
Geo. E. Soj.er, jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 29. '64 : dis. July IS, '65. 
John Thnrgood. jiriv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 29, '64 ; dis. July 18, '65. 
Wm. N. Taylor, sergt., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 23, '64: dis. July II, '6.5. 
Amos B. Wright, jiriv., Co. I. Knl'd Sept. 2, "64. dis. July 15, '65. 
Geo. Welmore, cajit., Co. I. Enl'd .■^ejil. 5, '61: dis. July 18, '65. 
Reuben Wilber, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. .10, '04 : dis. July 18, '05. 
Martin Wallers, priv., Co. L Enl'd Aug. 211, '64 : dis. July 18, '65. 
Henry E. Wilber, priv., Co. I. Enid Aug. 23, 04; dis. July 18, '64. 
Wm. Welmore, priv., Co. I. Enl'd Aug. 20, '64 : dis. July 18, '65. 
J/i«rf//niieou«.— Orren Abbott, jiriv., Co. K, 9th H. Art. Enlisted 

Dee. 14, '63 ; dis. Sept. 5, '65; was in Co, A, Slst Inf., previously. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



347 



Josiah Burnett, priv., I2th Cav. Dis. 1864. 

James Bowen, priv., Co. I, loth Cav. EnUsted Nov. 6, 1863; dis. 

somewhere in the south at close of the war. 
Sybran 11. Beaulier, priv., Co. I, 76th Inf. Substitute for Geo. H. 

Patten ; eul'd Aug. fi, '63 ; di.s. from 9Ist H. Art. July U, '65. 
Hiram Bracy, priv., Co. K, 91st 11. Art. Re-enl'd Dee. 22, '63 ; dis. 

at Hart's I.^^laml, N. Y„ Oct. HI, ISGJ ; was in 8Ist Inf. 
James Burncs, ICth Inf. Enlisted March 11, 1861. 
Harvey h. Bowcn, priv., Co. F, 1st L. Art., only one from town. En- 
listed Sept. 2, '61, for thi-ee years; served until Jan. 24, '64, and 

then re-enl'd in same company, same regt. ; dis. .Tune 2.'), '65. 
William H. Bennett, priv., Co. B, lath Cav. Enlisted July 11, 1863; 

dis. at Elmira Aug. 19. 1865. 
Augustus Cass, priv., Co. E, 4th H. Art. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1S62 ; dis. 

Aug. 30, 1865 ; time served out. 
Henry Curtiss, priv., Co. I, 76th Inf. Enl'd Aug. 14, '63; dis. at 

Washington, D. C, June, 1865. 
H. N. Cole, priv., lOth Regular Inf. 
Horace L. Drake, priv., Co. I, 28lh luf. Enl'd May 14, 1861; dis. 

June 3, 1863. 
Oscar R. Drake, priv., 14th II. Art. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1863. 
Alfred Davis, j.riv., Co. C, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1863 ; dis. 

at Cloud's Mills. Va., July 19,1865. 
Francis M. Davis, priv., Co. K, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864; dis. 

at Cloud's Mills in Juno, 1865, by order of the War Dept. 
Michael Dawson, priv., Co. C, — Reg. Inf. 
James Doyle, priv., Co. K, G9th Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; dis. at 

Baltimore, Md., Dee., 1862, from wounds received at Antictam, 

Sept., 1862. 
Dennis Doyle, priv., Co. K, 64th Inf. Enlisted Oct., ISGl ; killed at 

the battle of Gettysburg in 1863; body not recovered. 
Horace L. Drake. Ro-cnlisted from 28th Inf. into Co. I, 15lh Cav., 

as sergt., Oct. 15, 1863 ; dis. at Louisville, Ky., Aug. 9, 1865. 
Henry Fuller, priv., Co. K, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 23, 1863 ; 

taken pris. near Petersburg, Va., in July, 1861, then taken to 

Richmond, and jiaroled about July 19, 1864; started for parole 

camp, and died on the way. 
David R. Grumnion, priv., 12th Cav. 
Lucius Goodyear, priv., 9th II. Art. Enl'd Jan. 4, 1864; dis. in fall 

of 1865. 
William Harrington, priv., Co. A, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Deo. 6, '63. 
David A. Hammond, priv., Co. G, 4th H. Art. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864; 

dis. Oct. 3, 1865. 
Willis W. Holliday, priv., Co. C, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 28, 1863; 

dis. Aug., 1805. 
Daniel H.all, priv., Co. G, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864 ; dis. July 

19, 1865. 
Francis Harrington, priv., Co. B, 16th Inf. Enl'd Feb. 3, 1864. 
Leslie C. Hart, priv., Co. B, 105th Inf. Enlisted Sept. 19, 1861 ; dis. 

May 28, 1862. 
John A. Hines, priv., Co. H, lllth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 

June 17, 1865. 
Duncan Ingraham, priv., 22d Cav. Eul'd Mar. 18, '64; dis. '65. 
Thomas 11. Jeffrey, priv., Co. K, 9lh H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 29, '63. 
Wm. C. Jenkins, priv., 33d Inf. Enl'd Aug. 28, '62; dis. June 25, 

1865. 
Edwin Jerrett, priv., Co. B, 105th Inf. Enlisted Jan. 20, 1802; dis. 

March 10, 1805. 
Joseph Kennedy, priv., Co. K, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 29, 1863 ; 

dis. in 1865. 
Hiram S. Keelcr, priv., 21st N. V. Bat. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1862; dis. 

Sept. 9, 1SG5. 
Geo. King, priv., 8th X. Y. Bat. Enlisted Nov. 28, 1864; dis. July 

7, 1865; served for a while in the 81st Inf. 
Delos Landers, priv., Co. G, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec. 25, 1803; dis. 

May 28, 1863. 
Almon E. Lindsley, priv., lOlh Inf. Enlisted Dec. 31, 1863. 
Oscar J. Lampliere, priv., 14lh I[. Art. Enlisted Dec. 18, 1863. 
George E. Lansing, priv., Co. C, 4th H. Art. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1801 : 

2d sergt. at the enlistment, and afterwards 1st lieut. ; dis. July 

18, 18R5. 



Henry G. Mack, priv., 14th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1863; trans, 
from 14th to 13th. 

Patrick Manus, priv., 9th H. Art. Enlisted Deo. 29, 1863; deserted 
to Canada in 1861. 

Franklin Maok, priv., 1 Ith H. Art. Enl'd Jan. 5, 1864; dis. Sept. 8, 
1865. 

John McDonald, priv., 16th Inf. In service in 1865. 

Andrew Morris, priv., 16th Reg. Inf. In service in 1865. 

Michael Miller, jiriv., 7th Reg. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; in regu- 
lar service in 1865. 

John MoFadden, priv., 7th Reg. Inf. Enlisted Mar., 1864; in regu- 
lar service in 1865. 

Darius H. Nelson, priv., 15th Cav. Enlisted Sept. 6, 1861; dis. at 
Springfield, III., No.v., 18(54; time served out. 

Francis W. Osterhout, priv., 16th Inf. Enlisted Dec. 3, 1863; de- 
serted to Canada in the spring of 1865. 

George H. Peckham, private, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 21, 1863; 
dis. Oct., 1865. 

Thos. Peters, priv., 16th Reg Inf. Enl'd Mar., '64 ; in fcrv, in '65. 

Hazel Parkhurst, priv., 16th Reg. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; in ser- 
vice in 1865. 

Sercn S. Richardson, priv., 9th II. Art. Enlisted Dec. 25, 1863 ; de- 
serted to Canada in the winter of 1864. 

James Riley, priv., 16th Inf. 

Albert B. Rose, substitute for N. F. Goodsell. Enl'd Aug. 16, 1864. 

Martin E. Rector, \>i'ly., Co. F, 6th Mich. Cav. Enl'd Sept. 4, 1862; 
dis. at Camp Distribution, Va., July 8, 1863; re-enlisted in the 
20th N. Y. Cav. Aug. 20, 1863 ; dis. Aug. 11, 1865, at Sackett's 
Harbor. 

Henry A. Rathbun, priv., Co. G, 1st N. Y. L. Art. Enlisted Oct. 1, 
1861; dis. Feb. 12, 1864, by reason of re-enlistment ; re-eulisted 
in same company and regt. Feb. 12, 1864; dis. June 28, 1865. 

Charles A. Rathbun, priv., Co. G, Ist L. Art. Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861 ; 
came home on sick furlough in Feb., 1863; was sick at home seven 
weeks, and died a mere skeleton. 

Curtis F. Sheldon, priv., 14th H. Art. Enlisted Dec. 19, 1863; dis. 
in summer of 1865. 

Herman Spencer, ])riv., 9th H. Art. Enlisted in Co. K, Dec. 16, '63; 
dis. in the fall of 1865. 

Jacob Stalker, substitute for Dr. S. P. Johnson. Enl'd Aug. 1, 1864. 

Henry Sanders, substitute for Sam'l. Sherman. In service in 1865. 

William Stevens, priv., Co. G, 4th II. Art. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1864 : dis. 
at Hart's Island, N. Y., Oct. 5, 1865. 

Swan B. Temple, priv., Co. K, 64th Inf. Enl'd Aug. 4, 1863; taken 
prisoner at Reams' Station, in Va. ; in Salisbury prison and 
others for 5i.\ months and eight d.ays ; dis. a parole prisoner Aug. 
2, 1865. 

Eudolphus Taylor, Corp., Co. G, 24th Cav. Eulisted Jan. 4, 1864 ; 
dis. July 19, 1865. 

Jonathan Thompson, priv., 7th Reg. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Edward R. Grafford, priv., 7th Reg. Inf. Enlisted March, 1864. 

Rozelle Whitney, priv., Co. A, 12th N. Y'. Cav. Enl'd Aug. 1, 1862; 
taken prisoner at Plymouth, April 17, 1864; died in Auderson- 
ville prison September, 1864. 

John J. Woodall, priv., Co. C, 26th Inf. Enlisted May 1.3,1861; 
dis. .at Utica, N. Y., May 28, 1863; re-cnlisted in Co. K, 24th 
Cav., Feb. 25, 1864; dis. in Baltimore, June 5, 1865, by reason of 
wounds received in April, 1865 ; sergeant after re-enlistment. 

Leonard Wiles, priv., Co. I, 15th Cav. Enlisted Nov. 30, 1803; died 
in camp near Burlington, Va., March 31, 1864. 

William Wiles, priv., Co. K, 9lh U. Art. Enlisted Dec. 14, 1863; 
missing after the battle of Cold Harbor, June 4, 1804, anil never 
found. 

lleury Wiug, priv., Co. K, 9th H. Art. Enl'd Dec. 14, '63; dis. '65. 

Wm. Williams, priv., Co. G, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec. 22, '63; dis. '65. 

Washington M. Whitlock, priv., Co. E, 59th Inf. Enl'd Sept. 4, '61 ; 
re-enlisted at Slevensburg, Va., Dec. 21, 1863; was in light 
artillery, and also in Bat. B, Ist L. Art., R. I. Regt.; dis. Jan. 7, 
1.804. 

Granville S. Woodall, Co. K,26th N. Y. Cav. Died at White House 
Landing, June 4, 1804, aged 17. 



A At B O Y. 



Ambov was forineJ from Williiiuistown, March 25, 1830. 
It lies upon tho east bonier of tlic county, soutli of tlie 
centre. The surface is rollini;, and has a southerly inclina- 
tion. The Boil is a rich loam, producin*; p-ain and grass in 
abinidancc. It contains several small lakes in the southern 
part, the j>rincipal of which are Painter lake, and North 
and South ponds. It is drained by small streams, tributary 
to Oneida lake. Its highest ]ioint is four hundred and fil^y 
feet above Lake Ontario. The north half of the town is 
within the region of the gray sandstone, and the south lialf 
in that of the red or Medina sandstone. 

The earlie.xt settler of this town was Jo.seph Perkins, a 
native of Connecticut, who moved into the town in 1805. 
Ho took up the east half of lot No. 14 of this township, 
and during the fii>t year opened an inn for the aecuniniod.i- 
tion of travelers. He resided upon this place until his 
death, which occurred through accident, being killed while 
he was at work in the woods near his house. He left a 
family consisting of two sons and three daughters. Mr. 
Perkins and his family seem to have been the only' settlers 
within the town for a number of years. 

Among tho.se who came on after Mr. Perkins had located 
were David Smith, in 1815, Isaac Claxton and John 
Drought, in 1818, and Sago Parke, in 1821. Mr. David 
Smith located near the present grave-yard, where he resided 
until 1S28, when he moved out of town. Isaac Cl.ixton 
settled in the southeastern jiart of the town, where he was 
j(pincd by his brother, AVilliam Claxton, wiiliin a few years. 
Together they cleared a large tract of land and erected 
comfortable buildings, but sold out to Mr. Richard Carter, 
and took up other lots in the town. Both died, leaving 
large families of children, most of whom have since moved 
to the western States. John Drought settled upon the east 
half of lot No. 1!!9. The farm is occupied at present by 
Jlr. David Morton. Mr. Drought lived upon this ]>laee 
until the year 1.S28, when he .sold out to Julian and Rich- 
ard Carter, and moved with his family to Camden, Oneida 
county, where he died. 

Sage Parke .settled upon lot.s Nos. II and 2!t, but sold 
out within a short time to John Moore, and purchased lot 
No. 105, where he lived until shortly before his death, which 
occnrri'd at the residence of his sonin-law, at Amboy Cen- 
tre. In the year 1S22 (being seventeen j'ears after the 
settlement made by Mr. Perkins), Mr. Joseph Murphy 
built the first saw-mill in town. During the stnnmer of the 
next year the first school was taught by (!yiitliia Stoddard. 
The following winter a school-house was built upon lot No. 
27. It was con.structcd of four-inch planks, notched to- 
gether much after the manner of constructing log houses. It 
was the only .school-hou.se in that part of the town for a 
great number of years, and is still standing. 
•MS 



No event of unusual interest occurred during these years 
of early .>iettlcment. Situated in the woods, and distant 
from the usual route of travel, they labored on uncomplain- 
ingly. Each little clearing gnidually increased in size, and 
though the forest still covered the greater part of the town- 
ship, yet numerous small tracts were placed under cultiva- 
tion and yielded annually their due reward to industry. 

During the years 1822-23 a large number of settlers 
came into the town, most of them from the Eastern Stales. 
Among them were John G. Howard and William Henry, 
from Rhode Island. Horace Foofe, from Clinton, and 
Archibald Chapman. The first regular hotel was opened 
in the fall of 1822, at what is known as the five corners, 
upon lot No. 26. This liuilding was owned by Ephraim 
Mowroy, and was a double log house. Mr. Jlowrc}' kept a 
liotel in it for a number of years, but afterwards put up a 
fine frame structure upon lot No. 11. 

In 1S24, Mr. Sage Parke erected the first grist-mill in 
town. It contained only a single run of stone, and was 
intended for grinding corn and other coarse grain. 

The same year the Free-will Baptist society was organized 
(in 1824 ), with Rev. Truman Gillet as p.nstor. Services were 
held from time to time in various private buildings in the 
town. 

All this time it will be remembered that township No. 
C> was a part of the tnwii of Williamstown. Early in 1830 
the people made n\> their minds to be set off into a new 
town, and a meeting of the citizens was called to determine 
on a good name for it. Several names were propo.'scd, dis- 
cussion ensued, and the meeting was held until a late hour, 
but finally adjourned without being able to decide the mo- 
mentous ([Uestion. Another followed, with the same result. 
A third and fourth ensued, but still township No. was 
nameless. At length, at the fifth meeting, Mr. Frederick 
Andrews proposed the name of Amboy, from the town thus 
called in New Jersey. This suggestion met with general 
favor, the name in (picstion was sent forward to the legisla- 
ture, and the town of Amboy was formed bj' an act passed 
March 25, 1830. 

From this time until the Ijreaking out of the Rebellion, 
in ISlil, little of historical interest occurred within the new 
town. During all the earlier l«arl nf that iierind Andwy 
was still a wild eniintry. Immigration, however, continued 
to flow in, the forests went down before the sturdy arms of 
the pioneers, and plea.sant farms furnished with comfortable 
houses (pften met the eye of the traveler. The pojiulation 
.steadily increa.sed from six hundred and sixty-nine in 1830 
to fourteen hundred and two in I860. Even the latter 
was snudl for a town in the State of New York, and in- 
dicated truly that a large part of its territory was still 
shadowed bv the primeval forest. But when the tocsin of 





^_««(H5ffiSsa»ros~-— _ 






m 

Co 




HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



349 



war sounded in tho ears of the nation, none more promptly 
answered the call to arms than the gallant sons of Amboy. 
Indeed, there wore but few towns in the State with no 
greater number of inhabitants who had as many men iu 
the service. Their record speaks for itself. 

The older men, who remained at home, were ecfually 
zealous in their sphere. 

The following votes were taken at town-meetings, called 
for the purpose of raising means : At a meeting held De- 
cember 22, 1803, it was voted that tho town should raise 
the sum of three hundred dollars, to be paid to each volun- 
teer, until its quota should be full. 

At a special meeting, called September 15, 18G4, it was 
voted that the town should raise the sum of one hundred 
and eight dollars per man, to fill its ([uota under the then 
recent call of the president for five hundred thousand 
men. 

At a special meeting, held October 8, 1864, it was voted 
that the town raise the sum of twelve hundred and thirty 
dollars and twenty-niue cents, for the purpose of paying 
the balance necessarily expended in procuring volunteers 
to fill the quota of Amboy, under the call beibre men- 
tioned. 

Since the war a number of mills have been built in the 
town, and the business of lumbering and manufacturing 
shingles has been extensively carried on. There are at 
liresent ten saw-mills in oi)eration, and a cheese- factory has 
been built, at West Amboy, within tho past few years. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH OF AMBOV. 

This church became a part of the Black River confer- 
ence in 183G, having previous to that time been a part of 
the Salmon River conference. 

The pastors since that time have been as follows : in 
1830 and 1837, W. H. Gaylord and L. Ball ; in 1838, W. 
Tanner and Joseph Smalley ; 1839, J. N. Jones and Ira II. 
Corbin; 1842 and '43, T. D. Mitchell and J.N. Brown; 
1845, Orra Squires; 184G to 1848, J. Arnold; 1850, R. 
N. Barbour; 1852, P. Jones; 1855, S. Kinney; 1857, 
S. Ball; 1858, William Empey ; 1801 and '02, W. T. 
Sweedley; 1803, S. Delamater ; 1800 and '67, Moses 
Wills; 1868, Allen Mullen; 1869 and '70, R. 0. Beobe ; 
1873, N. S. Ilubbel; 1874, B. J. Clemmcns ; 1875- 
1877, A. M. Frandenburgh. Some of the first members 
of the church were Sage Parke, Charles Pepper, Walter 
Willson, Dorastus Green, and Joseph Price. The church 
building was erected in 1835. 

The present officers of the church are as follows: A. M. 
Frandenburg, pastor ; Levi Lewis and Cornelius l^IcGee, 
class-leaders; Clay Short, Charles W. Hastings, and John 
Whaley, t)-ustees ; Charles W. Hastings, Clay Short, War- 
ren Whaley, and Peter Sciicll, stewards. 

The Sunday-school has an attendance of about one hun- 
dred and Inrty members, and has a library containing near 
one hundred and twenty volumes. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH AT CARTERSVILLE. 

This society is of recent formation. The church build- 
ing was erected in 1871. The first trustees were N. II. 
Adams, Charles H. Jelilf, and Daniel T. Morton. 



The church is presided over by the pastor of the one at 
Amboy Centre. 

The Sunday-school has about seventy members. 

THE FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 

This society was organized iu 1824. Mr. Truman (Jillet 
was pastor from that time until 1842. During the greater 
part of this period services were held in private buildings; 
but, a short time before leaving the charge, Mr. Gillet 
built a small church at his own expensj. This house is still 
standing, and is used at present by the Methodist society. 

AMBOY TOWN OFFICERS. 

At a town-meeting held at the house of Ephraim Mowrey, 
on the 20th day of April, 1830, the following officers were 
elected : 

Sage Parke, supervisor ; Frederick Ambrose, town clerk ; 
Anson Abels, Sylvanus Coon, T. A. Kidelle, asse-ssors ; 
Joshua L. Smith, Truman M. Prinne, Dorastus Green, 
commi.ssiouers of highways ; Alvin Cranson, collector ; 
Sage Parke, Ephraim Smith, James Edmonds, commis- 
sioners of schools; John Jamison, Nathaniel Williams, 
Frederick Ambrose, inspectors of common schools; An.son 
Abels, John G. Woodward, overseers of the poor ; Alvin 
Cran.son, John Edmonds, John J. Wheeler, constables; 
Daniel ^Vhitlock, Julian Carter, Sylvanus Coon, justices of 
the peace. 

The succession of .supervisors and town clerks has been 
as follows : 

Supervisors.— In 1830-31, Sage Parke; in 1832-34, 
Dorastus Green ; 1835, James Edmonds; 1830, Dorastus 
Green; 1837, Alfred Seamans; 1838, Sage Parke ; 1839, 
John Jamison; 1840-41, Julian Carter; 1842, William 
Sanders; 1813, John Jamison; 1844-47, Julian Carter ; 
1848-49, John JamLson ; 1850, Ezra Hall ; 1851, George 
D.Wells; 1852-53, Robert S. Carter; 1854-55, Henry 
Garber; 1850, John Jamison ; 1857-59, Henry Garber; 
1860, George D. Wells; 1861, John Jamison; 1862, Za- 
phon W. Moore; 1862, F. H. Berry; 1863-64, R. J. 
Carter; 1805, John Jamison; 1866-67, George W. Lud- 
ington ; 1868-69, Delos Randall ; 1870, George D. Wells; 
1871, John JaniLson ; 1872-75, Thomas Lai ng ; 1876, 
Philip Hess; 1877, George L. Wells. 

Town Clerks. — In 1830, Frederick Ambrose; in 1831, 
Martin B. Mowrey; 1832-35, John Jamison ; 1830, John 
Davison ; 1837, John Jamison ; 1838, John P. Hasselkus; 
1839, William Sergeant; 1840-47, John P. Hasselkus; 
1849, Ephraim H. Smith; 1850-51, Wanton Green; 
1852-53, William Sergeant; 1854, Wanton Green ; 1855- 
50, William Sergeant ; 1857-60, J. Duane Dunn ; 1861-62, 
George A. Sergeant ; 1803-00, Andrew J. Whaley ; 1867- 
70, David J. Wilson ; 1807-71, Thomas Towsley; 1872, 
A. J. Whaley; 1873, Francis W. Towsley; 1874, George 
W. Sergeant; 1875-77, Calvin Warn. 

Tiie following is a list of the town officers for the present 
year (1877): Supervisor, George L.Wells; Town Clerk, 
Calvin H. Warren ; Justices of the Peace, George D. Wells, 
D. J. Wilson, Fowler II. Berry, John S. Clelland (newly 
elected, Hanford station); Assessor, Henry Leigh, George 
Laing, Norris Griffin ; Overseer of the Poor, Ezra Spoor; 



350 



HISTORY OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Hij;hway Conimissioner, James Black; Inspcctore of Elec- 
tion, John Stubb, A. J. Whaley, and George Ix;e ; Town 
Auditors, John K. I'altlieii, Wiirr<'n Whaley, Geo. Chirk; 
Constables, J. 8. Kinney, William J. Brown, Wiliiuni 
Gullin-.'er, A. J. Whaley, and James Christopher ; Com- 

n)i.s--ioners of E.\i-iFe. Archibald Mclntyre, Bennett, 

Jo!>e|)h Rcnn. 

We also give a list of the business men of the town. 

TluiSe of Anibiiy (Viiire an: — 

Merclniiils, J. U. Short & Son, F. iM. Towi-Ky. 

llntvl proprietor, A. J. Whaley. 

Shiicmakers, Jat(]b Wain, J. S. Codncr. 

Tlio.se of West Ainboy are — 

Mirc/iiiii/s, F. A. Davey, lloufrhton & Joslyn. 

Jfuhl proprietor ami oiciier of cheese -J'ltclort/, Philip 
Hess. 

B/iicLiiiii/fi.t, Fred. Andrews, Nathan Stanton. 

Owner of grist-mill, Robert Forrest. 

There are three shinpie-uiills in the town, owned by 
Benjamin lUitler, Ezeek Look, and John Seliell. 

Tiie comparative pojiulation of Amboy, since its separate 
organization, has been as follows : 

In 1880, fiG9; in 1840, l(i7<t ; in 1850,1132; in 18C0, 
1402; in 1870, 1431 ; in 1875,1279. 

The strength of the two jiolitical parties at various presi- 
dential elcelions has been as follows: In 18()0, Re].ubliean 
170, Democratic VM; in 18(14, Republican l."M, Oenio- 
cratic IGl ; in 18G8, Republican 1G5, Democratic 108; 
in 1872, Republican 181, Democratic 110. 



BlOCR.VlMfKWL SKETCHKS. 



THOMAS LAING 

was born in Scotland in the year 1820. He emigrated 
witli bis father's family to this country in 1834, and re- 
mained under the paternal roof until he attained his 
majority, and two years thereafter commenced life ou his 
own account. 

In 1854 he married Eliza Rice, and the result of this 
union was one son and one daughter. She died in 1873 ; 
and in May of the following year he married Julia De 
Wolf, by whom he had one daughter. 

Jlr. Laing held the office of supervisor four years, and 
has occupied several other offices of trust in the town, all 
of which he filled to the entire satisfaction of the people 
and to his personal credit. 

For many years he manufactured sa't-barrcls, and is now 
engaged in the lumber business, in connection with farm- 
ing. He is a clever, whole-souled genth'man, whose many 
admirable (jualities of head and heart deservedly command 
universal respect. In its appropriate place in our work 
can be seen a portrait of Mr. Laing. 



GEORGE D. WELLS. 

The subject of this sketch was Iwrn in Sidney, Delaware 
county. New York, October 24, 1820. His parents were 
poor but respectable. His mother was an invalid for six- 
teen years previous to her death, and his father became so 
embarrassed pecuniarily that he left home at the age of 
seventeen, with a wardrobe consisting of a pair of eotlon 
pants, a sailor's coat, and a siniw hat, going among entire 
strangers to seek work that he might earn an honest 
livelihood. 




liKOI((iE U. WEI.I.S. 

He walked eigbiy miles to Greene county, where he 
hired out to Rev. Charles Cha.se, of Hunter, at fourteen 
dollars per month, every cent of which he laid by for future 
use. Working extra at night in a saw- and bark-mill to pro- 
cure his clothing. In the course of three years he succeeded 
by industry and economy in earning sufficient to pay all his 
father's indcbtednes.s. 

He remained with Mr. Chxse during four years, when he 
went to Oswego County, and learned the wheelwright's trade 
of Daniel Stearns, alter which he returned to Greene county, 
and labored two years at his trade. He married Miss Lucy 
Cha.se, the daughter of his former employer, Rev. Charles 
Chase, November 18, 1841. 

In the fall of 1845 he removed to Oswego County. In 
the spring of 1850 he was elected a justice of the peace, 
which office he has held for twenty-six year^i since thtt 
time, and is still filling it to the satisfaction of his fellow- 
citizens. 

Other honors awaited him. In the spring of 1851 he 
was elected to the honorable and responsible office of super- 
visor, which office he has held five terms, and is at j>re.sent 
serving upon the si.\th. 

In the autumn of 1854 he erected a steam saw-mill upon 
his land in Amboy, which wiis destroyed by fire eleven 
months later. Nothing daunted, he rebuilt it in six weeks, 
and agaiu, a year lat_'r, saw it a second lime destroyed ; but 




\ 






■«.- 




y 



A\ 







John Jamieson 



MFiS.JOHNjAMIliSON. 




Res. of John Jamilson,amboy.osv/ego co.ji.y. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



351 



notwithstanding he had no insurance and his loss was 
heavy, he a^ain rebuilt it, and kept it ruiininu' for fourteen 
years. During these fourteen years he paid out for insur- 
ance twenty-one hundred dollars (^$2100). 

Mr. Wells was one of the first to sliip lumber on the 
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburgh railway. Among other 
shipments during one season was one of three million feet, 
for plank-road purposes, to Jamaica and New Rockaway, 
Long Island. 

He now owns and operates the circular saw-mill at 
Amboy Centre and the steam mill at Williamstown, where 
he manufactures and ships from two to three million feet 
of lumber annually. 

To 3Ir. Wells and his first wife tliere were born eight 
children, — -two sons and six daughters, of whom the sons 
both died young. Ilis first wife died May 4, 1866. 

On the 15th of May, 1871, he was again united in 
matrimony to Laura E. Delamatter, a daughter of Wirt 
Ciiase, of Greene county. 

Mr. Wells never enjoyed the privileges of a good educa- 
tion, having attended only the common schools of his time, 
and these only for a brief period. He has never employed 
a clerk, preferring to handle his own affairs, and has always 
paid his debts at the rate of one liiimlred cenls on the 
dullar. 



JOHN JAMIESON. 

John Jamieson was born near the city of Glasgow, Scot- 
land, May 23, 1807. In 1822, in company with his grand- 
father, lie joined a party who were about to try their fortunes 
in America. After an adventurous voyage of sis weeks and 
fiiur daj's they arrived in New York, but were not permitted 
to land, on account of the yellow fever then prevalent. This 
circumstance shaped their destiny, particularly their locating 
in O.swego County. 

Simt off by the epidemic from landing at New York 
city, they continued up the Hudson river to Albany. At 
that point they met an agent representing the lands em- 
braced in the Scriba patent, and were induced by him to 
purcha.se a farm in the town of Amboy. 

They started for their purchase on foot through a wild 
and unbroken wilderness, and, after many fatigues and 
privations, reached their destination. They located near 
the centre of the town, and commenced the erection of a 
rude but comfortable cabin. The little clearing gradually 
increased in size uudor tlie sturdy blows of these pioneers, 
and within a few years a substjintial frame dwelling was 
erected on the site of the old homestead. 

In the year 1812, Jlr. Jamieson married Margaret Ham- 
ilton, with whom he lived happily until her death, in 1849, 
leaving three children. In 1852 he was again married, to 
Caroline Codner. This alliance was blessed with six children, 
all of whom are now livinjr. 

o 

Jlr. Jamieson has for many years occupied positions of 
trust, and fulfilled their duties with fidelity. He still resides 
upon the old homestead, and, althougli seventy years of age, 
he is still in the full possession of his faculties, and is honored 
and respected by all. 



CHARLES LEIGH. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Argyle, Washing- 
ton county, New York, December 25, 1813. 

When twelve years of age, he removed with his father 
to Sandy Creek, Oswego County. His early life was spent 
upon the liirm. 




CHARLES LEIUIl. 

At the age of twenty-three he was married to Miss Maria 
Lee, of Mexico. In the year 1839 he removed with his 
family to the town of Amboy, where he erected a .saw-mill. 

His children have become respected citizens of this and 
other States. Mr. Leigh held various offices of responsi- 
bility and trust, the duties of which were performed with 
credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his 
constituents. He died August 18, 1874. 



MILITARY RECORD OF AMBOY. 



Liaviil Biu-tk-tt. Ealistert in tlio 14th II. Art. Dec. 1, 180."!. 
Willium Barnes. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. Jan. 7, ISOt; dis. Ajir., 

18C5: was wounded in the leg June 18, 1804. 
Chester Belknap. Enlisted in the 147th Regt. Sept. 1, 18C2 ; pro. to 

Istsergt; dis. Sept., ISfili. 
George H. Bellows. Enlisted in the 115th Regt. Aug. 26, 1862; 

wounded in Fla., Feb. 20, '64 : died of his wounds March 11, '64, 

at Hilton Head. 
Comfort Black. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. Jan. 1, 1SG4 ; was slightly 

wounded : dis. April, 1875. 
James lirayton. Enl'd in the 1 47th Regt. Sept. 7, '62; dis. Sept., '65. 
Augustus Butler. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. Jiin. 1, 1S64. 
Ashel Butler. Enlisted in the 147th Rogt. Sept., 1862. 
George W. Carter. Enlisted in the llOlh Regt. Aug. 25, 1S62: died 

July 7, 1864, at Key West. Fla., of yellow fever. 
James Castel. Enl'd in the llOth Regt. Aug. 23, 1862: taken pris. ; 

died in the service; time and place of death unkppwn. 
C.corge Clark. Enl'd in the 24lh Regt. May 1, ISCl : djs. Oct. 1. '61. 
(Jcorge Cole. Enl'd in the 147th Regt. Sept. 7, '62; dis. pcpt., '62. 
William Cole. Enlisted in the 147lh Regt. Sept. .lO, 1861, 
Jas. Cummins. Enl'd in Ihe 147th Uegt. Sept. 2;t, 1862; disph, Sept. 

1865. 



352 



IIISTORV OF OSWKGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Alrn Caiiiinino. Enlintrd in the Ut L. Arl. Oct. 4,1861 ; re-onlistcd, 

Full. ID, IMi, in the vainc rrgl. 
George l>»v,r. EnlUlvJ in the liuth Rcgt. Aug., 23, 1S62 ; died at 

Kvy Vi'ifl, Fin.. July t. I SHI. i>( yellow fever. 
Uuilcrick llnrling. Knli!>leil in the 2^th C'liv. .Ian. 1. 18(14. 
JuKcph bodge. Kniiali'il in the I Ith II. Art. Dee. 12, lSn:i ; wounded 
nt retcrsburg. .luly l.s, l.sr.4; died iii Amboy, Oct. IC, 1804, three 
houri» lifter hii< arriviil huuie. 
William Dingniiiu. Kniisled in I4lh II. Art. Dec. 12, l.'^C:!: wounded 

in the iinkle at IVtcfKburg. Jan. 17, ISGt ; di.>. July lU, 1865. 
Chnuney Dunham. KnI. in 147lh Uegl. S. |il. 7, 1862 ; dis. Dee., '62. 
Jiieob Duwneii. Kiili.-ted in Ihe 117lh Uegt. Aug. I, 1862. 
Ucorge Farley. Knli^ted in the I2li>t Uegt. Mnr. 5,1866; was Irnns. 

tu the 65lh Uegl. 
John Figiirt. Knlisteil in the I5lh Kegt. Aug. 30, 1S64. 
Abrahiiin Fielding. Enlisted in the lllllh Uegt. Aug. I, 1862. 
Uiehard Fielding. Enlisted in ihe 15th Regt. Sept. 1, 1864. 
Kulort Fielding. Enli^led in the I6lh Kcgl. Sept. 1, 1864. 
Jiinieii Foils. Kniisied in the MTlh Regl. Aug. :j|, 1862. 
James (iarilncr. EnlM in Ihe l,S4lh Kegt.S(|il. 7, '64; dis. Sept., '65. 
Noel A. (iardner. Mustered in the 1 lUIh Uegl. Aug. I'J, 1862, as 2d 

lieul. ; resigned Oit. Ill, 1862. 
Piitriek (irey. Euli^ted in the M7lli Regl. Se]it. 6, 1862; wounded at 

tlettysburg. 
Ahner (irihwold. Entered the service as a substitute Dec. 18, 1861 ; 

rc-enlisled Feb. 16, 1864, in the ".Kid Regt. 
Marliii (irisnuld. Enlisted in the '.Cid Regl. Aug. 20, 1864. 
John Ihill. Enl'd in the U3d Regl. Nov. 18. O.-t ; dis. Nov. 18, '64. 
Juslin Ilarrigan. EnI'd in the llUlh Regt. Aug. 14, 1862; died at 

Key West, Fla., July 10, 1864, of yellow fever. 
Eraslus Harrington. Enlisted in the 24lh Cav. Dec. 22, 186.3. 
Alvin Howard. Enlisted in the :t2d Regt. Oct. 12, 1862 : rc-cniislcd 
in the 2d II. Art. Feb. 1, 1864; taken prisoner nt Petersburg, 
July, 1864 : when last heard from was a pris. at Andersonvillc. 
Jacob House. Enlisted in Ihe 1 47lh Regt. Sept. 7, 1862; came homo 
in Dec., 1802, and dietl Feb. 3, 186:t, of sickness originating in 
the service. 
Eugene Hall. Enlisted in the !i:id Kegt. Dec. 18, 1861 ; killed at the 

battle of the Wilderness, .May 6, 1S64. 
Witlard House. Enlisted in the 147lh Regt. Sept. 7, 1862; died in 

Uneida county, Feb. 27, 186S, while on furlough. 
Daniel Kelly. Enlisted in the 2:id Regt. Sept. 18, 1864. 
Ross Kisselhike. Kniisteil in the 110th Regt. Aug. VJ, 1SR2. 
William Kinn.e. EnI'd in the 21th Cav. May 1. '61 : dis. May 1, '03. 
Silas Kinnie. EnI'd in the 24tb fav. Jan. 7. 1864 ; died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, July 2, 1864, of wounds received in battle. 
Lester Kinsman. Enl. in 147th Regl. Sept. 1, 1862 ; resig'd Dec., '62. 
Jay Lewis. Enlialed in Ihe 'J3.I Regt. Dec, 1861 ; dis. Dec. I, 1804. 
John .Maekey. EnI'd in Ihe 24th Regt. Nov. 1, '01 ; dis. Nov. 1, '84. 
Peter Madding. Enlisteil in the 24th Regl. Jan 0,1804; wounded 

at Petersburg. 
John Mann. EnI'd in the 21th Regt. May, '61 ; re-cnl'd Sept. 1, '63. 
Daniel Martin. Enlisteil in the 15th Regt. Jan. 1, 1864. 
Donald Mclnlyrc. Enlisted in the 2d H. Art."Oet. 1, 1861 ; dis. July, 

ISGI, on account of deafness. 
John Mclntyre. Eulistod in the 24th Cav. Jan. 6, 1864; killed in 

battle of Pclcrsburg, June 17, 1804. 
Albert Morion. EnI'd in the «3d Regt. Nov. 18, '61 ; dis. Nov., '64. 
Nebeniiah Mowers. Enlisted in the 110th Regl. Aug. 2, 1862. 
(jcorge Nichols. Enlisted in Ihe 184lh Regl. Sept. 1, 1864. 
William Nichols. Enlisted in the tKId Regt. Dec. 1, 1861 ; rc-enlisled 

Aug. 15, 1804 ; wounilcil at the battle of the Wilderness. 
Jidin Parish. Enl. in 93d Regt. Dec. 18, '01 ; re-enlisted Dec, '64. 
Stewart Park. Enlisted in the 147th Regt. Sept. 7, 1862; died at 

lici>rgelonn, N. C, Nov. 12, 1862. 
Smith Park. Enlisted in the 24lh Cav. Jan. 7, 1863; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, July 2, 1804, of wounds received in battle. 
(Icorge Patterson. Enlisted in the 81st Regt. Aug. 10, 1862. 
Robert Patterson. Enlisted in the 24lh Cav. Jan. 0, 1804; died at 
Washington, D. C, .Tuly 7, 1804, of wounds received at Peters- 
burg, Juno 17, IsOI. 
Lewis Pulinan. F^nlisted in the 93d Regt. Nov. 1, 1861 ; re-enlisted 

in same regt in Dec, 1864. 
Michael Redman. Enlisted in the <J3d Regt. Nov. I, 1861 ; re-enl'd 
in the 93d Regt. in Dec, IS64. 



Nathaniel Redman. Enlisted in the 117lh Regt. Nor. 1, 1BS3. 

Wm. II. Sergnnt. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. Jan. 6, 1804 ; died at 
Washington, D. C, July 26, 1861, of wounds received at Peters- 
burg, June 17, 1864. 

Henry Shaver. Enlisted in the 110th Regt. Aug. 17. 1802. 
Alonio Smith. Enlisted in Ihe 1st Ll. Arl. Sept. 10, 1801 : re-enl'il 
Dec. 17, '03 ; lost an arm in fort neor Petersburg ; disch. Mar., '65. 

Gortin Smith. Enlisted in the I47lh Regt. July 27, 1862; died at 
Aquia creek, Va.. June 15, 1803. 

Oscar Smith. Enlisted in the 21th Cav. Jan. 6, 1861 ; taken prisoner 
at Cold Harbor; died at Andersunville. 

Peter Smith. Enlisted in the 1 lOlh Regt. July 28, 1862 ; died at Key 
West, Fla., May 8, 1S64, of ytllow lever. 

Riley Smith. Enlisted in the 2d Regl. Oct. », 1861 ; transf. Apr. 1, 
1862, lo Ihe 5th Regt. ; died at Amboy, Oct. 10, 1862, of sickness 
originating in the service. 

Joseph Spoor. Enlisted in the 14th II. Arl. Jan. 1, 1801. 

Jus. Spoor. Enlisted in the 147lh Regt. July 27, 1862; taken pris. 
May 14, 1864, and died at Anders inville prison. 

Ebent-zcr Stanley. Enlisted in the 2d L*. Arl. Dec. I, 1863. 

Horatius Stanley. Enlisted in the '.'d Ll. Arl. Dec 1, 1863. 

Chns. Slebbins. Enlisted in the lllllh Regl. Aug. 22. 1S62. 

Wni. N. Slebbins. Enlisted in the 24lh Cuv. Jan. 1, 1864; wounded 
ill the battle of the Wiblerness. 

Silas C. Stewart. Enlisted in the 93d Regl. Aug 3, 1861 ; transferred 
to Ihe 2d Cnv. 

Whiling Stewart. Enliste.l in the H'Jth Regl. July 30, 1862; disch. 
July 30, 1805. 

Burnes Tilmer. Enl. in 147lh Regt. .'^epl. 7, 1802; disch. Sept., '65. 

John Tegail. Enlisted in the 15th Regt. Aug. 30, 1864. 

Lorenzo Tousley. Enlisted in the 24th Regl. Nov. 9, 1862; killed at 
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 

Royal 'I'ultle. Eiil'.l ill the 2d 11. Arl. Oct., 1861 : di.<eh. .May, 1864. 

Sleiihen Tiiltle. Enlisted in the 32d Uegl. Oct. 12, 1801 : died Dec, 
25, 1803, at Amboy, of sickness originating in Iho service. 

Henry Turner. Fhilisled in the Mth 11. Arl. Dec. 30, 1863; killed 
at Petersburg, June 17, 1864. 

Walter Turk. Enlifted in the 24th Cav. Jan. 7, 1804. 

Andrew J. Whaley. Enlisted in the 24lh Cav. May 1, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to Ist lieul.: disch. May 1, 1863. 

Jas. R. Whalcy. Enlisted in the 24th Regt. Jan. 7, 1864; wounded; 
disch. May 30, 1805. 

John Whitney. Enlisted in the 2Hh Cav. Jan. 6, 1804; resigned in 
.May, 1804. 

Jas. M'ilson. Enlisted in the 24th Regt. May 2, 1861 ; re-enl'd Jan., 
1863; disch. May, 1863. 

Geo. N. Wilson. Enlisted in the llOth Regt. Aug. 1, IS62. 

Unnnel Wilson. Enlisted in the llOlh Regt. Aug. I, 1862. 

Asel Wilmot. Enlisted in the llOlh Regt. Aug. 25, 1862; died nt 
Camp Mansfield. April l.'l, 1803. 

Win. Wright. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. Jan. 6, 1804; died April, 
at Camp Stoneman. 

A. S. Winchcslor. Enlisted in Ihe 147lh Regt. Sept., 1803; killed at 
the battle of Petersburg, June 10, 1804. 

Jas. 11. Wicks. Enlisteil in the 2d Art. Nov. 10, 1862: killed at the 
battle of Petersburg, June 17, 1864. 

Walter York. EnI'd in the 93d Regl. Nov. 1, '01 ; disck. Mar., '04. 
The following ciilned the service, but the records do tot indieale 

the reginunts in which they served: 

Jauies Bradley, Henry Butler, John P. Brown, llinry Rlnir, David 
lUaek, Clifford Ulouers, Thomas Clark, Patrick Co-tello. Frank- 
lin Coe, William H. Cox, Peter Clark, A. Campbell, Wesley Corn- 
wall, Henry Davis, Patrick Dailey, Nelson II. Elliot, James J. 
Flood, John Flenigaii, David Farley, James Goble, Samuel Griss, 
Thomas Alloran, .Augustus Harvey, I). A. Havers, Thos. Harkc, 
Martin Hyde, Thomas Hammond, Anson Harvey, George Hyde, 
Clinton Howard, Uussel llazin, I.einanuel Hough, Ciuislanl Kriel, 
James Kennedy. William .\. Luther, Hugh Long, William Slobie, 
Henry Lewis, Jary Lewis, Barlow .McKee, John Marvin, Peter 
Muden, John Mills, H. Marks, A. Morton, A. S. Manchester, A. 
Mclntyre, John Mackey, John M. Newton, Eli Oswell, Ju.seph 
Page, Franklin .Shilling, John Smith, Goo. F. Stone, Hiram Shell, 
Connell Shilling, Geo. Smith, James Spoor, .Mbert Sherver, Reu- 
ben Sparrow, David Tanner, Rijbert Thompson, Daniel H. Tuttle, 
Stewart Park. George Toiler, Delos Warner, Charles Whi]iplc. 




ffESIDENCE of H.iN. LEIGH, AUBOr, OSWEGO CONY 




'J *- V/t/i/'/fPt- 



viLW OF Lake and mill at KAsoAo,fNtA- york 



WILLIAM STOW N. 



WiLLiAMSTOWN was formed from IMexico, as a part of 
Oneida county, March 24, 1804. Richland was taken oiF 
in 1807, and Aniboy in 1830. It lies upon the eastern 
border of the county, and its centre is thirty-one miles east 
of Oswego. The surflice is nearly level, though slightly 
broken and stony in the west, and rising into low hills in 
the e;ist. Farther to the northeast these hills rise into the 
plateau region of Oswego and Lewis counties, commonly 
known as the Lesser Wilderness. The surface of Fish 
creek, at Williamstown mills, in the southeastern part of the 
town, is three hundred and fifty-four feet above Lake 
Ontario. The streams are small, although the west branch 
of Fish creek rises in town, on which there are many ex- 
cellent sites for mills. The soil is a sandy loam, which is 
best adapted to grazing. 

The greater part of Williamstown is still unimproved. 
The principal business of the inhabitants is lumbering, and 
the chief exports are lumber and leather. The Rome, 
Watertown and Ogdensburgli railroad passes through the 
town, and has two stations in it, one at Kasoag and the 
other at Williamstown village. The timber of Williams- 
town was originally very heavy, embracing the various 
kinds which are yet to be seen covering the surface of hill 
and valley, among which beech, maple, basswood, ash, and 
hemlock were the most plentiful. In this dense forest the 
early pioneers erected their rude but comfortable cabins. 
Although they were not infrequently subjected to hard- 
ships and privation, yet this was nothing more than might 
be expected, and the sturdy will, inherited from their New 
England ancestors, overcame all obstacles, and they looked 
forward hopefully to receiving the rewards of industry, 
perseverance, and economy. 

The first settlers of Williamstown were Gilbert Taylor, 
Solomon Goodwin, lohabod Comstock, Dennis Orton, 
Henry Williams, and Henry Filkins, who came into the 
town in 1801, most of them being from Connecticut. 
Ichabod Comstock, who made the first clearing in the 
town, located upon lot No. 155, in survey-township No. 5, 
Scriba's patent. This township was named Franklin by 
the proprietor, but that designation was rarely used by the 
settlers. Mr. Comstock erected a comfortable log house, in 
which he resided until his death in 1837. He left a wife 
and nine children, five of whom are still living, Mr. Edwin 
Comstock, the oldest, being the oldest surviving native of 
Williamstown. 

Henry Williams, from whom the town derived its name, 
purcha.scd and made his home upon lots 189 and 190. He 
was a very prominent man in the town until his death in 
1835, having been supervisor many years, and a member of 
the assembly in 1820. 

Solomon Goodwin located upon the lot immediately north 



of that taken up by his brother Ichabod. He resided upon 
the place until shortly before his death, which occurred at 
the residence of his son, in Rome, Oneida county, in 1846. 
Henry Filkins took up a lot in the same neighborhood, 
where he erected a substantial house, and resided in it until 
his death. He left seven children, two of whom still reside 
in the town. Dennis Orton remained but a short time, and 
made no improvements. Gilbert Taylor commenced a 
clearing, but sold out in 1805 to Isaac Alden, and moved 
into Jefferson county, where he died in 1865. 

The first marriage in the town was that of Joel Rath- 
burn and Miss P. Alden, in September, 1802. 

During the year 1803 several settlers came in, most of 
them being from the New England States. Isaac Alden, 
an emigrant of the previous year, opened a kind of inn for 
the accommodation of the few travelers who might traverse 
those forbidding forests. 

The first saw-mill was erected by Mr. Alden the same 
year. This was for several years the only saw-mill in 
town, and was considered a remarkable institution, being 
capable of cutting a thousand feet of lumber per day. The 
first white child born in town was Julius, son of Ichabod 
Comstock. The first school was taught by Philander 
Allen, in the winter of 1803-4. 

In 1804, Dr. Torbert came into the town, and erected 
the first grist-mill. This mill is still standing, and is the 
only gri.st-niill now in operation in Williamstown. The 
first religious society (Congregational) was organized in 

1805, by the Rev. Wm. Stone, father of the well-known 
editor and historian, William L. Stone. The services were 
held for some time in a barn owned by Dr. Torbert, who 
afterwards gave the society the use of a building which 
stood near the present entrance to the village cemetery. 
Services were held there until the erection of a church 
edifice several years later. During the year 1806, Mr. 
Daniel Freeman opened the first store. Mr. Daniel Stacy 
came into the town in 1810, from Fort Ann, near Lake 
Champlain. 

Numerous bounties were offered for wolves during the 
pioneer period, and even far down towards the middle of 
the century. The amount voted for each scalp in 1805 
was twenty-five dollars, but was thought too high, and was 
reduced to ten dollars. Ten-dollar bounties were offered in 

1806, '7, '8, '12, '13, '14, '15, '21, '28, '29, and '36. In 
1827 the sheep-destroyers seem to have been especially ugly, 
and a fifteen-dollar bounty was voted. In 1809 a bounty 
of ten dollars was offered for bears, and in 1811 one of 
three dollars ; after that nothing. Bears were evidently 
not as dangerous as in the time of Elijah. 

During the war of 1812, General Brown, with a large 
force, passed through the town on liis way from Rome to 

353 



354 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Sackctt's Harbor. During the war, also (1813), the Orst 
post-office, that of Williamstown, was established, with 
Samuel Freeman as |iip.stnia.stor. The old Indian route 
IViiui Oneida ('a.>it]e to the Sainmn river ran throu!:h this 
town, and the OnelJag had a regular camping-ground upon 
the .site (if Kasoag. Mr. William Hamilton, while at work 
at this place many years later, discovered numerous Indian 
relics, together with eighteen dollars in English coin, which 
had undoubtedly been left by one of these fishing-parties. 

About the j'car 1810 the gentleman just named erected 
the first dam and saw-mill at KiL-nag. This was the .second 
saw-mill in Williamstown, and is still in operation, though 
it has been so many times repaired as to be almost a new 
structure. Mr. Daniel Stacey erected the first carding- 
niachine, which, although commenced in 1810, wa.s not put 
in operation until ISlo. It w;is located upon Fish creek, 
a short distance aliove the present tannery. Mr. Stjicy 
carried on the busine.ss of carding until the fall of 1818, 
•when he moved to Camden, Oneida county, where he died 
in 1825. 

In the year 1848, Messrs. Dodge and Humphrey, two 
goiitlcnicn from Albany, erected a large establishment at 
Kasoag for the manufacture of barrels. It was capable of 
turning out a thou.sand barrels (of the kind known as "dry 
barrels''^ per day. The original factory was burned, but 
another was built in its place, and the business was con- 
tinued for several years. The principal markets were Syra- 
cuse and 0.swcgo. Suitable barreliunibcr becoming scarce 
in the vicinity, and rival factories having been established, 
the business at this place becime unprofitable, and work 
was discontinued. 

In the year 1S47 the projected plank-road from Rome to 
Oswego engaged the attention of the people of Williams- 
town. A special town-meeting was called January 27, 
1847, at which time it Wiis decided " that the town should 
subscribe for and tjike seven thousand dollars, being one 
hundred and forty shares, of the stock of the Rome and 
Oswego road, agreeable to an act passed May 7, 1S44." 

The number of votes cast wjis just a hundred, of which 
eighty-three were for the project and seventeen against it. 
The road was soon after built through the town. About 
the year 1850, Mr. Morse built the first tannery in the 
town. It was in operation for more than twenty years, 
during which time it was purchased by Me.s.srs. J. and J. 
CostcUo. 

In the fall of ISGO the New York Central railroad com- 
pany entered into a contract with Calvert Comstock, of 
Home, for cutting a large ([uantity of wood and lumber in 
this town. In pursuance of this contract, Mr. Comstock 
proceeded to construct a railroad from Williamstown sta- 
tion, on the Rome, Watertown and Ogdcn.sburgh railroad, 
to a point four miles north, since called Maple Hill. Here 
he erected several mills, and a little village sprang into ex- 
istence. One of the mills Wiis capable of sawing eight mil- 
lion feet of lumber per year. A post-ofTice was established 
at Maple Hill in 1.St)3. At one time there were five hun- 
dred men engaged, and forty car-loads of wood were deliv- 
ered daily at Rome. j 

As the wood became scarce in the vicinity, the road was ; 
extended into the town of Redfield. The contract expired 



in 1871, but was renewed for two or three years. Some 
work was carried on until 1876, when the mills were taken 
down and the road was abandoned. Maple Hill ceased to 
have a post-office in 1873. Several of the buildings con- 
structed while this contract was in operation are still stand- 
ing, but are unoccupied. 

About a third of the land thus cleared is now under 
cultivation. 

At a special town-meeting, held September 11, 18(14, 
the following resolution was adopted : 

" licsnlvcd, That the sum of four thou.s;ind dollars be 
raised by this town for the purpo.sc of an additional bounty 
to soldiers, or such portion thereof as may be necessary to 
fill the f|Uota of this town, under the present call of the 
president of the United States, and that the portion of said 
sum necessary to be used be applied and levied upon said 
town at the next annual meeting of the board of supervisors 
of the county of Oswego, and that the said money, when 
collected, be applied to the payment of a note made by the 
citizens of said town, of S3."), (100, raised for the said j)ur- 
pose of filling the quota of said town, and that the same 
amount be reimbursed to persons who have furnished sub- 
stitutes to apply on said quota." 

At a special town-meeting, held on the 31st day of Jan- 
uary, 1865, at the house of Thomas S. Brownell, to vote 
on the question of raising by tax. a bounty for volunteers, 
for one, two, or three years, to fill the quota of the town 
under the last call of the president, the vote resulted as 
follows : 

The whole number of votes cast was one hundred and 
twenty-eight, of which thirteen were for no bounty; one 
hundred and seven were for a bounty for one year ; one was 
for a two years' bounty, four for a three years' bounty, 
and two were in favor of a bounty for a hundred years ! 

In 1865 a train containing about a hundred Fenians, on 
their return from Canada, passed over the Rome, Water- 
town and Ogdensburgh railroad, accompanied by a detach- 
ment of I'nited States troops. Upon arriving at Williams- 
town station they left the train, and demanded lii(Uor at 
the Sage House. On being refused they commenced an 
assault upon the hotel with stones, brickbats, clubs, and 
everything they could lay their hands on. They were 
ordered to return to the train, and on their refusing to 
do .so the troops fired upon them, killing one of their num- 
ber and wounding .several more. This reduced them to 
obedien'ie. 

The old tannery which was built by Mr. Mor.se in 1850 
wxs burned on the 20th of April, 1873, and Me.-^srs. J. and 
J. Costello, who were the owners of the building at the 
time, immediately commenced the erection of a new build- 
ing upon the same site. 

The tannery then built, which is still owned and carried 
on by these gentlemen, is one of the largest in the State, i 
the yard being forty bj' five hundred and fifty feet, and j 
containing three hundred and twenty-nine vats. This es- j 
tablishmcnt consumes upwards of seven thousand cords of f 
bark annually. \ 

Williamstown village contains eleven places of sale, three \ 
of which keep a generid assortment of merchandise. Three ' 
are groceries, two are furniture and undertaking establish- 



% 








Edwin Cqmstock. 



MffS.EOWIN COMSTOCK. 






•3 

'■ i' 










/?ES.OA- £DV//N COMSTOC/f, W/u/AUsrow/^O^Wftw Co.M)' 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



355 



nieiits, one is a drug-store, one a hardware-store, and one a 
harness-store. There are also three blacksmith-shops, three 
wagon-shoiis, a grist-mill, several saw-mills, two meat-mar- 
kets, three hotels and a tannery. There are two piiysicians 
in the village, — Dr. Joseph Gardner and Dr. Samuel L. 
Cox. Mr. R. J. Carter is the only lawyer. 

The merchants keeping a general assortment are H. A. 
White, Rodgers MeCabe, and James S. Burton. The gro- 
cers are John R. Wood, C. S. Sage, and W. D. Rosa. The 
drug-store is kept by Healey & Farnsworth ; the furniture- 
stores by W. S. Castle and S. Greenhow ; the hardware- 
store by J. G. Powell ; the meat- markets by Charles Reading 
and George Brouson & Son. The harness-makers are Wil- 
liam D. Stacy and S. G. Mann ; the wagon-makers are S. 
R. & W. A. Crandall, David Shaw, and Alexander Me- 
Auley. The grist-mill is owned by Edwin Hunt. The 
hotels are the Sage House, G. C. Potter, proprietor ; the 
Selden House, D. G. Curtiss, proprietor ; and the Daggart 
House, Daniel Daggart, proprietor. 

THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The ground occupied by the church building was given 
to the society by Matthew Brown, in 1817. Elisha Tibbets, 
who claimed title to the land, also gave a deed of it. Some 
of the first members of the church were Solomon Goodwin, 
Robert Paul, and Nathan Goodwin. The trustees in 1817 
were Samuel Torbert, ^Edamus Coinstock, and Daniel Stacy. 
Robert Paul was one of the first elders. The present elders 
of the church are James Aird, William Potts, and A. Bur- 
dick. The Sabbath-school was organized near fifty years 
since. The attendance at present is about eighty. The 
library contains two hundred and fifty volumes. Arthur 
B. Powell is librarian. 

THE METHODIST CHURCH. 

The early records of this church are not to be found. 
The society was organized about 1825. The pr&sent oflB- 
cers are Nathaniel Harris, Edwin Stone, Franklin Stone, 
Jesse Spencer, William Waters, and George Luther. The 
present pastor is Rev. Lemuel Clark. There are three 
Sunday-schools in the town, with .seven hundred volumes 
in their libraries, which are all under the charge of this 

church. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

This society is of recent origin, having been formed June 
17, 1877. Services are held at present in a hall in the 
village, which has been fitted for the purpose. The society 
expect to build a church within a short time. The present 
trustees are A. A. Orton, R. W. Potts, and N. Graves. 
Rev. T. B. White is the jiastor. The Sunday-school con- 
tains about a hundred scholars. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The town officers elected in 1805 were as follows : Isaac 
Alden, supervisor; Philander Aldcn, town clerk; Henry 
Williams, Solomon Goodwin, and Israel Jones, asses.sors ; 
Daniel Trillman, collector; Daniel Stilson and Ichabod 
Comstock, overseers of the poor; Newton Nash,. Ichabod 
Comstock,and Benjamin Bool, commissioners of highways; 
Daniel Freeman, Samuel Bird, and John Thornton, consta- 



bles ; Solomon Goodwin, Assia Belknap, and Israel Jones, 
fence-viewers ; Isaac Alden, sealer of weights and measures ; 
Obed Smith and John Farman, pound-masters. The over- 
seers of highways (commonly called path-masters) were for 
the First district, Peter B. Wright; Second, Gary Bur- 
dick ; Third, Newton Nash ; Fourth, Ru.ssel Morgan ; 
Fifth, Israel B. Spinner; Sixth, Jesse Merrills; Seventh, 
John Ingersoll; Eighth, John Thornton; Ninth, Joseph 
Hurd. 

Supervisors. — 1805, 1,«aac Alden ; 180G-7, Newton Na.sh ; 
1808, Isaac Alden; 1801), Newton Nash; 1810 to 1825, 
inclusive, Henry Williams; 1826, Samuel Freeman; 1827 
to 1832, inclusive, Henry Williams; 1833, William Hemp- 
stead; 1834, Asa B. Selden; 1835-37, Henry Potts; 
1838, Samuel Freeman; 1839, Jesse Fish; 1840, Jacob 
Cromwell; 1841, Henry Potts; 1842, Jacob Cromwell; 
1843-44, Joseph F. Buckwith ; 1845, Jacob Cromwell; 
1846, Austin Burdick ; 1847-48, Gustavus V. Shelden ; 
1849, Abijah Towsley ; 1850, Michael Freeman; 1851, 
Abijah Towsley; 1852, W. J. Dodge ; 1853-54, William 
Harding; 1855-56, C. S. Sage; 1857-58, Jacob M. Sel- 
den; 1859, 0. B. Phelps; 1860, C. S. Sage; 1861, C. L. 
Carr; 1862, C. S. Sage; 1863, J. M. Selden; 1864, Isaac 
M. Hempstead; 1865-66, Dwight J. Morse; 1807, Isaac 
M. Hempstead; 1868-71, Jacob M. Selden; 1872, Edwin 
Comistock; 1873-74, E. Delos Burton; 1875, Jacob M. 
Selden ; 1876, Chauncy P. Sage. 

Town CVe)/«.— 1806-08, Henry Williams; 1809-10, 
Gaston G. Comstock; 1811 to 1819, inclusive, ^Edamus 
Comstock; 1820 to 1826, inclusive, Asa B. Selden ; 1827 
to 1831, inclusive, William Hempstead; 1832, Armun 
Smith; 1833 to 1837, inclusive, Isaac Potts; 1838, Jesse 
Fish; 1839, Orustin Burdick; 1840, Peter Hull; 1841- 
42, Jesse Fish; 1843-44, Ambrose W. Barnes; 1845- 
48, Emilius A. Sperry ; 1849, Michael H. Freeman ; 
1850-52, William Harding; 1853-54, E. A. Sperry; 
1855-56, R. S. Paul; 1857-58, E. A. Sperry; 1859 to 
1867, inclusive, William Harding; 1868, Egbert Moore; 
1869-71, Horace Pierce; 1872-73, Hugh D. Mellon; 
1874-77, Frank P. Cromwell. 

The following are the town officers : David J. Curtiss, 
supervisor; Frank P. Cromwell, town clerk; Hugh D. 
Mellon, C. P. Winsor, Diogenes Freeman, and Alexander 
McAuley, justices of the peace; Samuel B. Selden, over- 
seer of the poor; John Hughes, commis.sioner of high- 
ways; Madison Winsor, collector; Madison Winsor, John 
Forley, and John McVee, constables ; Michael McDermott, 
game constable ; John McDermott, James Marshall, J. G. 
Powell, inspectors of election ; Harmon Parker, Dennis 
Rourke, W. A. Crandall, town auditors ; Charles Curran, 
Dennis Austin, and Joseph Gardner, commissioners of 
excise. 

The population of Williamstown in 1830 was 606. Since 
then, at dift'crent periods, it has been as follows: In 1840, 
830; in 1850, 1121 ; in 1860, 1144; in 1865, 1948; in 
1870, 1833 ; in 1875, 1815. It will be seen that the large 
number added to the population during the wood-cutting 
period have almost all remained since that business has 
been substantially abandoned. 

The votes at the last five presidential elections have 



356 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



been as follows: In 1860, Democratic, 147 ; Republican, 
98 ; in 1864, Democratic, 181 ; Republican, 103 ; in 1868, 
Democratic, 581 ; Republican, 14!); in 1872, Dciuucratic, 
20 (!); Republican, liW ; in 1876, Democratic, 289; Re- 
publican, 122. The change from five hundred and eighty- 
nine Democratic votes in 1808 to twenty in 1872 is probably 
the most remarkable political change on record. One would 
be led to suspect that Mr. Greeley did not have many ad- 
mirers in William.stown. 



iJlOGKAlMIlCAL SKETCHES. 

HON. CHAUNCEY S. SAGE. 

The subject of the notice comes of the Puritan stock 
which set foot upon Plymouth rock in 1C20. His father, 
Roswcll Sage, was born in Rerksliiiv county, >Ias.sacliu.setts, 
in the year 1789, from whence he emigrated to Lewis 
county, Stjite of New York, in 1812, where he was drafted 
into the military service of the United States, and .served 
in the war then existing with Great Britain until its close. 
He then settled on a small farm in Verona, Oneida county. 
New York, where he resides, at the present writing, with 
his youngest daughter. Here on this farm was he who is 
the subject of our sketch born, on the 5th day of Septem- 
ber, ISIG, and ill this town of Verona was he raised, re- 
ceiving such an education as could be obtained at the com- 
mon schools of those days, supplemented by one term at 
the Verona academy'. His four sisters are all now living. 

In 1840 he became the proprietor of the Verona Centre 
House, a hotel built on the line of the Utiea and Syracuse 
railroad, thou just completed. He followed the business of 
Boniface but a year and a half in this locality, at the end 
of which period he exchanged his hotel for a farm near the 
village of Oneida, and carried on farming operations for the 
next seven years, and through the financial disasters of 
1847. In 1848, Mr. Sago, to better his pecuniary condi- 
tion, went into the State of Illinois and bought sufficient 
prairie land to enable him to engage in more extensive 
farming operations than heretofore, but his wife and her 
friends nut being friendly to the jiroject he abandoned it, 
and in the winter of 1849-50 turned his attention to Wil- 
liamstown, where in April following he located on a small 
farm ailjoining the village, where he now resides. Mr. 
Sage soon after began the manufacture and sale of lumber, 
buying considerable tracts of timber- and farming-lands 
during the time. He al.so subseiiuently engaged in mer- 
cantile trade tu a limited extent, conducting his enterprises 
with a fair anidunt of success. He has also contributed 
somewhat to the building up of the village, erecting the 
Sage House, a store, blacksmith-shop, and several dwell- 
ings. 

Mr. Sage in politics has always been an anti-slavery 
man and a Republican, helping to form the latter party, 
whose principles he has ever steadily maintained and up- 
held, and though residing as he does in the strongest 
Democratic town in the county, has been especially fortu- 



nate in the hearty support received from his neighbors and 
townsmen, without regard to party lines, in the many posi- 
tions of honor and trust to which their votes have elevated 
him, — tokens of ra«pect and' confidence on their ]iart which 
are highly gratifying to him. In 1855 he was elected super- 
visor of his town, and re-elected in 1856, and hxs since 
then received the suffrages of his townsmen for the same 
position for three additional term.s. In 1857 he was elected 
member of the a.ssembly from the third district, and has 
also served in the logi.slature during the years 1858, 1871, 
and 1872. He was appointed assistant assessor of United 
States internal revenue, serving five years as such officer. 
In 1861 he was appointed postmaster of the village, which 
position he has continued to hold to the present time. He 
was efficient, during his incumbency in the supervisorship, 
in filling the quotits of the town under the calls of the 
jircsident for troops, and esjjccially so in enlisting volunteers 
for the One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, and, with 
Austin Burdick, James L. Humphrey, and Ichabod Allen, 
contributed a bounty of twenty-five dollars ca.sh to each 
volunteer from his town in that regiment, in addition t<j the 
town bounty of fifty dollars. 

In 1840 Mr. Sage was united in marriage to Mary E. 
Cumniings, by whom one son, Hiram L., Wiis burn to liini, 
and who now resides in Rockford, Illinois. Mrs. Sage 
died in 1842. In 1844 .^Il•. Sage took unto himself an- 
other companion, his present wife, Luc}' Lee, who li;is 
borne to him one son and three daughters, — John L., who 
is married, and engaged in business with his father ; Mary 
E., married, and a resident of Brooklyn ; Lucy L., mar- 
ried, and residing in Williamstown ; and Cura E., who 
resides with her ])arcnts. 



ASHBEL ORTON 



was born at WiUiam.stowii, New York, October 2, 1811. 
His father wits engaged in the hotel busino.ss, which he car- 
ried on in connection with farming. In June, 1826, his 
father died, and A.shbel left liuine the .s;inic year and began 
the world for himself, and, after traveling four years, and 
gaining thereby considerable information, he returned to 
Williauistown. He then went on his grandfather's farm, 
where he remained two years, and at the expiration of that 
time purchased a farm from his own sjivings. In 1836 
his mother died, and he .sold his farm, and bought of the 
heirs the old homestead. In IS'M he was joined in mar- 
riage to Mary Bonney, by whom he had seven children, — 
four sons and three daughters. In August, 1862, his wife 
died. Ill December, 1864, he married Lovina Huntley, 
two daughters blessing this union, namely, Mary L. and 
Helen F. In 1852, he bought one thousand acres of land 
adjoining the homestead, and in 1875 bought the pleasant 
village-home where he now resides, enjoyiii;; the comforts 
his industry and ent<'rprise have secured to him. He owns, 
in addition to the above, a fine farm of four hundred acres 
in Iowa, on which is an exti'usive saw-mill, with general 
lumbering inaehineiy and facilities, Mr. Orton is a gentle- 
man very much respected by the community in which he 
resides, and is in every particular an honest and ui>right 




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CSSAGE, V/iLUAUSToyvN. Oswcgo Ci/., /V. >'. 







A.Qrton . 



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FlES.orVfY H.STE.LLE 



Willi AMSTCit/^,, 0;wi"Cc ^u.,S-Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



357 



mail and a good citizen. A fine illustration of the resi- 
dence of Mr. Orton adorns our pages elsewhere, to the left 
of which appears that of W. M. Steele, Esq. 



MILITARY IJECORD OF WILLIAMSTOWN. 



David Allen. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., Aug. 15, 1S61 ; trans, to 

Ihu :)7tli Regiment, March 31, 1S63; was thirty-four months in 

the service. 
Morgan L. Allen. .Tr. Enlisted in the 14th Regt.; supfiosed to be 

dead ; last seen at battle of Gettysburg, .July 1, 180.'?. 
Josiah Ashpolu. Enli.sted in the 110th Regt., Aug. 23, 1862, as 2a 

lieut. ; pro. to 1st lieut., Feb. 6, 1S03; rc-^igned after eighteen 

months' service. 
Rensscl.aer liailcy. Enlisted in the 2ith Cav., Dec. 20, 1SG3 ; died of 

accidental wounds, at Fairfax Hospital, Va., Sept. 16, 1804. 
Martin S. liallard. Enlisted in the Slst Regt., Nov. 7, 1861: was 

thirty-si.\ months in the service: disch. at expiration of terra. 
Wilbur E. Ballard. Enlisted in the 24th Cav., Dec. 2a, 1803; was 

three years in service. 
John ISartlett. Enlisted in the UTth Regt., Sept. 26, 1802. 
Caleb liecker. Enlisted Sept. 10, 1862 ; was twenty-four months in 

service. 
George C. lieckwith. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Aug. Ill, 1862. 
Harrison Blasin. Enlisted in the 3d Art., Aug. 27, 1SC4; was three 

years in service. 
Stephen Bull. Enlisted in the ISflth Regt., Sept. 7, 1864; taken to 

the hospital April 2, 1865; his right arm was amputated. 
Walter Bull. Enlisted in the 121st Regt., March 20, 1865; served 

one year. 
Nathan B. Case. Enlisted in the 147th Regt , Aug. 27, 1862, as 

Corp. ; died of sickness originating in the service, June 2, 1803. 
Jon.is Caswell. Enlisted in the 110th Regt., Aug. 1, 1863. 
Nelson Caswell. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., Aug. 6, 1862; dieil 

May 1, 1863, at Baton Rouge, La. 
Harrison Chase. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., Nov. 1, 1803 ; was twelve 

months in service. 
William Comstock. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., Nov. 1, 1863; dis. 

after six months' service. 
Franklin Edwards. Enlisted in the 14th Art., Nov. 10, 1803. 
William II. Gardner. Enlisted in the 18'Jth Regt., Aug. 31, 1804; 

dis. after nine months' service. 
Carlos Gilbert. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Oct. 10, 1803. 
Herman Goodwin. Enlisted in 32d Regt., Oct. 12, 1863; dis. after 

twenty-four months' service. 
Sanford Gotham. Enlisted in the 93d Regt., Dec. 4, 1SG3 ; dis. after 

eighteen months' service. 
Joseph Gould, Jr. Enlisted in the 110th Regt, Aug. 1, 1802. 
Horace Hale. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Aug. 27, 1802; killed in 

the battle of Gettysburg, July 1, 1803. 
Allen Harp. Enlisted in the Slst Regt., Sept. Ill, ISOl : .lis. after 

thirty-six months' service. 
J. din Hart. Enlisteil in the 147th Regt., Aug. 27, 1802; killed in 

the batlle of Gettysburg, July 2, 1803. 
Samuel ('. Harding. Enlisted in the 108th Regt., Aug. 13, 1802; 

died at Memphis seminary, Tenn., Jan. 7, 1863. 
Albert J. Hough. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Aug. 27, 1862; died 

in service at Belle Plain, La., Feb. 19. 1863. 
Samuel Hough. Enlisted in the Oneida ('av., Sept. 16, 1861; disch. 

after nine months' service. 
William 1". Jary. Euliste.l in the 07th Regt., Aug. IS, 1803. 



Ambrose Kellogg. Enl'd in the 189th Regt., Sept. 3, 1864; served 
one year. 

Truman Kellogg. Enlisted in the lS4th Regt., Sept. 3, 1864. 

La Fayette Tabor. Enlisted in the 3d Art., Feb. 15, 1864. 

Daniel Marsh. Enlisted in the 18Glh Regt., Aug. 29, 1864; trans- 
ferred to the 5th Cav.; discharged after nine mouths' service. 

James Marsh. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., Aug. 17, 1861 ; transferred 
to the 186th Regt., Aug. 24, as sergeant; discharged after twenty- 
three months' service. 

William McLane. Enlisted in the 8l8t Regt., Aug. 9, 1862; dis- 
charged after thirty-six months' service. 

Alexander McNaley. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Aug. 29, 1802, as 
a musician. 

Samuel J. Mills. Enlisted in the Slst Regt., Aug. 15, 1861 ; re-en- 
listed Jan. 1, 1863. 

William N.Morrison. Enlisted in the 186th Regt., Sept. 7,1864; 
dischargeil after nine and one-half months' service. 

Joseph R. Nash. Enlisted in the 189th Regt., Sept. 3, 1864; dis- 
charged alter nine months' service. 

Francis E. Pcabody. Enlisted in the 11th Wisconsin Regt., August 
27, 1801; discharge I after twenty-three months in the service. 

Sugilamus Portals. Enlisted in the 24th Cav., Jan. 2, 1864. 

Henry Potter. Enlisted in the 97th Regt., Aug. 5, 1863. Discharged 
after twelve months in the service. 

Byron Potts. Enlisted in the 14th Art., Feb. 18, 1863; promoted to 
1st lieut. 

James E. Potts. Enlisted in the lS6th Regiment, Sept. 7, 1864. 

William R. Potts. Enlisted in the M7th Kegt., Aug. 27, 1862, as 2d 
lieut.; promoted to 1st lieut., Feb. 13, 1SG3; was wounded in 
the left lung. 

Benjamin T. Price. Enlisted in the 14th H. Art., in 1863. 

Randolph Rathliu. Enlisted in the 184th Regt., Aug. 31, 1864 ; trans- 
ferred to the 189th Regt. ; disch. after nine months" service. 

John Redding. Enlisted in the 42d Regt., Sept. 9, 1861 ; disch'gd 
at the expiration of his terra. 

Wesley Rice. Enlisted in the 147th Regt.. Sept. 27, 1862 ; disch. 
after fourteen months' service. 

Alexander Robinson. Enlisted in the 2d Regt., Aug. 10, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to 1st sergt. ; resigned after twenty-two months* service. 

Sylvester S. Rodgers. Enlisted in the- 21st Regt., August 28, 1862; 
promoted to 1st corporal. 

James Rood. Enlisted in the 110th Regt, Aug. 25, 1862; died at 
New Iberia, La., Nov. 3, 1863. 

Thomas Sedgwick. Enlisted in the 21st Regt, Aug. 28, 1S62; dis- 
charged at the expiration of his term. 

George Sonas. Drafted in the 97th Regt, Aug. 20, 1S63. 

Michael Spring. Enlisted in the 20th Regt., Sept. 2, 1863; disch. 
at the expiration of his term. 

Wheaton Sprink. Enlisted in the 147th Regt, Aug. 27, 1862; died 
at Belle Plain, La., Jan. 28, 1863. 

William A. Stacy. Enlisted in the 110th Regt, Aug. 1, 1802; dis. 
I in Aug., 1865. 

AVilliam II. Sylyca. Enlisted in the 1st Regt, Aug. 28, 1862; rc-en- 
I listed Sept. 1, 1804. 

I John Todd. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1S04. 

I Hugh M. Wallace. Enlisted in the 25th Mich. Regt., Aug. 9, 1802, 
I as Corp.; died at Louisville, Ky., May 10, 1803. 

j Harlow Wills. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Aug. 27, 1802 ; killed in 
I the battlc*f Gettysburg. July 3, 1803. 

Frank Humphrey. Entered the naval service, Sept. 3, 1804, as sig- 
nal steward on board the " Neptune;" dis. at the expiration of 
his term. 

The following is a list of the residents of Willi;imsto\vn who served 
in the war of 1812: 

Anthony Lovejoy, Asa Lovcjoy, Herman (ioodwin, Samuel Goodwin, 
Daniel Plumb, Gaston Comslock, Asa B. Seblen. Haniel Hough, 
Alva Rowley, and Peter Rowley. 



HASTINGS. 



For a description of the numerous exciting scenes wliich 
transpirod on tlie southern borders of Ila.stinijs j)revi(ius to 
its peruiaiient occupation by tlie wliites, when in time of 
peace trading expeditions were constantly going back and 
forth between Albany and Oswego, and when in time of 
war innumerable bateaux, freighted with armies and mu- 
nitions, burdened Oneida lake and river, we must refer our 
readers to the general history of the county. Those opera- 
tions, extending as they did over the whole southern and 
western portions of Oswego County, were far too important 
to be treated of in a sketch of a single town. In this cjise, 
as in others, we begin the town's history with its earliest 
settlement. 

Even this takes us well back in the j>a.st, for Hastings 
was the first town to be settled in Oswego County. It was 
in 178'J that Oliver Stevens established himself by the 
abandoned Fort Hrewerton, and built a rude house, in which 
he traded with tlie Indians, and kept a kind of tavern for 
the accommodation of the bcjatmen, who were still numerous 
on the lake and river. In 17".ll, Major llyal Bingham also 
located himself near the fort, having hired some laml of 
those who had purchased it from the State. He only re- 
mained a year or two, however, and then moved to Three 
Rivers point. 

According to the best authority we can obtain, the first 
death was that of Horatio Stevens, in 1792. Two excitin" 
adventures of .M r. Oliver Stevens occurring about this period 
are narrated in the general history ; one relating to the ex- 
ploits of a bear which captured a boat, and the other to a 
contest between >Ir. Stevens and the wolves in the central 
jiart of the county. 

In 1794 the Indians appeared so dangerous that Mr. 
Stevens obtained authority from Governor Clinton, and 
built a block-house, at the expense of the State, just south 
of the fort, and on the site of the Fort Brewerton hotel. 
Some have supposed that the block-house, which remained 
till a comparatively late day, was an appurtenance of the 
olil fort, but this is a mistake. Mr. Stevens afterwards left 
the block-house, though he remained in the vicinity. The 
government paid no more attention to it, and it was used 
by various persons when they first came into the county 
until they could provide another residence. 

At this time Hastings was a part of the town of Mexico 
and county of Herkimer. That town was reorganized in 
1 790, but Hastings still remained within it. When the 
first town officers, under the new organization, were ap- 
pointed, in 1797, by the justices of the peace of Herkimer 
county, in default of an election, Mr. Oliver Stevens was 
selected as town clerk. Hastings was also known as survey- 
township No. 1 3, of Seriba's patent. It was called " Breda" 
by that gentlemen, but the name was seldom or never used 
35 S 



by the settlers. Mr. Scriba conveyed the title of the whole 
township to Arent P. Schuyler, he to I'hilip A. Scliuyler, 
and he to Jacob Mark. The latter gentleman, on the 15th 
of April, 1800, transferred the title of three-fourths of the 
township (twenty-two thousand five hundred and forty six 
acres) to Solomon Townscnd and Samuel Jones, as tru.stees. 
Afterwards half of tliis tract was conveyed to J. I. Roose- 
velt, while about a fourth of the whole township was trans- 
ferred to Governor John Jay, and another fourth to a .^Ir. 
Monroe. 

About 1797, Brainerd Emmons settled in Hastings, and 
for a while occupied the old block-house. Benjamin Em- 
mons lived on the other side of the river, and soon estab- 
lished a ferry across the stream, which he managed over 
twenty years. 

The fii-st birth of a white child in town was that of John 
L. Stevens, son of Oliver, in 1802. Timothy \'ickery 
came to Fort Brewerton before 1806, and in that year 
Betsey Vickery was married to Silas Bellows, that being 
the first wedding in the jircscnt town of Hastings. Several 
years after, Thomas Vickery took charge of the Block- 
Housc hotel, where he remained until 1820. Oliver Ste- 
vens, Myron Stevens, Mr. Hall, and Mr. Patterson settled 
along on the river-bank, near Coughdenoy. 

In 1820, Mr. Aaron Snow, a .son-in-law of Major Sol- 
omon Waring, of Constantia, became the proprietor of the 
hotel. Mr. Snow had a flat-boat which he used in trans- 
porting his property from Rotterdam, or Constantia, to his 
new home, where he found sale for wheat at two dollars and 
a half ]ier bushel, and for potatoes at the .same price. Mr. 
31o.ses Hewitt tells of coming with his uncle on horseback, 
from near Mexico, to Fort Brewerton, over the Salt road, 
in 1820, and buying three or four bushels of wheat and 
several bushels of potatoes at the block-house, at the above 
prices. They were even obliged to pay a dollar and a half 
per bushel for potatoes with the eyes cut off. 

Mr. Snow moved to Coughdenoy in 1822, and finally, in 
1826, settled on a farm in the L'Hommedieu location, 
where his widow still resides, at the age of eighty-seven, with 
her son, Leonard Snow. 

In 1809 Mr. Solomon Allen had settled a little east of 
Central Square, on lot 26. 

Mr. Allen passed a quiet life in tilling the soil, and died 
in 1875, at the age of ninety, while on his way to Florida, 
having lived in town sixty-six years. 

The first blacksmith in Hastings was Elijah Goodspecd, 
who became a resident of this town, on lot 20, in 1815. 

Chester Loomis came from West Monroe and built him 
a house at Central Square, where he remained five or six 
years, serving the public as a hotel proprietor. His house 
was burned about 1818, but was .soon rebuilt by Mr. Loa- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



359 



mis. About 1820 Mr. Loomis sold his farm, wliich was on 
lot 41, to Nicliolas I. Roosevelt. It is noted for two salt- 
springs upon it, with which many experiments have been 
tried, both in earlier and later days. 

This same year Hastings Curtiss moved to Central 
Si(uaro, and built and opened a store on the corner now 
owned by George Campbell. Mr. Curtiss was one of the 
luo.st enterprising men in the county. He built a brick 
hotel which was the first brick liou,se in town, kept the first 
post-office, and was one of the company that ran the first 
stages from Salina to Watertown, about 1825. As the ]i.st 
of officers both of town and county will show, he held many 
important positions, and in his honor the town was named 
Hastings, being formed from Constantia, April 20, 1825. 

In 1824 a bridge was built at Fort Brewerton by Mr. 
Leonard Fuller, as contractor for a' chartered company ; 
that being the point where the Salt road from Salina to 
Watertown crossed the river. 

In 1820 Orris C. Orman settled near the fort on the 
Stotts location, bought of Mr. Ray, and Robert Orman 
located near him in 1824; both remaining in that neigh- 
borhood. Leonard Fuller settled at Coughdenoy previous 
to 1820. 

In Februar}', 1823, Henry Waterbury, with his fiimily, 
came from Rensselaer county, and settled near Coughdenoy, 
at the head of the rapids. Mr. E. Bailey, a son-in-law, 
bought the farm some twenty years ago, and kept it until 
within a few years, when he sold it to its present owner, 
Mr. Jladison. 

Nicholas Keller settled on lot 44 in 1823, building the 
first house west of Central Square, on the Fulton road. 
T. Paine was also an early settler on lot 44. 

In 1817, Wm. Ladd, from the land of steady habits, 
located liimself, with his brother, on lot 22, on the Salt road, 
which had then been opened. There were at that time but 
two houses, between IMexico and Fort Brewerton, on that 
road. One was a tavern near by, kept by a Mr. Briggs, 
and the other was the tavern at Central Square, owned by 
Mr. Loomis. 

!Mr. Ladd, now aged eighty-two, resides with his son 
Joseph on the farm which he has cleared and improved, 
and relates with interest his experience in pioneer life. 

In those days the great resource of the people was to 
convert their timber into ashes, and manufacture those into 
pota,sh and pearlash, which were about the only articles of 
export for which they received cash. 

Daniel Chappel, Rial Hoisington, and a Mr. Allen settled 
on lot 22, about the same time as Mr. Ladd. 

In 1822, George L. Carley, from Otsego county, located 
on lot 5, made a clearing, and put up a house, having 
purchased one hundred and fifty acres of J. I. Roosevelt at 
fipur dollars per acre, fifty acres of Mr. Monroe at three 
dollars per acre, and two hundred acres, at one dollar and a 
half per acre, of Mr. Parish, situated in the town of Parish, 
but adjoining the other lots. In 1823 he removed his 
family to their wilderness home, and the same year built a 
saw-mill on the south branch of Salmon creek. In a year 
it was consumed by fire, but Jlr. C. soon rebuilt it, and 
attached a carding-machine to it, which was managed by 
George Benedict for some ten year.s. Mr. Carley has built I 



the fourth saw-mill at this place, two having rotted down 
or been worn out during his stay of fifty-four years. The 
place may fairly be called '' Carley's mills." 

INIr. Peter Carr was another early settler. He located on 
lot No. 5, in 1825, where he has lived for the past fifty- 
two years, clearing and improving his farm, and raising a 
family of nine children. 

Mr. James J. Coit came from Connecticut, in 1823, and 
settled upon a farm on lot No. 26, of the Governor 
Jay tract, where he remained as a farmer for forty-nine 
years, raising a family of eleven children. His fellow- 
townsmen honored him with an uninterrupted term of office 
for over thirty years, as school commissioner, justice of the 
peace, assessor, supervisor, etc., and in 1859 he was elected 
to the assembly. 

He taught the first school in Central Square, in the winter 
of 1824-25. Mrs. Coit taught the first school in district 
No. 7. Ten out of eleven of IMr. C.'s children have been 
teachers in the public schools and seminaries. His second 
wife, as well as his first, was al.so a teacher. Thirteen teach- 
ers out of a family of fourteen, who have taught a hundred 
and eighty-two terms in all. 

Mr. J. J. Coit was agent for Governor John Jay's estate 
in this town from 1827 till within a few years, when the 
business was closed up. He now resides at Central S(iuare, 
at the age of seventy-four, having lived in town fifty-three 
years. Obadiah Cornell, Amos Burrows (2d), Amos Jack- 
son, and Schooner Russel were also early settlers on lot 
No. 26, locating there about 1824. Ambrose Hale, 
Thomas West, and Shuber Button had located on lot 
No. 25 before 1824. 

The early settlers of lot No. 23 were Bishop Hoyt, Alvin 
Briggs, Mr. Tiflany, and Mr. Daggett. 

S. P. Munsel purchased a farm, in 1827, on lot No. 
43, on the Fulton road, in what was then known as the 
Eight-mile woods. He, with his family, endured many 
hardships and privations, living for sometime under a bark- 
roof, with the ground for a floor. When he became more 
wealthy, and able to improve his residence, he obtained two 
pine boards ten inches wide, for which he paid twenty-five 
cents apiece, and made a door out of one of them, and some 
shelves out of the other. Jlr. Munsel carried on his back 
to the Pelton mill, on Coughdenoy creek, the first bushel 
of corn that was grown there. At another time he chopped 
an acre of heavy timber for a bushel of corn and a log-chain, 
receiving his board, however, while at work. 

He still keeps the old log-chain as a link — in fact, several 
links — between the past and the present. He relates that 
eels, which were caught in abundance at Coughdenoy, were 
the principal meat of the inhabitants for many years. 

John Young and John Klock were also among the fir.st 
settlers on lot 43. 

In 1827, Benjamin Mallory p\irchased a farm on lot 
No. 27, and commenced a clearing. He so<in after mar- 
ried, and took his young wife to his home in the woods. 
He remained on his farm for forty years, when he moved 
to Central Square, where he died in 1877. 

In 1824, Robert Elliott settled on lot 41, moving into a 
part of the hou.se occupied by N. I. Roosevelt, now occu- 
jiied by Samuel Sweet. By 1825 ho had erected a build- 



360 



HISTOKi' OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



ill}:, tlie lower part of wliich lie used for a wagon-shop, and 
the upper part fur his dwolliii<;. He was obliged to do all 
tho Work connocted witli his business himself; to cut tlie 
timber, get it to the 8aw-mill, take buck the lumber and 
season it, before he eonld wunufaeture the wagons, carts, 
sleds, ox-yokc8, etc., which he produced. He made the 
fir>t wagnii, called the '■ ip|d mud wagon," that carried the 
mail through on the old Salt road. 

In his shop, too, was made the 6rst coach that was used 
ill tlie stage-line from .Salina (now Syracuse) to Watertown. 
The liivt stage company cunsi-stcd of Messrs. Stone & Field, 
of Salina; Hastings Curtiss, of Central S(|uare ; and Hiram 
liowis, of Pula!-ki. Mr. F]lliott was employed by the 
l{<Hisevelts as their land-agent for Hastings until 187ti, 
when he bought the remaining territory. ,< 

Jonathan I'arkhurst, an old Revolutionary soldier, from 
Vermont, settled in 1808, where the military road from 
Home to Oswego, by the way of Conslantia, crosses the 
old Salt road from Salina to Watertown. He engaged in 
the timber trade, taking rafts to various ports, and especially 
to Quebec. He ran a raft into that port in June, 1812, 
and found that war had been declared, unknown to him, 
while he was on the river. The British confiscated his 
raft ;ind gave him and his men three days to leave their 
territory. Smarting from his lo.ss, he returned home, and 
afterwards served in the war, first as captain and then as 
colonel. He was one of the first collectors of the old town 
of Me.\ico. His mode of operation was to gather the taxes, 
which were then all in specie, put them in a bag, place the 
bag upon his back, and then, with lii.s rifle on his shoulder, 
wend his way on foot through the woods to Utica, where 
he had to report. Before he got there his blistered back 
Would painfully attest the round weight, if not the great 
value, of the Mexican taxes. His son, Gilbert Parkhurst, 
after having kept a public-house for several years, built, 
in 18.'i2, the first and only one at what is now known as 
Hastings Centre, and moved to that point, where he spent 
the remainder of his days. 

Benjamin Prescott settled on lot No. 1 in 1826. This 
farm was noticeable in this heavily-timbered country for 
having upon it a little prairie of three or four acres, without 
a tree, nor a sign of a tree, upon it. 

Although there were many changes among the pioneers, 
yet the easy terms ofTeicd them caused (|uitc a rapid settle- 
ment. Only ten dollars was required for the first payment ; 
after that nothing but the interest was demanded for six 
years, and even that was not always collected. By 1835 there 
was as large a population, outside of the villages, as there is 
t<)-day. Yet there were a good many hardships to be en- 
dured, even at that period. John M. Ca.se, who settled in 
l.S21( on lot No. 27, where he has since remained, relates 
that he was obliged at one time to live four weeks on pota- 
toes, milk, and green corn. Neither brciid, wheat, nor ripe 
corn was to be had. Even as late as 18:J0 to 1835 the 
bears frequently inflicted considerable loss by tearing down 
his corn. 

Dr. Chester Smedley, of Connecticut, accompanied by his 
son Kpliraim, settled in 182(i on the .southern boundary of 
the L'Hoinnicdieu location, iiejir Fort Brewerton, where 
he practiced in this and adjoining couuties forever thirty 



years. He died in 1862, at the age of eighty-one. In 
1823 the Rooscvelts held their wild land at three dollars 
per acre, which was the price paid by John II. Ostrum in 
that year for a part of lot No. 1 1 , now owned by his son, 
S. P. Ostrum. 

Hon. Peter Devendorf, who settled on lot No. 10 in 1831, 
was throughout his life one of the leading men of the town. 
He Was elected a justice of the peace several times, and for 
twelve years represented Hastings in the board of super- 
vi.soi's, of which he was frequently cho.sen chairman. He 
Wits also elected member of as.scmbly in 184(1 on a geiiei-al 
ticket, voted for by the whole county, with General Ken- 
yon, of Fulton, as his colleague, and re-elected in 1841, 
with' A. P. Grant, of Oswego, as his colleague. 

The pioneers of this town, coming as many of them did 
from New England homes, forgot not to lay a good founda- 
tion for religious and educational inipiovements. The 
school district No. 1 , which was at the village of Cough- 
denoy, was taught by Patrick V'ickery in 1820, and this 
was the first .school of which we can learn in town. District 
No. 4 (Central Si|uare) was organized in 1824 by electing 
Hastings Curtiss, Aaron Snow, and Kollin Blunt as trustees, 
who employed James J. Coit as the first teacher, and pro- 
ceeded to build a school-house. Mr. C. taught three weeks 
in a private house before the school-house was ready. He 
received twelve dollars per month for a school of about 
forty scholars. The present school-building at Central 
Square was erected in 1873 by Mr. George Elliott, at a cost 
of six thousand dollars. Three teachers are employed, 
viz. : Frederick A. Walker, j)rincipal ; and Mi-sses Emma 
Star and Clara E. Morse, assistants. It is attended by two 
hundred and thirty-seven scholars, and the public money 
drawn during the past year was three hundred and ninety- 
nine dollare. 

District No. 5 was organized with Philo W. Carpenter as 
the first teacher. G. W. Smith was a trustee for twenty- 
five years. No. G was organized in 1824 ; the first school 
being taught by Mi.ss Ijois Pierce. 

In the spring of 1825, through the eflorts of J. J. Coit, 
district No. 7 was formed, and a log schnol-house was 
erected. The roof was made of split logs, properly hol- 
lowed out ; the lower layer being placed " up side down," 
and the upper one " right side up." Miss AugH.sta S. 
Porter, afterwards Mrs. Coit, taught the first school. Tho 
tru.stees, however, made sure of succe.ss by obtaining indi- 
vidual guarantees of a certain number of scholars before 
they dared try the hazardous experiment of building such a 
mansion and employing a teacher. 

CENTRAL SyUARi;. 

This village is situated on lots Nos. 41 and 45, where the 
Constant ia and Fulton road cro.s.se8 the old Salt road from 
Syracuse! to Watertown. 

Mr. Chester Looniis built the fii-st tavern at this j>oint, 
about 1815. It was afterwards burned, but Wiis rebuilt in 
1818. N. I. Roosevelt purclia.sed it near 1820, and occu- 
pied it as a dwelling. The house is yet in good repain, and 
is oi-fujiied by Samuel Sweet. 

Rolliii Blunt, who was a surveyor, w<is here previous to 
1H24, and erected a saw-mill. 




RES cF D D DRAKE m: D .CENTRAL SQUARE. OSVJl^GO CO., NY 




(ekected in 1834) 



FIcs.or ROBERT ELLIOTT, Cchir/*l jguAffL.QsvtEbu Cu.J< i 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



361 



In 1820, Hastini^s Curtiss built and opened a small store 
fronting Jlr. Cauipbell's place on the south. In 182^5 he 
built a brick hotel, which became the centre of a large 
business. It was a stage station, and the place for town- 
meetings and almost all other public gatherings. He ne.vt 
built a brick dwelling, in which he resided until his death. 

Mr. Robert Elliott, as before stated, was the "first wagon- 
maker. He also curried on the cabinet business for twenty- 
five years or more. He built a steam saw-mill, and rebuilt 
it after it was burned, and likewise carried on a tannery at 
the srjuare for over twenty-five years. The early black- 
smiths here were a Mr. Ainsworth and Joseph BLshop. Mr. 
John Beebe, Jr., also worked for Mr. Elliott at an early 
day. Mr. Beebe ha.s been engaged in wagon-making and 
blacksniithing for the past forty-five years. Mr. Judson 
Skillings has been in partnership with him since 1851. 
Frank De Lorme is also engaged in the same business. 

The old "yellow store"' was built in 1827 or 1828, by Rufus 
Tiftany. Its early mercantile occupants were not very suc- 
ces.sful. Henry S. Conde was a successful merchant, and 
was in that busine.ss in this place for seventeen years, when 
he was elected county clerk, and removed to Oswego. Mr. 
Conde purchased the store built by Gaston Curtis, and now 
owned and occupied for mercantile purposes by A. T. Lowe 
& Co. The Coville Bros, are another firm, who occupy the 
yellow store, the post-office being kejtt there by George 
Coville. There is a grocery and feed store kept by Samuel 
Henry, and another by L. B. Campbell. The doctors and 
druggists are N. W. Bates and D. D. Drake. Hardware is 
represented by D. C. and J. W. Wood, who have carried on 
that business for many years. Harne.ss-niaking by P. L. 
Wooden ; cabinet-making and undertaking by Gabriel 
Traub. The hotel proprietor is W. H. Sloeum. 

A depot is established here where the Syracuse Northern 
railroad crosses the New York and Oswego Midland, mak- 
ing this a central freighting-plaoe, with a prospect of be- 
coming a large village. About 1856 there were six attor- 
neys at this point at once, and all had plenty of employ- 
ment. Among them were Gary Castle and his son, Clin- 
ton Castle. This was when lumberinsr and wood-cuttin" 
was at its height, creating a great deal of legal business. B. 
G. Lewis, the present attorney, has been here the most of 
the time for twenty-seven years. The boot and shoe trade 
is carried on by T. P. Barker. The Central Sqmire News 
is published by W. G. Bohannan. It is also mentioned in 
the chapter on the press. The cemetery at Central Square 
was deeded to the public by James I. Roosevelt, and the 
first interment was that of Mrs. Anna Goodspeed, in April, 
1822. 

COUGHDENOY. 

Myron Stevens built a house where T. Vv'. Green now 
lives, in 1797. Timothy Vickery, Mr. Heacock, and 
Alanson Seymour were also among the first settlers at this 
point. Mr. Seymour built a saw-mill here not far from 
1825. In 1837 and for many years after Robert M. Pel- 
ton did a heavy lumbering business, shipping large quanti- 
ties of oak, pine, and hemlock to the eastern markets. 

Mr. Heacock at an early day built a grist-mill with a 
carding-machine attached, but in a few years it was destroyed 
24 



by fire. Wm. Lee settled near here in 1827, and in company 
with Samuel Britton built a saw-mill on Coughdenoy creek, 
where the Midland railroad now crosses that stream. It 
was .sold to Mr. Gibson in a few years. 

A. D. Gibson came to this place in 18o7, and has re- 
mained ever since, having married a grand-daughter of the 
old pioneer, Timothy Vickery. Mr. Gibson was in the 
boot and shoe business for a few years, but has since been 
engaged in other occupations. His son is now a merchant 
at this point. Mr. Ralph Warner has been engaged in 
blacksniithing near and at this village for the past thirty 
years. The wagon business is carried on in connection 
with his shop by Charles Smith. 

Mr. John Youmaiis al.so carried on a wagon-shop, a black- 
smith-shop being connected with it. Of lat« years, how- 
ever, Mr. Youmans has given his especial attention to 
" submarine diving," being the possessor of a suit of subma- 
rine armor weighing nearly two hundred pounds, and keep- 
ing a steam-tug to assist his operations. In 1875 he raised 
a raft of white-oak timber, which had been sunk at Button- 
Ball point, in Seneca river, for fifty-five years. Ho manu- 
factured it into lumber (forty thousand feet), and found a 
ready sale for it. While in the employ of the Delaware, 
Lackawanna and Western railroad coinj)any at Oswego, he 
discovered and raised an anchor supposed to have belonged 
to a United States ship which was sunk in that harbor in 
the war of 1812. 

James Dutcher has for the past twenty years been en- 
gaged in brick-making at Coughdenoy, averaging a million 
bricks per annum. 

The first hotel at this place was built by Orson Emmons 
and Peter Neal. These first proprietors were soon suc- 
ceeded by P. B. Oakley, who kept the house for many 
years. Charles C. Burghart is the present proprietor. 
Lumbering, boating, and the eel trade have been the prin- 
cipal occupations of this place, and at times business has 
very lively. For many years from five hundred to one 
thousand eels were taken daily during four months every ( 
season. These were shipped to numerous cities, and had a 
high reputation among the epicures. 

In this historical work we must not omit to mention the 
most historical personage of Coughdenoy. Jlrs. Catharine 
Priest, who has been a resident of the village for the pjtst 
fifteen years, was born on the 8th day of October, 177G, at 
German Flats, Herkimer county. She is con.sequently over 
one hundred and one years of age, but still retains her 
faculties to a remarkable degree. 

Mallery Mills. — Edward Smith built a saw-mill as 
early as 1810, on the east branch of Big Bay creek, on the 
line of West Monroe. Twenty years since George W. 
Smith purchased the property, and his son Jerome now 
owns it. The place w;ls long known as Smith's Mills. 

In 1826 a grist-mill, with two run of stone, was built 
there by Peter and Cornelius Van Alstyne. Afterwards 
D. C. Smith and Isaac W. Brewster brought the property, 
and built a sawmill. In 1855 the buildings were burned 
down. The site was purchased by Daniel Bowc, who built 
a sawmill, and managed it for fifteen years, when lie sold 
it to its present owner, Mr. Wilcox. 

The third saw-mill iit this place was built by William 



3G2 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Iluburt AHcr several changes, it was hou}:ht, twenty 
years ago, hy .larfil Mallery. Ii) a year it was conBumed 
by 6re. Mr. M. nlmili it, and lias dune a thiiviii'; busi- 
ness ever .siiicf. 

In 1837, Russtl Wineliestor built and kept the first store 
at tliis place. There is also a flouri.shin<: store here at the 
present lime. Aniariah Rieker was a lilaeksuiith there at 
an early day ; at the present time Andrew J. De Bow and 
Newton S. Bowne arc the repre.sentatives of that trade. 
A post-office ytsis established here in 1858, and a few years 
ago a deiiot, on the Syracuse Northern, was located near 
by. 

HASTINGS CENTRE. 

A saw-mill was built here by Mr. Blunt, in 1822. It 
is owned by Daniel Mitchell. The second saw-mill was 
built by I'earcc and Cornell, in 1838. It is now owned by 
Levi Hamlin. 

There has been a post-office here lor the past twenty- 
eight ycai-s. Jonathan Parkhurst was the first postmaster, 
and Martha Holmes is the present one. 

Harvey Devendorf opened the fii-st store, and kept it 
some twelve years, when Mr Parkhurst occupied it for a 
short time. M. M. Salsbury has been the blacksmith here 
for twenty years. 

A little west of the centre there is a cemetery, containing 
nn acre of land, which the heirs of Governor John Jay 
deeded to Gilson Dikeman, as supervisor of Hastings, for 
the use of the jniblic, on the 12th of November, 1869. 

Hastings. — In 1821 there was one log house, occupied 
by Mr. Widger, near where the wateiing-trough now is, 
and a small frame one, occupied by William Ford, on the 
site of the cheese-factory. 

The first ])ost-officc and store were kept by Willard Hunt 
soon afterwards. The first blaeksniitli in this election dis- 
trict was George Storer, who had a shop a mile south of 
Hastings, in 1822. 

The Widger house was turned inio a grocery as early as 
1830, for the oUt settlers remember how, in that year, the 
teacher of district No. 5 took his scholars there for a treat 
of candy, on their return from a spelling-school, where they 
had been successful. 

The fir.st tavern was built by W. Hunt. lis present pro- 
prietor is Willard Johnson. The merchant and postmaster 
is Lewis Tourot ; the wagon- and ealiin<.t-niak('r is Nicholas 
Clute. There are al.so a blaeksmitli-shop anil a cheese-fac- 
tory at this iioiiil. 

Mr. Corning built a steam saw-mill a little south of Has- 
tings, in 1851. It was bought by Aaron Bcn.s(in in 1803, 
and has been ojieratcd by him ever since. Mr. B., with his 
brother, invented the ■' Benson water-wheel," which was 
the principal one in use in this section for many years. 

CIVIL UISTORY. 

Tile first town-meeting of Hastings was held in the 
'■ Hastings Curtiss hotel' (George Ives priij)rietor\ on the 
7th of March, 182G, when the following officers were 
elected: Hastings Curtiss, supervisor ; Nicholas I. Roose- 
velt, town clerk ; Hns.sel Ford, William Ford, and Myron 
Stevens, assessors ; lloliin Hlunt and William Ford, over- 



seers of the poor ; Ru.sscl Ford, Rollin Blunt, aod Horatiii 
Vickcry, commissioners of highways ; Russel Ford, William 
Ford, and Rollin Blunt, commissioners of schools ; Rcjilin 
Blunt, Daniel Webster, and Nicholas I. Roosevelt, inspectors 
of schools; William Ford, collector; George Benedict, 
Alonzo Rosebreaks, and Heman Tanner, constables. 

Hastings Curtiss was a member of assembly in 1824, 
sheriff of Oswego County from 1828 to 1831, and supervisor 
of Hastings three years. 

Peter Devendorf was a member of assembly in 1841- 
42, and was supervisor twelve years. 

James J. Coit was a member of the assembly in 1860, 
and supervisor in 1847 and 1848. 

William II. Carter was member of the assembly in 
18()1. 

William 11. Rice was a member of the assembly in 
18(>7, and sii|iervisor in 1859 and 1800. 

Thomas W. Green Wiis a member of the assembly ia 
1872 and 1876, and supervisor for five years. 

Henry Conde was county clerk from 1855 to 1858. 

Hastings Curtiss, Huntington Fitch, Lewis F. Devendorf, 
Mars Nearing, and Robert Elliott have all served as asso- 
ciate judges of the court of common pleas, or as justices of 
sessions. 

Of the suj)ervisor8 not mentioned above, Gilson Dyke- 
man served four years; Russel Fitch, Jr., two years; 
Thomas Warner, two years; Gaston G. Curtiss, three years; 
George Campbell, three years; Charles Breed, one year; 
Henry i'humons, two years; William C. Hanchett, one 
year; Robert Elliott, two years; 0.scar Beebe, three years; 
Avery T. Lowe, two years; Charles E. Coville, two years; 
George W. Woodin, the present incumbent, one year. 

RO.VDS. 

The Salina and Central Square plank-n>ad company was 
chartered April 12, 1844, for thirty years, with a capital 
of fifty thousand dollars. William D. Bennet was chosen 
president, and Richard Adams secretary. 

In 1848, the plank-road wase-vtended north through the 
town, under the name of the Central plank-road, John 
Becker being the president of the company, and Peter 
Devendorf the secretary. 

The Central Sciuare and I'ine Hill plankroad company, 
was chartered in 1848, with a capital of twenty-five thou- 
sand dollars. In 1851 the road was extended west to 
Fulton, under the name of Fulton and Central Square 
plank-road. S. N. Kenyun was then president, and I. I. 
Wolcott secretary. 

THE BAPTIST CHUHCIIES. 

The first Baptist church in town was organized August 
25, 1820, at Mr. Natlian Raymond"s, Elder Moore acting 
as chairman and 15. Wheelan as clerk. Stejihen Rich- 
mond, Charles Smedley, Ferrin B. Wheelan, Nathan Ray- 
mond, Rachael Merchant, Abigail Russel, Maria Raymond, 
and Cordelia Fidler adopted the necc.s.sary articles of failli, 
and united in calling a council, consisting of delegates from 
the Onondaga, Syracuse, Cicero, and Mexico churches. The 
council conveneil September 20, 1826, at a .sehoMl-liuuse in 
what is now West Monroe, and recognized the above-named 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



363 



brothers and sisters as a Baptist church. Eider G. B. Davis 
preached the sermon, and extended the hand of fellowship. 

Covenant-meetings and public worship were held at a 
Mr. ]Mercliant's, and at several school-hnuscs, but princi- 
pally at those in Central Square and Coughdenoy. The 
first church building was erected at Coughdenoy in 1842, 
Rev. Peter Woodin preacliing the dedication sermon. 

Tills church organization was subject to many changes, 
being at times quite [irosperous and at others seriously 
depressed. 

Elders Moore, Graves, Warner, A. Boughton, John B. 
Parsons, Daniel Dean, H. S. Curtiss, and S. Gardner served 
the church as pastors; A. Barrows, A. S. Curtiss, S. Hunt, 
Jehu Sceley, and W. S. Rowe as deacons ; B. Wheelan, S. 
Hunt, W. S. Rowe. and James Rowe as clerks. The church 
ordained three of her pastors, — John B. Parsons, Daniel 
Dean, and A. S. Curtiss, — and also sat several times in coun- 
cil with other churches. Finally, however, it became greatly 
reduced in strength, and on the oOth of June, 1849, it was 
disbanded. 

In the year 1845, Rev. Peter Woodin, of Fulton, had 
his attention drawn to Central Square as a suitable place 
for Christian work. As the result of his labors, the Bap- 
tist church at that place was organized on the 14th of 
June, 1845. On the 25th of the same month delegates 
from the churches of the Oswego Baptist association sat in 
council, and recognized this as a Baptist church, and it has 
ever since been a member of that association. Thei'e were 
twenty-two members who covenanted together at its organ- 
ization, choosing Philip Carter as deacon and T. H. Water- 
bury as clerk. 

A house of worship was built during the year 1846. 
Elder Woodin, being a carpenter, cut the first stick of 
timber, and did much of the work. Through the personal 
labor of members of the church and society, the building 
was completed with but little cash expense. It was dedi- 
cated on the 18th of December, 1846, Rev. Mr. Taggert 
preaching the dedication sermon. 

A leave of absence was granted to Elder Woodin in the 
spring of 1850, when he went to California, organized a 
church there, and procured the erection of a house of wor- 
ship. He returned in May, 1852, the church having been 
supplied in the mean time by Rev. S. J. Decker and Rev. 
H. Knapp. Elder Woodin immediately resumed his pa.s- 
toral labors with this church, and continued them until 
April 1, 1872, when he resigned on account of age and in- 
firmity. In memory of his earnest and active labors the 
church has placed a tablet, properly inscribed, within their 
house of worship. 

Rev. D. D. Owen succeeded Elder Woodin, and still re- 
mains the pastor. P. P. Allen, David Manning, and W. 
L. Rowe have served as deacons. The present ones are 
Jacob Beebe and Robert Elliott. The clerk is D. D. 
Drake. The trustees are O. Beebe, W. B. Parkhurst, D. 
D. Drake, J. Simpson, A. T. Low, and J. H. Wood. The 
whole number of members received since its organization is 
two hundred and fifty-four ; the present membership is one 
hundred and twenty-three. A Sunday-school has been main- 
tained since the organization of the church. The present 
superintendent is 1). D. Drake ; the membership numbers 



two hundred and fourteen. The house of worship has 
been improved from time to time, and is now pleasant and 
convenient. 

THE METIIODI.ST EPISCOP.VI, CHURCH. 

The date of the first Methodist church organization is 
somewhat uncertain ; it was probably as carl}' as 1825. 
When Elder Bibbins was the preacher on tiiis circuit he 
organized a small class about that time near Hastings Cen- 
tre. Wm. Ford and wife, Richard Ford and wife, Truman 
and Daniel Wooster, were in that class. Afterwards three 
or four classes were formed in different parts of the town. 
One was organized at Mallery about 1833, of which Edward 
Duerding and wife, Robert Kenyon and wife, Barnes Baird 
and wife, Ozar Hoyt and wife, Titus Bowe and wife, and 
Maria Vrooman were the first members. Rev. Anson Ful- 
ler, assisted by Rev. Joseph Cro.ss, was then in charge of 
the circuit to which the Hastings classes belonged. 

In 1842, while Elder Smedley and Salma Chapiu were 
laboring in this field, they enjoyed a refreshing revival, and 
forty or fifty persons were added to the Mallery class. 
Being further strengthened in subsequent years, they were 
enabled to build them a house of worship. It was dedi- 
cated in the year 1851, Elder Parker preaching the dedica- 
tion sermon. 

The first trustees were David Baird, Titus Bowe, and 
Titus Bowe, Jr. The present trustees are Peter House, 
Jared Mallory, and J. W. Wilcox. The present clerk is 
Henry Hoyt. The pastor in charge is Rev. Freeman 
Beebe. 

A Sabbath-school was organized about 1841. Milton 
Flowers served as superintendent for many years. The 
school is now in charge of Ruth Sedgwick. 

There was a class formed at Coughdenoy at an early day, 
and about 1850 they purchased the house of worship of 
the Baptist denomination, in which they have ever since 
met. E. W. Bailey, the present leader, has a class of forty- 
one members. 

The Central Square class was organized near 1830, with 
a few members. In 1846 they built a house of worship at 
an expense of one thousand dollars. It has since been 
much improved. The class now numbers eighty-two mem- 
bers. Rev. Charles E. Beebe is in charge of this as well 
as of the Coughdenoy class. There is a good Sabbath- 
school with a hundred and twelve scholars. Lot Fuller being 
the superintendent. 

At an early day there was a class formed at the school- 
house of district No. 5, of which John North and wife, 
Peter Vanderworker and wife, Amos Reynolds and wife. 
Socrates Borst and wife, and others, were members. It 
grew to be a large, prosperous class, but finally was broken 
up, a.s is said, on account of the slavery ((ucstion. 

In 1874, Rev. Mr. Smedley formed a new cla.ss, consist- 
ing of fifteen members. A. J. Grant was the first class- 
leader; F. L. Brown is the present one. The class is utidcr 
the pastoral charge of Rev. J. F. Beebe, and now numbers 
twenty members. There is also an interesting Sunday- 
school with fifty members, under the supervision of R. J. 
Dimond. 

The following is a list of Methodist Episcopal pastors, 



3(;4 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



in the order of their sen'ice: Anson Fuller, assisted by 
Joseph Cross ; Lewis Bell, assisted by John Thompson ; 
Truninn V:in Tiisscl, assisted by Isaac C'lvort ; Isaac Hal), 

C. C. Mason, AuL'Ustini' C. Munsun, Alunzo Cliapin, Joseph 
Snu'dlcy, Wni. Peek, Daniel Barnard, Wni. Moi-se, Thomas 

D. Mitchell, Isaac Turiicy, Francis A. C. FaiTcli, Dennison 
D. Parker, Reuben Reynnlds, Horatio Arthur, Sihts Hell, 
Nathaniel Salisbury, David Stone, Hiram Nichols, William 
B. Joice, Henry S. Holmes, E. Arnold, R. 0. Beebe, U. 
Webster, W. V. Brown, and Charles E. Becbc, assisted by 
Freeman Beebc. 

TIIK .MKTIKpIUST I'KOTKSTANT CHURCH 

was organized at Bardeen's corners in 1868, with a member- 
ship of twenty. Rev. Charles Beardslcy wa.-; the pa.stor, and 
lliuace Ladil was the class-leader. The pre.sent officers are' 
Moses P. Hewitt, class-leader, and R. J. Dimond, clerk. 
There are thirty members, who hold their meetings in a 
Bchool-house. Rev. H. L. Howen was the last pastor. 

THE FREK-WII.L BAPTIST CHI KCII. 

This church was organized in 1832, by Rev. Benjamin 
McCoun, with the following members: David Linsley, Mr. 
Cotton, Peter Carr, iMary Carr, Mrs, Delaiicy Ostruin, Wm. 
Nutting, and Joseph MaFord. Jo.-seph JIafbrd was chosen 
the first deacon. He afterwards became a preacher, when 
Mr. Burrows and Mr. Perine were chosen deacons. Rev. 
Mr.'isrs. Nutting, Wilson, Fuller, and Jlafurd have served 
this cliuich as pastors. Rev. Mr. Finney is the present 
]>iLstor, and Maltyre Grant is clerk. The meetings are held 
in the school-house at Carley's mills. 

THE PRESItYTEKIAN CHURCH. 

A church of this denomination was organized at Central 
Scjuare, May 20, 1828, with twelve members, by Rev. Oliver 
Ayer, Oliver Leavett. Clement Lewis, and Diiniel R. Dick- 
son. The first members were Daniel Webster, Julia Ann 
Webster, Jotham Goodspeed and Rebecca his wife; David 
Lockwodd, Rdllin Blunt, Lucy Allen, Christupher Hyde 
and his wile, Flora Durfee, and Nabby Porter. D. Welister 
and J. Goodspeed were .selected as ruling elders, and J. 
Goodsi)eed as deacon. The' membership afterwards in- 
erea.sed to twenty-eight, but was sub.si^(|uently reduced to 
a very few. The church held its last regular meeting on 
the Uth of June, 1830. 

On the loth of October, 18H5, Wm. Jay deeded to Caleb 
Case, Daniel Wadswortli, and J. J. Coit, as trustees of the 
First Presbyterian church and society of Hastings, fifty- 
seven acres of land in subdivision 7, lot 5, to promote the 
worship of (lod in the town of Hastings. 

Mr. Coit, the sole remaining trustee, cared for this prop- 
erty for thirty-nine years, dividing the revenue from it 
among the various denominations represented in town. In 
1874 he sfjld tlu? (iroperty, investing the proceeds in United 
States bonds, the interest of which he annually divides be- 
tween the liapti.st and Methodist churches, as there is 
now no Presbyterian church in Hastings. 

Central Sqi:are Lodge, No. 471), F. & A. M. — This 
lodge received its charter June 10, 182G, Hastings Curtis.s 



being its first Master; Jarvis Leonard, S. W. ; and Philo 
N. Carpenter, J. W. In 18G7 it was revived as No. 022, I 
when G. H. Strong was chosen Master; T. W. (Jrcen, S. 
W. ; Charles Breed, J. W. ; D. L. Wo..d. Trciusurer ; J. H. 
Wood, Secretary ; T. De Lomie, S. D. ; N. W. BaU«, J. 
D.; S. All, Tyler. 

The prest'ut oflicers arc N. W. Bates, Master; J. (). Brien, 
S. W. ; J. O. Shetler, J. W. ; D. L. Wood, Treasurer ; 
D. D. Drake. Secretary ; F. Hawkins, S. D. ; A. Allen, J. ' 
D. ; (iitirge Richer, Tyler. 

Mallerv Lodge, No. 208, I. O. of G. T. — This 
society was org-anized August 20, 1875, with twfnty mem- 
bers. The fii'st officers were Jerome Smith, W. C. T. ; 
Miss Emily Star, W. V. T. ; Arthur S. Hoyt, R. Sec. ; 
Augu.stus Heglin, F. Sec. ; Mrs. Jerome Smith, Treas. ; 
Chester Sedgwick. Chaplain. It has been (juitc pro.sperou», 
having at ]ire.sent about sixty members. The following are 
the principal officers, as taken in the spring of 1877 : 
Jerome Smith, W. C. T. ; Mrs. Jerome Smith, W. V. T. ; 
Arthur S. Hoyt, R. Sec. ; Jacob Kilts, F. Sec. ; Mrs. Chas. 
Wright, Treas. ; Alonzo Dolly, Chaplain. 

Hasting Ix)I)GE, No. 205, I. 0. of G. T.— This lodge 
was organized February 27, 18G7, with thirly-five nieinlH;rs. 
Some of the first officers were Edwin Devendorf, W. C. T. ; 
Jane Fort, W. V. T. ; A. Fort, See.; Abram Fort, F. Sec. 
They soon built them a hall, where they continue to hold 
forth, their tiiganiziitiun being in a very healthy condition. 
The principal officers, as reported last spring, were E. G. 
Amons, W. C. T. ; L. D. Huiley, W. Y. T. ; R. J. Dimond, 
R. Sec. ; George Rider, F. Sec. ; Mrs. R. J. Dimond, 
Treasurer. 

Central Square Lodge, No. 237, I. O. of G. T. — 
Orgiinized October 11, 1875. It then consisted of twenty- 
five members. The following were the first officers: (Xscar 
Beebe, W. C. T. ; Mi.ss R. Coit, W. V. T. ; W. E. Water- 
bui7, R. See. ; C. A. Lewis, F. Sec. ; Miss Hattic Hawes, 
Treas. ; Rev. W. F. Hrown, Chaplain ; Romain F. All, M. ; 
Peter Borst.O. G. ; Helen M. White, I. G. ; Fred. U. Lewis, 
Mess.; Florence Wood, A. S. ; Wary Morgan, I). .M. , 
Mrs. S. M. Coon, R. S. ; Miss Roxie Snow, L. S. ; S. Mor- 
timer (.'oon, L. D. 

From October 11, 1875, to April 22, 1877, ninety-seven 
persons were received. Twenty-nine have withdrawn, a 
number have been expelled, and some have transferred tluir 
membership to other lodges, leaving but thirty-seven mem- 
bers at jircscnt in good standing. The officers, as reported 
in A]>ril, 1877, were (jeorge Richer, W. C. T. ; Frank 
Humphry, Sec. ; Mary Simpson, W. V. T. ; Seward Allen, 
F. See. ; Mrs. U. Miller, Treas. ; Alphonzo Allen, Chaplain ; 
Fred. B. Lewis, M. ; Charles Marsh, 0. G. ; Lillie Aurin- 
ger, 1. (!. ; Miss Ida Beebe, A. S. ; Nellie Bates, D. M. ; 
Alida Conrad, R. S. ; Mary Allen, L. S. ; Florence Wood, 
L. I). ; Willard Waterbury, P. W. C. T. 

Hastin(1s (iRANUE, No. 339, Patrons ok Hu.sbani>rv. 
— ^Thc "grangers," as they are commonly called, organized 
their society July 9, 1875. It then consisted of thirty mem- 
bers. The principal officers were George Rider, W. M. ; W. 
W. Wadsworth, O. ; R. H. Devendorf, Sec. ; George Pelit, 
Treas. The principal present officers are W. W. Wads- 
worth, W. M.; R. H. Avcrv. W. O. ; R. J. Dimond, Sec. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



365 



MILITARY RECORD OF HASTINGS. 

Lewis Fivucher. Enl'J Doj., 180:!, for three years, in tlie 2itli N. Y. 
Cav. ; badly wounded in the arm at Petersburi;. 

Avery T, Low. Enlisted Aug. 2b, 18(J2, for tliree years, in the llOtli 
N. Y. v.. as sergt. ; pro. adjutant. 

Albert N. Bort. Enlisted Sept., 1864, for one year, in the 2l8t Bat. 

Plait B. Wightnian. Enlisted .'\ug., 1863, for three years, in llllth 
N. Y. V. 

Andrew Eastbrook. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the ISlth N. Y Inf. 

John Lowlts. Enlisted Dec. 8, 1363, in the 24:th Cav. ; pro. sergt. 

David Lott. Enlisted Dec. 8,1863, in the21th Cav.; pro. sergt. 

Isaac Baum. Enlisted Jan. 5, 1864, in the 24th Cav. 

George E. Allen. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in the 110th N. Y. V. 

Salvo Morse. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. V. 

Joseph Rudean. Enlisted Jan. 2, 1864, in the 2nth N. Y. Cav., for 
three years. 

Joseph Lorin. Enl'd May, 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.; wounded. 

Charles Lorin. Enl'd June 7, 1864, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.; wounded. 

Francis Lorin. Eul'd May, 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.; wounded. 

Adoljihus Fellows. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1SB2, in the 149th N. Y. V. 

Henry Dcwitt. Enlisted March, 1865, for one year. 

Oliver C. Smith. Enlisted Sept. 4, 1864, in the 21st N. Y. Cat. 

Jacob Kilts. 

Charles W. Kilts. 

Daniel Kilts. 

Lewis Centel. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the UTth N. Y. Inf. 

David Deacons. Enlisted Aug., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Daniel Roberts. Enlisted Feb., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Edward Myrers. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184tli N. Y. Inf. 

Liberty Ostrander. Enlisted Feb., 1864, in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

Henry Hammond. Enlisted Aug., 18G2, in the 110th N. Y. Inf.; 
promoted corporal. 

Henry B. Iloyt. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the lS4th N. Y. Inf. 

Joseph J. Hoyt. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the lS4th N. Y. Inf. 

Alonzo Dolly. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.; pro- 
moted corporal; re-enlistcd in lS4th, as sergt., 1864. 

Wm. H. Hopkins. Enlisted Dec, 1863, in the 15lh N. Y. Cav. 

Aimer Hopkins. Enlisted Jan., 1864, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. 

Geo. W. House. Enl'd Jan., 1864, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. ; wounded. 

Wellington P. House. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

John W. Baum. Enlisted in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

Cris. J. Stookover. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

Charles Gero. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Wm. Sanforth. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

Charles Morsewe. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 1 10th N. Y. Inf. 

Amasa Grant. Enlisted Aug , 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

Aman J. Grant. Enl'd Dec, 136 4, in the 24th N". Y. Cav., as corp. 

Adelbert Johnson. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Walter Switts, Jr. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.; 
musician ; promoted. 

Abel Palmer. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in Battery B ; discharged, and 
re-enlisted Feb., 1864. 

Wm. Wightman. Enl'd Jan., 1801, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. ; sergt. 

Edwin C. Devcndorf. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the lS4th N. Y. Inf., 
sergeant. 

James H. Devendorf. Enlisted .Sept., 1364, in the 134th N. Y. Inf. 

Martin Benson. Enlisted' Sept., 1864, in the lS4th N. Y. Inf. 

Robert lilackman. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Silvanus Wilson. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the Art.; promoted sergt.; 
re-enlisted 1864. 

Elias Lagrange. 

Ezra Babcock. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Harrold Danks. 

Charles Mallory. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the lOlst N. Y. V.; re- 
enlisted in 1863 in the 40th N. Y. ; pro. to sergt. : wounded. 

James Donley. Enlisted .\ugust, 1864. in the 21st liat. 

Lewis De Bow. Enlisted September, 1864, in the 18llh N. Y. Inf.; 
died at home Oct. 1, 1876. 

Godfrey Fidler. Enlisted September, 1861, in the ISlth N. Y. Inf. 

John M. Carver. Enlisted September, 1862, in the 21st Art. 

Barney W. Voeder. Enlisted April, 1861, in the 24lh N. Y. V. : pro- 
moted to Corp.; then to 2ii sergt. ; wounded at 2d Bull Run, Aug. 
30, 1862: lay six days on the field without food or help. 



Byron IL Devendorf. Enlisted Sept., 1862, in the 21st N. Y. Bat. 

David Gregory. Enlisted Feb., 1861, in the ISOth N. Y. Inf. 

Horace Ladd. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Curtis A. Fargo. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. ; pro- 
moted to lieut. 

William Johnson. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

John Hewitt. Enlisted Oct., 1862, in the Flying Art. ; pro. to corp. 

Franklin Hewitt. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Lewis Bort. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. 

Charles F. Williamson. Enlisted Aug., 1362, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Earl Egleston. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Onias J. Nellis. Enlisted Aug., 1362, in the UOth N. Y. Inf.; ro- 
enlisted in the 95th Vt. as lieut. 

J. Wilson Burt. F.nlisted Feb. 1.3, 1864, in the 119th N. Y. Inf.; 
died at Nashville, July 20, 1864. 

George Burless. Enlisted Jan. 15, 1864, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. ; 
died at Camp Stoncman in 1864. 

Decatur Russel. Enlisteil May 23, 1862. in the U7lh N. Y. Inf.; 
pro. to sergt.; died Nov. 28, 1863, at N. Y., of wounds. 

Sylvester Lorin. Enlisted Jan. 7, 1804, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. ; died 
Jan. 13, 1864, at Washington. 

Austin Burrows. Enlisted Aug. 15, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf.; 
died Aug., 1863, near New Orleans, from sickness. 

Albert Avery. Enlisted in 1863, in the 24th 11. Art.; died August, 
1864, at S.avage Station. 

Gilbert Devendorf. Enlisted in 1861, in the 24th N. Y. Inf.; killed 
Aug. 30, 1862. 

John Gillispie. Enlisted August, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Jerry Pero. Enlisted February, 1.S64, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Henry Dudley. Enlisted February, 1864, in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

Perry Case. Enlisted July, 1801, in the 1st N. Y. Cav.; re-enlistcd 
March, 1864; in Andersonvillc and Florence prisons ten months. 

Orrin Case. Enlisted Sept., 1862, in the 101st N. Y. Inf. ; re-enlisted 
in the lUth Regt. in 1864. 

Charles Case. Enlisted Sept., 1862, in the 21st Battery; sick and 
discharged ; died at Brcwerton while on his way home. 

Bardett Easton. Enlisted Sept., 1362, in the I47th N. Y. Inf. 

William Church. Enlisted Sept., 1364, in the 184th N. Y. Inf.; pro- 
moted 3d sergeant. 

Tyler Church. Enlisted Sept., 1804, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

John G. Smith. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 9th Art. 

Ashley Clapp. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Phillip Metzger. Enlisted Nov. 15, 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf. ; 
sergeant; transferred to 40th N. Y. 

Clinton Owens. Enlisted August, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Jonathan Babeock. Enlisted August, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Henry Davis. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 

Dc.vter Slosson. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 134th N. Y. Inf. 

George Hitt. Enlisted August, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Ovid Johnson. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf. 

John J. Craig. Enlisted .Sept., 1362, in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

William Shrailer. Enlisteil Sept., 1862, in the lS4th N. Y. Inf. 

Franklin Shraikr. Enlist:'.! Feb., 1804, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. 

Warner Kcnyon. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. 

Newell .Smith. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 21st N. Y. Cav.; pro- 
moted sergeant; died Oct. 13, 1864, at Norfolk, Va. 

James Wilson. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf.; 
wounded at Bull Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 

John Smith. Euliste.l Aug., 186'>, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. : kille.l at 
Port Hudson, June 14. 1363. 

Andrew Herrick. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 181th N. Y. Inf.; pro- 
moted corporal. 

Henry Runisey. Enl'd as cnpt., Sept., 1864. in the I8lth N. Y. Inf. 

Willis Aiken. Enlisted May. 1861. in the 24th N. Y. Inf. 

Albert Snow. Enl'd Sept., 1362, in the 149lh N. Y. Inf. ; wounded at 
Chancellorsville. May 4, 1363: clerk at Gen. Grant's headq'rs. 

Henry Came. Enlisted Sept., 1362, in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

Jerry 0. Marron. Enlisted Dec. 1363, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. 

Eli Root. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1364, in the 13lth N. Y. Inf. 

Charles Root. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1861, in the 184lh N. Y. Inf. 

Wm. Ktter. Enl'd Aug. 13, 1362, in the 122d N. Y. Inf.; twice w'd. 

Aaron Sanders. Enlisted Aug. 30, 1862. in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

Robert Beeby. Enlisted Feb., 1361. in the 149th N. Y. Inf. 

Geo. W. 'VVoodiu. Enl'd as eapl., Sept., 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf. ; 
ro-enlistod in the 184th, as 1st lieutenant, in 1864. 



3G6 



IILSTOKV OF OSWEUO COLMTl', MEW YOUK. 



rhns. K. (.'arillo. EnI'd aa rnpt., Fvb. 1 j. ISlil.in the 14iltb X. Y. Inf. 
Gfor>;e KiinchiT. Knli?U<(l ?*i'|>t., IJi'GI, in (be 2l»t Art. 
J. llorton Dcwcv. EulirtcU Auj;. 2U, 1SC2, in the lllUh N. Y. Inf. 
Ueurgo All. Enlitteil Sept., 18C2. in the U7th N. Y. Inf. 
JliiDiilton All. Kiilistcd Sqil., 181)2. in the 2l»t Art. 
(ieorge Cop. Enlistcil Sept. .i, 1.864, in the lH4th .N. Y. Inf. 
Charles Ilopkino. EulisteJ Auk. <>> 1^64, in ibc ItOth N. Y. Inf. 
Andrew lltinipbre;. Eulisleil An;;. 6, 18G4, in the IlOlb N. Y. Inf. 
Ale.\. Ilnnipbrcv. Enlistol Aug. B, 1804, in the llOih N. Y. Inf. 
Eilnaril W. Uuan. Enli.'ited Nov., 1801, in the 3a N. \'. Bat. 
Jacob Farringlon. Enlisted Sejit., 1864, in the 21iil Art. 
liarbrr Kenyon. Enlisted lu sergt., S«pl. 2U, 1861, in the 21x1 Art. ; 

promoted 2il lieut. Feb., 1863. 
Ilorarc Hurt. Enlisted Sept. I, 1804, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 
Nelson W. Dates. Enlisted as surgeon, .Ian. 17, 1S65, in the 110th 

N. Y. Inf. 
George S. MeAllistcr. Enlisted March, 186.1, in the 3d N. Y. Art. 
Dudley Winters. Enlisted teamster, Mar. 29, 1864, in the 149th N. Y', 

Inf. 
Lewis Kenney. EnI'd Sept. 5, 1862, in the 149lh N. Y. Inf.: prom. 

eorf)oraI at Fredericksburg. 
Samuel Wood. Enlisted Sept. 3, 1804, in the ISlth X. Y. Inf. 
.Tobn Mnnny. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 
Kobort Yincet. EnI'd Oct., ISe.l, in the 24th N. Y. Cav. ; wounded 

at Cold Harbor. 
Wni. Xiekerson. Enlisted Sept., 1S64, in the I84lb X. Y. Inf. 
Edward Xiikerson. Enlisted .Ian., 1863, in the 22il N. Y. Cav. 
Warren Harvey. Enlisted June 30. I86I, in the 24tb N. Y. Inf. 
Win. Kloek. Enlisted June 30, 1S62, in the I4'.>th N. Y. Inf. 
James Kellogg. Enlisted Feb., lSfi4, in the 24lhN. Y. Cav. 
John W. White. EnlM Sept. 1, 1864, in the ISIth X. Y. Inf. : inju'd. 
John F. While. EnlM Sept. 1, 1864, in the IS4th X. Y. Inf.; inju'd. 
Wm. Buckley. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 
Amos Root. EnI'd Sept., 1803, in the loth N. Y. Cav.; pro. corp. 
Adelbort Gibson. Enlisted Deo., 1863, in the 24th N. Y. Car. 
Robert Priest. Enlisted Dec., 1863, in the 24th X. Y. Cav. ; died 

Jan., 1807, at Coughdenoy. 
Win. Priest. Enlisted Sept., 1S«4, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 
Giles S. Bradley. Enlisted .Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. Inf. 
Arthur Chappolt. Enlisted Jan. 8, 1864, in the 184th N. \'. Inf.; 

pro. to Corp., then to sergt. 
Montgomery Fuller. EnI'd .S<'pt. 15, 1861, in the inlst X. Y'. Inf.; 

re-enlisted in the 40lh .V. Y., Aug., IS04. 
John Fidler. Enlisted Sept. 1, 1864, in the 184tb X. Y. Inf. 
Erie D. Ladd. Enlisted Aug. 10, 1862, in the I loth X. Y. Inf. 
John A. Perkins. Enlisteil Sept. 13, 1S6I. in the 101st N. Y. Inf. 
David Waterbury. Enlisted Sept.. 1S64, in the I.-<4lli N. Y. Inf.; re- 
enlisted in lOIst. 
Philip Waterbury. Enlisted Jan., 1864, in the 24lh N. Y. Cav. 
James Warn. Enlisted Feb., 1864, in the 24th X. Y. Cav. 
George Warn. Enlisted Feb., 1864. in the 24th X. Y. Cav.; re^'nl'd 

in 1861, in 24lh Cav. 
Robert Parker. Enlisted Sept., 1804, in the IS4tb X. Y. Inf. 
Nelson Damutt. Enlisted ."^cpt., 1861, in the I84lh .X. Y. Inf. 
Henry Dumutl. Enlisted Sept., 1S64, in the I84lb X. Y. Inf. 
Ira Woodward. I'liknown. 

Win. Tucker. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the Milth X. Y. Inf. 
Horates Bellows. Enlisted Sept. .'), 1864, in the 184th X. Y. Inf. 
Jacob Yunantwerp. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864, in the IMlh N. V. Inf. 
George Campbell. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864, in the 1811b X. Y. Inf. 
Orinan Eggleslon. Enlisted Aug., 1802, in the Iliitli .\. Y. Inf.: 

re-enlisled in 1864. 
Aaron Bellows. Enlisted Jan., 1804, in the 3d N. Y. .VrU 
Wm. Dean. Enlisted Jan., 1864, in the 21»t X, Y. Bat. 
Alvin Pierce. Enlisted Aug. », 1864, in the UOth N. Y. Inf.; di«d 

at Coughdenoy. 
Andrew Fargo. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y'. Inf. 
J. M. Barr. Enlisted Xov., 1801, in the 101st N. Y. lof. 
Andrew Stevens. Enlisted Deo. 18, 1863, in the 24th N. Y. Cav.: 

wounded before Ricliinond. 
Darius Chappell. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th X. Y'. Inf. 
Lucius Worth. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184lh X. Y. Inf. 
Sheroy Ladd. Enlisted Jan., I86:t, in the 24th X. Y. Cav. 
George Perfield. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the llUth X. Y'. Inf. 
James Perfield. Enlisted Feb., 1804, in the 24th N. Y'. Cav. 



Constence .Soulhworlh. Enlisteil Feb., 1804, in the 14fllh N. Y. Inf.; 

lust an arm. 
Jay Sulsbiiry. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the IlOth X. Y. Inf. 
Malc<ilui Graham. Enlisted in the navy. 
James Rice. Enlisted Sept.. 1861, in the lOIst N. Y. V. 
Edwin Graves. Enlisteil Aug., 1802, in the 110th N. Y. V. 
Edwin Wilson. Enlisted Aug.. 1.S62, in the llOlh X. Y. Y. 
George Kobinson. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. V. 
Joseph Ilushlow. Enlisteil .Sept., 1864, in the »3d X. Y. V. 
Jesse Rushluw. Eulistol Sept., 1864, in the 113d X. Y. V. 
Jonathan Town. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 184th N. Y'. V. 
Henry Johnson. Enlisteil Aug. 4, 1802. in the llflih X. Y. Y. : pro- 
moted corporal. 
Freeman .Morse. Enliste<l Sept., 1864, in the I84lh .N. Y. V. 
Lewis Wilson. Enlisted Sept.. 1801, in the lOlst N. Y. V., as sergt. 
Peter Cole. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 2Ub X. Y. Y, : re enlisted 

in 1.811th in 1864. 
George Miller. Enlisted Feb., 1804, in the Mllth X. Y. V. 
George Dunn. Enlisted June, 1802, in the llSih N. Y. V. 
Luke Tryon. Enlisted Sept.. 1861, in the 81st X. Y. V., as corp. 
John Hopkins. Enlisted Sept., 1802. in the 21st X. Y. Bat. 
Charles Hopkins. Enlisted Jan. .3, 180.'!, in the lOlh Kegt. : pro. 

Corp. 
George Anderson. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the 184th N. Y. V. 
Walter Humphry. Enlisted Sept., 1804, in the 184ih X. Y. V. 
Henry Keller. Enlisted 1861, in the 24lh X. Y'. Y. : re-enlisted in 

the llflth X. Y. 
Joseph Keller. Enlisted Aug., 1862. in the llOth X. Y. Y. 
James II. Wood. Enlisted Sept. I.'), 1862, in the lIlMh N. Y. V.. as 

1st lieul. 
Henry Becby. Enlisted -Aug.. I'^OI, in the :!d X. Y. Cav., as sergt.; 

roenlistcd in the 2'2il Cav. as 1st lieut. 
II. C. Devendorf. Enlisted .\ug., 1862, in the llnth N. Y. Y.,ascapt.j 

pro. major. 
Freeman Anderson. Enlisted Sept., 1804, in the 21st X. Y. Bat. 
James lloyt. Enlisted Aug., 1804, in the 184th X. Y. Y. 
Francis lloyt. Enlisted Aug.. 1864, in the IS4th X. Y. V. 
.Montgomery Perkins. Enlisted 1801, in the loist X. Y. Y. 
Joseph Howard. Enlisted Sept., l.'<fll, in the lOlst N. Y. Y., consoli- 
dated with the 37th X. O., then with the 40th N. Y. ; re-enlisted 

in the same in 1863. 
Myron Covill. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 101st N. Y. V. 
Hiram Covill. Enlisted Sept., 1861. in the Ifllsl X. Y. Y. 
Frank Covill. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the Irtlst X. Y. V. 
Wui. Dennis. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the lOlst N. Y. Y. 
Eneas H. Potter. Enlisted Sept.. 1861, in the lOlst X. Y. Y. : after 

the battle of Fredericksburg sickened, and died in hospital. 
Folger Graves. Enlisted Sept.. 1861, in the lOlst N. Y. V. 
Charley Mallner. Enlisted Sept., 1801, in the lOlst N. Y. Y.; pro. 

sergt. ; re-enlisled in the 40th. 
Luther Hayes, Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 101st X. Y. Y. 
George Hull. Enlisted in 1801, in the lOlst N. Y. Y. 
Charles Hall. Enlisted in 1861, in the lOlst X. Y. V. 
Augustus Cunningham. Enlisted in 1801, in the 101st X. Y. Y. 
Harvey Trails. Kulisted in 1861, in the 24th X. Y. V. 
Edward Myers. Kulisted in 1801, in the 24lh X. Y. Y. ; re-cnlisto<i. 
.\rmon Xorlhway. EnI'd in 1801, in the lOlst X. Y. Y. ; was shot. 
Orange lloyt. Enlisted in 1864, in the 184th X. Y. V.; trans. 23d 

N. Y. Art. 
John Carver. Enlisted in 1802, in the 2l8t X. Y. Bat. 
Avery Tinker. Enlisted in 1802. in the llOih X. Y. Y. 
Lorenzo Cable. Enlisted in 1804. in the lOlli X. Y. Heavy ,\rt. 
John Houck. Enlisted in 18112. in the 12th X. Y. Y. 
Oliver .Miinscl. Enlisted in 1862, in the llOth X. Y. Y. 
Hnlbert Morehouse. Enlisted in 1802, in the 110th X. Y'. Y. ; died, 

1870, at Brewerton, 
John W. Walnith. Enlisted in 1801. in the 24th X. Y. Y. ; wounded 

in the arm. 
Porter Warn. Enlisted in 1864, in the 24lh X. Y. Cav. 
Corrin Ladd. Enlisted in 1802. in the llth X. Y. Inf. 
Leroy Ladd. Enlisted in 1862, in the llOtb X. Y. Inf. 
Urbane Ladd. Enlisted in 1801. in the lOlst N. T. Inf. 
Dr. Win. H. Rice. Enlisted in 1802, in the I84lh X. Y. Inf. 
Benjamin C. Barnes. Enlisted in 1802, in the llOth X. Y. Inf. 
Harvey Gregory. Enlisted in 1804, in the l;'4th X. Y. Inf. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



367 



Robert Vincent. Enlisteii in S^pt,, 1862. in the U9th N. Y. Inf.; 

died Miiy, lHC3y at Falmouth; buried sit Hrewerton. 
Moses Potter. Enlisted Dec. 2.3, 1S63, in the 21st Art.; a prisoner 

eight months; died at Hastings. 
Andrew J. Bowers. Enlisted Sept. 15, 1801, in the 101st N. Y. Inf., 

as sergt. : died Sept., lSt>2, at Chantilly battle-field. 
Alver Fanohir. Enlisted Aug. 11, lSfi2, in the 101st N. Y. V. ; died 

Dec. 2.1, 1S62, at Fortress Monroe. 
Gilbert Deveudorf. Enlisted in 1861, iu the 21th N. Y. ; wounded; 

missing. 
Alfred Parmenter. Enlisted August 7, 1862, in the UOth N. Y. Inf. ; 

died March II), 1801, at Tortugas. 
Stephen Young. Enlisted Aug., 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. ; died 

Oct. 30, 1863, at Baton Rouge. 
Joseph Chrisman. Enlisted Nov. 1861, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. ; died 

June 3, 1863, New Orleans. 
Martin Flowers. Enl'd Sept. la, 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf.; pro. 

to Corp. : died Sept. 22, 1862, at Douglas. 
Alexander Rushlow. Enlisted Feb. 12,1861, in the UOth N. Y. Inf.; 

died April 2, 1861, at Elmira. 
Ezra Hall. Enlisted 1861, in the 149th N. Y. Inf.; died June 8, 

1865, at Savannah. 



Robert Shepherd. Enlisted August, 1862, in the llOth N. Y. Inf.; 

died Oct. l.i, 1863, at New Liberia. 
Edgar Waterbury. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the lOlstN. Y. Inf.; died 

August, 1862, at Harrison's Landing. 
Edwin Waterbury. Enlisted August, 1862, in (he 110th N. Y. Inf.; 

died July, 1863, at New Orleans. 
Mengo Ottman. Enlisted August, 1862, in the 110th N. Y. Inf. ; died 

March, 1863, at New Orleans. 
Isaac Waterbury. Enlisted Sept., 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf. ; cliud 

at Hastings, June, 1S62. 
Henry Ladd. Enlisted August, 1861, in the 101st N. Y. Inf.; died 

at Harrison's Landing, August, 1862. 
Lemuel Ladd. Enlisted May, 1861, in the 21th N. Y. Inf.; died at 

1st Bull Run. 
Hiram Lincoln. Enlisted Sept., 1S61, in the ISlih N. Y. Inf., as ord. 

sergt. ; died on his way home. 
Irvin Carl. Enlisted Sept., 1864, in the ISlth N. Y. Inf. ; hospital 

steward; died on his way home. 
George Hoyt, Enlisted August, 1862, in the llOtb N. Y. Inf.; died 

in Louisiana. 
Henry Hopkins. Enlisted 1861, in the 21 .st N. Y. Battery; died in 

Louisian,a. 



Xte^ 



WEST MONROE. 



West Monroe was formed from Constantia March 21, 
1839. It is situated upon the north shore of Oneida lake, 
southeast of the centre of the county. The southern por- 
tion of the town is (with the exception of a small tract 
upon the bank of the lake) a wild, swampy region, wholly 
unfit for cultivation. One of these marshes covers a sur- 
face of upwards of one thousand acres, a considerable por- 
tion of which produces cranberries. The northern part of 
the town is wild, broken, and stony, and is but thinly settled. 

The principal building stone is the red, or Medina, sand- 
stone, which crops out along the valleys. An iron ore has 
been discovered in the northern part of the town, and it is 
said th:it traces of lead and silver have also been found. 
The soil is a sandy loam, which sometimes produces good 
crops of wheat and corn, but is better adapted to grazing. 

Until the past few years there were two post-offices 
within the town. That at Union Settlement hiis been dis- 
continued, and the only one remaining is at West Monroe 
station, on the New York and Oswego Midland railroad, 
south of the centre of the town. The principal business 
of the inhabitants is that of lumbering. 

The first settlement was made in 1306, by Martin Owens, 
Abel Ames, Josi^ph B. Ames, Ebenezer Loomis, and Syl- 
vanus Allen. Martin Owens came from Fabius, Onondaga 
county, and located upon the farms now occupied by Mrs. 
Oyer and Mr. Julius Beardsley. Mr. Owens remained an 
inhabitant of West Monroe until the year 1847, when he 
moved to the State of Wisconsin, where he died a few years 
later. Abel Ames settled upon the farm owned at present 
by Mr. John Slocomb. He died in the town in the year 
1844, leaving four sons, one of whom is still living. Joseph 
B. Ames w;is without a family; he lived with his brother 
Abel for a number of years. 

Ebenezer Loomis locat<id upon the farm now occupied by 



Hir im Rea. He lived upon the old place until 1830, when 
he moved to Cicero, Onondaga county, where he died. Syl- 
vanus Allen was a native of Shelburne, Massachusetts. He 
took up the land now occupied by Mr. George Campbell, 
and built a rude log house, which he afterwards replaced by 
a frame building. He lived upon this place until the year 
1841, when he moved to the town of Lysander, Onondaga 
county. He returned to West Monroe in 18;')4, and died 
at the residence of his son, in 1865. Mr. Allen had, at 
the time of his death, been married sixty years, his family 
consisting of his wife and nine children. His death was 
the first in the family, and the death of his wife, in 1871, 
was the second. The children are all living, with the 
exception of a son, who died in 1873. 

Deacon Smith came into the town from Massachusetts 
in 1808, and located upon the line between Hastings and 
West Monroe. He came for the purpose of carrying on 
the lumbering business, and during the year he not only 
completed his house, but commenced the construction of the 
first saw-mill within the town, which was completed and in 
operation the year following. Hiram Nickinson came into 
the town from Massachusetts in 1810, and located upon lot 
75 of this township. During that year also a company of 
fishermen from Cape Cod, having 4ieard of the rcmark;ible 
number of salmon that were taken aiinu;ii!y in Oneida hike, 
came to West Monroe with their families. Some of this 
company were Enoch Nickinson, Captain Walker, and the 
five sons of the latter. They brought their nets, and en- 
deavored for a time to gain a livelihood by catching salmon 
for the city markets. This, however, soon became unprofit- 
able, and the few of the company who remained in town 
located near the shore of the lake, and turned their atten- 
tion to firming. 

During the year 1810 a log .school-house was erected upon 



368 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



llio main road, alxiiit a mile west of ttie present ]iost-office. 
Tlie first Bchoiil tauj:lit in the town was in tiiis building 
during the fall and winter following. In the year 1811, 
JVacon Smith erected a frame building, which he kejit as a 
hotel (the first in town) through the war of 1812. 

During the years that followed, hut few settlers came 
into this locality. Those who had done so spent their time 
in making improvements, lload.s were opened through the 
Woods to various points. Every year found more acres 
under cultivation. The rude log cabins, which had been 
ha.stily constructed during the first years of settlement, were 
replaced by comfortable frame houses. 

In the year 1820 an unusually large numljer of settlers 
came into the town. Among them were Samuel Atherton, 
Aaron Raymond, John I'iercc, Samuel P. Raker, John 
Wil.son, Joseph Stall, Kleazer Slocum, Isaac Simmons, 
James Simmons, Silas Penoyer, KiswcU Gates, James Pen- 
over, atid AuLxsa Davis. Most of this company located in 
the ciLStcrn part of the town, at what is now known as 
Union Settlement. Mr. Aaron Raymond, during the year 
following, erected a .saw-mill at this ]ilace. This was the 
first mill built east of the centre of the town. 

AImiuI tliis time Mr. George Phillips located upon the 
lake, on the west side of the road leading to the harbor. 
The year following Mr. Linus Walker settled upon the west 
half of the lot taken up by Mr. Phillips. 

Mr. Walker was unfortunately subject at intervals to 
attacks of insanity, during the continuance of which he is 
Kiiid to have performed wonderful feats in skating uptm the 
ice. One day, early in the winter of 1829, he took down 
his skates and informed his family that he intended to skate 
across Oueida lake. As the lake was as yet but partially 
frozen over, his family and neighbors used every means in 
their power to prevent his venturing upon the ice. En- 
dowed, as it seemed, with almost superlniiMaii strength, he 
succeeded in efiecting his escape, and, with a wild laugh of 
derision, glided out over the treacherous covering of the 
lake. His friends, who had gathered upon the bank, could 
hear the ice crack beneath his weight, and used every 
endeavor to persuade him to return. Heedless of their 
entreaties, he continued his course. AVhen last seen alive 
he was gliding swiftly past Frenchman's island, still steering 
directly towiirds the open water in the centre of the lake. 
Then his form vanished from view in the distance, and for 
many mouths no tidings were heard of the unfortunate 
.skater. In the following June all doubts as to his fate, 
however faint, were set at rest by the finding of his body 
on the south shore of the lake. It is a noticeable iiict that 
out of the five children left by Mr. Walker, two sons were 
afterwards accidentally drowned in the same water where 
their father had met his doom. 

In the year ISIJt the first store in West Monroe was 
built by Mr. Charles P. Jewell. The building is still 
standing, though it has for several years been used as a 
dwelling. From this time .settlement was carried on more 
rapiiUy, and the town in 184(1 contained nine hundred and 
eighteen inhabitants. A school had al this time been 
opened at Union Settlement. Although there were no 
church buildings or organized religious societies within the 
town, services were occasionally held in private buildings. 



In the year 1844 a fK>,«t-ofliec was established at T^nion 
Settlement. Mr. Silas Penoyer was appninted the first post- 
master, and retained the office during the sixteen years of 
its continuance. In 1840 the first church was built by the 
Presbyterians. It w:ls dedicated August 22, 184i(. Mr. 
Samuel Jjconard supplied the pnlpit for a number of years. 

During the next few ^-ears several mills were erected 
within the town, anil lumbering was extensively carried on. 

When the Relx-llion broke out West Monroe did her full 
share in furnishing men and means to suj)press it, and the 
feeling of the jieople is .shown by the resolutions which 
were passed at a special town-meeting held on the (itli day 
of September, 18C2. This, it will be remembered, was 
before any draft was ordered, and the bounty then provided 
for was oflFered merely out of a patriotic desire to furnish 
the due proportion of the town as speedily as possible. The 
resolutions were as follows : 

" H7if;/(i.<, It is the duty of the public and of loyal citi- 
zens to aflford every aid within their |K>\ver to sustain the 
general government in this her hour of peril ; to furnish 
our jiroportion of men and means to subdue an accursed 
rebellion which threatens to overthrow civil and religious 
liberty in our beloved country ; 

" A'(*j/ir</. That We will pay to each and every volunteer, 
until our full (juota for .said regiment .shall have been raised, 
the sum of twenty dollars ; provided, that the sum of said 
bounties shall not exceed five hundred dollars ; to be paid 
upon the uiusteriug in of each and every such volunU-er. 

" Reso/vfJ, That we, as citizens of this town, will aid 
our government in every respect to the extent of our ability 
in jiutting down this causeless rebellion, now rampant and 
raging in our land ; that we will not cease our effurts until 
traitors receive their just reward ; until peace is again pro- 
claimed ; until the government is fully restored and is in 
possession of all its legitimate rights and Cranchi.-'es in each 
and every State of this Union, and the tribute thereunto 
belonging." 

These were no idle words; they were carried out in 
deeds by the soldiers of We.st Mcpnroe in the field, many of 
whom laid down their lives liir their country upon the soil 
of the rebellious south. 

The most important event since the close of the war wiis 
the building of the New York and Oswego Midland rail- 
road, which was put in operation thrviugh the town in Oc- 
tober, 18G!>. The village of West Monroe Wame a station 
on the road. 

We must not omit, however, to mention the first grist- 
mill in town, which consisted of a single run of stone, set 
in operation by Jlr. Alvin Raymond in the year 1875, for 
the purpose of grinding corn. It must not, however, be 
inferred that no grain was previously raised in West Mon- 
roe, but the town is narrow, and there are mills within easy 

reach on each side. 

TOWN OFFICERS. 

The first town-meeting was held on the 7th day of May, 
1839, at the lii>use of James D. Spencer. 

The following is a list of the officers elected at that time: 
Supervisor, Ru.s.sel King; Assessors, Marcus I'atterson, 
Benjamin Spencer, Eleazer Slocum; Commissioners of High- 
ways, Horace Spencer, Azor Hoyt, Georjje GctD)uu ; Over- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



369 



seers of the Poor, Edward Dundin, Abram Buskin ; Com- 
missioners of Schools, George C. Hoyt, Peter Phillips, 
Henry Stall ; Inspectors of Common Schools, Lucius Pat- 
terson, Benjamin G. Lewis, Joseph Shaw; Collector, Hiram 
Flining ; Constables, Hiram Flining, Solomon Ouer, David 
Baird, Abraham Merchant, Joel Merchant ; Justices, Joel 
Merchant, Willet Miller ; Surveyor, Augustus G. Jewell. 

The following is the succession of supervisors: 18.39- 
40, Russel Kingston; in 1841-42, Philip Rea; 1843-44, 
Marcus Patterson; 1845-46, Philip Rea; 1847, Eleazer 
Slocum; 1848, Philip Rice; 1849, Avery Williams ; 1850- 
51, Marcus Patterson; 1852-53, John F. Slocum ; 1854, 
Henry J.Jewell; 1855-56, Henry A.Baker; 1857-58, 
John F. Slocum ; 1859, Levi Stow, Jr. ; 1860, J. F. Slo- 
cum ; 1861, James A. Baker; 1862-63, Lucius L. Strick- 
land ; 1864-65, John F. Slocum ; 1866-67, Merritt Bur- 
gess ; 1868-72, John F. Slocum; 1873, John A. Webb; 
1874, John F. Slocum; 1875, John A. Webb; 1876, J. 
W. Phillips; 1877, Merritt Burgess. 

Town Clerks. — In 1839— 40. there is no record of the 
election of a clerk. In 1841-42, Samuel Atherton was 
chosen; in 1843-45, William Hurlbert ; 1846, Avery 
Williams; 1847, Henry J. Jewell ; 1848, Avery Williams; 
1849, William Hurlbert; 1850-51, John F. Slocum; 
1852-53, Abram Moyer ; 1854, Joel Merchant; 1855, 
Abram Moyer; 1856, E. Slocum; 1857-60, James A. 
Baker ; 1861-63, Henry E. Miller ; 1864, John W. Sperry ; 
1865, Henry A. Baker; 1866, A. C. Ingersoll ; 1867-69, 
Daniel L. Sweet; 1870, Henry Sweet; 1871, Daniel L. 
Sweet; 1872, Charles B. Smart; 1873, 0. F. B. Drusdin ; 
1874, Wm. Ostrum; 1875, Wm. Rea; 1876-77, Charles 
Notgrass. 

The following is a list of the present officiTS of the town : 
Supervisor, Merritt Burgess; Town Clerk, C. H. Notgrass; 
Justices of the Peace, J. 0. Shelton, J. E. Sperry, Adam 
Farr; Highway Commissioner, C. W. Pettit; Assessors, 
Henry Greenslit, Charles Smith, W. N. Burgin ; Overseer 
of the Poor, James Hooker ; Collector, Charles Jewell ; 
Inspectors of Election, F. B. Ingersoll, Silas H. Green, 
Heury Carter ; Town Auditors, Solomon Gurver, Henry 
R. Hcndiix, Ephraim Fuller; Constables, Joseph Reyo, 
Merrit Raymond, Peter Coleman, Fluvus Rice; Game Con- 
stable, John Judge ; Commissioners of Excise, Adam 
Moyer, Merritt Burgess, George Aletzhurer. 

The population of West Monroe at various periods has 
been as follows: In 1840, 918; in 1850, 1197 ; in 1860, 
1416; in 1870, 1304; in 1875, 1321. 

The strength of political parties at four successive presi- 
dential elections was thus manifested by the respective can- 
vasses: In 1860, Republican 159, Democratic 111; in 
1864, Republican 115, Democratic 134; in 1868, Repub- 
lican 128, Democratic 136; 1872, Republican 124, Demo- 
cratic 129. 



MILITARY RECORD OF WEST MONROE. 



Frederick .'Mlciiiiiiin. Knli:jtc<l Jan. 27, lSfi4: tranHfL-rreil to the 

IS'Jth TXvft. 
RuSBcl M. Ames. Enlisted in the 1 1'Jlli Ke^'t.. Fel). 2.:p, 1S05; died 

in hospital at Louisville, Ky., Jan. 1-1, 1S65. 



Peter Bowman. Enlisted in the li7th Rcgt., Sept. 23, 1862 ; pro- 
moted to Corp. ; trans, to the 37th R. I. Cav. ; was thirty-three 
months in the service ; dis. at Staunton, Va., upon the hospital 
surgeon's certificate. 
Eugene Brown. Enlisted in Bat. K, 1st L. Art., Feb. 26, 1864. 
Ira B. Bryant. Enlisted in the 184th Ucgt., .Sept. 3, 1861; pro. to 

Bcrgt. 
Miles Bryant. Enlisted in the lS4th Regt., Sept. 3, 1864. 
Warren A. Burgess. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Sejit. 6.1862: pro. 
to Corp.; dis. after five months' service on account of wound re- 
ceived in action. 
Edwin N. Burger. Enlisted in the 21st Regt., Sept. 21, 1864. 
Ansou Bu.skin. Enlisted at Syracuse. 

Hector J. Butler. Enlisted in the 1 i'.Hh Regt., Feb. 19, 1864; trans- 
ferred to the I62d Rcgt. 
George \V. Caldwell. Enlisted in the llltth Regt., March 1,1864; 

killed in battle near New Hope church, May 26, 1S64. 
Henry N. Caldwell. Enlisted in the 8th Mich. Regt., April 16, 1862 ; 
pro. to Corp.; dis. on account of wound, after twenty-six months 
in the service. 
James G. Caldwell. Enlisted in the 20th Cav., Sept. 13, 1863; died 

at Portsmouth hospital, Va., Oct. 31, 1864. 
Jas. S. Countreman. Enl'd in the 149th Regt., Feb. 1, 186.5; died 

in the service; place of death unknown. 
Charles Dcvcndorf. Enlisted in the ISSth Regt., Sept. 14, 1864; 
pro. to 1st scrgt. ; wounded in the left wrist by gun-shot ; dis. 
upon expiration of his term of enlistment. 
Leroy A. Emmons. Enlisted in the 22d Cav., Dec. 24, 1863. 
Warren C. Emmons. Enlisted in the 184th Regt., Sept. 5, 1864 ; pro. 

to Corp.: died at Harrison's Landing, \'a., Jan. 30, 1865. 
Adolph J. Fix. Enlisted in the lltlth Regt., Sept. 18, 1862; pro. to 

1st sergt. ; wounded in the side by a musket-ball. 
William T. Graves. Enlisted in the 100th Regt., Jan. 2], 1862; dis- 
charged on account of gun-shot wound in the forehead. 
Henry P. Greene. Enlisted Sept. 27, 1862, in the 147th Regt. : died 

in the hospital at Washington, D. C, July 3, 1864. 
George Greyson. Enlisted in the UOth Regt., Aug. 25, 1862; pro- 
moted to sergeant. 
Lewis P. Gillen. Unlisted in the 189th Regt., Sept. 8, 1864; dis- 
charged after nine months' service. 
William Haight. Enlisted in the U7th Regt., Sept. 5, 1862; died 

at Belle Plain, Va., Feb. 17, 1863. 
Andrew Henn. Enlisted in the 3d L. Art., Feb. 8, 1864. 
John Ilenn. Enlisted in the 3d L. Art., Jan. 26, 1864. 
Ephraim B. Hiliday. Enlisted in the 47th Regt., Feb. 15, 186.5. 
John Hiliday. Enlisted in the 24th Cav., Dec. 1, 1864; wounded in 

the left side by gun-shot. 
Reubin Hiliday. Enlisted in the 24th Cav., Dec. 1, 1863; wounded 
in the thigh by gun-shot. 

William T. Hiliday. Enlisted Dec. 4, 1861. 
George H. Holmes. Enlisted in the UOth Rcgt., Feb. 24, 1864. 
James Holmes. Enlisted in the 147th Rcgt., Aug. 31, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to Corp. 
Xavier Hourderlet. Enlisted in the 1st Art., Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. 

February 1, 1864. 
Franklin B. Hoyt. Enlisted in the 24th Regt., Jan. 2, 1863; pro. to 

Corp. ; trans, to the 26th Bat. 
Dennis Hess. Enlisted in the 1st Lt. Art., Sept. 16, 1861; rc-enl'd 

Dec. 25, 1863 ; wounded in arm and leg. 
Adelbert P. Ingason. Enlisted in the 184th Regt., Sept. 3, 1864, as 

a musician. 
Frederick Jeandrot. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Feb. 15, 1865. 
Frank Jeandrot. Enl'd in the 101st Regt., Oct. 11, 1862 ; died of sick- 
ness originating in the army. May 30, 1863. 
Henry Johnson. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., Sept. 1, 1862; died at 
Annapolis hospital, December 20, 1S61, of starvation while a 
prisoner. 
James Johnson. Enlisted in the 147th Regt., August 31, 1862; died 

at Belle Plain Landing, Va., Jan. 10, 1863. 
Nelson Johnson. Enl'd in the 184th Regt., Sept. 1, 1864. 
JobLangHorlhy. Enlisted in the I84lh Kegt., Sept. 1 5, 1,864 ; disch. 

upon expiration of term of enlistment. 
Santnrd Langworthy. Enlisted in the 4th Ver't Kegt., Jan. 1. 1864. 
Edmund Lord. Enlisted in the 149th Kegt., Jan. 1, 1.864; died at 
Savannah hospital, March, 1805. 



370 



niSTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John I.onl. Enliftcil in Bat. F. Art., Deo. 9, IA62: died at St. An- 

gii9lino, Fl»., Oct. 20, 1S64. 
Wellon Lord. Enl'd in the IlOlh Kegt.. Dec. 9, 1S62. 
Lnwrenre Lynch. Knli^teil in the lS5lii Regt., .Sept. 1, 1864. 
Daniel MarliK. Enlii'led in the I84th Kegt., Aug. S, 1804. 
Charles Manwarron. Enl'd .lune 111, 1804; died of accidental w'ds. 
Abraham W. Malhevrs. Knlixtcd in the Ixt Art., .Sept. IG. 1861 ; 

died at We!*t Monro*-, April 5, 186.'J, of fickne^s caui^ed in the 

pcrvice. 
Charles C. Mathews. .Must, in the 184th Rcgt., Sept. 9, 1862. as 2d 

licut. ; pro. to Istlieut.; dis. upon surgeon's cert, of sickness. 
La Fayi'tto Mead. Enl'd in the 186lh Regt., Sept. IJ, IS64 ; dis. 

up(>n the expiration of his term of enlistment. 
Wm. II. .Merchant. Enlisted in the 2d Bai., Oct. 28, 1863; died at 

Atlanta hospital, Sept. .1, '64, of sickness acfjuired in the service. 
James Megneny. Enlisted in the 10th Kogl., Aug. 2:i, 1804. 
Adoin Miller. Enlisted in the QTth Kegt., Aug. 2, 1861 ; discharged 

upon the surgeon's certificate of sickness. 
James K. 1'. Miller. Enlisted in the 147tb Kegt., Aug. 21, 1S62; died 

at Belle Plain, Va., April 1, 1863. 
William A. .Miller. Enlisted in the 44tb Kegt., Aug. 7, 18GI ; died 

at .Malvern Hill, Va., July 1, 1803. 
(Icorge Morgan. Enlisted in the 24tli Cav., January 4, 1864. 
Thomas W. .Morrison. Enlisted in the 2d II. Art., Dec. 19, 1863; 

died ut City Point, Va., June 26, 1864, of sickness acquired in 

the service. 
Alphcus N. Narcott. Enlisted in the 184th Rcgt., Sept. 3, 1864. 
Henry J. Nntkins. Enlisted in the 13th Rcgt., Oct. 4, 1861. 
John A. Nihil. Enlisted in the 184lh Regt., Sept. 15, 1864. 
Martin I'. IMiillips. Enlisted in a Syracuse regiment, .Vug. I, 1861; 

dischargcfl upon the surgeon's certificate of sickness, after six- 
teen months in the service. 



Daniel Pierce. Enlisted in the 1841b Regt, Sept. 5, 18S4. 

Joseph Piggy. Enlisted in the 16th Kegt., January 15, 1863; died 

at Wilson's Lnn<ling. July 18, 1863. 
Constant Rice. Enlisted in the 1 10th Rcgt., Aug. 12, 1862; died at 

New Orleans, Aug. I, IK«3. 
George N. Rice. Enlisted in the 184th Regt , Sept. 5, 1864. 
(icorge H. Riina. Enlisted in the 21th Cav., Jan. 23, 1864; died at 

Washington, D. C. July .'{, 1861, of wounds received in battle. 
Solomon F. Kcina. Enl'd in the 1 19th Kegt.. Aug. 23, 1862; trans. 

to the 37th Cav. ; dis. upon certificate of surgeon. 
Amos K. Rose. Enlisted in the 184th Kegt., Sept. 16, 1864. 
D.inicI M. Kose. Enlisted in the 2d .\rt., June 27, 1864; wounded 

in the foot. 
.Myron Kossell. Enlisted in a Syracuse Rcgt., Sept. 1, 1863. 
John R. Simpson. Enlisted in the llOth Regl., Aug. 12, 1862; died 

at Friinklin Cily, La., Jan. 26, 1864. 
George Smith. Enlisted in the 18lih Regt., Sept. 1,1861; trans- 
ferred to the 37th Kegt. 
Manis Sne.ider. Enlisted at .Syracuse, Jan. 26, 1863. 
Benjamin Tabor. Enlisted in the 1st Cav., ScpL I, 1864; truns. to 

llllh Kegt.; died at Salisbury, N. C, Nor. 14, 1864, while > 

prisoner of war. 
Oliver P. Tabor. Enlisted in the 14lh Kegt., August 13, 1861 ; discb. 

upon the expiration of his term of enlistment. 
Adelberl Taylor. Enlisted in Ibo 22d Cav., Dec. 19, 1863. 
Abraham Trimo. Enlisted in the 184th Kegt., Sept. 9, 1864. 
Levi Volley. Enlisted in a Wisconsin Regt., Sept. 5, 1864. 
James Warnes. Enlisted in the 8l8t Regt., Dee. 10. 1861; died at 

Fair Oaks, Va.. of wounds received in battle. 
B. N. Watson. Enlisteil in the 13th U. Art., February, 1864; pro. 

to corporal. 
Wm. York. Enlisted in the 1st Regt., Feb. 27, 1864. 



BOYLSTON. 



It was not until tlic .'^prinj; of 1812 that the forests of 
Bojlston rung with tlie wnodiuan's axe, it being llie last 
town in the county to be settled, except Albion, which was 
ofciijiii'd the same year. The first pioneers of Boylston 
were Joliii Wart, of Cherry valley, and Michael Sweetnian, 
of Montgomery county, who, unknown to each other, both 
came, by the inevitable ox-sled conveyance of that era, 
about the same time. Mr. Wart, however, arrived two 
days the earliest, and was consequently the very first settler 
of Hoylston. Though he was already a married man, he is 
still living, and remembers well the events of that period, 
and it is from his lijis that we have received a large part of 
the early history of the town. 

Wart and Swectinan both located in the nurtliwestern 
part of the present towti of IJoylstoii, wiiich w;is then a part 
of Itichlaiid. It was more particularly designated a.s sur- 
vey-township No. 6, of the Boylston tract, and on the sur- 
vey maps it was also Killed Campania. Mr. Sweetmaii 
liuilt his cabin close by the site of the present residence of 
William Wart, and Mr. Wart established himself half a 
mile farther east. U]i into Lorraine it wius two miles to 
jinother hou.se, and a like distaiKo west into Ellisburg. To i 
the sciutliwjird nearly ten miles of forest frowned between 
the two hardy j)ioneers and the settlements of Orwell, while 
on the east tlie oaks and hemlocks stretched in an unbroken 
uiass to tlie distant valley of Black river. I 



The war of 1812 broke nut immediately after the arrival 
of the piiincers, immigration ceiused, and for two years the 
two families remained alone in the wilderness, with the ex- 
ception of a man named (Jordon, who lived a part of the 
time in the vicinity. Mr. Wart's oldest son, — Alonzo, — 
born on the 12th of December, 1812, was the first child 
born in town, and as lie only survived until February, 1814, 
he bad al.so the unfortunate celebrity of being the earliest 
victim of death. 

Mr. Wart and Mr. Sweeltnan both hastened down to 
Ellis village at the time of the capture of the British force 
near there, as related in the general history, and both turned 
out in arms for the defense of Sackett's Harbor; so it can 
be truly .said that the whole adult male population of Boyls- 
ton served as .xoldiers in the war of 1812. In 1814 one 
more citizen was added, by the name of Rhodes Streeter. 

In 1815 there was a heavy immigration, consisting of 
four families: those of Peter AVells, Martin Lillie, John F. 
Dean, and Asa B. Copeland. Tlie.se .settled near where 
Boylston church ( Methodist Protestant) now stands. Of 
all their members Mrs. Lillie is the sole survivor now in 
Boylstiin ; she lives close to the .•^pot where she came with 
her youtig husbaiul over sixty-two years ago, and near the 
stream the waters of which flowed over their ox-sled as they 
nnide their way lo their homi; in the wilderness. Morris 
Warl, a young brother of John, came in 1816, living with 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



371 



him a while, and then locating in the same neighborhood. 
He, too, has fcurvived till 1877 the perils and toils of pio- 
neer and farmer life. 

In most of the towns we have not given the names of 
early settlers subsequent to the war of 1812, but Boylston 
was settled so late that the pioneer era extended far past 
that time. Among those who located in town from 1816 
to 1822 were Andrew Bortles, George HufTstater, Joseph 
Shoecraft, Matthew Shoecraft, Peter Barga, Jacob Wied- 
rich, Peter Huffstater, Jesse Blue, and Jacob, Reuben, 
Henry, Jonathan, and Abram Snyder. It is easy to see 
fiom their names that they were of German descent, and 
they were mostly substantial farmers from the valley of the 
Mohawk. Those first named settled near the site of the 
Methodist Protestant church, and thence southward. The 
Snyrlers were still farther south towards Orwell. Elisha 
Stevens also settled in the Snyder neighborhood as early as 
1822. 

As soon as 1817 the half-dozen families then in town 
determined to have a school-house. They built a log one, 
and covered it with bark, near the site of the church before 
referred to. Teachers were then paid principally by the 
parents of the pupils. There were not enough of these to 
support a teacher, but the unmarried men of the settlement 
agreed to contribute for the families they ought to have 
had, and thus a sufficient amount was raised to hire Polly 
Allport to teach the first school in Boylston. 

In that year, also, township No. 6, which had previously 
been a part of Richland, was set off into Orwell on the for- 
mation of that town. Mr. Wart was appointed one of the 
justices of Orwell the same year, being the first who held 
that office in the present town of Boylston. As such he 
married the first couple wedded in town, viz., Jonathan 
Snyder and a Miss Stevens. There had previously, however, 
been a Boylston couple (Samuel Wells and Betsey Gordon) 
united in the silken bonds of matrimony, but they went 
east to have the knot tied. 

In 1822, Reuben Snyder built the first saw-mill in 
Boylston. It was on Sandy creek, near the west line of 
the town. 

By 1824 there was a fringe of settlement all along the 
west side, but the central and eastern portions of the towp 
were still a dense forest, where the bear and the deer roamed 
at will, frequently visiting the neighborhood of the settlers' 
cabins. Our venerable friend, Mr. Wart, recounts how, 
when out in the woods, one day, with a dog but witliout a 
gun, he came on the track of a big buck. Following it up 
in the deep snow, he soon brought the animal to bay. The 
dog ran back to the protection of his master. The latter 
struck the buck over the head with a stick, which broke 
with the blow. Wart sprang upon the deer and attempted 
to hold him down in the snow, while calling to John F. 
Dean, who was near, to come and cut the animal's throat. 

But the buck reached up a hind leg and struck Wart on 
the head, cutting him to the bone and knocking him sev- 
eral feet away. The deer made a few bounds, but soon 
stuck fast in the snow again. With the blood streaming 
over his face from his wound, the mark of wiiioh he still 
carries. Wart sprang astride his wearied opponent and held 
him until Dean came and cut his thioat. 



But the most noticeable event in the hunting line of 
which the veteran pioneer has to tell occurred when, in one 
of those early summers, the labors of the hay-field were 
diversified by the slaughter of three bears in a single after- 
noon. A man drove them into trees near where Mr. Wart 
was at work. A little crowd quickly gathered. Two of 
the animals were speedily shot from the trees in which they 
had taken refuge. The third, ensconced in the thick bushes, 
evaded the marksman's bullet ; so the tree was felled, and 
the poor fellow was pounded and dogged to death as soon 
as he struck the ground. 

Notwithstanding the primitive nature of the country, the 
people thought they could afford a new town. Accordingly, 
on application to the legislature that body passed an act on 
the 7th of February, 1828, forming the town of Boylston 
with the same boundaries as the old survey-township No. 6, 
otherwise called Campania. The following were the first 
officers elected : 

Supervisor, John Wart; Town Clerk, Jcseph Shoecraft; 
Assessors, Jesse Colman, Matthew Shoecraft, Barnabas 
Porter ; Commissioners of Highways, Daniel Chase, Peter 
Wells, Zaben Cole ; Overseers of the Poor, Thomas Dutcher, 
Martin Lillie ; Collector, Henry D. Pruyn ; Constables, Henry 
D. Pruyn, Philip A. Bortles ; Commissioners of Common 
Schools, John Wart, John Dunbar, Jr., Reuben Snyder ; 
Inspectors of Common Schools, Miller R. Larmouth, Peter 
Wells, Philip A. Bortles. 

It will be seen that it was somewhat difficult to fill up the 
official list, as not less than four of the worthy citizens 
were required to occupy two offices each. Even after the 
formation of the new town settlers frequently fastened a bag 
of grain to the yoke of their cattle and carried it to Sandy 
Creek to mill, and sometimes, in low water, nearly to Adams, 
Jefferson county. About 1830 a small grist-mill was built 
in Boylston, but it was not very valuable nor very enduring. 

At the town-meeting in 1830 the sum of forty dollars 
was voted for the support of the poor. Cattle were declared 
free commoners, but hoi"ses, sheep, and hogs were denied 
the privileges involved in that appellation. The height of 
a lawful fence was fixed at the very moderate elevation of 
four feet, — a demoralizing temptation even to the best regu- 
lated animals. It was raised, however, two years later to 
four feet and a half 

Up to 1850 settlement was confined almo.st entirely to the 
western half of the town, and even there progress was slow 
and painful. But after the rough land was once thoroughly 
reduced to subjection it was found that some very good 
grazing farms could be made on the Boylston hills, and the 
population began to increase. People sought the eastern 
portion. After numerous saw-mills had devoured the tim- 
ber, settlers resolutely opened farms there and renewed the 
scenes of pioneer life. During the last twenty years more 
ground has probably been cleared up in Boylston than in 
any other town in the county. 

In 1856 a Wesleyan Methodist church was erected near 
the line of Sandy Creek, south of the centre of Boylston, 
and in 1869 the Methodist I'rotestants built one in the 
northwest part of the town. 

A few years ago Abraham Snyder opened a store between 
the two churches, but it was subse([uenlly discontinued. 



372 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Fanning and lumbering constitute substantially tbe whole 
business of tbe town. There is a large eheese-factorv cliise 
to the Wesleyan Methodist church. J. P. Smart & Son 
have a saw-mill near the centre of the town, and tbe locality 
is known as Sniart.'i' Mills. IJesides this, there are tbe stave- 

niill of Ira Service and the ,saw-niill of Weaver, a 

mile nortbea.«t of the Snyder store, tbe saw- and shingle- 
mill of Ransom Tanner, two miles cast of the Snyder store, 
and three large steam saw-mills in tbe northeast part of tbe 
town. 

Even to this day Boylston possesses many characteristics 
of primeval times. Though tbe deer have all been driven 
east of Black river, yet it is nq very unusual thing for a 
bear to stray from the forests of Lewis county among the 
farms of Boylston. Tbis very summer of 1877 one made 
his leisurely way from the eiLstern line past the centre of the 
town. His presence being suspected, a spring gun was set 
for bim. Bruin .seized the bait, and a bullet through his 
shoulder was the result. Smarting and crippled, he trudged 
on westward, but the Philistines were on bis track. Men 
and boys gathered fast to the sport, and the fugitive was 
overtaken and slain ju.st east of tbe main road, which runs 
north and .south through the town, less than a mile from 
the line of Sandy Creek. 

Yet looking from that road westward the traveler this 
same summer sees nothing to remind him of bears or 
wolves. A finer prospect is rarely displayed beneath a cloud- 
less sun. The whole of tbe town of Sandy Creek, and 
parts of Kllisbnrg and Richland, are in sight at once, 
composed of hundreds of wi'll-cultivatcd fields, dotted with 
white farm-houses, and relieved with gleaming groves. Be- 
yond, seeming hardly three miles away, but actually almost 
ten, the long, narrow, lainl-lockcd bay, known as Sandy 
Creek pond, sparkles brightly in the sunlight. A dark, 
slender line separates it from the lake, which spreads far 
away into the distance, a mxss of molten silver tipped with 
gold. Distance lends enchantment to tbe view of both lake 
and land, and if beautiful prospect,s took precedence over 
corn and cheese, Boylston might outrank all the rest of the 
county. 

THE KIKST WESLEYAN METHODIST CHURCH OF BOYLSTON. 

The records arc imperfect, but, as near as can be ascer- 
tained, this church was first organized in tbe year 1845. 
For -many years there was no settled pastor. Daniel Cal- 
kins, Looniis ("base, Daniel llollis, and Jaml^s Francis offi- 
ciated fur brief periods at various times. In 1856 a small 
church edifice was erected in Boylston, but only a few rods 
from the line of Sandy Creek. Thoneeforward the pulpit 
was most of the lime regularly supjilied. 

In 1859, Matthew Presler was tbe pastor; in 1860-62, 
Edward Halscy; in 18G3, Sybrant Nelson ; in 1864, A. P. 
Burgess'; in 1865, Alon/.o Fassett; in 1866, R. Barton; 
in 1867-69, J. P. Pierce; in 1870-72, Elijah Gaylord ; 
in 1873-75, J. M. Waite. For a year there were no regu- 
lar services. The pulpit was then occupied by the present 
pastor. Rev. Harvey Barnes. 

There arc now seventy-one members of (he churcli, and 
the Sabbath-school connected with it contains about the 
same number. Tbe present church officers are : Clas.s- 



leader, Ira Van Auken ; Asinstant Class-leader, Ellery 
Crandall ; Clerk, J. K. ("randall ; Stewards, F. W. Slater, 
Mrs. F. W. Slater, A. Sebermerhorn, Mrs. A. Schcrmer- 
horn, Hiram Getty, A. W. Miller, L. J. Baker; Truste<'s, 
John H. Hastings, S. E. Carpenter, Joseph Crosman, J. L. 
Bortles, Henry Lester. 

NORTH BOYLSTON CIRCUIT (METHODIST PROTESTANT). 

Tbis circuit was set off from the Boylston an>i Orwell 
circuit in 1868. Previous to that time meetings had been 
held for a long time at tbe school-house near the present 
church. Rev. Messrs. Becker, Cook, Huff, and others offi- 
ciated as pa.stors from time to time. The circuit organized 
in 1868 consisted of one cla.ss in Boylston and one in Lor- 
raine, Jefferson county. 

In 1869 a small but well-appointed church edifice was 
erected in the northwest part of the town, tbe pulpit of 
which has since been regularly .supplied. The pastors of 
the circuit since its separate organiziition have been Charles 
Wiedrich, three years; Snell, one year; II. L. Bowen, one 
year; Peter Daley, one year; T. Prindle, one 3'ear; M. F. 
Cutler (the present pastor), two years. There are now about 
fifty-si.K members of the .Methodist Protestant church in this 
circuit within the town of Boylston. 

The following are the present officials resident in that 
town : Stewards, Geo. W. Hudd, Nelson L. Williams, Cal- 
vin Williams, Leonard R. lluffsiatcr; Trustees, N. L. Wil- 
liams, John A. Oderkirk, Hiram D. Rudd, Tunis Gordon, 
Christopher J. Huffstater. 

The Boylston and Orwell circuit of the same denomina- 
tion has three classes in town, and two in Orwell. Those 
in Boylston hold their meetings respectively at the Van 
Auken sehool-hou.se. the " hemlock school-house," and at 
Smart's Mill.?. They have no church edifice. Tbe present 
pastor of the circuit is tbe Rev. Mr. Gaskell, who resides 
at Smart's Mills, but we have not been able to obtain any 
further data regarding it. 

Supervisors of Boylston. with years of service. — John 
Wart, 1828-29; Joseph Shoeeraft, 1830-35; Henry Sny- 
der, 1836-37 ; Joseph Shoeeraft, 1838 ; John Wart, 
1839-40; Jacob V. Gordon, 1841-43; Joseph Shoeeraft, 
1844; Jacob V. Gordon, 1845; Danii'l Shoeeraft, l.S4(;- 
48; James Lowry, 1849-50; Azariah Wart, 1851-52; 
Abraham Snyder, 1853-54; Azariah Wart, 1855-56; 
Joseph L. Bortles, 1857-58; Henry J, Snyder, 1859-60; 
James Lowry, 1S61 ; Henry J. Snyder, 1862; Christo]iher 
J. Huffstater, 1863-64; Joseph S. Bortles, 1865-66; 
Henry Lester, 18(!7-7(l; David Hamer, 1871-72; Henry 
Lester, 1873 ; John Oderkirk, 1.S74-75 ; George W. Rudd, 
1876-77. 

Town Clerks of Boylston, with years of service. — Jos. 
Shoeeraft, 1828-29; John Kthcridge, 1830; Reuben Sny- 
der, 1831; John Wart, 1832; Moses Snyder, 18.33; 
Miller R. Larmoutb, 1834; Henry Snyder, 1835; James 
Wart, 1836; Miller R. Larmoutb, 1837; James Wart, 
1838; Joseph Shoeeraft, 1S39-40; Daniel Williams, 
1841-42; Jacob CoppernoU, 1843—15; Lyman Moore, 
1846-47; Thurston Baxter, 1848; Turner Lillie, 1849; 
J. \. (Jorilon, 1850; Lyman Moore, 1852; Joseph L. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



373 



Bortles, 1853-54; J. V. Gordon, 1855-56; Abraham 
Snyder, 1857-58; Lewis D. Cuminings, 1859-60; Reu- 
ben Pruyn, 1861-62 ; Francis Shoeeraft, 1863 ; Luther J. 
Baxter, 1864; Reuben Pruyn, 1865; Lyman J. Baker, 
1866-67 ; Ira Cummings, 1868-70 ; Lewis D. Cummings, 
1871; Ira Cummings, 1872; Wilham A. Snyder, 1873- 
74; Adam Coppernoll, 1875-76; Lyman J. Baker, 1877. 
Tlie present officers of Boylston are as follows : Super- 
visor, Geo. W. Rudd ; Town Clerk, Lyman J. Baker ; 
Justices of the Peace, Aaron Fuller, Potter Soule, Orrin 
Stowell, John Phelps; Assessors, Wm. H. Presley, Nor- 
man Wart, David Brown; Commissioners of Highways, 
Ellery Crandall, Sylvester Hathaway, Elijah Rowe ; Col- 
lector, Vincent Belong; Town Auditors, Abram Snyder, 
J. L. Bortles, and William Keeney ; Inspectors of Elec- 
tion, Frank W. Snyder, Barn um •Ostrum, Jacob Oderkirk ; 
Constables, Joseph Crandall, Wm. Cummings, Charles Ful- 
ler, Barnum Ostrum, Wm. Flanders ; Game Constable, C. 
W. Smart; Commissioners of Exci.se, Solomon Finster, 
Ira Van Auken, Alfred Schermerhorn ; Overseer of the 
Poor, Roswell Rudd. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 



MILITARY RECORD OF BOYLSTON. 



WILLIAM WART 

was born in Boylston, September 4, 1819, at which time 
Boylston was a part of Orwell township. His parents 
removed from Otsego county, New York, and settled in the 
northwest corner of what is now the township of Boylston. 
They were among the first settlers of the township. Mr. 
Wart was the eldest son of eight children, and lived with 
his Aither up to nineteen years of age. In 1847 he pur- 
chased eighty-six acres of land where his present home is. 
He was married July 4, 1847, to Margaret Dingman, 
daughter of John Dingman, a resident of Boylston. They 
moved intcj their home March 23, 1848. One son and one 
daughter were born to them, — Wm. Franklin and Emma- 
gene. The son married Hattie Worlie, of Otsego county, 
and the birth of a daughter gave a great-grandchild in the 
house, — four generations under one roof. 

Mr. Wart has added to his lands until he is the owner of 
two hundred and fifty-four acres in the home-farm, and 
seventy-four in the east part of Boylston. His home is 
finely situated on an eminence commanding an extensive 
view of the surrounding country and of Lake Ontario. Mr. 
AVart has always taken pride in raising and keeping good 
stock. Two span of horses, one owned by himself and one 
by his son, and sired by a stallion (Little Mackj owned by 
him, are among the finest in the country. 

Mr. Wart has always been a Democrat, voting fur Martin 
Van Buren in 1840, and has not missed voting at any 
presidential election since. Though not a member of any 
religious denomination, he has always responded with his 
share of means to their support. 

AflFectionate and kind in his family, a genial companion, 
no one would be more missed from his neighborhood than 
would William Wart. 



Robert Bush. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept., ISC-t; disch. in sum- 
mer of 1865. 
Otis J. Hor. Enlisted in the 35th Inf., Jan. 1, 1861 ; re-enlisted in 
1st Vet. Cav., Aug. 16, 1863; promoted to corporal; discharged 
in summer of 1865. 
Smith T. Calkins. Enlisted in the 110th Art., Aug. 16, 1862; dis- 
charged in the summer of 1865. 
Jacob Haford. Enlisted in the lS6th Inf., Aug. 24, 1864 ; discharged 

in summer of 1865. 
John easier. Enlisted in the 10th Art., Aug. 16, 1862; discharged 

in 1865. 
Henry Hor. Enlisted in the 35th Inf., Jan. 1, 1861 ; re-enlisted Feb. 

21, 1864; discharged in 1S65. 
John A. Wait. Enlisted in the 24tli Inf., Nov. 17, 1861. 
Turner Little. Enlisted in the 94th Inf., Nov. 19, 1861; discharged 

in 1864. 
James McDaniels. Enlisted in the 110th Inf., Aug. 25, 1862 ; .re- 
signed October, 1863. 
Peter Cogan. Enlisted in the 16th Art., Jau. 15, 1864 ; discharged 

in the summer of 1865. 
Thomas Allen. Enlisted in the I57th Inf., Aug. 17, 1862 ; discharged 

in the summer of 1865. 
George Smith. Enl'd in the 147th Inf., Sept. 2.3, 1862; dis. during 

the summer of 1865. 
Wm. Barzy. Enlisted in the 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; dis. in the 

fall of 1S65. 
Alpheus Bridgway. Enl'd in 147th Inf., Sept. 23, '62 ; dis. Aug., '64. 
Edward W. Cook. Enlisted in the 75th Inf., Oct. 8, 1861 ; re-enlisted 

Jan. 7, 1864; dis. in the summer of 1865. 
J. W. Snyder. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 16, 1864; dis. in the 

summer of 1865. 
Chas. De Long. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 16, 1864; dis. in 

summer of 1865. 
Wm. McDougall. Enlisted in the 184th Inf, Sept. 16, 1864; dis. in 

the summer of 1865. 
Abraham Schemerhorn. Enlisted in the 110th Inf., Aug. 25, 1862 ; 

dis. in the summer of 1865. 
David Brown. Enlisted in the UOth Inf., Aug. 25, 1862; dis. in the 

summer of 1865. 
George E. Porter. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 16.1864; dis- 
charged in the summer of 1865. 
De Witt Comstock. Enlisted in the lS4th Inf., Sept. 16, 1864; dis- 
charged in 1865. 
Vincent De Long. Enlisted in the 24th Inf., Aug. 17, I86I ; wounded 

at Antietam ; discharged Nov., 1862. 
Lewis Cummins. Enlisted in the 147th Inf., Sept. 23. 1862; dis- 
charged Aug., 1863. 
Calvin Williams. Enlisted in the llOlli Inf., Aug. 25, 1862; dis- 
charged Nov., 1863. 
Charles Warlott. Enlisted in the UOth Inf., Aug. 25, 1862: dis- 
charged Sept., 1863. 
Lyman J. Baker. Enlisted in the 75tli Inf., Oct. 8, 1861 ; rc-enlisted 

Jan. 1, 1864; discharged in summer of 1865. 
D. A. Snyder. Enlisted in the llOlh Inf., Aug. 25, 1862; discharged 

in the summer of 1865. 
Wm. A. Snyder. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 16, 1864; dis- 
charged in 1865. 
James Bridgway. Enlisted in the lS4th Inf., Sept. 16, 1864; dis- 
charged in the summer of 1865. 
Luther Ba.\ter. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 10, 1864; dis- 
charged in summer of 1865. 
Theodore Woodrulf. Enlisted in 193(1 Inf., March 16, 1865; dis- 
charged in summer of 1865. 
David McDoug.all. Enlisteil in the 110th Inf., Aug. 25, 1862; disch. 

in summer of 1865. 
Stephen Baker. Enlisted in the lUth P.i. Uegt.. Sept. 29, 1861 ; lost 
his right arm in battle near Atlanta, tia. ; res. in spring of 1863. 
David Uamer. Enlisted in the 24tli Inf., May 24, 1861 ; prom, to 

orderly; disch. in fall of 1863. 
Jacob 0. Bartlclt. Enlisted in the lOtb Art., Sept. 1, 1862; disch. iu 
summer of 1863. 



374 



H18TUK1' OF OSWEUO COrNTV, NEW VOllK. 



William Averjr. Enliiitcd in IIk- lutli Arl., Si-pl. 10, 18S2; disch. in 
summer of 1865. 

Jcasc Tanner. Kuliated in the lS4lb Inf., Sept. 16,1804: discli. in 
summer of 1865. 

Zapkett Cubhy. Enlisted in the 2Uth Cuv. 

Amarab Cobby. Enlisted in the 1 ITlh Inf., .Sept. 2.'t, 1862. 

James Uunt. Enlisted in the 184th Inf., Sept. 16,1862; disch. in 
summer of 1865. 

Elijah Van .\nbim. Enlisted in the I4Ttb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 : disch. 
in 1805. 

Ira Van Anbim. Enlisted in the 184tb Inf., Sept. 16, 1864 ; diseb. in 
summer of 1865. 

Jerome R. Ostrum. Enlisted in the 1 17th Inf., Aug. 20, 1862; disch. 
in June, 1805. 

Jas. More. Enlisted in the 24lb Cav., Jau. 4, 1804; prom, to corp. ; 
disch. in the summer uf 1865. 

Do Witt C. More. EnliKted in 40th Inf., Aug. 25, 1802. 

Lewis Foster. Enl'd in lS4th Inf., Sept. 10, 1S02: disch. in summer 
of 1805. 

Byron More. Enl'd in llu- lllllh Inf., .\ug. 25, 1802; disch. in sum- 
mer of 1805. 

Wm. II. Unimer. Enl'd in the Olst Inf., Oct. 1, 1801 ; ro-enl'd Dec. 
0, 1863: disch. in summer of 1865. 

Oeo. W. Kugers. Enl'd in the 2il Cav., Sept. 7, 1864; disch. in sum- 
mer of 1865. 

Geo. E'Igett. Enl'd in the llUth Inf., Aug. 25, 1802; dis. Feb., 1864. 

Jerome Eldriilgc. Enlisted in the lUtb Art., Dec. 24, 1803; killed 
near Petersburg, July 13, IS04. 



(jreorgr siller. Enlisted in the llOth Regt, Aug. 18, 1862; died at 

Baton Kouge, La., :^ept. 23, 1863, uf sickness aci|uired in the 

service. 
Peter Dougall. Enlisted in the llOlh Kegt, Aug. 18, 1862; died at 

Baton Kouge, La., April 20, 1863. 
! John Tanner. Enlisted in the 147tk Kegt., Aug. 23, 1862: died while 

a prisoner at .\udersiiuville, Feb. 18. 1865. 
David Chase. Enliste<l iu the lU.'id Rcgt., March 31, 1865; died 

.\pril 12. I8II5, of sickness aci|uired in tbc service. 
Joseph More. Enlisted in the 24th Cav. 2, Jan., 1804 ; killed in battle 
; at Cold Harbor, .March, 1804. 

! Henry J.Snyder. Enlisted in the llUlh Kegt., Aug. 18, 1862; died 

[ at Baton Uouge, La., Oct. 30. 1 SO l.uf sickness ac<|uired in service. 

Edwin Cummins. Enlisted in the llUth Kegt., Aug. 18, 1802: died 

at Baton Uouge, La., of sickness acrjuired in the service. 
Stephen Ueminglon. Enlisted in the llUlh Itcgt., Aug. IS, 1862 ; 

died at Baton Kouge, La., Oct. 10, 1S04. 
Mathctv Asher. Enlistcil in the 34lh Kegt., April 1, 1801 ; killed at 

Petersburg, .Tune 17, 1801. 
O.sher Wilco.x, Eulisled in the 'J4th Kegt., Aug. 25, 1861 ; died Aug. 

22, 1802. 
' Washington Greenwood. Enlisted in the 34th Kegt., March, 1862 : 

died at .\<iuia Creek, Jan. 21, 1803, of sickness acquired in the 

service. 
Richard Barker. Enlisted in the IlOth Regt., Aug. 8, 1862; died at 

Wiuihington, Jan. 8, 1801. 
Samuel II. Brown. Enlisted in the 61st Regt., Oct. 15, 1801 ; killed 

at Antielam. Sept. 17, 1862, 



SANDY CREEK. 



In iho uiDiitli of Aiiiil, ISlll], two men, with their f;iin- 
jlies and liousuhold goods louded upon ox-slcd.s, were to be 
seen iii;ikiiiLr llieir ]>aiiit\il Way Jilorij; the ."scaicely-npenfd 
State road tliroiigii Ked'ield and Boyiston. Arriving at a 
point which, as near as he could judge, was about opposite 
the ideality he sought, one of iheni, William Skinner, 
])laiigi;d into the pathless forest and made his way with 
infinite difficulty to the bank of Sandy creek, at the upper 
end uf the present village of Lacona. The other, Stephen 
Lindsay, went through Ellisburgh, where there were already 
a few settlements, but finally located on the flat in the 
extreme northwest corner of the present town of Sandy 
Cieek, about half a mile from the great pond which occu- 
pies the western ])art of that town. 

Sandy Creek w;is then a part of the town of Mexico, in 
the county of Uneida. It was also a part of the survey- 
town.ship of " Rhadamant" (or No. 1(1), in the Boylston 
tract, and was the property of the heirs of William Con- 
stable, among whom H. B. Picrrcpont was the principal. 

Mr. iSkinner Wii.s a man of considenible property for 
those times, and had taken up four hundred acres of land 
on the fertile shores of Sandy creek. One of his house- 
hold w;is an adopted son, Levi Skinner, then five years old, 
but who ha.s now reached the good old age of .seventy-nine, 
and is uiKjUcstionably the earliest surviving resident of 
.Sandy Creek, though for a long time he has lived just over 
the line, in Elllsbnrij;. He is still active about his bu.-^i- i 
■less; his memory goes buck readily l<> the time of his first 



arrival in the former town, and in a long interview lie gave 
us many interesting facts regarding that period. 

Two young men, n;inn'd Moreton and Butler, who, if 
married, were not accoinjianied by their families, came with 
William Skinner, and lived with him all summer, though 
engaged in clearing land for themselves which they had 
taken up. Skinner had hired men engaged in the same 
occupation for him. He was a free liver, and they all seem 
to have had a pretty jolly time through the pioneer sum- 
mer. The creek was alive with .s])eckled trout, and game, 
of course, was plenty all around. As the stream was hardly 
deep enough for bathing purposes, the men built a d;ini 
across it, between where the vilhiges of Lacona and S;indy 
Creek now st;ind, so as to have a pond to swim in. Mr. 
Skinner bought Jloreton out iu the fall, and the latter and 
Butler both returned to Augusta, Oneida county, whence 
all the e:irliest settlers came. 

.^Ieallwhile, Mr. Lind.say's daughter Eunice, a girl of 
twelve or thirteen years, had sickened and died during that 
first summer, being the first dc:ith in the present town of 
Sandy Creek. 

In the spring of 1804 Joseph Ilurd and Elias Howe 
came from Augnst:i, atid settled on .*>andy creek below 
Skinner. Ilurd bought out Butler's claim. A Mr. Noyes 
and a Mr. Robinson also located themselves in the vicinity 
that year, and a Mr. Knickerbocker settled about that time 
some three miles northeast of Lacona. That summer 
Skinner :ind Ilurd built the first .sawmill in the present 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY. NEW YOKK. 



375 



town of Sandy Creek. It was then Willianistown, that 
town having been set oft' from Mexico on tlie 24th of 
March, 1804, with boundaries which included the whole 
northeastern part of what is now Oswego County, excepting 
the town of Redfield. 

Immigration continued even in midwinter, for in Febru- 
ary, 1805, Laura Hurd came to town, — beiiig the first white 
cliild born within its limits. She is still living, being a 
resident of Peoria, Illinois. The 7th of the next May the 
second child, Polly, daughter of Elias Howe, was born. 
She, too, still survives, being now the venerable widow of 
Pardon Earl, Esq., and a resident of Mannsville, Jefferson 
county. 

That spring George Harding located in the same neigh- 
borhood. With him came his daughter Pamelia, a girl of 
fourteen, now Mrs. Pamelia Eobbius, over whose head 
eighty-seven winters have passed since she became a resi- 
dent close by the .spot where she now lives. She, too, is 
remarkably clear in memory, and corroborates Mr. Skinner's 
statements. When she came the elder Mr. Skinner, who 
was a somewhat unstable person, Iiad bought some land in 
Ellisburg, and was moving back and forth between the 
two places. His adopted son says he moved seven or eight 
times in the course of two years. Finally, however, in 
1807 or 1808, he sold his Sandy Creek farm to Peter 
Whiteside, and took up his permanent residence in Ellis- 
burg. 

There was now quite a little settlement on the creek, and 
clearing went on rapidly. John Meacham, Simon Meacham, 
and Ephraim Brewster settled in the south part of the 
town, close to the present Bichland line, making the first 
opening in the forests of that locality. Jnme.s Hiiiman 
came to the Sandy Creek neighborhood in 1805 or 1806, 
and in the latter year built the first grist-mill in town. 

In the spring of 1806 Pamelia Robbinsand Betsey Hurd 
learned that Mrs. Knickerbocker was lying sick with con- 
sumption alone in the woods three miles distant. Pamelia 
was fifteen, and Betsey about the same age. Anxious to 
afford help and sympathy to the suffering woman, the two 
brave girls went on foot to her bedside through the dark 
forest, in which the wild beasts still roamed in numbers. 
She felt cheered by their visit, and most grateful for it, but 
consumption had laid its deadly hand upon her, and in 
June she .slept the sleep of death. A minister was sent 
for from a long distance, probably from Redfield, and a 
sermon was preached over her, being the first ever delivered 
in town, unless one was preached at the burial of Eunice 
Lindsay. 

Mrs. Robbins remembers the noticeable circumstance that 
in June of each of three successive years there was a death 
in the locality, and no others occurred within her kncjwl- 
edge. That of Mrs. Knickerbocker was in 180G, that of 
Mrs. Elias Howe in 1807, and that of a Mr. Brown in 
1808. On each of these occasions a funeral sermon was 
preached, and the.se were all the sermons heard in town 
during that time. After that Elder Osgood, a Baptist, 
Elder Bishop, a Methodist, and otlier itinerant preachers, 
vi.sited the locality at long intervals. 

The first marriage in the present town took place in the 
Meacham neighborhood in 1806, between Henry Pattci-son 



and Lucy Meacham. In that year, also, Mr. Simon 
Meacham opened the first tavern in town, and kept a few 
goods, which constituted the first similitude of a store. 

The first school was taught by Mrs. Bobbins' sister, 
Mamrie Harding, in the winter of 1806 and 1807. There 
was no school-house, and she taught in a room of her 
father's house. The next fall (that of 1807) a log school- 
house was built at Lacona, and Mrs. Robbins mentions that 
she, and her children, and her grandchildren, have all 
attended at a house on the same site. 

Simon Hadley and Clark Wilder, both young, unmarried 
men, came in 1806, and opened clearings on the creek road 
west of the village ; and doubtless there were many others 
in various parts of the town, whose names have been washed 
away by the tides of time. Jabcz Baldwin settled three 
miles west of the village in 1809. John Pierce and Daniel 
Ackcrnian came to the same locality about the same time. 
Amasa Carpenter, who came about the same period, was 
one of the early schoolmasters. His brother Asa, who 
came a little later, located two or three miles southeast of 
the village. He has been for nearly half a century the 
clerk of the Congregational church at Sandy Creek, and 
still takes an active interest in its welfare. 

P. T. Titus came in 1810, by way of Orwell, and settled 
about three miles southeast of the village. He helped build 
the " Ridge road," and soon after located upon it, where 
his daughter, Mrs. Jotham Newton, now resides. Clearings 
were now being made on every side. Among others who 
came before the war of 1812 were John Darling, Mr. 
Broadway, John Snyder, Samuel Goodrich, Amos Jackson, 
and John and Abel Bentloy. 

In 1812, Samuel Hadley settled in the locality still oc- 
cupied by his descendants, northwest of the village, where 
it was then an unbroken wilderness. With him came his 
son, Jesse F. Hadley, then ten years old, now seventy-five, 
who gives a good description of that part of the town at 
that time. There was a road down the creek from the vil- 
lage, and another near the Elli.sburg line, but in what is now 
Sandy Creek. Between those two roads was nothing but 
woods. On the northern road there was quite a number 
of settlers, — Pickett, Winters, Harris, Shceley, Harmon 
Ehle, John Spalsbury, Peter Combs, and finally Stephen 
Lindsay, — nearly to the pond. A little log school-house 
stood near John Spalsbury 's. James Hiiiman was then 
keeping a tavern, part log and part frame, at the creek 
settlement, and there were already two or three frame 
houses in the vicinity, — landmarks of advancing civilization. 

When the war of 1812 broke out, the people of Sandy 
Creek, being on the immediate frontier, were kept in a 
continual tremor. From the lakc-.shore they could see the 
enemy's vessels sweeping over the adjoining waters, now 
driving the American craft into their harbors, now in turn 
pursued by Chauncey's increased fleet. Mrs. Robbins re- 
counts the exciting scene which occurred one summer Sab- 
bath, when the people had gathered at Mr. Hinman's to 
hear the go.spel preached by some wayfaring minister. 
Suddenly a messenger came galloping up, crying out, " The 
British have landed !" and designating the point assailed. 
Immediately all was confusion, men hurrying away to get 
their arms, children crying, and women shuddering with 



376 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



terror at the thought of the Indians, whose presence was 
always taken for granted wlien British troops appeared at 
that time. 

A^ain and a^^ain the militia was called out to repel an 
attack on Sackctt's Harbor. There was probably not a man 
in till- town of sufficient ajje who did not perform consid- 
erable military service during the two years and a half that 
the war lasted. Smith Dunlap was captain of the militia 
company from that section, Nicholas Gurley was lieut+'uant, 
Samuel Duiilaj) ensign, and Reuben Iladley orderly .ser- 
geant. 

Late in A](ril, 1814, Colonel Mitchell, with a small body 
of regular infantry, came marching along the old Salt road 
on their way to defend Oswego from a threatened attack. 
A few days later came the news that the dcfcn.se had been 
unsuccessful and Oswego had been captured. For a while 
rumors flew thick and fast. On the 20th of May the 
dwellers in the western part of the town saw the curious 
spectacle of a body of Oneida Indians, in their war-paint | 
and feathers, and accom]iaiiied by a few soldiers, marching 
along the shore of Little Sandy pond, while those who 
looked out upon the lake descried nearly twenty large and 
heavy-laden boats, carrying the American flag and inipelled 
northward by hundreds of stalwart oarsmen. It was Wool- 
sey's flotilla, bearing cannon and stores for Commodore 
Chaunccy's new ship, " Superior," as related in the general 
history. 

The ne.xt morning messengers came liurrying through 
the country, informing every one that Woolsey had run up 
Big Sandy creek, in Ellisburg, that llie British were about 
to follow, and urging all to eume to the rescue. The militia 
were s[)eedily mustered and hastened to the scene of the 
expected conflict, but ere any of them arrived the thunder 
of cannon startled the whole town from the shore of the 
lake to the .slopes of the Boylston hills, and in the northern 
part the rattle of small arms could be distinctly heard. The 
militia, on their arrival, found that every man of the assail- 
ing fime bad been killed or captured. There was no 
fighting to be done, but some of the Sandy Creek men took 
part in the celebrated feat of carrying to Sackctt's Harbor 
on their shoulders the great cable of the " Superior," 
weighing nearly five tons. When that vessel had been 
e(|uippcd and .sent to sea the British eonimandcr was willing 
to take a retired position, and the Americans along the lake 
felt less an.\iety about a hostile incursion. 

After the war immigration set in with redoubled force. 
Reuben, Rufus, Nathan, and Daniel Salisbury all came 
within a short time. In fact, the immigrants were so nu- 
merous ;us to prevent naming any but those connected with 
some marked profession or business. 

Dr. James A. Thompson located at the little settlement 
on the creek in 1815, being the first physician who became 
a permanent practitioner in town, though there had been a 
Dr. Porter there for a short time. Dr. Tliomp.«on practiced 
till his death, forty-four years later. Yet this long profes- 
sional career was certainly iiui the result of an ea.sy life. 
The labors of a country physician in tlio.se early days were 
arduous almost beyi'od the coneeption of their successors. 
Dr. Thoni]i.son's rides, says his son, often extended over 
twenty miles. They were not buggy rides either, but were . 



iuvariably performed on horseback, over roads which lan- 
guage could but poorly jjortray. Sometimes, after making 
one of these long circuits, on coming along the shore of the 
great pond to the mouth of Sandy creek, after dark, he 
would find it at the top of its banks. Taking off his clothes 
and holding them aloft with one hand while clinging to the 
horse's t;iil with the other, he would make the pa.s.'iage of 
the torrent; then dress, remount and ride home, fortunate 
if he had a few dry thre;>ds upon him on his arrival. Be- 
fore leaving this [xiint it may be proper to notice that Dr. 
A. G. Thomp.'«in, the son of the gentleman just mentioned, 
has al.so practiced in Sandy Creek and vicinity forty-three 
years ; so that there has been no time since the close of the 
war of 1812 when one of that family has not been min- 
istering to the needs of the people of that locality. 

Another doctor of long practice was John G. Ayer, who 
cjimc in 1H22, and remained the greati'r part of the time 
(though ab.sent several years) till his death a few years ago. 

Turning from the medical to the spritual department, we 
find the first ehnreh in town (the First Congrcg-atioind i or- 
ganized on the 2;«d of July, 1817. The first .settled min- 
ister was Rev. Oliver Ayer, father of Dr. John G. Ayer, 
who was installed over that church in 1822. There had, 
however, been a Melliodist " clas.s" organized as early as 
1811. 

Meanwhile, improveinents were going on in all directions. 
For a few years Smith l)aiila]i kept a store at the creek 
settlement, then a cluster of hou.scs without any ])articular 
name. There, too, about 1817, a carding-machine and 
fulling-mill were built by An.son Maltby, to the great con- 
venicnee of the people, for whom " fulled cloth" was then 
the principal wear. In 1821 it was bought by J. M. 
Hooker, who carried on the business for no less than thirty- 
seven years, and survives in a vigorous old age to tell the 
story of his early experience. He says that when he came, 
in 1820, the store at the settlements had been temporarily 
abandoned. There was one hotel, kept by Nathan Salis- 
bury, and five or six houses, mostly frames. 

The farming population had increased much more rapidly, 
for Jotham Newton, who came only a year or so later, .sjiys 
there were nearly ns nuiny houses on the Ridge roatl as there 
are now, though they were all of logs, and were surrounded 
by comparatively small clearings. 

All this time we have been talking about " Sandy Creek" 
and " the town," as a convenient designation for the terri- 
tory included in the present town of that name, feeling as- 
sured that our readers would understand that it was all 
Richland from the time when that town was set ofl* from 
Williamstown, in 1807, until they should be notified of the 
formation of a change in the municipal arrangements. 

But about 1824 and 182") the people began to get their 
idciis up. It was thought desirable to have a local mime 
for the little settlement where the Salt road crossed Sandy 
crcjk. Dr. .\yer and .Vnsoii .Maltby projiosed the some- 
what ]>reieiitious one of Wasliingtonville. It was as.sented 
to by the inhabitants, but it never stuck very close. A 
single Word of four syllables is a little too inneh for an 
American village to carry, notwithstanding the example of 
Philadeljihia. 

By {\w beginning of 182.") llie population of the north 





2ix^/i 




£^^^^ -T^^mU-iA . cf. 4l^l^ 




HLs OF Wm. Bishop, ^ANur uhllk, uswzgo co n.v. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



377 



part of Richland was deemed sufficient for a separate mu- 
nicipal organization, and on the 24th day of March, in that 
year, the town of Sandy Creek was formed with its present 
boundaries by an act of the legislature. The first town- 
meeting was held on the first Tuesday in May, 1825, when 
the following officers were elected : 

Supervisor, Simon Meacham ; Town Clerk, Edwin C. 
Hart ; Assessors, Anson Maltby, Thomas S. Meacham, and 
Aniasa Carpenter; Commissioners of Highways, Barnabas 
Munroe, Amasa Carpenter, Ellery Crandall, and Simon 
Hadley ; Overseers of the Poor, Geo. Read and Truman 
Hawley ; Collector, John Pierce; Constables, John Pierce, 
Peter ninman, and Nathan Salisbury ; Commissioners of 
Schools, Asa Carpenter, Alden Crandall, and Charles Alton ; 
Inspectors of Schools, John G. Ayer, Oliver Ayer, Jr., and 
Joseph M. Hooker ; Fence-viewers, Cornelius Hadley, 
Ammi Case, and Andrew Place ; Pound-master, Luther 
Howe. 

In addition to the election of officers the meeting voted 
to raise double the amount of school-money received from 
the State ; to allow commissioners fifty cents per day for 
their services ; to levy two hundred and fifty dollars for 
roads and bridges ; to allow cattle to be free commoners ; 
and to require a lawful fence to be five feet high. 

The next year it was resolved that each path-master 
should be a fence-viewer, and it seems that there were then 
thirty-two road districts in town. In 1828 the number of 
constables was reduced to two, which is the lowest number 
we have observed recorded in any town. Nearly all the 
early town-meetings were held at the house of Nathan 
Salisbury. 

In 1831 it was resolved that cattle might go at large 
from the opening of spring to the first of November each 
year ; and the height of a lawful fence was reduced from 
five to four and a half feet, when built of good rails or 
stone, but if logs or brush were used it must be five feet 
high. That year a bounty of twelve and a half cents was 
offered by the town on all crows killed within its limits. 
Speaking of bounties, one would infer that the people of 
Sandy Creek could not have been much troubled by wolves 
after the formation of the town, as no bounties for that 
animal are to be found on its records. The crow-bounty 
was raised to fifty cents in 1834. 

The amounts raised for the support of the poor varied 
from fifty to a hundred dollars a year; those for roads and 
bridges were generally about two hundred and fifty dollars. 

Though there were ftiw so poor as to need aid from the 
town, there were plenty who struggled along in their con- 
flict with the wilderness, submitting with true American 
pride and grit to the severest pressure of fortune rather 
than call on others for assistance. There was generally 
something to eat, and every farmer's family calculated to 
make their own clothing, but money was scarcer than poo- 
(ile can well comprehend at the pre.seTit day, even in the 
hardest of hard times. 

" Your taxes are seventy-five cents," said the collector to 
a Sandy Creek farmer in the early days. 

" Bless my soul, sir, I haven't got seventy-five cents in 
the world, and I don't know where I can get it, nor when I 
can get it.' 
25 



"Well, now, that's bad," replied the official, "but 
you'll have to manage it some way. We have got to have 
the taxes, sure." 

After much negotiation it was agreed that the collector 
should take two bushels of rye and assume the taxes him- 
self 

The schoolmaster, of course, always boarded around at 
that day, and his presence in a family was usually the signal 
for the best efforts of which they were capable in the way 
of entertainment. One of the most prosperous citizens of 
Sandy Creek tells of the mortification his mother felt 
when, on handing the teacher a piece of pie at dinner, ho 
laid it on the table, in default of a plate, to cut it into 
mouthfuls. 

Between 1825 and 1835 times began to improve, so that 
frame houses generally took the place of log ones on the 
principal roads. This is usually considered as marking the 
transition from a pioneer settlement to a farming country. 
The section of the town adjoining Richland was especially 
devoted to dairying. This was before the age of cheese- 
factories, but no small amount of butter and cheese were 
produced by the personal labors of Sandy Creek house- 
wives. The jMeachanis, who have been mentioned as early 
settlers, were still the most prominent citizens of that 
locality. 

Colonel Thomas S. Meacham, one of the younger mem- 
bers of the family, was a very enthusiastic personage, fond 
of remarkable enterprises, — one of the kind of men who 
are called great geniuses if they succeed, and great lunatics 
if they fail. In the autumn of 1835, when speculation was 
rife throughout the country, the colonel's farm, on the Salt 
road, about a mile from the Richland line, presented a curi- 
ous scene. An immense cheese-hoop and press had been 
constructed, the milk of all the proprietor's hundred and 
fifty cows was turned into curd, and for five successive days 
it was piled into the great hocjp. At first the projector had 
intended to content himself with a cheese weighing half a 
ton, but when it was completed it did not appear large 
enough, and so he added to his hoop from time to time, till 
he had an article weighing fourteen hundred pounds. It 
was designed as a present to President Jackson. 

When completed the colonel Wiis determined to have it 
sent forth on its travels in grand style. So he obtained 
forty-eight gray honses, placed the cheese on a big wagon 
covered with flags, and started for Port Ontario. John 
Sage, now residing in the western part of Sandy Creek, 
worked for Colonel Meacham at the time, and, as he hap- 
pened to have a gray team, he was called on to take part 
in the display. All the farmers for miles around, even if 
n(jt blessed with gray teams, were invited to drive before 
or after the monster cheese. 

The procession, nearly a mile in length, moTed to Pu- 
laski, where a halt vva.s made, and the hoop removed from 
the large cheese, allowing the multitude gathered at that 
rural hamlet to feast their eyes upon the monster cheese of 
the world. They proceeded to the port, where the cheese 
was shipped on the 15th of November, 1835. The boat 
moved from the wharf amid the firing of cannon and the 
ap|ilause of the vast concourse of people, who waved fare- 
well to Colonel Meacham as he started on his tour. 



378 



IJISTUIIY UF OSWEGO COUNTY, -NEW lOllK. 



Nevertheless, it was conveyed to Wasliin^n via Os- 
we{;o, Syracuse, Erie canal, Albany, auJ New York, and 
the entire trip was a scries of nvalions. That was a proud 
day for Colonel Meachani, when this cheese was uncovered 
at the capital of the nation and formally presented to the 
president of the I'nited Suucs in the name of the " gov- 
ernor and jM.x>])le of the State of New York." 

This was doubtless the largest gift (in one sense) ever 
made to a president. General Jackson duly returned 
thanks for both the honor and the cheese, and presented 
Colonel Meachain with a dozen bottles of wine as a compli- 
mentary return. 

Some men mi;.:ht have been at a loss in regard to the 
manner of disposing of this niaininoth production. Not 
80 Old Hickory; He kept it until the 22d of February, 
and then directed that it be cut in pieces, and that an invi- 
tation be extended to all the peoj)le in Washington to eat 
cheese! The following description of that scene was given 
by an eye-witness : 

" This is Washington's birthday. The president, the 
departments, the senate, and we, the people, have celebrated 
it by eating a big cheese! The president's house was thrown 
open. The multitude swarmed in. The Senate of the 
United Slates adjourned. The reprosentjitives of the various 
departments turned out. ISepre.senlatives in squadrons left 
the capitol, — and all for the purpose of eating cheese I 
Mr. Van iiuren was there to eat cheese. Mr. Webster was 
there to eat cheese. Mr. Woodbury, Colonel Bentou, Mr. 
Diekerson, and the gallant Colonel Trobridge were eating 
cheese. The court, the fa.shion, the beauty of Washington 
were all eating cheese. Officers in Washington, foreign 
representatives, in stars and garters; gay, joyous, dashing 
and gorgeous women, in all the pride and panoply and 
pomp of wealth, were there eating cheese. Cheese, cheese, 
cheese was on everybody's lip and in everybody's mouth. 
All you heard was cheese. All you Siiw was cheese. All 
you smelt was cheese. It was cheese, chee.se, cheese. 
Streams of cheese were going u]) in the avenue in every- 
body's fists. Balls of cheese were in a hundred pockets. 
Every handkerchief smelt of cheese. The whole atmos- 
phere for half a mile around was infected with cheese." 

The enterprising colonel also sent off a number of cheeses 
weighing seven hundred pounds each, — one to Vice-Presi- 
dent Van Hurcn, one to Governor William L. Marcy, at 
Albany, one to the mayor of New York, and one to the 
mayor of Rochester. From the latter he received in return 
an immense barrel of flour, containing ten ordinary barrels, 
and weighing, of course, nearly a ton. 

Several yeare later Colonel Meachani got another grand 
idea in his licad. lie would Iniild a fine agricultural hall 
on his farm, on the Salt road, to be devoted to agricultnral 
and horticultural fairs, lectures on agriculture, etc. In this 
case, as in that of the cheese, he kejit ailding to his origi- 
nal design until he had a long, two-story Irame building, 
with the head of the great Rochester flour-barrel built into 
its front, — a .structure far beyond any possible wants of that 
(|uiet neighborhood. " The hall," as it is still called, yet 
stands whore the colonel built it, but all idea of using it for 
its original jiurposcs has long since been abandoned. 

Meanwhile Wa.shingtonville grew very slowly. lu 1837, 



when Oren R. Earl came there to live, there were two 
public-houses, two small stores, and about a dozen frame 
houses. 

In 1840 Sandy Creek shared the general excitement over 
the great log cabin campaign ; and the largest meeting ever 
held in that part of the country was convened in the north- 
west corner of that town. It was a joint meeting for 
Oswego and Jeflerson counties ; and the log cabin for the 
occasion was built partly in Sandy Creek and partly in 
Ellisburg, close where the .Methodist church now stands. 
The Whigs for forty miles around a.«senibled almost m 
miisse, and some of the most distinguished orators of the 
party poured forth their eIof|uencc on the oeca.sion, within 
.sound of the place where old Stephen Lindsay struck one 
of the pioneer blows in the town of Sandy Creek. 

For many years little occurred in Sandy Creek requiring 
the notice of the historian. The progress of time showed 
itself in improved buildings, better farms, finer carriages, 
handsome school-houses, and all the usual indications of 
prosperity. In 1851 the people at town-meeting voted two 
hundred and fifty dollars to pnvide for a town-hall at 
Wa.shingtonville ; and a large room was accordingly fitted 
up for the purpose. 

Rut though the name of Washingtonville was still re- 
tained on official documents and on published maps, yet it 
was never a popular favorite. Washington might have 
done very well, but Wa.<liingtonville was too heavy. The 
place was more often called Sandj' Creek, and at length the 
quadro-syllabic appellation was entirely dropped, leaving 
Sandy Creek master of the field. 

The town-hall was evidently provided for when the peo- 
ple were getting their ideas worked up by the Watcrtown 
and Rome railroad. That thoroughfare was opened through 
Sandy Creek and as far as Tierrepont Manor in May, 1851. 
It ran about three-fourths of a mile ea.st of Sandy Creek 
village; consequently the idea soon aro.se of building an- 
other village around the depot. After a few hou.ses had 
been erected the question of a name came up, and the very 
convenient and euphonious one of Lacona was adopted. 

In looking over the town records of Sandy Creek, one 
cannot but notice an extraordinary growth of the poor 
expenses almost coincident with the railroad and other 
improvements. They rose from a hundred and ninety dol- 
lars in 1854 to six hundred dollars in IS5(j, to thirteen 
hundred dollars in 18G4, and to seventeen hundred dollars 
in 1870, besides large sums to pay indebtedness on the poor 
account. This is certainly astonishing. For several years 
the sum appropriated for that purpose has been a thousand 
dollars. 

In the war liir the Union, Sandy Creek took her full 
share, as is shown by the list of her soldiers appended U) 
this sketch, and by the record, elsewhere given, of the regi- 
ments to which th<-y belonged. 

At a .special meeting held in August, 1864, a resolution 
was carried, by a vote of three hundred and one against 
three, to raise the sum of fifteen thousand six hundred dol- 
lars to pay bounties to volunteers. At a special meeting, 
held on the 1st of January, 18(15, it was resolved that 
twenty-one thousand dollars .should be raised by bonds to 
pay bounties and fill the quota of the town ; the money to 



/ 



/ 



-.■fT' 








'H 



7 





fffS. of O.ff. EARL, SANor CfjuK^Oswceo Co. H. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



379 



be used at the discretion of a committee consisting of 0. 
R. Earl, W. T. Tift, P. M. Newton, H. E. Root, E. G. 
Robbins, and Monroe Sargent. 

Since the war the two villages of Sandy Creek and La- 
cona have gone forward with rapid steps. The space of 
three-quarters of a mile which formerly lay between them 
has been almost entirely built up on the old street connect- 
ing them, and several new avenues have been laid out which 
are already taking on quite a street-like appearance. No 
other village in the county has shown so rapid a progress in 
the same time. Tiio population of Lacoiia and Sandy 
Creek is about thirteen hundred. The following are the 
principal professional men, hotels, mercantile and manufac- 
turing establishments of the town, besides blacksmith-shops, 
shoe-shops, etc. : 

SANDY CREEK. 

The Sandy Creek Tannery. — This was established 
in 1826 by John B. Smith. It w;is owned and managed 
by him until 1857, when he sold it to Oren R. Earl. That 
gentleman carried it on until 18G8. Since then it has 
been owned by A. N. Shepherd & Co., Shepherd, Dunn & 
Co., A. H. Dunn & Co., and now by Alexander Mosely & 
Co., all of Boston. It turns out eight hundred hides per 
week, and its business is constantly increasing. It is run 
by steam, and employs about eighty hands. Most of its 
bark comes from Boylston. It has a forty liorse-power 
engine, two boilers, and ninety-two vats. Since 18G8 it 
has been under the superintendence of L. J. Brown. 

Oren R. Earl's bank (private.) ; established March, 1870, 
by Earl & Newton ; now owned by 0. R. Earl ; M. M. 
Earl, cashier. 

Wright, Sherman & Wart's marble- and granite-shop ; 
established by Warriner & Soule ; employs twelve men. 

Henr^' Soule's marble-shop. 

M. J. Salisbury's grist-mill. 

Loman Baldwin's machine-shop. 

A. C. Skinkle's machine-shop. 

Sargent & Harding's general store. 

Byron Allen's general store. 

Pitt M. Newton's general store. 

C. Seeley & Son's general store. 

E. S. Harding's grocery, etc. 

E. Williams' grocery, etc. 

S. R. King's clothing-store. 

Cooke & Salisbury's drug-store. 

L. A. Baldwin's book-store. 

C. V. Harbottle's boot and shoe store. 

I. K. P. Cottrell's boot and shoe .store. 

C. W. Colony's stove and hardware store. 
N. M. Moulton's furniture-store. 

Jlrs. C. B. Bush's millinery and fancy goods store. 
Mrs. C. S. Henderson's millinery and fancy goods .store. 
The Salisbury House, by B. F. Salisbury. 
The Sandy Creek House, by P. D. Clari., 
Azariah Wart, counselor-at-law. 
Henry L. Howe, counsclor-at-law. 

D. E. Ainsworth, counselor-at-law. 

Allen L. Thompson, M.D., physician and surgeon. 
J. L. Bulklcy, M.D., physician and surgeon. 



S. J. Crockett, M.D., physician and surgeon. 
D. W. Lewis, denti.st. 
J. S. Thompson, dentist. 

LACONA. 

B. F. Pond's tannery ; built in 1876; capable of tanning 
five or six thousand hides per year. 

Salisbury & Powers" grist-mill. 

Irwin E. Fluster's cheese-factory, making thirty cheeses 
a day. 

Wiu. T. Tifft, land agent, and produce and commission 
merchant. 

Gilbert N. Harding, insurance agent, etc. 

Fuller & Son's grocery and drug store. 

Hydorn & Tilton's grocery and provision store. 

Nathan Davis' flour and feed store. ' 

C. R. Grant's stove and tin store. 
Albert Powers' boot and shoe store. 

The Union Centre House, by J. Mareness. 

Besides the foregoing, there are in the town, outside of 
the two villages, four cheese-factories ; one, half a mile 
north of Sandy Creek, carried on by J. W. Porter, which 
makes fifteen cheeses a day ; one, by Wm. Weaver, in the 
west part of the town, making twelve per day ; another, 
also in the west part of tOTvn, by Mr. HoUis, making 
twelve per day ; and one, iu the southeast part of the town, 
by Geo. S. Meads, making ten per day. 

In the southeast part of town, too, there is a tannery, 
built about 1836 by Miles Blodgett, who still owns it. It 
turns out from ten to twenty thousand calf-skins a year. 

There is also a saw-mill by Mr. Woodward, three- 
fourths of a mile east of Lacona ; another, by Aaron Peck, 
two miles west of Sandy Creek ; and a .shingle-mill, by 
Jerome Hadley, half a mile below Sandy Creek. 

A hotel, kept by Charles Lindsaj', in the northwest part 
of the town, closes our list. 

The farming interest is, of course, the most important in 
town. The number and capacity of the cheese-factories 
show the extent to which dairying is carried, nor are stock- - 
raising and grain-raising by any means neglected. Nearly 
the whole town is composed of arable, rolling land, just be- 
ginning to rise into hills at the eastern line, and though the 
sand is sometimes rather profuse near the lake, it adds 
warmth to the soil without causing barrenness. It is well 
watered by Sandy creek and it.s branches, but there are so 
many Sandy creeks that the name is somewhat indefinite. 
Even the maps are quite dubious. According to the best 
authority there are Big Sandy creek and Little Sandy creek, 
each with two main branches. Big Sandy is entirely in 
Jefferson county, and its north and south branches unite in 
Big Sandy pond on the west part of KllLsburg. Little 
Sandy creek also has a north and a .south branch, the for- 
mer running through iNIannsville, Jefferson county, and 
thence into the town nf Sandy Creek, the latter flow- 
ing through Lacona and Sandy Creek villages. The two 
branches of Little Sandy unite in Little Sandy pond, which 
occupies the west part of the town now under consideration. 
It is much larger than Big Sandy pond, — that is, it is the 
largest pond but the smallest Sandy. 

Little Sandy pond is the most marked topographical 



380 



HISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



fc;itiirc of llic town iif Sandy Creek. It is divided into 
North pond and Siiulli pond, the foruier covering over a 
thousand acres, the latter fnmi two to three liundrcd. A 
narrow sand-bank, a few rods wide, stretches for five miles 
between the lake and tlie jiorids, the waters of which are 
conveyed into tlie hike tlirouyli the ridge by an estuary 
near its centre. 

That loiif: line of sand, once considered worthless, has 
now become (|uite valuable as a base of ofKjrations against 
the whitc-fisli. A boat starts from the shore, between ten 
and three o'clock at night, witli a large seine and several 
miles of rope. From a mile to a mile and a lialf of rope is 
paid out at right angles witii the .<hore. Then a hundred 
rods or so of seine is thrown into the water parallel with 
the shore, the upper end being attached to the rope ; and 
then the boat goes back, jiaying out another mile or mile 
and a half of rope made fast to the lower end of the seine. 
Then the two ropes are drawn in with windlasses, and in 
still water immense numbers of fi.sh are caught in tlie .seine. 
Mr. (). K. Earl states as high as thirteen thousand white- 
fish liave been caught in one seine at one haul. This was 
extraordinary, but it was not unc(]nini(in to pull in at once 
five or si.x thousand fish, weighing fmni three to four pounds 
apiece. They are not as numerous now jis formerly, but 
even this summer st^veral hundred fish have been caught at 
a haul. ]5ass and pickerel are also caught in the jionds in 
winter by cutting holes in the ice. 

Thus Sandy Creek is not without some sport to remind 
its people of the pioneer times of seventy years ago, though 
the most of their energies are devoted to the prosaic duties 
of the farm, the store, and the workshop. 

TIIF. FIRST CONOREOATIONAL CHURCH. 

This religious body was organized as a Presbyterian 
cliurch on the 2od day of July, 1817, by a council of three 
ministers <if that denomination, when the following persons 
united with it : Thomas Baker, Mary Baker, Allen McLean, 
Vada Rogers, Pha-be Rogers, Nathaniel Baker, Sally Baker, 
George Harding, and Polly Baker. Thomas Baker and 
George Harding were ordained as ruling elders. 

For five years there was no regular minister, only occa- 
sional 8u]pplies, among whom were Rev. John Duulap, Rev. 
Oliver Leavitt, and Rev. Jonas Coborn. During this time 
sixteen additional members were received. Rev. Oliver 
Ayer, the first settled pastor, was installed in March, 1822. 
A society for secular purpo.ses was organized the same year, 
— Nathaniel Wilder, Solomon Harding, Smith Dunlap, and 
Simeon Duncan being the first trustees. It was ten years, 
however, before they had any church edifice to attend to, 
— sehool-hou.''es, private hou.ses, and barns being used in- 
stejid. iMr Ayer was succeeded by Rev. Caleb Burgc, 
under who.se administration, in 18)51, there was a j)OWerful 
revival commenced by a iijur-day meeting in David Ben- 
nett's barn. Prayer-meetings were continued in this barn 
until it was wanted for liay. Meetings were then held at a 
barn in the village until cold weather, when they were 
transferred to the scliool-house. Between thirty and forty 
converts joined during this revival. Doubtless, too, the 
erection of a church edifice on what is now Railroad street. 



which took place in 1832, was the result of the increased 
vigor caused by the revival of 1S81. 

Mr. Burge was succeeded by Samuel Leonard, he by 
Chas. B. Pond, and he by Rev. Wm. B. Stow, who 
remained from 1839 to 1814. In December, 1842, the 
church adopted the Congregational form of government, 
but remained connected with the presbytery, on what was 
csilled the "accommodation plan." There were several in- 
tervals between ministers. Rev. Fred'k Graves preached a 
year, beginning in l.S4o, after which the ]iuli)it was vacant 
fill 1849. R«v. II. U. Waite then occupied two years. 
Rev. R. A. Wlieelock one year, and Rev. Richard Oshurn 
seven years. The church was rebuilt during the adminis- 
tration of Mr. 0., and eighty-five new members were 
admitted. 

Rev. J, R. Bnidnaeh served from IStiO to 18(54, Rev. 
N. B. Knapp from 181)4 to 1808, Rev. H. H. Waite from 
18(i9 to 1872, and Rev. J. N. Hicks from 1873 to 1876. 
Rev. J. H. Munsell, the present pa.stor, was installed in April, 
1876. Under his administration the church and the so- 
ciety have been invited and placed in full connection with 
the Congregational ists. Their commodious edifice has been 
remodeled this season, having received a Gothic front and a 
spire a hundred and thirty feet high. 

The present membership of the church is one hundred and 
thirtv-five. There is a flouri.shin'; Sundav-school coiuiected 
with it, having two hundred and ten volumes in its library. 
The following are the present officers: Pitstor, Rev. J. H. Mun- 
sell ; Clerk, A.sa Carpenter; Deacons, .\.sa Carpenter, Ste- 
phen Scripture, L. A. Warriner, and Willis A. Harding; 
Trustees, J. S. Robbins, L. A. Warriner, H. E. Root, L. 
H. Brown, and E. 11. Sargent. 

TIIK FIUST .MKTHODIST EPISCOr.\I- CHURCH. 

A Methodist class was formed in town as early as 1811, 
as Mrs. Clarissa Iladley, a still surviving member, was 
converted and joined it in that year. The .class gradually 
increased in numbers as the country settled ; but it was 
not legally incorporated until 183(1. The following year 
the present commodious church edifice was erected on what 
is now Railroad street, in the village of Sandy Creek. Rev. 
ElLsha Wheeler was the pastor at that time, but we have 
been unable to obtain the names of )iis successors. 

This church has flourished greatly, and is now much the 
largest of any in town, the number of full members being 
about two hundred and fifty, and that of probationers forty. 
There is a very large Sabbath school connected with it, 
having twenty oflicers and teachers, one hundred and fifty 
scholars, and two hundred volumes in its library. 

The church editiee is valued at two thousand five hun- 
dred dollars, and the parsonage at three thousand, and the 
whole property is entirely free from debt. 

The present officers, as furnished us, are as follows: Pas- 
tor, Rev. W. Wat.son (\u his third year); Superintendent 
of Sunday-school, Henry L. Howe; Trustees, George S. 
Buell, Henry S. Davis, Lewis L. Wilder, Henry F. Howe, 
and John Hoi I is. 

There is also a ISaptist church, now under the pastorate 
of the Rev. Mr. Martin, with a hon.se of worship on Main 
street, in the south part of the village of Sandy Creek ; but 




Residencz or G/LBERT N. HARDING,main st.,lacona,oswego co.. N. Y. 




Residence: or Wm.JAY STOVENS, main st.lacona.osw£go co, N Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



381 



after repeated applications we have been unable to learn 
anything rcgarJing its history. 

THE WEST SANDY CEEEK CIRCUIT (METHODIST EPIS- 
COPAL). 
From a very early day there were a considerable number 
of " Reform Methodists" in the west part of Sandy Creek, 
and a less number of the Methodist Pjpiscopal churches. 
The former had at one time a cla.ss of eighteen members. 
Revs. Jacob Hadley, Josiah Chapin, and Ashbel Frazier, 
of the Reformed Methodists, and Rev. Mr. Stevens, of the 
Episcopal Methodists, who all lived in the vicinity, 
preached for nearly fifty years at the various school-houses 
along the lake-shore. 

In the fore part of 1859 a shoemaker, named McHcn- 
drick Paddock, living iu that locality, began preaching at 
the neighboring school-houses, though then belonging to 
no church. He preached but two or three sermons at each 
school-house, gaining a remarkable number of converts. 
At the first he obtained twenty-five, at the Goodenough 
school-house fifteen, at the Loach school-house eighteen or 
twenty, at the mouth of Sandy creek twenty-.sevon, at the 
May school-house over twenty. At the next one on the 
south he obtiiined none, and he then stopped his revival 
work. He preached to his converts till June, and then 
advised them to joiu some church. He himself, with the 
most of his converts, united with the Methodist Episcopal 
denomination, and he became a Methodi.st minister. 

This curious revival was the origin of a flourishing 
Methodist circuit, which was at once organized with three 
classes ; one meeting at the mouth of Sandy creek, one in 
the "Goodenough" neighborhood, on the line of Ellisburg, 
and one at Port Ontario, in Richland. Mr. Paddock was 
the first pastor, preaciiing for a year. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Ni: Frazier, and he by Rev. Mr. Bowen. Rev. 
W. (J. Smith preached from ISG-t to 1867. His successors 
in turn were Rev. William Empey, Rev. A. S. Nickcrson, 
Rev. Lucius Whitney, Rev. Mr. Hubbell, Rev. J. Jenkins 
(1874), Rev. J. G. Benson (1875), and Rev. Edward 
Everett (1877). 

In 1872 a neat little church edifice w;is built just south 
of Sandy Creek. A church had also been erected in the 
"Goodenough" neighborhood, but it is ju.st over in Ellis- 
burg. The class there has about thirty-three members, of 
whom three-fourths are in the town of Sandy Creek. That 
at the mouth of the creek has about forty. The members 
of the Port Ontario class all reside in Richland. 

The following are the ofiicers of the circuit, which in- 
cludes the three classes: Pastor, Edward Everett; Stew- 
ards, Richard Elile, John Patterson, Elisha Reynolds, Joel 
Morey, Charles Learned, Judah Roberts, Alonzo Tryou, 
and Edward Everett. The trustees of the Centre church 
property are Nelson Sprague, Asa Lindsay, Cluus. Learned, 
Alonzo Tryou, and Judah Roberts. 

SANDY CREEK AND LACONA UNION SCHOOL. 

Up to 1871 there had been nothing but the ordinary 
district school in Sandy Creek. At a meeting of the voters 
of districts 9 and 10, comprising the villages of Sandy 
Creek and Lacona, held on the 15th of April, iu that year, 



it was voted to consolidate the two districts in one, and 
to elect nine trustees, constituting a board of education. 
The first board consisted of William T. Tifft, Hamilton E. 
Root, H. L. Howe, Rev. H. H. Waite, S. H. Barlow, P. 
M. Newton, E. L. Nye, William L. Hadley, and A. L. 
Thompson. The first ofiicers of the board were H. E. 
Root, president ; S. H. Barlow, secret;iry ; and W. A. 
Hadley, treasurer. 

H. L. Howe, Esq., was delegated to go to Oswego and 
other points to examine buildings, consult teachers, etc., 
regarding the proper kind of structure to erect. Oren R. 
Jlarl, Esq., donated four acres for the purposes of the 
school, in a fine, sightly location, on the principal new 
street, between Sandy Creek and Lacona. 

The school building was erected in 1872, at a cost of 
eight thousand dollars ; and we think any one who sees it 
will admit that it is an extremely cheap structure. It is 
built of brick, the main part being forty-three feet by sev- 
enty-five, and two stories high. Two projections, of mod- 
erate size, add diversity to the aspect, over one of which 
rises a handsome tower, while above the other is a lower 
tower, in which swings a bell. On each floor is an audi- 
ence-room, with three recitation-rooms adjoining. The 
whole edifice is heated by a furnace in the basement. It is 
supplied throughout with patent folding-seats, and all the 
rooms are surrounded by slate-finished blackboard. Two 
thousand dollars were expended in furnishing it. 

The first .school was held in the winter of 1872-73, Rev. 
B. E. Whipple being the first principal. He was succeeded 
by John G. William, and he by the present principal. 

The school system of the Union district is now organized 
as follows: The senior and junior departments meet at the 
Central school, under a principal, a preceptress, and three 
assistants. The Western primary school is at the Sandy 
Creek school-house, with two teachers ; and the Eastern 
primary at the Lacona school-house, with one teacher. All 
are under the general supervision of the principal. 

The nature of the primary department is sufficiently in- 
dicated by its name. The junior department embraces the 
common English branches, and the senior department in- 
cludes the higher English branches and classics, so far as 
to fit the student for college. The average attendance 
during the past year has been one hundred and ninety. 
The present principal is J. Edmon Meassee, and the present 
preceptress is JMiss Mary E. Munger. The board of edu- 
cation is now composed of Henry L. Howe, president; 
William L. Hadley, secretary; P. M. Newton, W. J. Ste- 
vens, H. I. Davis, W. T. Tittt, J. S. Bobbins, Alvin 
Hadley, and Perry Bartlett. W. A. Harding is treasurer 
of the board, and Henry Ainsworth collector. The ex- 
amining committee consists of D. E. Ainsworth, Esq., Rev. 
J. H. Munsell, and J. L. Bulkley, M.D. 

Thoroughly organized, amply appointed, liberally sup- 
ported, and situated between two thriving villages, the 
school promises a long life of vigorous usefulness. 

Sandy Creek Lodqk F. and A. M. — This lodge wan 
instituted on the 22d day of June, 18G5, with H. L. Howe 
its Worthy Master, J. L. Bulkley as Senior Wai'den, and 
. W. J. Stevens as Junior Warden. 



382 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Since that time the following {gentlemen have oflBciatcd 
as Worthy Mxsturs, their rfspective terms boiriiining in June 
of the years set cij)|)ositc their names : II. L. Howe, 1865- 
60; J. L. Bulkley, 18G7-CS; (J. N. ILirding, 18G9 ; J. 
L. Bulliley, 1870-73; R. N. Uurley, 1874-75 ; J. L. Bulk- 
ley, 187G. 

The lodge has flourished greatly since its institution, and 
now conliiiiis sovenly-six members. Its meetings are held 
at a handsome hall in Sundy Creek village, on the evenings 
of the second and fourth Fridays of eaeh month. The fol- 
lowing are the prcs«Mit oflieers, as furnished to us : W. 51., 
K. N. Gurley ; S. W., M. II. Smith ; J. W., G. N. Salis- 
bury; Treas., II. W. Seelcy ; Sec, A. E. Sherman. 

Sandy Chkek Division, S. and D. op T. — This in- 
stitution meets weekly at Sandy Creek. The following is 
a list of the officers, as given us in August, 1877 : P. W. 
P., J. L. Bulkley ; W. P., W. II. Soulc; W. As.soeiate, Delia 
Crocker; 11. Scribe, Edward Copeland ; A. R. Scribe, Celia 
James; F. Scribe, I. U. .\lleti ; Treasurer, S. A. Soulc; 
Chaplain, Mre. M. E. Baldwin ; Conductor, Geo. Howe ; 
A. Conductor, Mary Johnston ; I. S., Leiia Kaulbach ; 
0. S., Eva Mahaffy. 

SUPERVISORS AND TOWN CLERKS. 

SiipiTviKiirs. — Simon ^leacliani, 1825-28 ; John Jacobs, 
182'J-:52; AIjcI Uicc, 18H3; Alden Crandell, 1834 ; Abel 
Rice, 1835; Orrin House, 183C-37; Nathan Salisbury, 
1838; Orrin House, 1839; Nathan Salisbury, 1840-41 ; 
Onin House. 1842; Nathan Sali.-bury, 1843; John P. 
Clark, 1844; Oren U. Earl, 1845-46; Allen L Thompson, 
1847-10; Orcii R. Earl, 18.50-55; Truman C. Harding, 
185G; Allen L. Thomp.son, 1857-58; Pitt M. Newton, 
1859-60 ; Benjamin G. Bobbins, 18G1-G2 ; Oren R. Earl, 
1863-64; Benjamin G. Bobbins, 18C5-66; Henry L. 
Howe, 1867 ; John D.ivi.s, 1868 ; Oren R. Earl, 1869-71 ; 
Pitt M. Newton, 1872-73; Hamilton E. Root, 1874-76; 
Allen L. Thompson, 1 877. 

Town C7/er/.s.— Edwin C. Hart, 1825 ; Oliver Ayer, Jr., 
1826-27 ; Nathan Salisbury, 1828 ; Edwin C. Hart, 1829- 
32; Orrin House, 1833-35; Lyman Mallory, 1836; Ed- 
son Wilden, 1837-40 ; John G. Ayer, 1841^6 ; E. V. 
Bobbins, 1847; John O. Ayer, 1848-49; Robert Jamie- 
son, 1850 ; Benjamin V. Salisbury, 1851 ; Pitt M. Newton, 
1852; Smith E. Walch, 1853-54; Hymeneus Cole, 1855- 
56; Elmund II. Sargent, 18.")7; Minott A. Pruyn, 1858 ; 
Hymeneus Cole, 1859 ; Almon Chapin, 18G0; Edward W. 
Copeland, 1861 ; Hymeneus Cole, 18G2 ; Moreau J. Salis- 
bury, 1863; Almon Chapin, 1864-77. 

rilESENT TOWN OFFICERS. 

Supervisor, Allen L. Thompson ; Town Clerk, Almon 
Chapin; Justices of the Peace, Martin S. May, Wm. F. 
Baker, and Albert Iladley ; As.sessors, Geo. S. Buell, Wm. 
L. Iladley, and Newman Tuttle ; Commissioners of High- 
ways, Edward C. Upton, Henry Stevens, and Admetha 
Iladley; Overseer of the Poor, Purtor M. Corse; Collector, 
Harrison II. Cole; Town Auditors, I'itt M. Newton, Smith 
H. Barlow, G. N. Harding; Constables, Theodore Salis- 
bury, Henry A. licavenworlh, Ira West, Benjamin C. Near; 
Game Constable, AUcn C. Leight. 



BlOGUArillCAL SKETCHES. 



HON. OREN R. EARL 

was born in Ellisburg, Jefferson county. New York, No- 
vember 2, 1813. His parents moved from Rhode Lsland, 
and settled in Ellisburg at what is now the village of 
Pierrepont Manor, in 18115. His father was twice married. 
By the first wife he li.id five children ; by the second, two. 
The second wife, whose maiden name was Polly Howe, was 
the second child born in Sandy Creek. The subject of this 
sketch was the third child of the first set. He worked on 
the farm with his father until thirty-three years of age. He 
moved to Sandy Creek in 1844, purehiLsing an eighty-acre 
lot about one mile north of Sandy Creek. For a number 
of years Mr. Earl dealt in cattle, driving them to the 
Albany market. From 1857 to 1868 he operated the large 
tannery in Sandy Creek, making it a success. Was vice- 
president of the Syracuse Northern railroad from its organi- 
zaticm \intil its .sale to the R.. W. & O. R. R. In politics, 
iSlr. Earl is Rejiublican. He was elected suiicrvisor in 
1845, and has served in that capacity, at different times, 
for fifteen years. He was elected to the as.sembly in 1847. 
He was married June 20, 1845, to Jennett Salisbury, 
daughter of Nathan Salisbury, one of the early settlers of 
Sandy Creek. They have no children. At the present 
time (1877), Mr. Earl owns and carries on three farms, — 
altogether five hundred and thirty acres, — and the oidy 
banking-house in Sandy Creek. Energetic and thorough 
in ;ill his undertakings, no interest, jiublic or private, com- 
mitted to his hands has ever suffered, and whether as farmer, 
tanner, banker, or jiublic servant, he has been almost uni- 
formly successful. 



HON. ANDREW S. WARNER 

was born in Vernon, Oneida county, New York, January 
12, 1819, the second of ten children, — two sons and eight 
daughters. Mr. Warner moved to Sandy Creek in April, 
1837, and settled on the farm he has owned and occupied 
ever since. He was first married to Mary E. Greene, 
daughter of Henry K. Greene, of New Haven, Oswego 
County, October 19, 1842. Five children were the result 
of this marriage, — four sons and one daughter, — only two 
of whom are now living, Adelbert A. and Gcrrit S. His 
wife died June 22, 1859, and October 3, 18C1, he was 
married to Cloe Monroe, daughter of Barnabas Monroe, one 
of the early settlers of Sandy Creek. Four children were 
born to them, all living, — viz., Wilbert, Monroe, Warren 
W., and Mary T. F. 

In politics Mr. Warner is a Ropublicin. Ho was twice 
elected to the :us.sembly, serving in the years 1855 and 1856. 
Was elected to the senate, and served in the years 1860 and 
1861. Entered tlii' army as colonel of the One Hundred 
and Forty-seventh Regiment New York Volunteers, and 






c-c^ 



g[cc£iOL ^C, ui-i7V^*^^ 





RESIDENCE oP MRS.JUUA K.ROBBINS, SANDY CREEK.OSWEGO CO.NY 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



383 



his health failing, received an honorable discharge. Few 
men in the county have led a more active life than lias Mr. 
Warner, and none are more closely identified with all in- 
terests which conserve the prosperity of a community. 



JULIUS S. ROBBINS 

was born in the town of Palmyra, Ontario county, New 
York, October 18, 1816. His grandfather on the mother's 
side, George Harding, moved into that portion of Richland 
township which now constitutes the township of Sandy 
Creek in the year 1809. His parents moved to Sandy 
Creek in 1818, and settled on a farm on the Ridge road, 
now occupied by James Snyder. About the year 188G 
they purchased the farm then known as the " Whiteside," 
now as the " Robbins," farm. Mr. llobbins lived with his 
father until thirty -one years of age. lu 1844 he married 
Hester Raymond, of the town of Litchfield. One daughter 
was born to them, who died in infancy. His wife died 
March 2, 1850. 

January 14, 1852, he married Elizabeth Clark, of Sandy 
Creek. Four children — two sons and two daughters — 
were the result of this marriage. One son and one daughter 
died in infancy. The two living are Marshall C. and Mary 
P. Leaving the farm in 1850, j\Ir. Robbins engaged in 
mercantile business at Sandy Creek, first as clerk then as 
partner, with his brother, E. V. Robbins, and afterwards by 
himself in general merchandising, dealing largely in firm 
products. He built the house he now occupies in 1857. 

His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren, 
as a Democrat. He also voted for the same gentleman as 
the Free-soil candidate. He joined the Republican party at 
its organization, and has since been identified with that 
party. Though not a seeker for office, Mr. Robbins has 
filled the offices of school commissioner and town a.ssessor, 
and was postmaster for ten years under the administrations 
of Lincoln and Grant. 

In religion he is a Congregationalist, and has been one of 
the main pillars in that church, always contributing largely 
of his means to its support. 

Mr. Robbins has passed an active business life, and is 
justly entitled to the respect and esteem in which he is held 
by all who know him. 



BENJAMIN G. ROBBINS. 

The subject of this sketch — son of Valentine W. and 
Parmelia Robbins — was born in Oswego County, New York, 
November 11, 1823. He was the fourth son of a family of 
seven children. He married Julia Grennell, of Elli^burg, 
Jeffijrson county, January 3, 1849. The result of this 
marriage was one son and five daughters, namely, Rosa J., 
Mary J., Flora M., Eva P., Benjamin A., and Lottie J., — 
four of whom are now living. 



Mr. Robbins — one of Sandy Creek's noblest suns, one who 
stood among the first iu the hearts of the people, one who 
stood high as a public officer, a private citizen, a neighbor, 
and a Christian — was brought up a farmer, in which peace- 
ful occupation he spent his life. Born and educated in 
Oswego County, it was here he found a sphere for useful- 
ness. Having many times been elected to the highest place 
of public trust within the gift of the people of the county, 
he was ever found unwavering in his integrity and fidelity 
to their best interests. 

Industrious and economical, yet never withholding his 
hand to any appeal for a good cause. Where duty called 
he obeyed. 

For twenty-two years he was a member of the Congre- 
gational church of Sandy Creek, during which time he 
lived a consistent Christian life, holding the office of super- 
intendent of the Sabbath-school for fifteen years, and was 
one of the trustees of the church at the time of his death, 
March 3, 1871. 

He held the office of supervisor during the years 1861, 
'62, '65, and '66 ; was town superintendent of common 
schools for several years. He also occupied many positions 
of trust in the county, such as loan commissioner, plank- 
road inspector, and was a member of the Republican county 
committee at the time of his decease. He had just en- 
tered upon his forty-eighth year when he was "called from 
his labors," leaving to his family a pleasant home, — a view 
of which, together with the portraits of himself and wife, 
is presented elsewhere iu this work. 



WILLIAM BISHOP, 

the subject of this sketch, was born in Rensselaer county, 
New York, December 21, 1818. He was the oldest of a 
family of twelve children, of whom nine are now living. 
His grandfather, Hiram, and his father, Morris W., came* 
from Vermont at an early day, and settled in Rensselaer 
county, and were among the early pioneers of that county. 
William Bishop married Cynthia S. Ma.\ham, of Oswego 
County, on the 2d of March, 1842, and soon after pur- 
cha.sed the farm upon which he now resides. The result 
of this union was two .son.s and one daughter, — namely, 
Abner S., born October 4, 1843; Asa M., born March 12, 
1848; Rosa J., born November 4, 1853. The last two 
named still survive. 

Mr. Bishop ranks among the enterprising farmers of 
Sandy Creek, and by industry has succeeded in placing 
himself in thriving circumstances. He and his estimable 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. For 
nearly a quarter of a century Mr. Bishop followed the lake, 
and for a portion of the time held the position of captain, 
since which time he has devoted his attentiaji exclusively to 
agricultural jiursuit.s. Mr. Bishop was at oue time a Demo- 
crat, but for the last fiReen years hiis been a Republican. 
An illustration of the residence of this gentlemitu, together 
with portraits of himself and wife, can be .seen elsewhere in 
this work. 



3&4 



HISTORY OF OSWKUO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




AZAIUAII WAKT. 



HON. AZARIAH WART 

was born in that portion of Orwell wliicli now constitutes 
the tdwiisliif) of Rojl.stdti. March -I, 1S22. He was the 
fifth I'liild (ifjiiiin and Katliol Wart, tlie first family which 
settled in that township. He was married on the 13th of 
October, 1841, to Alniira Ornisby, daughter of Almon 
Ormsby, of Boylstou. There were five children by this 
marria^^e, viz. : Pheba A., wife of C. E. Thomas, of Sandy 
Creek ; George, deceased at twenty-seven years of age ; 
Sherman, Leonard, and Alinon. 

His wife died September 9, 1S()2, and he was again mar- 
ried, on the 2Gth of July, 1803, to Eliza Castor. Two sons 
arc the issue of this marriage, viz., Wellington H. and 
(lilson A. 

At the age of twenty-one Mr. Wart tried bis first cause in 
a justice's court, and from that time on he frequently inter- 
ehanged his work on the farm for the trial of causes, until 
finally, in 1853, his services as counselor and advocate were 
in such demand, he determined to leave the farm and 
devote himself exclusively to the practice of law. He was 
admitted to the bar in ISa'J. Mr. Wart has tilled various 
offices of public trusl» At the age of twenty-nine he was 
elected supervisor of his town, and re-elected in 1852, 
1854, and 1850. In 1853 he was elected to the assembly, 
receiving at this election all the votes cast in his own town- 
ship but three. For the last three years he hiis filled the 
offices of clerk and attorney of the board of supervisors of 
Oswego County. 

Few men with his limited advantages for education and 
the study of the law have attained a higher place in the 
profession. Possessed of a natural legjil mind, strong "com- 
mon sense," a good gill of language, conpletl with long ex- 
perience at the bar, he is justly regarded a formidable an- 
tagonist in the lejral arena. 




.1. I.Y.MA.N ULl.KLEV. 



.MILITARY RECOUI) OF SANDY CHEEK. 



^Villiiini Dc Wilt P'rrgufon, ca|itnin, Co. G, 24th Inf. EnlUteil May 
4, IstU ; wuunilcd nt South Slountiiin, Sept. H, 18G2: mutttcred 
out May 2!l, I86:i; rc-iBHHterca ui lottjur, IStth Inl'., Sept 16, 
l,S6t; uiustci'Cil out July K<, ISCJ. 

n<nry IS. Corse. Muetcrcd in Co. G, 24lh Inf., as 2il licut., May 17, 
ISIil; promoted to Ut lieut, May 2;i, 1SC2; killed in 2d Bull 
Kun hnttle, July, 18(52. 

Willis A. Harding. Enlisted in Co. (i, 24lh Inf., April 27, 1861 ; 
woundeil ut 2d Bull Kun battle, July, 1862: mustered out May 

2'.t. ises. 

Byron Ilinumn. Enlisted in Co. G, 21th Inf.. April 27, 1861 ; pro- 
moted teiscrgl.; mustered out May 2i), 1863: re-enlisled as 2d 
lieut., 1891h Inf., Aug. 27, 1864: mustered out June 12, 186i. 

Curtis C. Ilinumn. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. <J, 1861 ; mus- 
tered out Mny 2i), 1863 : re-enlisted, regiment unknown. 

Edwin M'cston. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., .\pril 27,1801: mus- 
tered out Muy 29, 1863. 

Moreau J. Salisl.ury. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf.. April 29, 1861; 
promoted to sergeant, Sept., 1862; inu.itcred out Mny 29, 1863. 

Dvlos Walking. Enlisted in Co. G, 21th Inf., May 4, 1861 ; promoted 
to corporal: mustered out May 29, 1803. 

Edward S. Gillet, Co. G, 24lh Inf. Enlisted May 4, 1861 : wounded 
at Antielani, Sept. 17, 1862; mus. out May 29, 1863; rc-eul'd as 
scrgt., Co. (i, 24th Cav., Dec. 26, 1863; dis. May 29, 1865. 

Merrick Salisbury, Co. G, 24lh Inf. Enlisted Sept. 24, 1861 : died in 
ho.«pilul, Oot. 10, 1862, from wounils received at Antietam, Sept. 
18, 1862. 

Ephraim P. Potter, Co. G, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr, 21, 1861 ; pro. to 
non-commi,«9ioned sUilT, Moy 1, 1862; luus. out May 29, 1863. 

John M. Harding, Co. G, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr. 27, 1861 ; died of 
fever at Iplon Hill, Va., Nov. 12, 1861. 

Sulouion S. Hariling, Co. 0, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr. 27, I86I ; mus. 
out May 29, 1S|13 ; re-enl'd Deo. 20, 1863, as sergt., in Co. 0, 24th 
Cav.: taken pris. Dec. 16, 1804; never heard of; supposed to 
have been murdered. 

Thomas Cox. Enlisted in Co. 0, 24lh Inf, April 27, 1801 : mustered 
out .Mav 29. 1803. 





Residence or J. S.ROBBINS,coR.or railroad 



lAoT riRST 57". 



:-, SANDY CR^EK, OSWEGO CO NY. 



J<? & 



^.^ :M 








"SALISBURY HOUSE, B.r.SALISBURY.PffOF- sandy c>?u- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



385 



James (5harjie. Enl'il in Co. G, 24tli Inf., April 29, 1861 ; mustered 

out May 2fl, 186.3. 
Hiram E. Taylor. Enlisted Apr. 27, ISCl, in Co. G, 2.1th Inf.; died 

of fever, July 12, 1861. 
Joseph K. Crandall. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Deo. 28, 1S61 ; pro. 

to corp. May 1, 186.3; mustered out May 29, 186.3; ro-enl'd Jan. 

1, 1864, in Co. G, 24th Cav. ; wounded near Petersburg, Va., Juno 

17, 1S64; prom, to sergeant Sept. 1, 1864; to ord. scrgt. June 3, 

lS6.'i ; mustered out July 19, 1865. 
Andrew J. Earless. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Apr. 26, 1861; disch. 

Dec. 31, 1862; re-enl'd Dec. 26, 1865, in Co. G, 24th Cav. ; pro. 

to com. scrgt. Sept. 1, 1864; mustered out June 24, 1865. 
Wm. WttUnce. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., April 27, 1861 ; disch. for 

disability Dec. 19, 1862. 
Asahel C. Wallace. Enlisted Apr. 27, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf. ; mus- 
tered out May 29, 1863. 
Wm. H. Wheeler. Enl'd Apr. 27, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf.; j.ro. to 

Corp. May 1, 1863; must, out May 29, 1803; ro-enl'd in Co. G, 

24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863, as sergt. ; mustered out July 19, 1865. 
Chas. E. Thomas. Enl'd in Co. G, 24lh Inf., Apr. 27, 1861 ; prom. 

to sergt. May 4, 1862 ; must, out May 29, 1863 ; rc-must. Sept. 8, 

1864, in Co. E, 189th Inf. ; prom, lo sergt. Sept. 9, 1864; must. 

out June 12, 1865. 
Granville S. Thompson. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; 

pro. to non-com. statf, Sept. 1, 1862; mus. out May 29, 1863. 
Benjamin C. Near. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 4, 1861, as 

musician ; dis. for disability, Aug. 26, 1861. 
Barzilla Lampman. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Apr. 27, 1861; mus. 

out May 29, 1863 ; re-enl'd Dec. 29, 1863, in Co. G, 24th Cav. ; 

wounded near Petersburg, Va., June, 1864 ; wounded again at 

Farmville, Apr. 4, 1865 ; mustered out June 24, 1865. 
Solon W. Martin. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Apr. 26, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. May 24, 1861; wounded Aug. 29, 1862; dis. Nov. 26, 

1862; re-enl'd in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 28, 1864; mustered out 

June 12, 1865. 
Ira R. Stevens. Enlisted Apr. 30, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf.; mus- 
tered out May 29, 1863. 
Harrison Murray. Enlisted May 3, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf. ; dis. 

for disability, Feb. 3, 1862. 
Samuel Suyder. Enlisted Apr. 29, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf ; dis. at 

Elmira by substitute ; re-enl'd iu Co. E, 189th Inf., Sept. 8, 1864 ; 

mustered out June 12, 1865. 
Wm. F. Mo.sior. Enl'd Apr. 27, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf., as Corp.; 

detached on gunboat service Feb. 16, 1862 ; died of fever at 

Cairo, 111., Oct. 20, 1862. 
Geo. W. Weaver. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Apr. 21, 1861 ; disch. for 

disability June 17, 1862. 
Harry Murray. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; disch. for 

disability Feb. 3, 1862. 
John Boccher. Enl'd Apr. 26, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf.; died from 

wounds rec'd in an affray at Washington, D. C, Nov. 19, 1861. 
Webster Woodard. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Apr. 29, 1861; must. 

out May 29, 1863. 
Jehiel A. Rogers. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; wounded 

at Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862 ; mustered out May 29, 1863. 
Geo. W. Lampman. Enl'd Nov. 9, 1861, in Co. G, 24th Inf.; disch. 

for disability Nov. 2, 1862. 
Wm. S. Goodrich. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May ,3, 1861; must. 

out May 29, 1863; re-enl'd in Co. 6, 184th Inf., Aug. 19, 1864; 

mustered out June 29, 1865. 
Richard D. Ehle. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; must, out 

May 29, 1863. 
John A. Wilda. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf.; must, out; ro-mustercd 

Sept. 2, 1864. in Co. G, 184lh Inf. ; mustered out. 
Yates W. Newton. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 19, 1862, as 

1st lieut. ; resigned Feb. 8, 1864. 
James K. P. Cottrell. Enlisted in Co. C, llOlh Inf., Aug. 1, 1862, as 

sergt. : pro. to 2d lieut. Aug. 6, 1863 ; to 1st lieut. Dec. 25, 1864 ; 

mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
James H. Strceter. Enlisted Aug. 1, 1862, in Co. C, 1 lOth Inf. ; died 

at New Iberia, La., Dec. 5, 1863. 
Albert Wright. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 1, 1862; mus- 
tered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Warren Wheeler. Enlisted Aug. 2, 1862, in Co. C, llUth Inf.; died 

at New Orleans, La., April 17, 1863. 



Robert C. Austin. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 2, 1862; pro. 

to corp. Aug. 14, 1863; mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Elijah S. Crandall. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 2, 1862 ; pro. 

to Corp. Jan. 4, 1864; mustered out Aug. 28,1865. 
Horatio Orvis. Enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in Co. C, 110th Inf.; disch. 

for disability, Nov. 1.3, 1863. 
Elbert Howe. Enlisted in 110th Inf., as musician, Aug. 2, 1862; 

mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Ira West. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf, Aug., 1862; discharged for 

disability. 
Thomas Roberts. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 2, 1862; pro- 
moted to corporal, Sept. 1, 1863; mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
Nelson Sparks. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; mus- 
tered out Aug. 28, 1865. 
William Lillis. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 7, 1802; disch. 

for disability, February 2, 1863. 
Hiram Wilda. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., August 5, 1862; disch. 

for disability. May 23, 1865. 
James M. Lindsey. Enlisted Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. C, UOth Inf.; 

disch. for disability, Dec. 17, 1863. 
George S. Munderback. Enlisted in Co. C,110th Inf., Aug. 5, 1862; 

disch. for disability, Doc. 1, 1863; died at Memphis, Tcnn., on 

his way home. 
William R. Towle. Enlisted in Co. C, 1 10th Inf., Aug. 6, 1802 ; disch. 

for disability, Dec. 26, 1863. 
Simon T. Leigh. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 5, 1862; disch. 

for disability, Aug. 5, 1863; died while awaiting transportalion 

home. 
Thomas V. Joslin. Enlisted in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 5, 1802 ; disch. 

for disability, March 8, 1864. 
Crocker Snyder. Enl'd in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 6, 1862 ; dis. Aug. 

U, 1864, on account of wounds through the lung. 
Leroy Salisbury. Enl'd in Co. C, UOth luf., August 6, 1862; died 

March 23, 1803. 
William S. Morey. Enl'd in Co. C,110th Inf, Aug. 1, 1862, as corp.; 

died Sept. 10, 1863. 
Samuel Mahaffy. Eul'd in Co. C, UOth Inf., Aug. 1, 1862, as corp.; 

pro. to sergeant, March 28, 1863 ; pro. to 1st sergt., July 21, '63 ; 

died August 23, 1863. 
Andrew S. Warner. Mustered as colonel of 147th Inf., Sept. 23, '62 ; 

resigned. 
Harvey E. Chajiin. Mustered as chaplain of 147th Inf., Sept. 23, '62; 

resigned February, 1863. 
Elhanan C. Seely. Mustered Sept. 23, 1862, as captain, Co. E, 1471h 

Inf. ; resigned. 
John L. Nichols. Enl'd in Co. E, 147th Inf , July 31, 1862; dis. for 

disability, March 26, 1863. 
Wait Wheeler. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; dis. 

for disability. 
Andrew J. Newton. Enlisted August 6, 1802, in Co. E, 147th Inf.; 

mustered out June 7, 1865. 
Sylvester J. Taylor. Mustered Sept. 23, 1S62, as sergt,, Co. E, 147th 

Inf.; pro. to lieut. ; killed July 4, 1863, at Gettysburg. 
William E. Sparks. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf, Sept. 23, 1802 j 

mustered out June 7, 1805. 
Phineas Shorey. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; mus- 
tered out June 7, 1805. 
Edwin Goodrich. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; dis. 
Francis E. Goodrich. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; 

dis. for disability. 
John Williams. Mustered in Co. E, 147lh Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; killed 

July 2, 1803, at Gettysburg. 
Thomas Wills. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf, Sept. 2.3, 1802: dis. 

for disability. 
Ira B. Briggs. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf, Sept. 23, 1862; mus- 
tered out June 7, 1865. 
Briggs Lindsay. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf, Sept. 23, 1862 ; dis. 

for disability. 
Joseph A. Robinson. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf, April 30, 1861 ; 

dis. for disability, March 10, 1862; rc-mustered in Co. E, 147th 

Inf. as sergt., Sept. 23, 1862 : mustered out June 7, 1865. 
Oscar D. Leach. Mustered in Co. E, 147lh Inf, Sept. 23, 1802; des. 
Charles B. Philbriek. Mustered in Co. E, 147th luf, Sept. 23, 1862; 

dis. for disability. 
Peter Murray. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf, Sept. 23, 1862; des. 



386 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John Cbaugo. Mustered io Co. K, I47tli Inf., Sept. 23, 1SC2; mus- 
tered out June 7, ISGj. 
Calvin A. Ilarringtuo. Mustered in Co. £, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; 
wounded and taken prisoner at Gettysburg, July 1, 1SG3; Mus- 
tered out June 28, 1SC5. 
Henry Cronk. Enl'd .\ug. 21, 1862, in Co. E, I47tb Inf.; deserted. 
Joseph A. IptoD. Mustered in Co. E, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 18(12; 

died in hospital at Washington, D. C. 
James Wright. Mustered in Co. E, 1-I7th Inf., Sept. 23, 1S62; 

deserted. 
Jebiul Weed. Mustered in Co. £, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; starved 

to death at Salisbury, X. C. 
Gilbert Harris. Mustered in Co. E, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; mus- 
tered out June 28, 1865. 
Harrison II. Colo. Mustered in Co. E, 147lh Inf., Sept. 23, 1862. 
George Tryon. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1802; 

deserted. 
Theodore II. Weaver. Mustered in Co. E, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1802; 

mustered out June, 18G5. 
Justus Sprngue. Enlisted Aug. 21, 1862, in Co. E, 147tb Inf. ; mus- 
tered out June 7, 1865. 
Asa S. Brown. Mustered in Co. E, 147lh Inf., Sept. 23, 1SC2. 
Elam Ooodrieh. Mustered in Co. E, 147tb Inf.. Sept. 23, 1862; dis- 
charged on aoeount of wound received at Gettysburg. 
John D. Wart. Mualcrod in Co. E, 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability. 
Burton White. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 2.3, 1862; died 

in service. 
Edwin Kiblin. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. E, 147th Inf. ; deserted. 
Oren N. Sprague. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. E, 147th Inf.; 

mustered out June 7, 1S65. 
William -M. Howard. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. E, 147th Inf. ; 
wounded at Gettysburg; lost a leg at Petersburg, June 18, 1864; 
ninslered out June 22, 1865. 
William H. Chaugo. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. E, 147th Inf. 
Newton G. Ehle. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, in Co. E, M7th Inf.; died 

in hospital at Winilmill Point, Va., .\pril, 1863. 
David Welch. Mustered in Co. E. 147tb Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; died of 

wounds received at Gettysburg. 
Charles Cobb. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; dis- 
charged for disability. 
Levi M. Wallace. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1802; died 

in hospital of fever. 
Samuel Carpenter. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; died 

July 10. 1863, of wounds received at Gettysburg. 
David Williams. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1S62 ; dis. for 

disability. 
Henry Burdick. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, '62; deserted. 
Virgil .M. Powers. Must, in Co. E, 147lh Inf., Sept. 23, 1802; must. 

out June 16, 1805. 
Asa W. Goodrich. Must, in Co. E. 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862. 
Adclbcrt Warner. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; must. 

out June, 1805. 
Edward Kobotham. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1S62 ; died 

of fever in service. 
Samuel Shears. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; dis. for 

disability. 
Frederick W. White. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; 

must, out June 16, 1865. 
Seth Porter, Jr. Must, in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; killed 

at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863. 
Edwin L. Weed. Must, in Co. E, U7th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862; must. 

out Juno 7, 1S65. 
Lyndon J. Cole. Must, in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 19, 1864, as 2d 
licut. ; pro. to 1st liout., Sept. 17, 1864; to capt., Fob. 5, 1865; 
must, out July 19, 1865. 
Nelson West. Enlisted Dec. 16, 1863, in Co. G, 24th Cav.; deserted 

Fob. 23, 1864. 
Sylvester Schuyler. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 16, 1863; do- 

lorted Fob. 2.3, 1864. 
Palmer Cross. Enlisted Deo. 27, 1863, in Co. G, 24th Cav. ; mustered 

out July 19, 1865. 
Newell E. Howe. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Deo. 21, 1863: taken 
prisoner near Appomattox-Court House, April 9,1865; mustered 
out July 19, 1865. 



Eraslus Crocker. Enlisted Dec. 21, 1863, in Co. Q, 24th Cav.; mus- [ 
tered out July 19, 1805. ) 

James A. Beeman. Enlisted in Co. G, 21th Cav., Dec. 21, 1863; mus- 
tered out July 19, 1S65. 

Edwin Crandall. Enlisted in Co. 0, 24th Cav., Deo. 21, 1863; 
wounded near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864 ; promoted to oorp., 

■ Mareh 3, 1865 ; mustered out June 24, 1865. 

Isaac Williams. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 18, 1863 ; dis- 
charged from hospital. 

Harrison Woodard. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 21, 1863; 
died at Camp Sloneman, D. C. March 25, 1865. 

Malcolm Upton. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864 ; wounded 
near Petersburg, Va., June 17, 1864; mustered out. 

Henry Mosier. EnlisteJ Deo. 20, 1863, in Co. G, 24th Cav. ; mu.^- 
Icrcd out Juno 24, 1H65. 

Aaron E. Hunter. Enlisted Deo. 26, 1863, in Co. Q, 24th Cav.; 
mustered out July 19, 1865. 

George Wart. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 28. 1863: pro- 
muted to sergt., Mareh 3, 1865; wounded at Colil Harbor, Juno 
24, IHIU; mustered out July 19, 1865. 

Joseph I.ampmun. Enlisted in Co. Q, 24th Cnv., Dec. 24. 1803; 
wounded near Petersburg, Vu., Juno 18, 1864: died of his 
wounds, July 16, 1861. 

Philip Hunier. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav.. Dec. 28, Is03 ; wounded 
near Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864; must, out July 19, 1865. 

Aaron V. Yuuman. Enlisted in Co. (i, 24th Cav., Dec. 30, 1863. 

Elliot Noycs. Enlisted in Co. G, 24lh Cav., Dec. 21, 1863 ; mustered 
out July 19, 1865. 

Elbert E. Ward. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1801 ; pro- 
moted to corporal, Sept. 1, 1864 ; mustered out July 19, 1805. 

Josiah Bctlinger. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864; killed 
by a shell, June 3, 1.S64. 

Alfred Goodenough. Eulisted in Co. G, 24lh Cav., Jan. 1, 1864 ; 
transferred to the navy, ,\pril 24, 1804. 

Henry Munderback. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1804 ; pro- 
moted to corporal, Sept. 1, 1804; disch. June 24, 1805. 

John Uullis. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1801 ; discharged 
November, 1864. 

Wellington Pruyn. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864 : mus- 
tered out July 19, 1805. 

Daniel Bcttingcr. Enlisted in Co. G, 24tb Cav., Doc. 28, 1863; mus- 
tered out July 19, 1865. 

Burt Littlefiold. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Dec. 28, 1863 ; de- 
serted Feb. 1, 1865. 

John Tubbs. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1804; taken pris- 
oner June 3, 1864, near Cold Harbor, Va. ; must, out July 19, *65. 

George W. Weaver. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Cav., Jan. 4, 1864 ; de- 
serted Nov., 1864. 

Hiram Grant. Mustered in Co. G, ISlth Inf., Sept. 2, 1804; pro- 
moted to 2d lieut., and afterwards to 1st lieut. ; mustered out 
June 29, 1865. 

Eugene Wheeler. Enlisted in Co. G, 184th Inf., Aug. 19, IS64 ; mus- 
tered out Juno 29, 1865. 

Joel E. Parmcter. Enlisted in Co. G, lS4tb Inf., Aug. 12, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 29, 1865. 

Geo. E. Porter. Mustered in Co. G, 184lh Inf., Sept. 2, 1801 ; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Joel Stewart. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864 : must, out 
June 29, 1865. 

Alonio Mandigo. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, 
out Juno 29, 1865. 

David Scrimshaw. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864; 
mustered out June 29, 1805. 

Squire Bishop. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1804 ; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Bela H. Mellen. Mustered in Co. G, 184lh Inf., Sept. 2, 1864; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Alfred Gruinmo. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Milo Si)rague. Mustered in Co. G, ISltb luf., Sept. 2, 1804: must, 
out Juno 29. 1865. 

Ira D. Peck. Mustered in Co. 0, 184tb Inf, Sept. 2, 1864 ; must, out 
June 29, 1865. 

Chas. H. Orr. Eul'd in Co. G, 184th Inf., Aug. 30, 1864 ; must, out 
June 29, 1865. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



387 



Daniel Hillakcr. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 186-t; must, 
out June 29, 1865. 

Henry Lighth.ill. Must, in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864; pro. to 
Corp., Sept. 3, 1S64; died Oct., 1864. 

Benj. Hastings. Enl'd in Co. G, lS4th Inf., Aug. 19, 1804; pro. to 

aorgt,, Sept. 2, 1864; mustered out June 29, 1865. 
Albert E. Sherman. Enlisted in Co. E, 189th Inf., Aug. 30, 1864; 
mustered out June 9, IS65. 

Wilton Barney. Mustered in Co. E, lS9th Inf., Sept. 8, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 12, 1865. 

George D. Thomas. Mustered in Co. E, 189th Inf., Sept. 8, 1864; 
mustered out June 12, 1865. 

Sherman Wart. Mustered in Co. E, 189th Inf., Sept. 8, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 12, 1805. 

Sidney Weldon. Mustered in Co. G, 184th Inf., Sept. 2, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 29, 1805. 

Oscar Allen. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865 ; mustered 
out with regiment. 

John Chrisman. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1805 ; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Judah Macy. Muslered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Henry T. Stevens. Slustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1805; 
mustered out with regiment. 

Samuel Sadler. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Elijah Roberts. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1805; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

Theodore D. Woodruff. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., Mar. 9, 1865; 
mustered out with regiment. 

John H. Olmsteiid. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1805; 
promoted to non-commissioned officer ; mustered out with regi- 
ment. 

James L. Knollin. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; 
pro. to non-commissioned officer; mustered out with regiment. 

Lyman Learned. Mustered in Co. 1, 193d Inf., March 9, 1805 ; must, 
out with regt. 

John Liudo. Enl'd in Co. G, 24th Inf., April 29, 1801 ; pro. to Corp., 
March 1, 1802; dis. Jan. 19, 1803; remustered March 9, 1865, 
in Co. I, 193d Inf.; must, out with regiment. 

Henry Dunbar. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; must, 
out with regiment. 

Philo Dagget. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf, March 9, 1865; must, 
out with regiment. 

Martin Philips. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865 ; must, 
out with regiment. 

Seymour II. Joy. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865 ; must, 
out with regiment. 

Theodore Macy. Mustered in Co. 1, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865 ; must, 
out with regiment. 

Frank H. Mahaffy. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; 
mustered out with regiment. 

William Irwin. Mustered in Co. 1, 193d Inf, March 10, 1805 ; must, 
out with regiment. 

Lucien Cronk. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 12, 1805; died 
iu hospital at Auljurn, N. Y. 

C. R. Pond. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 9, 1865; mustered 
out with regiment. 

James M. Chrisman. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 12, 1865; 
mustered out with regiment. 

James Covey. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf, March 11, 1865; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 

James Conger. Mustered in Co. I, 193 Inf., March 11, 1805; mus- 
tered out with regiment. 



Chester Coon. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 11, 1805; mus 
tered out with regiment. 

Thomas D. Smith. Mustered in Co. I, 193d Inf., March 11, 1865 
mustered out with regiment. 

Oliver Vandcrkuysen. Mustered in Co. 1, 1 93d Inf., March 10, 1865 
mustered out with regiment. 

Sewell J. Baldwin. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 1, 1801 
wounded at South Mountain; mustered out May 29, 1803. 

Lorenzo Goodrich. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., May 3, 1861 ; dis- 
charged for disability, July 1, 1861. 

Theodore Holmes. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf, April 27, 1801 ; mus- 
tered out May 29, 1803. 

Henry C. Martin. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; pro- 
moted to Corp., May 1, 1863; mustered out May 29, 1863. 

Alonzo Sprague. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1801 ; dis- 
charged for disability, A])ril 9, 1862. 

llollom M. Porter. Enlisted in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 6, 1862; 
promoted to corporal, Jan. 4, 1864; mustered out Aug. 28, 1865. 

Edward Lampman. Mustered in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 12, 1802. 

James H. Curry. Mustered in Co. C, 110th Inf., Aug. 12, 1862. 

Minott A. Pruyn. Mustered as 1st lieut.. Black Horso Cav., autumn 
of 1801 ; disbanded with regiment in spring of 1802; remustered 
as capt. 1st Mounted Rifles; promoted to major; muttered out 
with regiment. 

Egbert Covey. Private, 14th Inf. 

Hiram .\llard. Private, 14th Inf ; died in service. 

Zadoek Kiblin. 7th Bat. Art. 

Alpheus Ridgeway. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 26, 1862. 

John M. Wells. Musfd in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 : deserted. 

Adelbert Hillaker. Mustered in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1802; 
mustered out June 16, 1805. 

Thomas Baird. Must'd in Co. E, 147th Inf., Sept. 23, 1862 ; deserted. 

John Naglc. Enlisted in Co. G, 24th Inf., Nov. 9, 1861 ; mustered 
out May 29, 1863. 

Emery T. Williams. Enlisted in Black Horse Cav., Oct., 1801 ; dis- 
banded with regt., spring of 1862. 

Hamilton Pruyn. Enlisted in Black Horse Cav., Oct., 1861; pro- 
moted to sergt. ; disbanded with regt., spring of 1862. 

Eugene Wood. Eulisted in Black Horse Cavalry, Oct., 1861 ; dis- 
banded with regiment, spring of 1802. 

Byron Wilder. Enlisted in Black Horse Cav., Oct., 1801 ; disbanded 
with regiment, spring of 1802. 

Augustus Learned. Enlisted in 10th Art., Dec. 25, 1803 ; must. out. 

Calvin Goodrich. Enlisted in Black Horse Cav., autumn of 1801 ; 
disbanded with regiment, spring of 1802. 

The following residents of Sandy Creek were not credited to the town, 
and their record is therefore very imperfect. 

Uri Crocker. Enlisted in the 20th Cav. 

David Crocker. Enlisted in 20th Cav. 

Martin J. Fuller. Enlisted in 7th Cav. ; died in service. 

Ebenezer Jacobs. Enlisted in 101st Inf.; died in service. 

John W. Reynolds. Enlisted in 10th Art.; died in service. 

Lyman J. Hall. Enlisted in 94th Inf.; died in service. 

Smith S. Bensley. Enlisted in 20th Cav.; died in service. 

Joseph Glude. Enlisted in 8Ist Inf.; died in service. 

William Goff. Enlisted in 71st Inf.; died in servico. 

Augustus Goff. Died in service. 

Geo. Robinson. Died in service, 

David Glude. Killed in action. 

Edson AVeldon. Taken prisoner, and starved to death. 

William Wood. Taken prisoner, and starved to death. 

Warner Horton. Taken prisoner, and starved to death. 

John M. Weldon. Enlisted in Co. C, 4th Artillery. 

John Welch. Enlisted in 10th Art., Sept., 1864; must, out with regt. 



GRANBY. 



GuANBY is another of the towns that lie on the great 
hiirliway ciftnifRc and of war. wliic-li in tho last century ran 
through the Oneida lake and the Oneida and Oswepo rivers. 
The important events whieh took place along that route 
could not be treated nf in a mere sketch of a town, hut 
have been fully depicted in the general county history with 
which this work begins. As in the case of all the other 
towns, the niddern history of Granby commences with the 
first settlement made here by white men. 

This, too, as being one of the first in the county, has been 
mentioned in the general history, but will be more fully set 
forth here. It occurred in the spring of 1702. Before be- 
ginning upon purely local matters we will premise that in 
1792 what is now Granby was a part of the survey-town- 
ships of Hannibal and Lysander, in the Military tract, the 
origin of whieh is described in the general history. The 
line between them started at the Oswego river, a few rods 
above the falls, and ran due west to the northwest corner of 
lot 1, in Lysander, and thence south to the southwest cor- 
ner of lot 2G in that township, leaving thirty-three lots of 
the survey-township of Ly.sander in a notch between Hanni- 
bal and the river. Municipally consid.Tod. the territory now 
called Granby was then a part of the town of Mexico, in 
the county of Herkimer. Herkimer county then comprised 
all the central part of the State, with its county-seat at 
Whitesboro', in the present county of Oneida, while Mexico 
extended to the western bounds of the Military tract, and 
from Lake Ontario nearly to Pennsylvania, most of its in- 
habitants living in what is now Onondaga county. The In- 
dians had ceded the land to the State, but still roamed over 
it for the purpose of hunting and fishing. 

The survey-townships of Hannibal and Lysander had 
already been surveyed into lots, comprising about six hun- 
dred acres each, which had been distributed to the soldiers 
for whom they were designed, or to their assignees. Lot 74, 
in Haniiilial, adjoining the river at the lower end of the 
rapids, hud fallen to the gallant General Peter Gansevoort, 
the defender of Fort Stanwix. Lot 75, extending from 
Gansevoort's tract along the river to the south line of the 
township, had been drawn by a soldier named Abraham 
Banics, while another soldier nanud Silli Jones had 
received lot 4 in Lysander, just above the falls. 

To the locality just described, came, in the spring of 1792, 
Major Lawrence Van Valkenlmrgh, Captain Henry Bush, 
and a Mr. Lav. Captain Bu.sh had purcha.sed lot 74 of 
Gansevoort, Major Van Valkcnburgh had aiMpiircd, or sup- 
])osed he had, an interest in lot 75, and Mr. Lay had 
become the owner of lot 4 in Lysander. They all came 
from Stillwater, in what was then Albany county, but is 
now Saratoga. They are supjio-sed to have come by water 
along the usual route through Oneida lake, but the major 
388 



had a yoke of oxen after he got here, whieh couldn't have 
come in that way. Perha]>s he bought tln'in at the in-arest 
settlement, " Salt Point." The men were all unaccompa- 
nied by their families, but the major had in his employ two 
white men named SchcrnierlKirn and Valentine, and a young 
negro slave, commonly called " liar." At lea.st, he wxs gen- 
erally reported to be the major's slave, though some have 
said he was not. 

After the arrival of the party, Major Van Valkenburgh 
set his men to making a clearing, ut a spring a little below 
the falls. Bush began work near the west end of the pres- 
ent lower dam, and Say made a st;irt on lot 4. All of 
them .soon had log hou.scs erected, that of Hush being ipiite 
a good one. Shortly after the pioneers had thus commenced 
openitions, a Mr. Olcott came from New York, and began 
trading with the Indians in a tent near the falls. 

In the course of the sea.son all three of the proprietors 
returned to Stillwater, leaving Olcott, Schcrmerliom, Vid- 
entine, and " Har" in full po.s.se.ssiim of Granby. Soon 
after this Sclicrmerliorn suddenly dii'd. His eumpaiiions 
wrapped him in an Imlian blanket instead of a .shroud, 
supplied the ]ilace of a coffin with large shoi^ts of bark, and 
buriid him in sonif unknown locality, but probably not far 
from the major's house. The first funeral iu Gninby was 
certaiidy sufficiently simple to gratify the most severe taste. 

The little colony seemed fated to misfi)rtune. A short 
time after Schermerhorn's death Valentine got into an 
affray with an Onundtiga Indian, cither at the major's 
house or elo.se by, and struck him with a hoe, inflicting a 
mortal wound. Tradition as.signs the cause of the conflict 
to amorous advances made by the white man to the squaw 
of his adversary. All was instantly in confusion. Tho 
rest of the fishing-party to which the de;id man had belonged 
bore away the body vowing vengeance, which it is somewhat 
strange they did not execute on the spot. The colony 
.scattered. Valentine took the major's oxen and gun to 
Oswego, .sold them to the British there, and then fled to 
Canada. t)lcott and tlu' negro started in the opptjsite 
direction. 

At Three Rivers point they met Major Van \'alken- 
burgh on his return. Confident in his skill in managing 
the Indians, he continued on his way, taking " Har" 
with him ; but we believe Mr. Olcott did not again risk his 
merchandise in the unpromising locality around Oswego 
falls. The major succeeded in pacifying the Indians, 
being assisted by the British commander at Fort Ontario, 
who at one time during the trouble .sent a small detachment 
of soldiers up to the falls to preserve order. In the fall 
Major Van Valkenburgh went back to Stillwater (as did 
al.so Lay and Bush, if they came out a second time that 
season ), leaving Oswego falls entirely uninhabited. Gov- 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



389 



ernor Clinton offered a reward for Valentine. He came 
back and stood his trial at Whitosboro', which, as before 
stated, was the county-scat of Herkimer county. The 
people of the Blohawk valley were still enraged over the 
injuries inflicted by the Indians during the Revolution, and 
it would have been almost impossible to convict a white 
man for killing an Indian. Perhaps Valentine acted in 
actual sclf-dcfcn,se, but at all events he was promptly ac- 
quitted. It is said that he came back from Canada (which 
he could not have been compelled to do) with the under- 
standing that he was to have half the reward paid to his 
captor, but thiit the Jatter ran oif with all the money. 

In the spring of 1703, Van Valkenburgh, Bu.sh, and Lay 
all returned with their families, and occupied the houses 
built the year before. The major's household, besides him- 
self, his wife, his youngest son, James, and the negro 
" Har," contained, properly speaking, another family, con- 
sisting of his son, Abram Van Valkenburgh, and his wife, 
Zilpha, a newly-married bride of sixteen. Death was still 
active on the shores of the Oswego, and during that season 
both Mr. and Mrs. Lay fell victims to the destroyer. 
Shortly afterwards a Blr. Penoyer occupied their place. 
The other pioneers continued their improvements and pre- 
pared to spend the winter. During one of the first years 
of his residence Captain Rush built a barn, which was 
afterwards (|uite celebrated ; being about thirty feet long, 
twenty feet wide, and twelve feet high. It was built of 
logs over a foot in diameter, and those who afterwards saw 
it could not but wonder where Mr. Bush got help enough 
to put it up. 

In November, 1793, Jlrs. Zilpha Van Valkenburgh gave 
birth to a son, who received the name of Lawrence, from 
his grandfather, and was the first white child born in the 
present town of Granby. He has generally been considered, 
also, as the first one born in Oswego County, but he was 
probably the second ; the first being Camille Desvatines, 
born in 1791 or 1792, the child of Monsieur Desvatines, 
the actual Frenchman of the celebrated " Frenchman's 
i.sland," in Oneida lake. The Van Valkenburghs and 
Bush, with their families, all spent the winter in their new 
homes. 

In the spring of 1791 the county of Onondaga was 
formed from Herkimer, including the whole Military tract. 
A new political town, called Lysander, was also organized, 
which included the survey-township of that name and also 
that of Hannibal, thus bringing the whole of the present 
Granby within its limits. The distinction between political 
towns and survey-town.ships must be Constantly kept in 
mind by those who would understand the changes of that 
day. 

It does not apjiear that there were any new settlers 
<hiring 1794. Warned by the severity of the past winter, 
the coming one looked very forbidding to Major Van Val- 
kenburgh and liis family. He had, however, made good 
friends with the He.ssian, Captain Schroeder (miscalled 
"Shade" by some of the old settlers), in command at Fort 
Ontario ; a friendship doubtless facilitated by the fact that 
Van Valkcnliurgh himself was of German or Dutch parent- 
age. The captain invited IMajor ^'an Valkenburgh to bring 
his family down to the fort and spend the winter, an iuvi- ' 



tation which the latter gladly accepted. All the Van Val- 
kenburghs stayed at the fort until the spring of 1795. The 
exciting domestic outbreak which occurred near the close 
of their visit has been narrated in the general history. 

In the spring of 1795 the major purchased a tract of 
land on the other side of the river, where he ever after re- 
sided, abandoning his improvements on the west side. 
There was a good deal of difficulty about the title of many 
lots on the Military tract, the soldiers who drew them 
having apparently sold them several times over, and the 
facilities for recording deeds and ascertaining titles being 
much poorer than now. It was doubtless on account of a 
defect of title that Van Valkenburgh abandoned the land 
he had first chosen. 

Nearl79B, John Van Buren, Jr., originally of Kinderhook, 
located himself on " Indian point," near the lower landing, 
on the west side. He and his sons — Peter, John, Jacob, 
and Volkert — were afterwards noted as stalwart boatmen 
on the river. About 1797, Captain Bush moved away. 
Soon after, the Van Burens occupied the same premises, 
and there, in October, 1798, the youngast .son, David Van 
Buren, was born, now the oldest native of this town. In 
a little while, however, the whole family moved to the cast 
side of the river, whore most of them made their homes 
throughout their lives. Bush's vacant clearing was culti- 
vated for a while after the Van Burens left it by some of 
the Waterhouse family, residing on the east side of the 
river. Thus all of the original pioneers of Granby, Van 
Valkenburgh, Bush, and Lay, had died or moved away, 
and in 1799 there does not appear to have been a solitary 
resident on this side of the river except the Frenchman, 
Penoyer, and it is not certain but that he had left. From 
the place he occupied southward to Three Rivers point 
there was not a single house on this side the river, and but 
one on the other side. Just about the beginning of the 
century Henry Bakeman, a mulatto from New Jersey, pur- 
chased the part of lot 4 previously occupied by Lay and 
Penoyer, and became a permanent resident there. 

The next person we hear of in what is now Granby 
was David Webster, who settled, about 1802, on the river- 
bank, a little below the outlet of Lake Neatawanta, remain- 
ing near throe years. About the time he left (18(15) Barnet 
Mooney, afterwards quite prominent in public affairs, located 
himself just above the mouth of the outlet. Luke Montague 
took Webster's place farther down. We think it was in 
1804 that Peter Hugunin, a relative of the family so prom- 
inent in the early history of Oswego, came and occupied 
lot 74, previously owned by Bush. His son, James, soon 
after bought the north half of that lot of Bush, and made 
his home upon it. By this time people had begun to find 
out that there were two sides to the river, and to n)ako set- 
tlements accordingly. Still, not a single immigrant had built 
a cabin or made a clearing away from the river-bank. There 
was no road, even along the west side of the river, except 
between the ch-arings in the vicinity of the falls. The 
Oswego furnished the only means of communication with 
the outer world. 

Abraham Barnes, the original owner of lot 75, came and 
lived on it in 1SII5, aii]iarenlly intending to revive his title, 
which he was suppo.sed to have conveyed away. 



390 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



In the year 1805 two young men, on their way to Os- 
wego on business, stojipe<l for the nij;ht at the house of 
Ehenezer Wriglit, a justice of the peace, residing on flic 
cast side of the river. One of theui w;ls John T. Hudson, 
afterwards canal cuniinissioncr of tliis State, and the other 
was Martin Van Buren, subsei|U('ntly president of the 
United States. Aft<;r supjwr, Mr. Wrijiht invited his 
guests to crass the river witli liini and be present at a mar- 
riage ceremony which he was to perform. The young men 
assented, and were soon set across to the other shore. Tiiey 
proceeded to a house some disUmce abovo the Inwor laud- 
ing, and in due time the ceremony was performed. The 
bridegroom was only nineteen years old, and the bride six- 
teen. This, according to the best attainalile authority, was 
the first wedding ever solemnized within the territory now 
comprising the town of Granby, the youthful parties being 
John, otherwise "J:ick" Watoihouse, and Polly, better 
known by her friends as '' Po]/' Huguniu. Thirty or forty 
years later ^Ir. Hudson related the adventure to William 
Scheiick, and the sketch of early days, afterwards furnished 
by R. R. Waterhouse to Peter Sehenck, gives the date of 
tlie Miarriago. 

Before going further in noticing the course of immigra- 
tion, we will give some attention to the natural character- 
istics of the territory to which this chapter is devoted. As 
all who reside in this vicinity know, the Oswego river forms 
the eastern boundary of Granby. Perhaps, however, all 
do not know that the river-front of the town has a length 
of about tliirteon miles. This stream, which was originally 
rapid and turbulent along all its course, was broken by sev- 
eral rifts and by the reimwiied Oswego falls, which, though 
not very high, aci|uired great celebrity from being on the 
main rout* between the east and the west. All travelers 
had to dash over them or ])lod around them, and were sure 
to renieinb>'r all about tlieiu. 

Tlijrc are also several small islands in the river, but the 
largest of them belongs to the town of Volney. 

The most noted of the.se is the celebrated Rradstreet's 
i.sland, or " Rattle island," as it has latterly been called, 
opposite lot 40, in the northeast corner of this town; and 
it wa.s in Granby that General Rradstreet rallied his men, 
after the fight on the island, marched tliera up to the 
mouth of Lake Neatawanta's outlet, and routed the enemy 
from the swamp in which they had ensconced themselves, 
as narrated at full length in the general history. 

All along the river the ground was considerably broken, 
frequently rising into bluffs, though of moderate height. 
This tract was covered with a heavy growth of pines, hem- 
locks, oaks, and chestnuts, all of the finest kind. The 
pioneer, who, with rifle on his shoulder, roamed over the 
country away from the river, in search of deer or iiear, 
found the surface of the ground more level, occasionally 
degenerating into swamps, and covered with a dense forest 
of beech, maple, elm, and hemlock, with occasional ridges 
of chestnuts. 

A little more than half-way from the southern to the 
northern limits of the prascnt town, and oidy half a mile 
west of the principal fall in the Oswego, the pioneers found 
a beautiful little lake, sparkling in a dense, dark frame of 
pine, hemlock, and oak. The surveyors determined its area 



at about eight hundred acres, and inquisitive youths found 
its lowest depths to be near twenty feet. The Indians called 
it " N'-ah-luh-wint-tiili" and the linguists of the day inter- 
preted that as meaning "The little lake near the great 
lake." 

The Indian name has been very properly retained, but in 
printing it in other places in this work we have t,ikcn the 
liberty of omitting the h's and hyphens. All Indian words 
of more than one syllable had marked pau.ses between the syl- 
lables, and guttural .sounds at the ends of them. But though 
we adopt thi'ir names, we invariably make them eonfirm 
to our smoother and more rapid pronunciation. Naturally 
and properly we usually write them without the hyphens 
and h's, which denote the Indian pauses and gutturals. Occa- 
sionally some one tries to make an exception, but without 
good reason. There is no more sense in writing Ne-iih-tah- 
tcan-lith than there would be in writing Ohu-tny-rtr-nh, or 
Ciiy-t/i)i>-ijnli, or On-on-ihili-ynh. Doubtless the Indians 
pronounced those names thus, but we moderns don't, and it 
would be foolish to write them so. Therefore the little gem 
of Granby shall be Nealawanta, so far ;i8 we are concerned. 

Sub.sequent investigations showed that Lake Neatawanta 
was a hundred and twenty feet above Lake Ontario. Its 
outlet ran nearly north for two miha and then turned into 
the Oswego. It did not, however, afl'ord sufhcient drainage, 
and several marshes along the lake-shore generated malaria 
and disease. 

The territory of Granby was drained by several small 
streams. The largest of these was Ox creek, which rose on 
the edge of Hannibal, ran in tortuous course a little north 
of west, and emptied into the Oswego some four miles be- 
low the present southern line of Granby. Three or four 
much smaller streams ran into Lake Neatawanta, while in 
the north part of the present town were the head-waters of 
Rice creek and Eight-mile creek. 

The pines and oaks along the river were extremely fine, 
and large quantities of them were cut down and railed to 
Montreal and Quebec, where they found ready sale to Eng- 
lish .ship-builders. The first clearings had usually been 
made by girdling the large tret's, cutting down the small 
ones and the underbrush. When the tops of the girdled 
trees died, the sun came down between the trunks with 
sufficient freedom to bring out very fair crops from the 
virgin soil. In the spring of 180C the town of Hannibal 
was formed from Lysandcr. It included the whole of the 
survey-township of Hannibal, and the tliirty-three lots of 
the survey-township of Lysander, before mentioned as lying 
in a notch between Hantiibal and the river. 

To return to the course of settlement. lu 180G, Barnet 
Miller located in the neighborhood of Barnet Mooney. 
Cornelius H. Miller moved over there from the ca.st side 
shortly after. In 1807, John I. Walradt purcha.sed a part 
of lot 74 of James Ilugunin, and put up a small frame 
house, which was the first elapboarded residence wc can 
hear of in town. He was an active, enterprising man, and 
soon afterwards was engaged in portage on the west side of 
the river. 

Previous to 1807 the portage business had been carried 
on entirely on the east side. A " portage," however, diil 
not invi^lvi' tin' invi'slnient of any great amount of capital. 








%j, s».- 



,...* 





T.R Wright. 



Mrs J. RWright. 



^%'J!S^'^*^ig''!j^ ' ?^ ' '^?^--.tt'';?^ ! fe?'^'' 








Residence or THOMAS R.WRIGHT, Oswe&o rALLs, N. Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOKK. 



391 



A yoke of cattle and a stout wagon were the principal 
necessaries, though several teams might be used. Goods 
were brought from the east, through the Mohawk river, 
Oneida lake, and Oswego river, to a point just above the 
falls, in what were called Durham boats, — large, flat-bot- 
tomed boats, carrying about twenty-five tons of freight each, 
and propelled on the river by men going from stem to stern 
on " running-boards,'' provided with cleats, and pushing 
with poles against the bottom. At the point just men- 
tioned the freight was transferred to ox-wagons on one 
side of the river or the other, carried down about a mile and 
a quarter, and re-embarked below the rapids in bateaux, 
propelled by oars, carrying about eight tons each, and sent 
down to Oswego. Sometimes, it is true, Durham boats 
were found below the falls, and still more frequently bateaux 
were used above them, but this was the usual course. The 
portage on the west side was carried on with great vigor for 
two or three years by Mr. Walradt and others, but was 
finally abandoned to the residents on the otherside. 

In 1809, Barnet Mooney was elected to the general as- 
sembly from Onondaga county, being the first person ever 
sent to that body from the territory now comprising O.swego 
County. He was also chosen for the same position in 1810, 
1812, and 18U. 

About 1810 the house built by Bush on lot 74 was oc- 
cupied by Truman Bronson, and the next year Moses Ives 
settled on the same lot. In 1811, also, a portion of that 
lot was taken possession of by a gentleman who was a lead- 
ing pioneer, whose sons were prominent citizens, and whose 
descendants still live near where he first located. This was 
Jlr. Jacob Schenck, who had visited the locality in 1808, 
who began preparations for a residence in 1811, and who 
brought on his family in 1812. 

Up to about this time, nearly twenty years after the first 
improvements had been made in Granby, there was not a 
.solitary .settler away from the immediate vicinity of the 
river. But in 1810 or 1811, John Hutchins located him- 
self near what is now called Bowen's Corners, four miles 
southwest of Oswego falls. It is somewhat difficult to a.scer- 
tain why so good a country as the interior of Granby lias 
proved to be should have remained so long unsettled, while 
other tracts without its facilities of river communication 
had filled up with a numerous population before the war of 
1812, Doubtless, however, one reason is to be found in 
the extremely heavy timber that covered the ground, which 
indeed attested the strength of the soil, but which obstructed 
the operations of the pioneer. There was also con.siderable 
low. Wet ground, which interfered with the opening of 
roads, but which, when once drained and subdued, has be- 
come some of the most valuable land in the county. 

At all events, the testimony of the early settlers and 
their sons is substantially unaiiimnus that nuthing was dune 
towards settling up the back country until just before the 
war of 1812, and very little until after it. In March, 
1812, William Wilson and Zadock Allen moved into the 
locality where Hutchins had established him,scU'. Jlr. 
Wilson's year-old boy Charles, now a hale old man of sixty- 
six, residing oidy about two miles south of the point where 
his fatlier located, is, so far as we can learn, the earliest 
surviving resident of the interior of the town. 



During the first year or two, of course, the new settlors 
had to buy their grain. Mr. William Wilson and his old- 
est son, also named William, then about seventeen, used to 
go on foot — there being no road passable for a team — to 
Betts' Corners, in Lysander, buy some grain, and carry it 
home on their backs through the woods. The next day 
they would carry it in the same way to Burrows' mill, now 
Hannibal Centre, and return with a grist. 

On one of these trips, being somewhat later than usual, 
night overtook them ere they reached home, and they soon 
lost their way. After vainly endeavoring to reach home in 
the dark, and floundering around hopelessly in the woods 
for some time, they gave up and sat down to wait for morn- 
ing, A pack of wolves got scent of them, and came howl- 
ing and gnashing their teeth altog(!thcr too close for pleas- 
ure. The youth climbed the tree, but the old man was not 
.sufficiently agile for that, and awaited the expected onslaught 
at the foot. However, the foe did not make the attack. 

Next morning they were delighted to hear the crowing 
of cocks near by. Shouldering their sacks they started for 
the sound, and in a few moments they came to their own 
little clearing, having stayed on their own land all night. 

Jesse Green and his son Amos settled at Bowen's Cor- 
ners in the summer of 1812, and William Dewey about 
the same time, or perhaps the year before. 

Mr. Cyril Wilson settled about the same time on the 
place now occupied by Isaac Pierce. His brother-in-law, 
Mr. Hale, also lived there then, and was a zealous wolf- 
catcher. In 1811, Deacon Elijah Mann had made his 
home on the river, below Mooney's place, where he was 
long a prominent citizen. Near the same period a settle- 
ment was made about a mile west of Jlann's, by Abraham 
Shepherd, Samuel Colby, and John Miller, generally known 
as " Yankee Miller," to distinguish him from the numerous 
Blillers of German descent living along the river. 

Other early settlers of the period were Daniel and John 
Cody, the first residents in the southea.st part of the town. 

But a sudden stop was to be put to the small streaui of 
immigration that had begun to flow into Granby. William 
Suhenck well remembers when a horseman came galloping 
at full speed along the road, stopping for a moment to tell 
the startled pioneers that war was declared with Great 
Britain, and then hurrying on to warn the people at Oswego. 
Visions of invasion immediately arose before the minds of 
the scattered settlers, accompanied by dreams of Indian 
massacre, which was then considered to be the inevitable 
accompaniment. Yet the pioneers nearly all held their 
ground, and the women often had to care for their fiimilies 
alone during the absence of the men on military duty. 

John I. Walradt was an officer in the army, doing gal- 
lant service with the American forces in Canada. His wife, 
the eldest daughter of Daniel Ilugunin, of Oswego, and 
endowed with all the force of charaoler which di.stingui.shed 
that family, managed the ]iro]ierty during his absence. 

Throughout the war the river teemed with business, to 
an extent unknown before .since great armies passed along 
it during the old French war. 'Va.st amounts of artillery, 
munitions, and stores were frequently collected at the falls, 
either awaiting transportation or because that was con- 
sidered a safer place than Oswego. 



392 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



About twenty large cannon and a very extensive and 
valuable assortment of warlike stores, intended for the great 
sliip-of-war "Superior," were thus assembled at the tails 
when the British attacked Oswego, in May, 1814. The 
thunders of cannon came rollin-; up the river, reawakening; 
the fears of invasion and massacre wiiicli had been lulled 
to sleep by two years of safety. Resolute Mrs. Walradt, 
knowing that her friends in Oswego were in great danger, 
— esiieeially two of her brothers, one of whom was in the 
land and the other in the naval service, — could not sit still 
and await the result. Mounting her horse, as narrated by 
her daughter, Mrs. Howell, she galloped off towards the 
scene of battle, often obliged to bend low to escape the 
boughs which overhung the narrow trail that served as a 
road. She soon met the fugitives streaming up the river- 
shore, and learned the unfavorable result of the conflict, 
but also learned the safety of her friends. Every one 
expected an immediate advance of the enemy to capture the 
stores at the falls, but the British had received sufiBeient 
punishment at Oswego, and were willing to leave in brief 
order. 

One afternoon about a fortnight later, both shores of the 
river at Oswego falls were astir with several hundred 
soldiers and sailors, and the river itself was crowded with 
heavilv-loaded boats, for Lieutenant Woolsey was about 
setting forth on his hazardous expedition to take the guns 
and stores of the " Superior" through to Sackett's Harbor. 
The success of that exjwdition, and the complete defeat 
inflicted on the foe who undertook to capture it, have been 
described at length in the general history. 

Nolwitli.standing the diflieulty and di.'^eouragement pro- 
duced by the war, Jacob Schenck, in 1814, erected his 
Baw-niill, on whieh he had begun work as early as 1811. 
Cyril Wilson purchased a share in it before it w;is raised, 
and helped finish it. This was the first mill of any de- 
scription built in Granby. Young William Schenck went 
up along the river, through the present Oswego town, 
nearly to Oswego village, and back into Hannibal, to invite 
men to the raising. There seems not to have been a very 
cordial feeling between the people on this side of the river, 
who were all farmers, and those on the other, who were 
mostly boatmen, and hardly any of the latter were invited 
or were present. From all the country thus scoured about 
twenty men were got together to put up the mill. 

After the war, immigration recommenced, though still 
with faltering steps. Scth Camp made the first settlement 
at West Granby about that tinio, though the exact year is 
not known. In March, 1811), Oswego County was formed, 
the town of Hannibal, which still included Granby, being 
the only one west of the Oswego river in the new county. 
As the territory of the presi'ut Granby had had the hono'r 
of having the first assemblyman from what is now Oswego 
County, so it furnished the' earliest " first-judj:c" of that 
county, and in the same j)erson, — the lion. Uarnet Mooney. 

By this time there was a regular road opened through 
the whole length of the town along the west side of the 
river, and considerable travel on that side. As Mr. Wal- 
radt had probably the best house in the settlement, and as 
tavern-keeping was then the most high-toned business there 
was going, the peo|ile insisted that he should open a tavern. 



In fact, travelers were determined to stop with him any 
way. Accordingly ho hung out a sign, and this was the 
first tavern in Granby. For many years it was the tvntre 
of business on the west side of the river, town-meetings, 
general trainings, and similar gatherings being usually held 
there. 

There was now sufficient population, so it was thought 
that the great town of Hannibal, which contained over a 
hundred s<|uare miles, would bear division. Accordingly, 
by an act passed on the 2(ltli day of April, 1818, two new 
towns were formed from Hannibal, — Oswego and Granby. 
The latter included the thirty-three lots of the old survey- 
townshiji of Lvsander, whiih had previously Ix'cn a part of 
the political town of Hannilial, and nineteen lots of the 
survey-township of Hannibal ; that is to say, it included all 
the land within the present limits of Granby, the north part 
of lot 4i;, and the whole of 157. The two tracts la.st named 
formed a triangular piece running down the river almost to 
Minetto. This triangle was subsequently cut off from 
Granby and annexed to the town of Oswego. The first 
town-meeting was held at the house of Cyril Wilson, on 
the first Tuesday of May, 1818, Barnet Mooney acting as 
moderator and Peter Schenck as clerk, when the following 
officers were duly elected : 

Supervisor, Elijah Mann, Jr. ; Town Clerk, John 
Schenck ; Assessors, John 1. Walradt, Alfred Clark, and 
Stephen McCabe ; Collector, Samuel Fairbanks; Overseers 
of the Poor, Seth Camp and John Miller; Commissioners 
of Highways, Cyril Wilson, Daniel Cody, and John Miller ; 
Constables, Samuel Fairlianks and Samuel Colby. 

There were nine road districts in the new town, which 
had been laid off when it was a part of Hannibal. These 
were recognized as road districts of Graidiy, and the follow- 
ing path-masters were appointed : In district No. 1 , Cor- 
nelius Miller ; No. 2, John Schenck ; No. 3, Stephen Mc- 
Cabe; No. 4, Western Allen ; No. 5, William Dewey ; No. 
G, Amos Green ; No. 7. William Fairbanks ; No. 8, Rufus 
Spencer ; No. 9, Samuel Whitman. It was also resolved 
that the path-ma.sters should be fence-viewers and pound- 
ma.sters in tln'ir respective towns. 

At the same meeting Elijah Mann, Seth Camp, and Cy- 
ril Wilson were chosen commissioners of common schools, 
while no less than six inspectors of common schools were 
apjiointed, viz.: Benjamin Robinson, John Miller, Abraham 
Shepard, William Wilson, Gamaliel Fairbanks, and Peter 
Schenck. A petition was also directed to be sent to the 
council of a]i))ointnient at Albany asking lor the appoint- 
ment of Elijah Mann, Jr., and Seth Cainji xs justices of 
the peace for the new town. 

It will doubtless seem a little curious to tho.se who have 
long honored their town under the name of Granby to 
learn that at the very fii-st town-meeting a resolution was 
adopted directing that a petition he sent to the legislature 
asking that the name be changed to De Witt. This was 
doubtless out of compliment to Simeon De Witt, who had 
been for over thirty years surveyor-general of the State of 
New York. For some reason the legislature declined to 
comply with this re<|uest, and fertile Granby has long since 
gained a reputation which would make its citizens very un- 
willing to relinijuish that time-honored name. 



fi I n i m m ^Bmmammaati^» 




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Mrs.J.H.Whitcomb. 




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Jilf^DS EYE VIEW or THE M»?W >>"" /fES/DENCE C 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



393 



The " rules and regulations" previously in force in the 
town of Hannibal were re-adopted at this meeting. Among 
them was a resolution that hogs should not be suffered to 
run at large ; that double the sum appropriated by the 
State should be raised by the town for school purposes ; 
that lawful fences should be five feet high, and that for at 
least two feet from the ground the rails should not be more 
than six inches apart. Another resolution read as follows : 
" Resolved, That the former bounty of ten dollars be given 
to each inhabitant of this town who shall kill a wolf in the 
said town. Also three dollai-s for each bear." The bears 
couldn't catch sheep and were dangerous only to hogs. Of 
these they occasionally killed one for food, but did not de- 
stroy them wantonly, as the wolves slew the sheep. 

Two of the assessors failed to act, and it seems to have 
been ascertained that there were too many inspectors of 
schools. So, at a special town-meeting at the house of John 
I. Walradt, held on the 18th of June following, the people 
elected John I. Walradt and William Wilson as as.ses,sors, 
and Benjamin Robinson, Abraham Shepard, and John 
Miller as inspectors of schools. At the same time it was 
voted to raise two hundred dollars for the repair of roads 
and bridges. 

In this year (1818) Seth Williams made his home at 
the place which wa.s for a long time called '' Williams' Cor- 
ners," after him, — a name that has hardly yet been displaced 
by the newer one of " Granby Centre." His son, Amasa 
Williams, then a boy, now a resident of O.swego Falls, de- 
clares it to have been a terrific country around there for 
big trees, snow, bears, and wolves. A man named Penton 
had located there and cleared an acre or two of land, but 
had moved away tw6 or three years before. Aside from 
that, Seth Williams was the first settler there. A mile or 
two north lived Rufus Spencer, and about a mile south was 
a settler named Crofoot. Eastward, there was no one be- 
tween Mr. Williams' house a!id the immediate vicinity of 
the river, while on the west the forest stretched in un- 
broken density far within the limits of Hannibal. 

The old settlers generally agree in representing the snows 
of those days to have been somethinjr wonderful. Mr. 
Amasa Williams says his father, during the first years of 
his residence at the Corners, used to take enough grain to 
mill in Hannibal to last the family till spring, and then 
come back and " den up" for the winter. He declares that 
during the first two winters they saw only one person not 
belonging to the family. That was a man who came through 
on snow-shoes, and was welcomed as if he had been a 
visitant from a better world ; or, as Mr. W. himself says, 
" we were tickled to death to see him." Yet a stranger was 
such an unwonted phenomenon that the children were 
somewhat shy of him. Two or three of them ensconced 
themselves under their mother's loom, and thence looked 
out with alternate joy and fear at the .strange apparition. 

About 1817 or 1818, Benajah Bowen bought out Mr. 
Hutchins and settled in the locality, which has since then 
been generally called Bowen's Corners. Around this locality 
and that of West Granby there was beginning to be con- 
siderable settlement, while on the Hannibal road, running 
through Williams' Corners and Dexterville and still farther 
north, there was almost none. Benjamin Pierce (^father of 
26 



Isaac Pierce) settled about half a mile south of Williams' 
Corners in 1820, on the place previously occupied by Cyril 
Wilson. The next year Calvin and Isa;ic French located 
in the same neighborhood. The former has ever since re- 
sided on the farm which he then took np. He, too, men- 
tions the heavy timber and the snows as the reason for the 
slow settlement. When he came there was no one between 
Williams' and Hannibal except a man named Smith, who 
had lately located himself at the point now called Dexter- 
ville. 

About 1819 or 1820, Seth Camp built a saw-mill and a 
small grist-mill with one run of stone at what is now West 
Granby, this being the first grist-mill in town. Three or 
four years later Mr. Fairbanks opened a store there, also 
the first in Granby. Shortly after, he erected a distillery 
at the same point, and this, too, was the first institution of 
its kind in town. " Camp's Mills" then bade fair to be- 
come a flourishing country village. A tavern was soon 
under way, of which Simon Ockabock was one of the first 
landlords. Among other early settlers there were Martin 
Kelsey, George Ockabock, Alexander Sprague, John Bul- 
len, and William Draper. 

About 1828, Jacob Bakeman, a thrifty mulatto, and a 
son of the Henry Bakeman who had settled near the falls 
at the beginning of the century, went out and bought Seth 
Camp's mills, which ho owned and managed for many 
years. A colored man who owned mills was thought to be 
something of a phenomenon, and attracted considerable at- 
tention. There wore no others of his race in the vicinity, 
but as he was a prominent property-owner outsiders insisted 
on calling the place " Niggerville." It was so called for 
many years, and even to this day the more high-toned ap- 
pellation of " West Granby" finds hard work to maintain 
itself in current use. 

Mr. Rodman Dexter settled at the point now called Dex- 
terville in 1829. Even then, as we learn from his daughter, 
Mr.s. Clark, it was almost all woods in that part of the town ; 
only once in a while there was a little clearing, with a log 
house in it. A man named Welsh lived at Dexterville ; and 
there was one other clearing, which Mr. Dexter bought. 
No one lived west of that point, in Granby, and the first 
settlement eastward was in the vicinity of Williams' Cor- 
ners. In all the section of the town northward there were 
only a few scattering clearings. 

Meanwhile, however (^between 1825 and 1828), the 
Oswego canal had been constructed on the east side of the 
river, business became brisk, and long-neglected Granby 
began to increa.se rapidly in population. People found out 
that when once the great trees had been cleared away, and 
the occasional marshes had been drained, a fertile soil 
and easily-tilled surface rewarded the enterpri.se of the 
farmer, and from a wilderness the whole town was rapidly 
transformed into a smiling agricultural region. 

Efilirts were also made to utilize the water-power of the 
Oswego. A saw-mill was built at " Horse-shoe dam," about 
a mile above the mouth of Ox creek. It was run for many 
years by Messrs. Geer & Paine, but was finally abandoned. 
In 1826, Nehemiah B. Northrop had built a grist-mill at 
the falls, the first along that side of the river bi'lween 
Three Rivers point and Oswego. At a still earlier period 



394 



lIISTOKi' 01' OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW VOUK. 



(iilxiiit 1K2(I) III' liMil l>iiilt n niiil-fuclnry in tlic .same local- 
ity. Iiiit this was loiivcrliil into a siiw-iiiill hliortly aHer the 
l>ilil(liri<; III' tilt- canal. 

Great cli»ii(;e^ took jdaee all tliroufili the town between 
1830 ami 184(1, |iriiK'i|ially in tluMlcvelopnient of the farni- 
inj; interest. O.-wepi KalU li:i>l not yil liefjuii to put on 
the a|i]iearancc of a villai;e. 

There was only a Kinall eliriter of houses at J{iiwen'.s 
ronierc, and anolhi-r at Wiiliaui.s" Corners, wliicli then hejran 
to be ealleil Granby CVnIre. Hut ilci-idcly the livelie.st 
place in town was the locality with the unsavory name, 
which we need not rc|H-at, usin<; rather the modern designa- 
tion of West Graidiy. About 1 Sl}r) there were at that 
point a frrist-miil, a .Miw-niill, a distillery, a store, two tav- 
erns, and nu less than four blacksmilh-shups, Ix'sidcs 6f\ceii 
or twenty dwelliiiL's. A lame amount of travel jML-v^ed 
through ficim Ly.sander, Ira, and other southern towns to 
Oswego and Fulton; so that butli blacksmiths and tavcrn- 
kwpcrs had jilrnly of liusines,s. 

Hut with the };nat linancial crisis of 1837 business was 
sharjily checked, and when it revived travel had been 
diverted to other routes, and the trlory of West Granby 
became a thiiif; of the )iast. John l?ullen, John Draper, 
and others kept the store. Alfred Ili-igins at one time 
owned both mills, a tavern, and a store. Andrew Pecker, 
still a resident there, kept tavern in what was liicetiously 
desifiinited as (he '' Astor House" about 18KI. Business 
was then rapidly dyin^r out; as if West (iranby was bound 
to be first in everything, the first church building in town 
was erected there in ISIli. Ii was built by the Episco- 
palians, who had established the pari>li of ."^t. Luke's sev- 
eral years previously. 

AVilh the building of the Syracuse and O.'-wrgo railroad, 
in ISI.s, running as it did for twelve miles llimugh the 
town, the facilities of communication with nunuinus mar- 
kets were greatly increased. Streets and blocks were laid 
out at Oswego Falls, and the village of that name began to 
take form and shape, A ])lank-road was built from that 
point to Ilannilialville, which has been one of tiic most 
successful in the country, being only abandiined about two 
years since, although almost all other roads of the kind 
were given u]i ten or filU-en years ago. Another was built 
at the same period from the (alls southwest through Howen's 
(."orners, and thence into Ilannilml. This was abandoned 
many ycarssince. I'lank-roading has evidently had itsday. 

Since 185(t, Graidiy has shown n moderate, steady 
growth, the pursuits of her ]ieople being still ]>riiicipally 
agricultural. The forbiilding forests, wliieh so late as lifly 
years ago covered more than three-fourths of the town, 
have given ]ilace to one of the fimst farming tracts in the 
Slate. The traveler who in inidsuminer drives over its 
gently-rolling surface, sees broad fields, covered with ample 
crops, of all kinds of grain spread out in every direction 
around him, while bright green groves occasionaily relieve 
the eye, and handsome white houses, with sub.st4intiul farm- 
buildings, adorn the .sides of the roads, — an almost infal- 
lible ]irciof of the goodness of the .soil. 

And not in ]ieaccful pui-suits alone have the sons of 
(iranby |ilayed well their parts. The long li.st of her sol- 
diers, subjoined to this sketch, accompanied by that of the 



host of battles in whiili they took ]>art, shows that wlien 
their country called none were more prompt to respond or 
more ready lo meet the foe. 

VILLAGE OF OSWEGO FALLS. 

As has been st:ite<l, this place did not begin to assiimo 
the likeness of a village until after the building of the rail- 
road, in 1848. An act had been passed ]>roviding for its 
incorponition in 1847, but 8»i few were the inhabitants that 
no steps were taken to carry it into effe<t until 18r)4. In 
the autumn of that year a |ielition was presented to the 
county court, and on the 12th of October an order was 
niailc by Hon. Ransom II. Tyler, county judge, directing 
the holding of an election by the electors of the proposed 
village, U) determine whether it should be incorporat4.'d or 
not. The election was held on the lOlh of November fol- 
lowing. Only one hundred and ten votes were east, of 
which fifty-eight were in favor of the ineor]iorati<in, and 
fifty-two against it. 

By the original act five trustees were to be chosen by 
the people, and thi'se were to elect the village president out 
of their own number. The following were the first officers 
of the village, chosen in tlu' fall of IS,")!!, and re-elected the 
succeeding spring: President, Peter Sehenck ; Trustees, 
Peter Schenck, James Parker, William Andrews, John V. 

Smith, aud Holden ; Treasurer, Orrin R. Jaycox ; 

Collector, Slejilu'ii Roberts. 

The growth of the village bits been principally at two 
points, opposite the two bridges which lead to Fulton. In 
these localities, besidi's a few elsewhere, a pojudation of 
over a thousand have made their homes, and the building 
of uew houses, especially in the upper part of the village, 
is continually going forward. The principal manufacturing 
eslablishments are as follows: 

III till' northwest port of the village there is a large tan- 
nery, estalilishtd about twenty-eight years ago, by (Jeorge 
Salmon. It is now owned by Rarnett & Ilumberger, of 
Syracuse. It is run by steam, employs ten hands, and is 
capable of turning out three hundred and fifty bides per 
week. A short distance above the lower bridge is the 
paper-mill of William Waugh & Rro., which has biHMi in 
operation seven years. It makes all kinds of brown and 
ti.ssui'-]iapers, and runs night and day ; turning out on an 
average two tons jier day, and employing twelve hands, 
besides teamsters and other outsiders. The building is 
owned by William Schenck, and for three years previous 
to the establi.slimeiit of the )iai>er-mill it was occupied by 
his sons as a ehain-factory ; it having originally been erected 
for that use. Near by is a large saw-mill, also belonging 
to Mr. Schenck. 

Just above the upper bridge are two extensive factories, 
both owned by the Oswego Falls manufitcturing company. 
Each is of brick, four stories high, with a ba.sement. The 
westernmost factory was built about lS()',i; the other, sev- 
eral years later. The latter is and has been employed in 
the manufacture of prunella, al|mca, and other worsted 
goods; the former has hitherto been a woolen-faetory, but 
is now being refilled with new machinery, and is henceforth > 
to be devoted, like the other, to the luaking of worsted 
goods. In the rear of the western building are fifteen 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



395 



brick " weaving-sheds," in which the looms are situated. 
Of these, about five hundred are now kept running, with a 
strong probability of an increase to a thousand in the course 
of a year or two. Besides the buildings before mentioned, 
a large four-story brick building has lately been erected 
near the river-bank, which is also to be devoted to the 
same business. An extensive machine-shop is likewise 
connected with the factory. 

Besides the above, there are in the village one hotel, four 
stores, two school-houses, and several shops, restaurants, etc. 
The Oswego Falls agricultural society has its grounds, and 
holds its annual meetings, in the western part of the village, 
on the shore of Lake Neatawanta. A full account of this in- 
stitution has been given in the general history of the county, 
but when it was written none of the compilers of the work 
had actually seen one of the fairs of that society. The 
writer of this sketch, having witnessed that of 1877, is 
prepared to indorse the general i)]nniou that the Oswego 
Falls agricultural society is one of the most successful insti- 
tutions of its kind in the State. 

The following is a list of the presidents of Oswego Falls 
since its incorporation : Peter Schenck, 1853-54 ; John V. 
Smith, 1855; Peter Schenck, 1856, '57, '58, '59 ; John V. 
Smith, 1860 ; Peter Schenck, 1861-62 ; J. G. Willard, 
1863 ; Peter Schenck, 1864-65 ; Philander H. Wandell, 
1866. A new charter was then granted, by which the 
village presidents were elected directly by the people. The 
subsequent presidents have been as follows : Dorastus Kel- 
logg, 1867; C. K. Howe, 1868; Ransom G. Alger, 1869; 
John Wall, 1870; C. P. Duteher, 1871; F. W. Baker, 
1872; James Parker, Jr., 1878 ; Edgar M. Baker, 1874; 
Abram G. Hugunin, 1875 ; Edgar M. Baker, 1876-77. 

The following are 'the present officers of the village : 
President, Edgar M. Baker; Trustees, Timothy Sullivan, 
F. M. Baker, Alnion Wilcox, John McCarthy, William 
Gillard ; Assessor, W. F. Stephens; Treasurer, F. M. Baker; 
Collector and Clerk, Daniel Sullivan. 

Of the hamlets situated in various parts of the town, 
Granby Centre (formerly Williams' Corners), two miles 
west of Oswego Falls, is now the most considerable. It con- 
tains a church, a grocery, a post-office, a .sash-making shop, 
a cheese-factory, a wagon-shop, and between twenty and 
thirty quite fine houses, handsomely shaded with trees. 
The cheese-factory belongs to a stock company, and turns 
out about eight cheeses per day. Two steam-mills were in 
operation here about a quarter of a century ago, but both 
have long since been abandoned. 

Dexterville, two miles farther west, has a grocery, a post- 
office, and about a dozen houses. A steam saw-mill was 
built here in 1851 by Rodman Dexter. It burned down 
in 1857, but was rebuilt by Erastus Dexter. It was torn 
down in 1873. 

West Granby contains a neat church, a blacksmith-shop, 
and about a dozen houses. 

Bowen's Corners hits a very handsome, commodious, and 
substantial brick school-house, a cheese-factory, a grocery, 
and twelve or fifteen houses. This factory also belongs to 
a stock company, and makes from ten up to twenty-five 
cheeses per day. 

South Granby is a station on the Syracuse and Oswego 



railroad, four miles up the river from Oswego Falls, which, 
though surrounded by a fertile and wealthy agricultural 
county, has as yet made no progress toward city grandeur. 

THE EPLSCOPAI, CHURCH. 

The parish of St. Luke was organized as early as 1838. 
Rev. G. B. Engle had charge of this parish, in connection 
with one at Fulton and one at Baldwinsville, in 1838-40. 
In 1841 he had charge of thb and the Baldwinsville par- 
ish. In that year, or the one following, the church edifice 
of St. Luke's parish was erected at West Granby. After 
that the pari.sh, in connection with that at Fulton, was 
under the pa.storal charge of Rev. A. C. Treadway, Rev. 
0. P. Holcomb, Rev. Geo. S. Porter, Rev. T. N. Bishop, 
and Rev. L. D. Ferguson. The latter gentleman's ministry 
closed in 1861, and shortly after the church building was 
sold to the Methodists, and the communicants became per- 
manently connected with the Fulton parish. 

THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This was organized about thirty years ago, but owing to 
the loss of the records the exact date cannot be fixed. 
There was a class at Granby Centre, and another at West 
Granby, which met in school-houses. They were some- 
times connected in circuits with other classes outside of the 
town. About 1852 a small church building was erected at 
Granby Centre, and about twelve years ago, as before stated, 
the Episcopal house of worship at Granby Centre was pur- 
chased. Some of the later ministers who have officiated 
have been the Rev. Messrs. Gurrington, Clark, Turncy, Allen, 
and Grant. The circuit is now organized with clxsses at 
West Granby, Granby Centre, and at Minetto, in the town 
of Oswego. The following are the present officers : Pas- 
tor, Rev. C. H. Harris; Stewards, Elisha Hyde, Isaac 
Pierce, and Benjamin Wells. 

The Reformed Methodists have also had a class for many 
years, which met at the school-house at Bowen's Corners, 
but its numbers are now greatly reduced, and oiily occa- 
sional services are held. 

Supervisors. — Elijah Mann, Jr., 1818-19; Seth Camp, 
1820; Elijah Mann, Jr., 1821; Seth Camp, 1822-23; 
Ambrose B. Kellogg, 1824-31 ; John Sammons, 1832 ; 
Edmund Bramhall, 1833-35; John Phillips, 1836; Ed- 
mund Bramhall, 1837 ; Amory Howe, 1838-39 ; George 
Kellogg, 1840; Alanson Dodge, 1841-42; William 
Schenck, 1843; Almarin Fuller, 1844; W. B. Gaylord, 
1845-46 ; Alanson Dodge, 1847; William Schenck, 1848; 
Alanson Dodge, 1849; Jas. D. Lasher, 1850-51 ; Alanson 
Dodge, 1852; James D. Lasher, 1853; Willard O.sgood, 
1854-58; J. G. Willard, 1859-62; James Parker, 1S(;3; 
J. D. Lasher, 1864; Charles Howe, 1865; J. G. Willard, 
1866 ; B. Frank Wells, 1867-68 ; Isaac W. Marsh, 1869- 
72 ; I. F. Pierce, 1873 ; J. C. Wells, 1874-75 ; Ezra S. 
Hogeland, 1876; T. R. Wright, 1877. 

Town Clerics. — John Schenck, 1818; Nehomiah B. 
Northrop, 1819; Benjamin Robinson, 1820-21; Artemas 
Curtis, 1822; Benj. Robinson, 1823-24; Artemas Curtis, 
1825-28; Benj. Robinson, 1829-30; Loren Guiding, 
1831 ; John Phillips, 1832-35; Elijah Phillips, 1836-38; 
Alviney Wright, 1839-41; Peter Schenck, 1842-49; 



396 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOIIK. 



Wilhml Osgood, 185(1-, J. G. Willard, 1851 ; James Par- 
ker, lH5:i; J. (J. Wilhini, 185:}-54; Diirius K. Bellows, 
18r)5; Harvey Siuitli, ISfjG; J. G. Willard, 1857-58; 
Charles T. Wood, 185i)-G(t; Elvin A. Hempstead, 18C1- 
(12; IVter Scluntk, ISO:!; Rciij. U. Howe, 18(54; Peter 
Seheiick, 1H(;5; Amory li. Howe. 18i;(;; B. II. Howe, 
18C7-72; C. A. Northrop, 1873-74 ; B. II. Howe, 1875; 
F. M. Baker, 187G-77. 

PKESE.NT TOWN OFFtfKRS. 

Supcnisor, T. R. Wri-^ht ; Justices of the Peace, Mel- 
viii F. Stephens, J. J. Fort, Washington Lanipman, and 
Hiram Balliird ; Town Clerk, F. .M. Baker; A-ssc'Sors, 
Nathaniil Stewart, H. M. Fuller, and William D. Edgarton ; 
Overseer of the Poor, William II. Tompkins; Commissioner 
of Highways, M. A. Kelsey ; Collector, James Gilhooley ; 
Constahles, Eugene Van Buren, John E. Parker, Michael 
Ward, Major F. Phelps, and John E. Kinney; Game Con- 
stiible. Major F. Phelps; Commissioners of Excise, John 
Cornell, William Killbyle, Samuel D. Andrews; Town 
Auditors, Daniel H. (iilbert, Jackson Reynolds, and Isaac 
W. Marsh. 



BIOGRAIMIICAL SKETCHES. 



JOHN C. WELLS. 

The origin of the " De Welles" family of Lincolnshire, 
barons by summons to parliament, was in the Vaux. or dc 
Vallihiis family of Franco, one of the most illustrious fami- 
lies known to history. The derivation is traced back over 
a thousand years to the year 794, from which period they 
held the highest rank personally, and by royal intermar- 
riages. It was founded in England, at the Coiifjuest, by 
Harold de Vaux, and his three sons. Barons Hubert, 
Kanulpli, and Koliert, wlio were all surnamed de Vallibus. 
The descent is ihrutigli the younger son Robert, whose 
grandson William had four sons, one of whom was William 
de Welles, of Lincolnshire, 1104, who became the founder 
of that long line of noblemen of Lincolnshire whose his- 
tory is given in full by Dugdale, in his standard work on 
the baronage of England. 

As early as 1038, three brothers, George, Richard, and 
William, emigrated, and were among the first settlers of 
Lynn, Maa^achusi'tts. From this family the subject of this 
sketch traces his descent, through ex-tiovernor Thomas 
Welles, of Connecticut. 

John C. Wells was born in the town of Trenton, Oneida 
county, New York, January i), 1821, and was the son of 
Elisha (1. Wells, a native of Connecticut, who settled in 
Oneida county when John C, eldest son, was only ten 
years of age. There were six children in the family, whom 
the father, being a teacher himself, gave as groat opportu- 
nity for an education as hi.s limited means would peimit. 

One son, Lucius, graduated at Union college and Cam- 
bridge law school ; Franklin graduated at the Albany 
Normal school ; John C. in his earlier life was a teacher, 
farming during the summer and teaching winters. He re- 
mained at Trenton until twenty-four years of age, and 
removed to Uranby township, (Jswego County, and settled 



on lot C5, baying one hundred and twenty-five acres, clear- 
ing and making tillable a large part of it. 

He married Mis.s Lncretia Augusta Meigs, daughter of 
Edward Meigs, of Delaware county. New York, and a de- 
scendant of Vincent Meigs, who cinie from Hevonshire, 
England, 11)38. and s«'ttled at Guilford. Connecticut. 

Of this marriage were born two childn-n, vii., Ijanra 
Crocker Wells and Edmund Meigs Wells. The daughter 
now resides at home. The son graduated at a Philadelphia 
dental college in the class of 1872. 

John C. Wells has been identified with the Epi.scopal 
society, and contributed to support religions interests around 
liim, and encouraged all enterprises looking to the education 
of the rising generation. 

His wife united with the church when only sixteen 
years old, and has remained a inendier of the Episcopal 
church until the iiri-sent time, engaging actively in Sunday- 
school work. 

In politics, he was first a Whig, and U[ion the formation 
of the Bepublican party joined its ranks, remaining firm in 
its principles, receiving various local offices from the suf- 
frages of his townsmen, and was supervisor and assessor of 
his town, an<i loan commissioner for the county. 

He is now in his filly-sixth year, and still engaged in the 
active duties of life as a farmer. 



ISAAC BOGARDUS 

was born in Greene county, New York, July 23, 1817. Ho 
was the son of Peter Bogardus, whose great-grandfather 
came from Holland. 

He came to Lysander, Onondaga county, with his father, 
at the age of fourteen j'cars, and in the year 1831, and fol- 
lowed the occupation of farmer; and about the year 1850 
removed with his father to the town of Granby, Oswego 
County, and settled on one hundred acres of land, where his 
widow now resides, he having died September 24, 1873. 
At the age of forty-four he was married to Miss Harriet 
Morris, daughter of Reuben and Harriet Morris, who emi- 
grated from Sussex county, England, and .settled first in 
Lysander, Onondaga county, and afterwards in Granby, 
Oswego County. Of this marriage were born two children, 
— Helen and Alice Bogardus. Helen died in infancy; 
Alice lived to the age of twelve years, and died January 
31, 1877, leaving the mother and widow alone and berefl 
of her whole family. 

Isaac Bogardus was a moderate man and temperate in 
hi.s habits ; a model of integrity and uprightness of char- 
acter; respected by all who knew him; and at his dcjith 
left a devoted wife to mourn his loss and care for the 
results of their indu.stry and toil. He had accumulated a 
fine property during his life, surrounded with all that 
makes life plea.sant ; and although for the few years before 
his death his health was giving way as the result of 
extra exertion and activity to make his surroundings com- 
fortable for his last years, he was still active and persever- 
ing. Mrs. Bogardus carries on the farm ; her sii^tt'rs — Amy 
and Kliza — reside with her; her brothers — Charles, Reu- 
ben, and William — are residents of the same tnwn, living 
near her. 




iHEWALIfADT rLACE.RESIDLNCE Of MRSM.HOW' cLL, USWLGO tALLS.N.Y. 



i 



the subjoot of this sketch, was born August 26, 1782, iu (!ana- 
joharie, New York, liis forefathers being of German descent. 
He learned early in life the tnido of tanning and currying and 
harness-making from his father, and followed this until he came 
to Oswego County. He settled at Oswego Falls in the year 1807, 
bought a timber lot and began clearing nflF the fciro.st, and on the 
site of the first building erected for a dwelling during his pioneer 
days, he, in 1851, erected a dwelling, a lithograph of which is 
placed above this sketch, and is now occujiicd by hi.-* two sur- 
viving daughters. At the time of his do;itli he had lived here 
longer than any other citizen, and his decease, November 18, 1H58, 
recalls several incidents of general interest in connection with its 
settlement and growth, many of which will be found iu the his- 
tory of the early days of the town. 

Coming into the county before the breaking out of the war of 
1812, he serN'ed as lieutenant-captain in defending the frontier 
of the State against the attacks of the British. 

In the year IBlll, before coming Ut this county, he married 
Miss Lucretia Hugunin, dauglit<!r ol' Daniel Hugunin, of New 
York, who was partly of French and partly of (icrinun extraction. 

Of this marriage were born Gertrude, Mary, and Ellen Eliza 
Walradt. The eldest died in the year 1875. 

Before the mother wa.i twelve years of age she was seriously 
interested in religious instruction, and after her marriage, having 
removed to Oswego city for a few months, she joined the church 
in that place, but moving back to Kultoti again, .-she afterward,-* 
connected herself with the Prctbytcrian church of that place. 



Her eldest daughter was one of the first three members of th»t 
church upon its organization, 1828. 

On account of her religious character and active benevolence, 
the first Sabbath meetings were held at her house, and the first 
Sabbath-school was organized in Mr. Walradt's barn. In the 
religious instruction of her children she early impres.sed the need 
of preparation for future happiness ; living over sixty yeai-s I 
profes.s,sed Christian, she died at the age of seventy-one, in 1857. 

Mr. Walradt followed the occupation of a farmer, and ."(eleeted 
as a site for hLs residence the most sightly and conspicuou.s of 
any upon the banks of the river, overlooking the beautify 
scenery along its banks, and a large part of the now bfiintifui 
village of Fulton. His farm, oince hLs death, has been ^nM io 
lots, and is now the north part of the village of Oswego Fall.s. 

Belonging to the old Whig party, he joined the Republioao 
party at it^ formation, but t<iok very little iuUucst in puliiioB 
further than to cast his vote for the man who, iu his estimation, 
represented honesty and integrity. 

He was a cliurch-goiMg man ; received hospitably all who had 
a mission work to do, and cflntributod liberally for the support of 
church an<l .school. Taking a dee]) interest in the establishment of 
the Fulton Female Seminary, he contribiited for its building and 
support, and gave his younge.st daught4;r, Mi.ss Ellen Eliza, the 
benefit of its advantages, who now, with her sister, Mrs. Howell, 
desire to place upon the pages of history a lasting tribute to his 
memory, with the above engraving of his late residence and thia 
short sketch of his life. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



397 





BENJAMIN WELLS. 



MR.S. BENJA.MIN WEI.I.S. 



BENJAMIN WELLS. 



The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Northfield, Massachusetts, Nuvcinbei' 17, 1802. He was 
the son of Solomon Wells, of New England jiarentage and 
of English descent, and the fifth child of a family of seven 
children. His father was a carpenter and joiner liy trade, 
and of limited means, and gave his children little opportu- 
nity for an education. The father died when Benjamin 
was only fifteen years old, and in the year 1817. The 
mother died in 1814. The family removed from Massa- 
chusetts, and, settling in Norwich, Chenango county, in 
1807, bought fifty acres of land. Carrying on his farm and 
working at his trade, the father kept his family togetlier 
until he died. The children being left orphans, Benjamin 
learned the idothing business in Norwich ; afterwards went 
to Monroe county, and remained for three years in that 
business, and returned to Chenango county. 

Li the year 1827 he came and settled in the town of 
Granby, on lot No. 1, buying twenty acres, remaining there 
until 18 KJ, and removed to lot No. 2, where he now re- 
sides, having cleared oft the original forest of fifty acres, 
and made tillable the most of it. At the age of twenty- 
five he married Miss Harriet Shattuck, daughter of 
Ephraim Shattuck, of Massachu.setts, and of English de- 
scent. There were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Wells seven 
chililren, viz , 0.scar, Adeline, Marion, Ambrosia, Kizzi?, 



Fanny, and Chester. Of these, O.scar died 1829 ; Marion 
died 1837; Fanny died 1870. 

Adeline married Chauncey B. Hancock in 1853, having 
one child, — Nellie, — who, after spending four yeiirs in 
Falley seminary, graduated in music at the Maplewood 
seminary, Connecticut. 

Ambrosia married T. B. Reynolds, and resides in Oswego 
city ; they have two children, — Addie and Adell. 

Kizzie married Rev. John S. George, a Methodist Epis- 
copal clergyman, who died at Scriba Corners in 1875. 
Mrs. George resides at Fulton, and has two children, — 
Ernest and Daisy. 

Chester married Miss Ettie Mattison, daughter of Wel- 
lington Mattison, of Hannibal, Oswego County, in 1874, 
and carries on his father's farm. 

Benjamin Wells was formerly a Democrat, but is now a 
Republican, never taking a very active part in politics. lie 
united with the Methodist Episcopal church in 1832, his 
wife uniting with the same church in 1830, — both remain- 
ing members of that body until the present time. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wells joined the first temperance society 
organized in the town of Granby, and have instructed ihcir 
children in the priiiciples of morality and religion, and 
now are numbered among the representative pioneer fami- 
lies of Granby town.ship. 



398 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




BENJAMIN IS. PIERCE. 










T f 



MKS. ItENJAMIN B. PIEBCE. 



BENJAMIN B. PIERCE. 



The subject of tliis sketch w:is born in Orange county, 
New York, Aujiu-st Ki, 1785. His fatlier wa.s a native of 
llie New England States, aii<l lii.« ancestor.s eanie to America 
at an early jav. from Englaml, and Settled in the State of 
Connecticut. In his father's family there were six diil- 
dren, of whom he was the third son. He was lefl an 
orpliaii by the death of his father when only .seven years 
old, and wa.s bnutid out to a cruel master, by wliom lie re- 
ceived very severe treatment. At the age of fourteen he 
left his ma-stcr, and thereafter worked his way through the 
world as best an orjihan hoy could. At the age of twenty- 
three, and in the year 1808, Marcli U), he married Miss 
Polly French, daughter of Asher and Joanna French, of 
Connecticut, of English parentage. 

He left his native county and settled in Chenango 
county, in the town of Norwich, just before he was 
nuirried, and became one of the jiimieers of that counlj'. 
lie bought and cleared a farm for bimsi'lf, besides doing 
much for others. In the year 1S1!(I he, with his wife and 
two children. Philander and Lucy, removed to t)swego 
County, and settled in the town of (ji-anby, on lot 73, 
where he ehofijied and cleared ofl another farm, of .seventy 
acres, being a part of his original iiurchase of two hundred 
acres, an engraving of which will be seen on the opposite 
page of this work, under the ])ortrait of his son, Isaac F. 
Pierce, Es()., showing the rude log cabin of his pioneer life 
supplanted by a commodious resideiu-e of modern times, 
and, instead of the original forest, fruit-bearing trees of a 
half-cent ury's growth, from seeds planted by his own 
hands. Alone and unaided he carved out for himself a fine 
property, being always ready to assist those in need, hos- 
pitable, and generous. 

To him and wile were born, after coming to the town of 
Gninby, three more ihildrcn, — Jonathan. Isaac F.. and 
Sylvester. Philander nuirried Miss Helimla Stanton, lived 
near his father, in the same town, and died at the age of 
sixty-eight, in the year l!^77. They had three children, — 
Emily C, Memory A,, and i)uane L. 



Lucy married Nicholas Mosher, lived in the State of 
Illinois, and had eight children, four of whom are living. 
Jonathan married Mi.'^s Celistia Burnhau), of Cortland 
count v; live in Michigan; have five children. Is.iac F. 
Pierce was never married, lives on the farm formerly owned 
by liis father, has added to it some .seventy-nine acres, and 
now is ela.«sed among the representative farmers of the 
county, and has been identified with the interests of his town 
publicly as supervisor one term, and justice of the peace 
two terms, or eight y<ars. His opportunities in early life 
for an education were limited, hut he, self-reliant, gave his 
leisure time to study, and, with the exception of a few terms 
at Falley seminary, has ae(|uired his education without the 
aid of teaehei's. having the experience of some twenty-eight 
terms as an instructor. 

The youngest child, Sylvester, married Miss Charlotte 
Cary. but lived only about three years, and died in 1854. 

Benjamin B. I'ierce was denied the advantages oFa com- 
inon-sehool education while young, hut was liberal in his 
views of education, and gave for the support of both church 
and .school. 

He was a meniber of the old Whig party, and upon the 
formation of other parties taking its place, joined them, 
casting his vote fur the candidates of the Republican party 
during its day. 

The mother of these children, and wife of Benjamin B. 
Pierce, as early as 1810 joined the Methodist Episcopal 
church, and it is said of her that she loved the gates of 
Zion and the courts of the I^ord's house. She was the 
oldest member of the ela.«s first formed at Graid>y Centre 
when she died. Her instruction to her children was of the 
highest type of morality and Clirislianity, and her pure ex- 
ample and uiis]K>tted life leavg their ini|>rint on the minds 
and eharaeler of her offspring. She dieil March 11, 1809. 
Mr. Pierce lived to see four generations in his own family; 
he was a man of hardy constitution at first, and active as a 
business man, but after a life of care and toil he died in his 
ninetieth year, in the year 1875, January 10. 








*?* 'fe 



RlSlDLNCi OF I. F. PIERCE, GlfANBY,N[ARGlfANByC€HT£ff,O5mGOC0.,N.Y. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



399 



WILLIAM B. GAYLORD, 

the subject of this sketch, was born in Now Lisbon, Otsego 
county. New York, in the year 1814, being the son of 
Minor Gaylord, who was of New England parentage, born 
in Connecticut, and of English descent from William Gay- 
lord, who emigrated from England at an early day, and 
obtained his land from the Indians. The grandfather of 
William B. Gaylord was captain of a company in the French 
and English war. Ilis father removed from Connecticut, 
and settled in Otsego county as early as 1810, and after- 
wards returned to his native place, and married Miss West, 
of which marriage were born two children. The mother 
dying, he afterwards married Miss Elizabeth Burr, of Now 
England parentage. Coming back to New York State, 
where he had previously purchased a farm, commenced 
clearing off the forest, and began farming. Of this mar- 
riage were born five children, of which the subject of this 
sketch was the eldest son. The family resided in Otsego 
county some twenty years, and then removed to Lafayette, 
Onondaga county, 1830, and again engaged in farming. 
Remaining there only si.^ years, the family then came to 
the town of Granby, Oswego County, and settled on lot 
No. 21, a part of which is now occupied and owned by 
William B. Gaylord, an engraving of whieh will be seen 
in another part of this work, showing the improvement in 
agriculture during his day, and the result of his ambition 
and labor. 

At the age of twenty-five years he married Miss Harriet 
Tator, daughter of Frederick I. Tator, whose parents were 
natives of Dutchess county, New York, and of German 
descent. 

Of this marriage were born seven children, viz., Jehial 
A., Mary Frances, James M., Edwin P., Lydia Ann, Willis 
C., William F. Gaylord, all of whom are now living, and 
the four eldest married and settled as farmers. The other 
three live at home with their parents. 

Among the most enterprising farmers of Granby town- 
ship is found William B. Gaylord, engaging largely in 
raising hops and tobacco as specialties, but keeping a small 
dairy on the farm, most of which he cleared of its original 
forest, and now has in a high state of cultivation. 

Taking an active part in politics, he has been identified 
witli the Democratic party since he first had a vote, but 
always weighing the man by the platform upon which he 
stands, or the prineijiles he represents. He has received on 
several occasions the suffrages of his townsmen, and held 
tiie offices of supervisor, commissioner of schools, and as- 
sessor. 

Receiving sufficient education to become a teacher in his 
younger days, he has always been favorable to the advance- 
ment of education in the country. 

Now, in the sixty-fourth year of his age, William B. 
Gaylord is classified with the represintative families of the 
town of Granby, and has contributed largely to the interests 
of good society wherever his duty has called him, and now 
past the meridian of life, he and his wife live to enjoy the 
result of many years of toil and labor, surrounded with duti- 
ful children, who appreciate the remembrance of a loving 
mother and a kind father upon the pages of history, which 
they have assisted with others to make. 



JACKSON REYNOLDS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Westchester 
county, New York, April 10, 181 G. He was the son of 
Eli Reynolds, of Connecticut, and whose forefathers were 
of English birth on the father's side, but of Dutch descent 
on the mother's. His father having been married twice, 
he was the only child by the second marriage, his mother's 
name being Hester Lent, daughter of Borden Lent, who 
was a guide in General Washington's army during the 
Revolutionary war. By the first marriage of his father to 
Miss Vermiliar, daughter of Isaac Vermiliar, a soldier of 
the Revolutionary war, were born three children, viz., Isaac, 
Jiihn, and Julia; the first two being dead. Julia resides 
at Glenham, Dutchess county, and is the widow of Henry 
Atwood. 

Jackson Reynolds, during his early days, had little oppor- 
tunity for an education, and as soon as he was old enough, 
after being in the em])ioy of Bronson & Crocker, boating 
on the Oswego and Erie canal, purcha.sed a boat for him- 
self and commenced transporting wood to Syracuse and salt 
back to Oswego. When he was nineteen years old, in the 
year 1835, he came with his fiither to Oswego County, and 
settled in the town of Granby, on lot No. 45, where he 
now resides. His father bought one hundred acres, a tim- 
ber lot, and with his son began clearing off the original 
forest. After nine years the father died (1844), leaving the 
son and mother to take care of the property. The son 
bought the shares of the heirs of his father's estate, and 
has since cleared and made tillable a large part of the farm, 
building a fine farm residence, and surrounding it with 
fruit-growing and ornamental trees, an engraving of which 
may be seen on another page of this work, as the result of 
his ambition and toil, together with the portraits of him.self 
and wife. At the age of twenty-five he married Miss 
Charlotte Hewitt, daughter of Christopher Hewitt, a native 
of Connecticut, of English descent, her mother being of 
Welsh birth. Miss Charlotte Hewitt was born in Saratoga 
county, February 17, 1813, in the second frame house 
erected in that county, and built by her grandfiither, who 
was a major under General Washington in the Revolutionary 
war. To Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were born two children, 
both of whom died in infancy. By a life of industry and 
economy they have acquired a fine property, and now having 
pas.sed the meridian of life, live to enjoy the result and 
fruits of their labors. 

Jackson Reynolds united with the Presbyterian church 
of Fulton, New York, some twenty years ago, and still 
remains a member of that body. 

His father belonged to the Democratic party, and he, 
on arriving at the proper age to use the right of sufi'rage, 
although opposed to slavery, adopted the balance of the 
Democratic platform, and has since been connected with 
that party. 

He is classed among the pioneer representative families 
of Oswego County, and has alwaj's been identified with 
every interest in his town and neighborhood that had for 
its object the enlightenment of the people and the further- 
ance of principles of right. 

He lias been connected with the public interests of his 
town as commissioner of iiigh ways and auditor, and is known 



400 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



by his fellow-men as an example of integrity and stability. 
His mother d'wd January, 1864. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds are amon<; those families of the 
town of tir.iHliy who are its bone and sinew, without which 
society would liw all its hi;;he8t iotcrestH, and the town be 
a blank in the count}'. 



MORGAN liLAKKMAX. 

The subject of thb sketch was bom in the town of Berne, 
Albany county, March 26, in the year 1813. He was the 
twelfth child of a family of fourteen children of Simeon 
RIakenian. a native of Connecticut, and of Eiii;li.sh descent, 
from three brothers who came from Kn^dand and settled in 
the ea.st about the time of the landing of the Pilgrims at 
Plymouth. The father came from Connecticut to Albany 
county, and afV'rwards married Mi.ss Lydia Fuller, daughter 
of William Fuller, of Dutch descent. Morgan Blakeman 
was hired out by his mother when only thirteen years old 
(his liither liaving died ). 

At the age of twenty-five he married Miss Lydia Baker, 
daughter of John and Susud Baker, of New England 
descent. 

Afler two years, and in the year 1837, he, his wile, 
and one child, came by canal and settled in the town of 
Graiiby, on lot No. 30, buying ninety-si.x acres of tindter- 
land. Remained on his larni for about fifteen years, and 
cleared off nearly all the timber and erected buildings. 

In the year 1852 he moved again and si!ttled on the same 
lot, buying seventy acres, and made considerable improve- 
ments; remained some fifteen years, and removed again, 
and settled on lot No. 29, in same town, where he now 
resides. An engraving of his residence and surroundings, 
U)gother with ]H.)rtraits of himself and wife, will be seen in 
another part of this work. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Blakeman were born ten children, viz.: 
John, Sarah, Cynthia, Elizabeth, Aaron, Susan, George, 
Lydia, J^ydia E., and Lois. All of these children are now 
living except Lydia, who died in infancy. The mother 
of these cliililren early in life united with the Baptist 
church, remained firm to its doctrines, careful in the moral 
training and religious instruction of her children, an ex- 
ample of true womanhood, and died October II, 185,"). He 
married for his second wife Mrs. CoBin, daughter of John 
H. Lam.son, of J^ysander, Onondaga county, and widow of 
the late Enoch Coffin, of the same place, in the year 18G4. 

Morgan Blakeman is now in his sixty-fifih year, bavin" 
led a life of activity as a farmer, and now, having pa.s.sed 
the meridian of life, is surrounded by the result of his 
labor, and has accumulated a fine proj)erty. 

He has taken an active part in the political matters of 
his town, but never desired any office, and is a member of 
the Democratic party. 

His father dying when he was only eleven years of age, 
hi.i opportunities for an education from books were very 
limited ; but his success in acfpiiring property, his repre- 
sentative character as a man, by all who know him, have 
gained for him the reputation of an honorable man. 



ASA PHILLIPS. 

Identifier] with the pioneer history of Oswego County 
far more than in name was the late Asa Phillips. He was 
the priiici|ial germ of the village of Pliillipsville, loeiited on 
the West side of the Oswego river, now called Oswego Falls, 
in the town of Granby, and may justly be called the patron 
and founder of that prosperous village. Thus prominently 
identified with the early history of that jiart of the county 
where he spent most of his life, a biography of him demands 
a place in this history. 



,T^''*'») 




Asa Phillips was grcat-gi-andson of Michael and Freclove 
i'hilli|>s, grandson of Elijah aiul Rhoda Phillips, and .second 
son of Rev. Asa Pliillips, of English descent, who married 
Miss Anna Works, daughter of Inglesby Works. 

He was born in Ashford, Windham county, Connecticut, 
January 12, 1794. About this time his father removed to 
Marcellus Hills, Onondaga county, New York, purchased a 
farm, and settled down with his family. By economy and 
energy he not only Jirovided a comfortable living, but gave 
his children a liberal education, sending his eldest son to 
college. The father died in 1813, at the age of forty-four 
years. Afler a few years Asji Phillips bought the other 
children's shares of their father's estate. lu 1816 he came 
to Geddes, Oin)nduga county, bought a large interest in the 
Sidt-works, shipj>ing and tran.sporting his own salt to Albany 
and other places. He soon conceived the idea that the 
great water-power at Oswego falls would give greater scope 
for his operations, and removed there in 1824, then only a 
wilderness with one log house. He at once built a shingle- 
factory, several saw-mills, blacksmitli-sho]i, and dwelling- 
houses for his men, and soon after built a very large hotel 
(1828), which reu)ained until 1868, and was burned. 

The canal being completed in the year 1830, he put packet- 
boats on it, and carried on trade for several years. He at first 
bought a mile sfjuare tract of land, — a soldier's right, — but 







f^/fS f^ORGAN BiAt^EMAN. 



MffS.p/IOffOAN BLAf^EMAN, 

{DtCtASEO j 










FfES.of MORGAN BLAHEMAN, GRANaY,Osw£9o Co.J.Y. 



HISTOKY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



401 



afterwards disposed of it by sale in New York. Afterwards 
purchased another large tract of land on the oppcsite side of 
the river, divided it into lots and sold, where a large part of 
the village of Fulton is now located. His ambition for 
enterprise and speculation increasing, he went to New York, 
engaged in banking and speculation, which proved unprofit- 
able. Returning to Fulton, New York, in the year 1844, 
he began again at the bottom of business, not weighed 
down with reverses, and by undaunted ambition and energy 
soon began to control operations in business circles, and was 
again in possession of a large property. 

Often opposed by strong men in matters of public interest, 
yet his resolution, firmness, and good judgment led others to 
seek his counsel. 

In politics, first a Whig, afterwards a Republican, he 
stood in the front rank ; considered principles rather than 
men ; never consented to take a public office, although often 
Solicited. He was a warm supporter of the constitution 
and laws of our country, and lived to see the bane of the 
Republic, slavery, abolished. 

He was consistent in his views of religion and education, 
and always gave liberally for the support of both, having 
built the first school-house at Oswego Falls, and employed 
a teacher at his own expense. 

He married Miss Polly Barnes, of Johnstown, New York, 
January, 1815, and of this marriage were born two daugh- 
ters, Julia A. and Ordelia Phillips, the second one dying in 
the year 1 842. After a life of active toil and an almost un- 
paralleled record as a pioneer, he died in the year 1865, aged 
seventy-two, his wife dying some four weeks before, aged 
also seventy-two years, leaving his property with his only 
surviving and eldest daughter, Mrs. Julia A. Broadwell, a 
lady of good executive ability and high culture. 



SETH PAINE. 



The subject of this sketch was born in Herkimer county, 
in the year 1797 ; his father being a native of Connecticut, 
and of English descent. At the age of twenty-five, in the 
year 1822, he married Lucy Brew.ster, whose parentage 
was also of New England origin, and who was born in 1801 ; 
she being the daughter of Frederick Brewster, who was a 
lineal descendant, in the sixth generation, from Rev. Wil- 
liam Brewster, who came with the Puritan fathers from 
England in the ''Mayflower" December 11, 1620, and 
settled in Duxbury, Massachusetts, and afterwards remov- 
ing to the State of Connecticut in the year 1648. Seth 
Paine, while quite young, came to Onondaga county. New 
York, with his mother, his father having been killed before 
they removed, about three years, by the falling of a tree. 
The mother and son settled in Camillus, the mother having 
been married again to Mordecai Ellis before they removed. 
He lived at home with his step-father for a few years, and 
at the age of twenty started for himself; took charge of 
Judge Geddes' farm while he was surveying for the Erie 
canal ; engaged in boating when the canal was finished, 
1833-34. He, at the age of thirty-four, and in the year 
1831, came to Oswego County and settled on lot No. 24 
in the town of (Iranby, buying some one hundred and 



eighty-two acres of timber land, a large part of which he 
cleared himself. 

He is justly classified among the pioneers of the county, 
locating first in a rude cabin, but the next year built the 
house where he spent the remainder of his days, an engrav- 
ing of which will be seen between his and his wife's por- 
traits in another part of this work. 

Before removing from Onondaga county with his family he 
came to what is known as Horse-shoe dam, in the town of 
Graiiby, and built a saw mill, in company with his brother- 
in-law, William S. Geer. He, in the year 1812, Bulisted 
in the military service, and was engaged in defending the 
frontier at Oswego and other points against the attacks of 
the British, receiving afterwards title and land-warrant, — a 
soldier's claim ; was promoted to the office of captain of the 
State militia. In politics he was originally a Whig, and 
upon the formation of the Republican party joined its ranks, 
remaining firm to its principles through his life, and voting 
for every president of the United States from the time of 
casting his first vote, regarding the right of suffrage a boon 
conferred upon every American citizen ; was school-super- 
intendent, and held town offices, never soliciting an office ; 
held in high estimation by his fellow-men. 

At an early period in his married life he and his wife con- 
nected themselves with the Baptist church of Jacksonville, 
Onondaga county, taking a very active part in the interests 
of that body, having held the office of deacon in the church 
for many years before his death. He was a warm sup- 
porter of the common schools of his town, and ready to 
contribute liberally to advance education about him, not 
having enjoyed the highest privileges himself while young. 
He was especially interested in Bible history and chro- 
nology, and to those subjects he addressed all the energies 
of his determined mind more like a student than like a 
laboring farmer. His researches were well repaid by the 
amount and kind of knowledge which he secured. He 
wrote an article on the subject of Northern-lights, which 
was generally received as giving a very correct theory and 
the result of much study and thought. 

To him and his wife were born three children, viz., Lucy 
G., Clarissa S., and Oliver Paine. Of these, Clarissa S. 
married Marshall Hale, of Plucnix, Oswego County, and 
had one child, named Oliver A. Hale, who resides with his 
father in San Jose, California. The mother died June 3, 
1852, at his father's house, at the age of twenty-four years. 

Lucy G. married Charles S. Fuller July 8, 1845. To 
them was born one daughter, Clarissa P. Fuller, who married 
Mr. Wm. G. Belts in 1875, and resides with her parents. 

Oliver Paine married Miss Sarah E. Works, daughter 
of Andrew Works, of Oswego County, in 1864. Of this 
marriage were born two children, viz., Fred. Brewster and 
Clara E. Paine. 

At the death of Seth Paine, October 30, 1860, his son 
( )livcr came into possession of his father's estate, and now 
has erected one of the finest residences in the town of 
Granby, an engraving of which, showing the result of his 
ambition and energy, may be seen under his father's and 
mother's portraits, contrasting as the picture docs the rude 
structure of a half-century ago with the enterprise and 
thrift of the present generation. 



402 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 





AAUON STRANAIIAN. 



MRS. AAttON STRANAIIAN. 



AARON STRANAIIAN 



was born in Columbia county, New Yoik, in tiio tdwn of 
Chutbam, October 18, 18((7, being a son of Aaron Stran- 
ahan, {iraiidson of John Stranaban, and j;ro;it-f;randson of 
James Stranaban, wbo einij;nitoJ from Ireland in the year 
1725, and settled in llbode Island. 

Aaron Stranaban, tbe father of the subject of tliis 
sketch, was a farmer b}' occupation, and had a family of 
seven children, of which Aaron. Jr., w;us the third son. 

Means for obtaining a good education from books being 
very limited, he only received instruction sufficient to be 
able to read and write vcrv jtoorly, but his .success in after- 
life shows clearly that one's education docs not all come 
from books. 

Brought up to the occupation of a farmer, lie has mainly 
followed it through life At the age of nineteen yeai-s he 
removed to Onondaga county from Herkimer (his fatlier 
having previously removed to that county), and engaged 
in farming and teaming. In the year ISIill he came to 
Oswego County, and settled in the town of Granby, in 
which town be has since resided, buying various pieces of 
timber-lots, clearing off the timber and making the land 
tillable, and in all has cleared and cau.scd to be cleared 
several hundred acres, engaging very largely in the lumber 
trade and wood bu.sine.ss, delivering to Salt Point. 

In the year 18211 he married Mi.s3 iMereia Eggleslon, 
daughter of Paul W. Eggleston, who was of English de- 
scent, and of New England parentage. Of this marriage 
were born eleven children, si.\ of whom died in infancy. 
The second daughter, Elsey, died at the age of twenty- 
three years, in the year 1864, having married Mr. Isaac 
Dann ; they lived in California at the time of her de- 
cease, she, with her two children, having been burned to 
death in lluir own Ikiu.sc at the linie of its destruction by 
fire. 



The names of the surviving children are Adeline J., 
Smith N., Gipson, and Luvilla. The eldest is in Cali- 
fornia ; Smith N. resides in the town of Granby, near 
bis father; Gip.son lives near his father, and carries on 
his father's farm, looking after his every want in his de- 
clining yeaiT*, and as bis sun sets in tbe horizon of life. 

The daughter, liuvilla, now Mrs. Cooper, resides in the 
town of Hannibal, in this county. 

Learning early in life from tbe father the secret of suc- 
cess as business men, the sons stand among the first farmers 
of the town and county i[i which they reside. 

The mother, now in her seventy-second year, has lived 
to see her children grow up and ripen into manhood and 
woniaiihdod ; a woman of high moral culture, and always 
caring for the needj' and helpless. 

Aaron Stranaban was firsfc- identified with the 'Whig 
part}', casting his first vote for Henry Clay, for president 
of the United States. At the formation of the Kepublicjin 
party he joined its ranks, and has never swerved from its 
principles, at all times asking of his party to put forward 
its best men, looking to the representative principles held 
by the man as sufficient guarantee to command his vote. 

He now resides on the homestead (an engraving of which 
will be seen on tbe oppo:-ite page) where he has lived for 
some twenty-five years, having accumulated sufficient of 
this world's goods to place his children in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, and have enough left to supply the comforts of 
life during the balance of bis days here. 

He has willingly supj)orted tbe cause of education in tbe 
vicinity, and only asks that inasmuch as means are pro- 
vided for the education of all, let all be educated. 

Very few men have spent so long a life of activity and 
usefulness as has the subject of this sketch, and he now lives 
to see the results and fruits of some of bis labor. 



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HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



403 



WILLIAM H. TOMPKINS 

was born in Saratoga county, New York, January 23, 1823. 
He was the son of Benjamin Tompkins, of Greene county, 
New York, of New England parentage and of English 
descent. His father, in the year 1827, moved from Sara- 
toga county, and settled in Jacksonville, Onondaga county, 
having at that time two children, of whom William H. 
Tompkins was the eldest. In the year 1835 the father, 
with his family, which at that time consisted of himself, 
wife, and four children, viz., William H., Israel, Phebe, and 
Charles, all of whom are now living, removed from Onon- 
daga county, and settled in the town of Granby, on lot No. 
17, on Oswego river. His father followed the occupation 
of a farmer, and was among the pioneers of this State, but 
not so early in this county as many. He gave his children 
only a limited opportunity for obtaining an education, but 
all that his means would afford at that time. 

William H. was reared upon a farm, and accustomed to 
the hardships coincident with clearing off the forest and 
making the land tillable. At the age of twenty-five years, 
and in the year 1848, he married Miss Harriet Emeny, 
daughter of James Emeny, who emigrated from England 
in the year 1831, and settled in Herkimer county, and 
after ten years came to Oswego County with a family of two 
children, of whom Harriet was the eldest, and was born 
January 28, 1823. To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Tomp- 
kins were born two children, Daniel James and Hattie E. 
The father, by a life of great industry and activity, has 
accumulated a fine property, making a specialty of fine 
stock-raising, and as an example of his ambition will be 
seen an engraving of his intended new residence on another 
page of this work. He is classed among the most enter- 
prising farmers of the town of Granby. 

His son, Daniel James, afler receiving the advantages of 
a common school, first graduated at the Falley seminary, at 
Fulton, and in the class of 1875 graduated at Cornell uni- 
versity, Ithaca, New York, and has now connected himself 
with the law firm of Pratt, Garfield & Brown, in the city 
of Syracuse. As a mark of his ability and standing, he 
represented the university of which he is a graduate, in 
New York, at the inter-collegiate oratorical contest, and 
stood second. 

In politics William H. Tompkins is a Democrat, but 
with such standing as a man in the town in which he lives 
as to command the support of both parties. He and his 
wife both united with the Methodist Episcopal church of 
West Granby in the year 1865, and still retain their mem- 
bership with that body. His father died in the year 1858, 
but his mother still lives, being in her seventy-seventh year. 

He has held the office of postmaster for three years, and 
was also poor-master of his town. 



JASPER H. WHITCOMB. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Rutland county, 
Vermont, March 7, 1822. He was the son of Ephraim 
Whitcomb, of New England parentiige, and granJ.son of 
Colonel Elisha Whitcomb, of the war of 1812, and of 
English descent. 

His father, when Jasper only fourteen years of age, was 



killed while engaged in raising a barn. Of his father's 
family there were ten children, six by the first wife and 
four by the second, he having been married twice. 

His father married Miss Olive Harris, daughter of Deacon 
David Harris, of New England origin, for his first wife; 

Jasper H. was the fifth child of the first family. His 
father came to Oswego County in the year 1827, and set- 
tled on lot 22, buying one hundred and seventy acres, in 
company with his brother-in-law. He put up a log cabin, 
and began clearing off his land, making quite large improve- 
ments before he was killed. 

Jasper H., in after-years, bought the other shares of the 
children of his father's estate, and has since resided on the 
same farm ; and a reference to the engraving on another 
page of this work will show not only the improvement in 
agriculture by fields of wheat and tobacco in place of the 
original forest, but the rude cabin supplanted by the finest 
brick farm residence in the town of Granby, as the result 
of his ambition and toil. 

Since he came in possession of the estate he has from 
time to time added some one hundred and forty acres, 
which now commands one of the finest locations in this 
part of the county. 

In the year 1852, January 8, he married Miss Louise 
A. Harris, daughter of David and Polly Harris, of New 
Hampshire, and of English origin. 

Of this marriage were born seven children, viz., George 
H., Herbert E., Mary L., Frank I., Emma F., James D., 
Charles E., and Fred. E. Whitcomb, all of whom are now 
living. The eldest son is a graduate of Union college. New 
York, and a practicing physician in Phoenix, Oswego County, 
and ranks high not only as a medical man but as a member 
of society. 

The rest of the children still remain at home. He re- 
ceived a very limited education from books while young, 
but his succe.ss as a business man gives a record showing 
that one's education does not all come from books. 

Willing to assist others in what he was denied of, he has 
contributed liberally for the support of schools and church, 
and taken all pains to give his children an opportunity to 
receive more than a common-school education. 

Although his father was a Democrat of the old school, 
he cast his first vote for the president of the United States 
for James K. Polk ; but, at the next election, being opposed 
to the extension of slavery, joined the Free-Soil party, and 
latterly merged into the Republican party, where he has 
since remained firm to its principles. 

He was drafted into the home guards during the late 
Rebellion, but never served. 

He is now in his fifty-fifth year, and, although in middle 
life, ranks as a farmer among the first of Oswego County. 

He was the main man in establishing a shipping-post for 
produce at South Granby, and as in that, so in all public 
enterprises in his vicinity, stands in the front rank. 

Jasper H. Whitcomb is very favorably known among his 
fellow-men as a man of high morals and integrity ; never 
was a seeker of public patronage, but has held some town 
offices, and his residence has been the central location for 
the polling-place of district No. 2 in his town for the last 
twenty years. 



404 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




/ 




MAVID WllJ.CUX. 



The aubject of this sketch Wiis huni in A.shl'oid, Wiiid- 
liuiu county, Connecticut, October 20, 1797. His father, 
Stcplicn Willcox, wa.s also of New Kiii^land parentajjo, and 
descended from an En^lisli family who early came from 
Kn<;land and settled in the New En;.;laiid States. 

There were si.\ cliildren in his father's family, of whom 
David Wits the eldest, and when he was only six months 
old his father removed to Murcellus, Ononda<ra county. New 
York, with his wife and .son, traveling; the entire- dis- 
tance with an o.xteam, bein^ some twenty-one days on the 
road. 

Comini; into a new country he at firet rented a piece of 
land, but in the course of two years bouj;ht seventy-five 
acres of timbjr-land, and in the course of time cleared most 
of it of its original forest. ]Jrouj;lit up to endure tlie 
hardships of real pioneer life, and subject to it.s privations, 
D.ivid \Villeo.\ received only a veiy liiuitcd education from 
books, but the hard}' lessons of economy and labor being 
early put into practice, he became successful in business as 
life pro<;re.ssed. At the age of thirty-seven, and in the 
year 18151, lie removed to the town of Graiiby, Oswego 
County, and .settled on the farm where he now resides, 
buying then four hundred acres, and since adding to it 
some live hundred acres more, — all of which, except one 
hundred and forty acres, he has now divided among his 
children. 

At the age of twenty-five he was married to Miss Sally 
Starr, daughter of Kphraim StaiT, of New England pareut- 
age. Of this marriage were born ten children, viz., Milo, 



George, William, Emtnet, Stephen, James, Cyrus C, and 
David. There were two daughters, but both died in in- 
fancy. Six of these sous are now living, and located near 
their father. 

Among the old men of this county few, if any, can look 
back upon a life of so much hard labor as David Willcox, — • 
having cleared of the original forest, and caused to be 
cleared, some five hundred acres of land. 

The mother of these children was an example of high 
moral worth and true womanhood to all who knew lier, 
although obliged to leave her children while Bomc were 
quite young. She died about the year 1857. 

Originally a Federal, afterwards a Whig, and latterly 
a Republican, and at times casting his vote for men in the 
opposite parly, when their principles advocated coincided 
with his views of right, but never took a very active part 
in politics. 

In his earlier days David Willcox did much to support 
educational interests in his vicinity, often paying the taxes 
of the poor from his own funds. 

Like many other men who were and are now the bone 
and frame-work of the country, he now lives, in his 
eightieth year, one of the few old living landmarks of our 
country's jiioncers, surrounded with kind children .to smooth 
his pathway iis his time of release from earth draws near, — 
having led a life of integrity and uprightness of character, 
honored by all who knew him, —and at the writing of this 
brief sketch bids fair for more years of usefulness to his 
friends. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



405 



DAN S. SHATTUCK. 

The subject, of this sketch was born in Washington 
county, New York, May 13, 1839. He was the son of 
Smith and Sarah Siiattuck, now residing in the town of 
Hannibal, Oswego County, but natives of the State of Con- 
necticut. His father and mother came to Onondaga county 
ill 1840, and settled in the town of Lysander, having five 
children, viz., Lurett, Juliett, William, Sarah, and Dan S. 
Shattutk. After removing to New York State they had 
three more cliiklren, viz., Caroline, Nat, and Desire. All 
of the children are now living. 

The parents remained in Lysander only one year, and 
removed to the town of Ira, Cayuga county, and engaged 
in the occupation of farming, and in the year 1803 removed 
to the town of Hannibal, Oswego County, where they now 
reside. 

Dan S. Shattuck, fiftli cliild, remained at home until of 
age, engaged with his father as a farmer. At the age of 
twenty-two years he married Miss Amanda Osborn, daugh- 
ter of Leonard Osborn, of Cayuga county, and formerly of 
Connecticut, whose forefiithers were among the early .set- 
tlers of that State, and of English descent. She was born 
December 21, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck have one 
child, viz., Verner W. Shattuck. 

Dan S. Shattuck commenced farming in Cayuga county, 
in the town of Ira, but remained there only four years, and 
removed to Bowen's Corners, in the town of Granby, Os- 
wego County, 18G4, and settled on lot No. 11, remaining 
only si.x years ; removed to the place where he now resides, 
consisting of two hundred and nine acres, on lot No. 5. 
An engraving of his farm and residence, showing his pros- 
perity in business as the result of a life of industry, will be 
seen on another page of this work. 

Although only in middle life, he ranks among the repre- 
sentative farmers of his town. Wiiile at his father's home 
he enjoyed liberal means for obtaining an education from 
books, and spent some time in teaching. 

Like his forefathers, who were among the standard- 
bearers of the old Whig party, he accepts the Republican 
platform of to-day. 

He and his wife, before they were married, and in early 
life, united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and re- 
main members of that body, contributing liberally for the 
support of bolh church and school, and taking an active 
part in the work of Sabbath-school instruction in the 
vicinity in which they live. 



CALVIN FRENCH. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Norwich, Che- 
nango county. New York, Juno 22, 1800. He was the 
son of Asher French, who was a native of Connecticut, and 
whose parentage was of English origin. Asher and Joanna 
Frencli had a family of eight children, of whom Calvin 
was the second son. His father died befin-e he was thirteen 
years of age, and in the year 1812; and, as in the early 
times of our country's history means for securing property 
or getting an education were very limited, it was so with 



this family. During the time after his father died and 
before becoming of ago, he worked out and earned money 
to enable him to support his mother, whom he continued to 
care for up to the time of her death, which took place 
about 1850. 

At the age of twenty he married Miss Eunice Stanton, 
daughter of Daniel Stanton, a native of Massachusetts, and 
of English descent. This was in the year 1820. Of this 
marriage were born Eliza M., Erastus D., Asher D., Martha 
E., and Calvin W. French. 

All of these children are living except Erastus D., who 
died in 1853, and Martha A., who died in 185(5. 

Eliza married Cyrus S. Hall, lives at Granby Centre, and 
has three children. 

Asher D. resides at home with his father, and is an 
invalid. 

Calvin W. French carries on his father's farm, and cares 
for him in his declining years. He married Miss Cynthia 
Cary, daughter of William Gary, of Albany, New York, 
whose ancestors were of Irish birth. He has one daughter 
living, named Cora E. In the year 1821 Calvin French, 
his wife, and mother, came and settled on lot No. 73, in 
the town of Granby, Oswego County, buying twenty-five 
acres of timber-land at first, but had not one dollar to pay 
for it with. For the first five years he lived in a log house, 
previously erected on the lot, and at the end of that time 
he built a frame house on the spot where he now resides, 
which has since been supplanted by another and more com- 
modious one, an engraving of which will be seen in another 
part of this work. 

He and his wife encountered all the hardships of pioneer 
life, added to their first purcha.se from time to time, and 
cleared off its original forest until they had one hundred 
and twenty-five acres, which may now be seen with fruit- 
bearing trees of over half a century old, and the results of 
a life of hard labor. 

Only receiving a limited education himself, he has given 
his children the advantages of competent teachers in the 
common school and in the seminary at Fulton. 

At the age of thirty-one' he united with the Methodist 
church, his wife connecting herself with that body about 
two years after ; since which time he has remained stead- 
fast to its principles, consistent in his views of religion, 
giving as liberally as his means would afford for the support 
of church and school. The wife and mother, after a life of 
industry and anxiety for the moral and religious training of 
her children, died May 2, 1877, at the age of seventy-three, 
respected and honored by all who knew her; hospitable 
and generous. 

In politics Calvin French is a Republican, originally a 
Democrat ; but at the breaking out of the Rebellion of 
18()1 stood firm for the union of the States and the eman- 
cipation of the slave, looking upon the rights of men as 
equal in nature, but unequal by the acts of men. 

He is now in his .seventy-eighth year, having been born 
with the eighteenth century; and as his sun sets in the 
horizon of life, although active and with a prospect of many 
years to come, still looks to the end of life's journey as only 
a little way, being surrounded with the results of a life of 
labor, and cared for by a kind sou and daughter. 



406 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



II. II. MERKIAM. 

Tlic subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Cicero, Onondaga county, New York. April 25, 1832. lie 
was the son of Noah Morriam, who \ni\x a dw^ccndant of 
Nathan Merriaiu, of New Enj^iand origin, and of Scotch 
and Welsh descent. His father, at the age of fifteen years, 
came from Delaware county to Onondaga county in the 
year 1820, and was one of the pioneers of the town of 
Cicero. He was a farmer by occupation, had seven children, 
all of whom arc now living, and of wlumi H. II. Merriam 
was the eldest son. He lived with his father until twenty- 
one years old, and at the age of twenty-three years married 
Miss Isabella McLcish, daughter of William McLeish, of 
Scotch birth, her mother being of Dutch descent. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Merriam were born William, Ilarvey, 
Elsie, Lizzie, Noah, and Mary. All of these are now living, 
except William an<i Harvey, who were drowned in Lake 
Ncatawaiita, December 17, 1870, taking from a happy 
and genial home two very promising boys, aged four- 
teen and twelve years. Both boys were members of the 
Presbyterian Sunday-school, and the eldest, William, was 
a student at Falley semiiinry, and stood high up in his 
classi's. This melancholy accident ca.st a gloom over the 
community, and chilled u father'.s and mother's heart for- 
ever. 

In politics Mr. Merriam is a con.servativc Republican, 
never taking a very active jiart in jMiIitical matters. 

In the year 1870 Mr. and Mrs. Merriam both united 
with the Presbyterian church at Fulton, still remaining 
members of that body. ]?y occupation he is a farmer. 
Having come from t'iccro in the year 1865, he located on 
parts of lots 8 and 9, in the town of Granby, a compara- 
tively unsettled farm, and, with progressive energy and 
judicious managcineiil, has his lands under a good state of 
cultivation, and an engraving of his residence and farm may 
be seen on another page of this work as the result of his 
labor. 

His advantages for obtaining an education while young 
were very limited, but his perseverance has gained him a 
not unenviable reputation as a careful business man. He 
has been one of the executive committee of the Oswego 
Falls agricultural society fur ten years, and is now its 
president. 

He ranks among the enterprising farmers of his town, a 
man of great activity, lionored and respected by his fellow- 



JOHN PALMER 



was bom in Greene county, New York, in 1782 ; was the 
son of Nathaniel Palmer, of New England parentage and 
of English descent. Nathaniel was a blacksmith by trade, 
was of a family of cliildr<ii all of whom served in the Revo- 
lutionary war of 1770. He made a large chain and stretched 
it across the Hudson river to jjrevent the British from 
coming up the river. He had a family of eleven children, 
of whom John wils the second son. 

John also learned the trade of a blacksmith with his 
father, and served in the war of 1SI2. 

At the age of thirty-four, and in the year 181G, he 



came to the town of Lysander, Onondaga county, and set- 
tled on lot No. 36, buying a timber-lot of fifty acres. Built 
a log house, and began clearing off the forest. He was one 
of the pioneers of that county and town, and endured the 
privations coincident with the early settlers, denying him- 
self the common comforts of life, and one summer lived 
on leeks and berries. This was in the year 1816. (The 
frost had killed all the corn the year before.) He re- 
mained on the .same farm for twenty-five years, and in the 
same town until the year 1849, when he removed into the 
town of Granby, Oswego County, and settled on lot No. 
88, where he now resides with his son, W. W. Palmer, Es<|., 
in his ninety-fifth year. An engraved portrait of him 
will be seen on another page of this work, above the en- 
graving of his son's residence. 

At the age of twenty-one he married Mi.ss Lucinda 
Jumph, of Dutch descent. Of this marriage were born seven 
children, Reuben, Levi, Peter, Edwin, Elizabeth, William, 
and Jeiinett. Of these, four are living. Reuben died in 
1840 ; Edwin died in 1S;52; Jennctt died in infancy. 

John Palmer united with the Baptist church in the town 
of Ly.sander over sixty-five years ago, and stood prominently 
identified with that body, having held the office of deacon 
for some forty years, and now lives, a monument of the 
church's history, a righteous and hononible old age. His 
wife united with the church at the same time, and, afler 
living a life of devotion to the church and her family, died 
in 1857. 

Learning from the father habits of industry and economy, 
the sons are among the successful business men of Oswego 
and Onondaga counties. 

In politics John Palmer has been a life-long Democrat, 
cjisting his last vote, in his ninety-fourth year, for president 
of the United States. 

His youngest son, William W. Palmer, E.sq., married 
Miss Painelia L. Palmer, daughter of Behm Palmer, of 
Lysander, Onondaga county. She is of English descent. 
They have four children, viz., Edward W., Frederick W., 
Clara Belle, and Clarence D. Palmer. All live at home. 
The two eldest sons have been students of Falley seminary. 
The eldest, Edward W., has given considerable attention to 
surveying and school work !is a teacher. The second son, 
Frederick W., has also taught school one term. William 
W. Palmer is numbered among the intelligent and judicious 
farmers of Oswego County, and Ls held in high esteem by 
his fellow-townsmen, having been elected several terms suc- 
cessively as justice of the peace. 



DAVID HUTCH INS. 

The subject of this sketch was born in the town of 
Winchester, Massaehu.-ietts, in the year 17!*2, October 9. 
He was the son of John Hutchins, of New England parent- 
age, and supposed to be of English descent. He was second 
son of a family of fifteen children, — ten of the first family, 
and five of the second. His father moved first to the State 
of Vermont, thence to Cayugsi county. New York (now 
Seneca county ), and settled in the town of Junius, remain- 
ing there four years. In the year 1808 he removed to the 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



40T 



town of Granby, Oswego County, and bought two hundred 
acres of timber-land on lot No. 11, and commenced clearing 
it. He, in the year 1818, removed to tlie town of Oswego, 
and afterwards to the State of Ohio, where he died. 

David Hutchins remained in the town of Granby, enlisted 
in the war of 1812, and served three and a half years in 
the Twenty-third Regiment United States infantry ; was 
transferred at clo.se of war to Second Rcginient li"ht in- 
fantry, under Colonel Brady, Company H, Captain North, 
and was discharged August, 1816, under law of Congress 
giving perniii-sion to any soldier to furnish a substitute to 
fulfill term of live years and go home. 

He then settled on lot 16, a part of which belonged to 
his father, and remained there until 1835. He then bought 
forty-eight acres on same lot, on which he afterwards built 
a small frame house, an engraving of which will be seen on 
another page of this work, and on same page with an en- 
graving of a fine brick residence erected by his son, L. H. 
Hutchins, showing the progressive prosperity of the family. 
He made additions of fifty acres to his original farm after 
a time. In the year 1829 he married Miss Electa Finch, 
daughter of Henry Finch, of English descent, and son of 
a Revolutionary soldier. 

To them were born three children, Almira, Lewis H., 
and Lucretia Arminda. The eldest of these, Almira, died 
in 1860. The second daughter married Chauncey B. 
Hannum, of Granby ; they now reside in Michigan, and are 
farmers. 

The only son, Lewis H., took charge of his father's estate 
about five years before his death, and now resides upon the 
old homestciid. He married Miss Eliza F. Harris, daughter 
of John H. Harris, of Granby, of English and German 
descent, and have one child named Genevera Elnetta. 

David Hutchins at the formation of the Democratic party 
joined its ranks; was a Republican in 1872, remaining so 
until his death. 

He willingly supported schools ; having a very limited 
opportunity for an education in his early days, he appre- 
ciated the value of the same to the rising generation. 

He died November 25, 1873, aged eighty-one years. 
His wife died March 29, 1876, aged sixty-nine years. She 
belonged to the Episcopal church, and was a member of 
that body for fifty years, and took an active part in that 
church as long as she was able. She was an example of 
true womanhood, and gave her children the strictest moral 
and religious training. 

He never sought public ofiice, and was satisfied with the 
common walks of life. He was the oldest male .settler of 
the town when he died, and had lived in the town longer 
than any man at the time of his death. 

Always very active in business and temperate in his 
habits, he lived to see very many changes in the county, 
being among the pioneers, and living to see the fourth gen- 
eration from the settlement of the early fathers. 



JESSE REYNOLDS. 
The subject of this sketch was born in Greene county. 
New York, January 24, 1813. Ho was the son of Richard 
Reynolds, who married MLss Cynthia Kimball, and settled 



in Greene county, afterwards removing to Oswego County, 
thence to Onondaga county, where he settled on a six-hun- 
dred-acre lot near Lampson's depot. Remaining there until 
1829, he, with his family of twelve children, moved again 
to Oswego County, and settled on lot 33, in the town of 
Granby, buying two hundred acres, clearing ofi' a part of 
its original forest. He remained on this farm until his 
death in the year 1856. His wife died in 1850. 

Jesse was the sixth child and second son, and received 
no assistance from his parents pecuniarily, and had very 
little opportunity to get even a common-school education. 

Before he was of age he aided his father in paying for 
his farm, which was reduced to fifty acres by sales from the 
original purchase. 

At the age of twenty-two he married Miss Lucy Vickery, 
daughter of Thomas and Roxa Vickery, of English descent, 
who were among the first settlers in the town of Schroeppel. 
She was born September 17, 1814. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have six children, viz. : Welling- 
ton J., Adelphia. Hulbcrt H., Willden J., Dora A., and 
Francis Jlarion. 

Wellington J. married Miss Ada De Bois ; have two 
children, and live in Jackson, Michigan. 

Adelphia married Theodore Doyle ; have two children, 
and live in Mexico, Oswego County. 

Hulbert H. married Jliss Amanda Council ; have two 
children, and reside in Phoenix. 

Willden J. married Miss Ida White ; have one son, and 
reside near his father. 

Dora A. married Rev. W. Irving Carrier ; have two 
children, and reside in the town of Volney. 

Francis IMarion married Miss Louisa Miller, and resides 
in New Haven, Oswego County. 

Jesse Reynolds added from time to time to his father's 
first purchase (which he bought of him) some hundred 
acres, cleared the greater part of it of its original forest, 
erected a fine residence and commodious barns, and now 
may be seen on another page of this work an engraving of 
the result of a life of labor and economy. 

For forty -two years Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have, unas- 
sisted, step by step, secured one of the most beautiful loca- 
tions for a homestead in Oswego County, and now are en- 
abled to look around them and see ornamental and fruit- 
growing trees of more than a half-century's growth. 

Jesse Reynolds is classed among the representative men 
of his town, an intelligent and judicious farmer, and respected 
by his townsmen. 

He has given liberally of his means to support church 
and school interests in his vicinity, and has been, with his 
wife, connected for many years with the Wesleyan Meth- 
odist church. Mrs. Reynolds united first with the Baptist 
church at the age of seventeen, but some thirty years ago 
united with the Wesleyan Methodist church. She lives to 
see many of her children influenced by the lessons of mo- 
rality and religious instruction early given by her, and now, 
at the age of sixty-three, still remains steadfast to the prin- 
ciples of her youtli. 

Jesse Reynolds is a member of the Republican party, 
using his right of suftVago with care, loiiking rather to prin- 
ciples than to men. He is now in his sixty-fifth year. 



408 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO OOUNTV, NEW YORK. 



MILITARY KECOUD UF URAXBV. 



TictHtiff'mrth fn/ttHtry. — John A. Ladd, Co. 11. Eoliatcd May 9, 

1861, two years. 
Hiram I.add, ('<». E. Enlistrd Nov., IS61, two years ; dis. Jnn., 18rt2. 
Uohert A. June, Co. C. Enlisted May 17, ISAI, three months. 
Thomafi rulen, Jr., Co. C. KnI. Sept., ISfll, three years; in several 

Imltles; lust arm at 2d Hull Hun. 
Ambrose P. Chase, Co. E. Enl. Aug. 21. l^til, two year!>: in battle 

of Chnncellorsville; dis. and ro-enl. Keb. 14, lSfl5, in oih T. P. V. 
AdulbiTt Warren, Co. A. Enl. 1861, two years ; promoted to lieut. ; 

in battle of Fredericksburg: dis. auJ rc-cni. 24th Cav. 
Thoniu.-* Fiebl. Co. E. Enl. May, IMrtI, two years ; died Aug. 6, 1801. 
Thomas II. Howe, Co. K. Enl. May, IStil, two years: dis. 180.1. 
Peter Cathcart, Co. E. Eol. Sept. 23, IHOl, three years; promoted 

to sergt. : dis. Sept, 22. 1804. 
Hurt CiUheart, (\». E. Enl. Sept. 23, 'CI, three years : dis. April 6, '03. 
Francis II. Howes. Enl. May, 1861, two years; dis. in 1803; took 

part in seven battles. 
Reuben M. Johnson, Anson HcfTron, Stephen E. Chambers, Ileury 

Collins, Levi S. Churrh, Benjamin F. Darling, Abner D. Graham, 

Charles Murray, Uichard Uolfe. 
Ttrenttf-fuurth t'uvitlri/ (being Twenty-fourth Infantry, reorganized). 

— Dustin hadd, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years : in battles 

of Wilderness, Spottsylvauia, Petersburg: died at Ale.xandria, 

Va., Aug. l.'i, 1804. 
William Ladd, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; in battles of 

Wilderness and Spottaylvania; promoted tu eorporal ; dis. July 

lit. ISOd. 
Jubn It. Nichols, Co. A. Enl. Dec. 15, 1863, three years: went 

through battles of (irant's campnign in 1804; died i>f wminds 

received at Petersburg. 
Charles Murray, Co. A. Enl. I)ec. !.'>, 1863, three years; in twelve 

batlleM under tirrint; wouixled in shoulder; dis. June, 1800. 
Albert E. .Miller, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 5, 1804, three years: in battles of 

Wilderness, Spottpylvania, and Cold Harbor; promoted to corp. ; 

prisoner at lUclimoml and Andersonville three months. 
Ocorgc Ludd, Co. I. Knl. Jan. 4, 1804, three years; in battles of 

AViUlerness, Spotlsylvunia, Petersburg; dis. July !>, ISOo. 
Jacob T. Hall, Co. K. Knl. 1803, three years; dis. Oct., isn4: in 

battles of Wilderness, and others. 
Charles H. (irabani, Co. M. Enl. June 22, 1S04, three years; in bat- 
tles of Wilderne.as, Spottsylvanin, Cold Harbor, North .Anna, 

Weldoti U. U. ; taken prisoner at Petersburg; dis. Aug. 7, 1805, 
Abner Uraham, Co. A. Enl. I>ec. 21, 1863, three years; dis. July 19, 

1865; in all battles of (jraot's eampaign of 1S64, exeept 

Hatcher's Hun. 
James Stewart, Co, I. In several battles and wounded. 
Franklin Allen, Co. I. Enl. Dee. 31, 1803, three years; di^'. July 0, 

1805; in battles of Spottsylvania and Cold Harbor. 
Edwin Bradsbaw, Co. I. Enl. Jan., 1S03, three years ; killed by acci- 
dent on his way home. 
Henry Collins, Co. A. Enl. Dec. 19, 1803, three years; dis. July 10, 

IHCj ; in battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and Weldon R. R. ; 

wounded twice. 
Charles Jennings. Enl. Jan. 18, 1804, three years; wounded at ibe 

Wildcrnc.HS, May 5, 1804. 
Richard Kolfe, Co. A. Enl. Dec. 21, 1803, three years; dis. July, '65. 
Caleb Conklin, Co. E. Enl. Sept., 1863, three years; dis. July 20, 

1805; in battles of Antietam and Roanoke Island. 
Thomas M. Cole, Co. E. Enl. Dec. 10, IH03, three years; promoted 

to Cor]>oral ; dis. Sept., 1805. 
Thomas Cole, Co, E. Enl, Jan. 4, 1803, three years: prisoner at 

various places, anil finally eleven months at An<lersunville; dis. 

1805; in several battles. 
Levi S. Church, Co. A. Enl. Dee. 7, 1803, three years : dis. Aug. 27, 

1865; in battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and mouy others; 

wounded before Petersburg. 
Era)>tu8 Perkins, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 12, IS04, three years; dis. Juno 

15, 1805; in the battles of (irant's campaign, 1804; wounded be- 
fore Petersburg. 
Adelbert Warren, Co. I. Knl. Dee., Is03, three year.-: »li.'<. July,*05. 
B. F. Darling, Co. A. Enl. Dec. 12, IS6;',, three years : dis. July 28, 

1805; iu battle of Cold Harbor; wounded at Petersburg. 



Thomas R. Gillard, Co. K. Enl. Juno 14, 1864, throo years; dis. 
July 19, 1S05: was in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, North 
.\nua. Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Welditn R. R., Peebles' Farm, 
and others. 

William Brown. Co. I. Enl. Dec. 24, 180.3, three years; dis. Aug. I, 
1S65; In battles of Wilderness, Cold Harbor, uod Petersburg; 
wounded. 

Marvin Showers, Co. 1. Enl. Jan. 1, 1S04, three years ; promoted tu 
eorporal ; died at Winchester, Va.. Oct. 3M. IS04, of wounds re- 
ceived at Cedar Creek. 

Thomas Showers. Co. I. Enl. Jan. 4. IS64, three years; dis. .\pril, 
1805; in altaek on Charleston, etc. 

James S. Brown, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 4, IS04. three years ; in battles of 
(irant's campaign, spring of 1S64 ; killed before Petersb'g, June 
24, isiil. 

Andrew J. Bassett, Co. I. Enl. Jan. 4. 186*, three years; dis. July 
8,1805; in battles of Wilderness, Spottsylvania, Cidd Harbor, 
and others. 

Warren Wooldridge, Co. E. Knl. Jan. 1, 1S04, three years; died 
July 7. 1X04. 

Ilcnjamin Brown, Co. E, Enliifited Septemlier 3, IS65. 

Gilbert Chiler, Co. A. 

Stephen E. t'hnndler, Co, A. Enlisted Dec. 24, 1S03. 

Edward Dowling, Co. E. Enlisted Jan. 4, 1804. 

Charles K. Hinehey. 

William H. Miles, Co. E. Enlisted Jan. 5, 1864. 

Tunis Williams. Samuel Warren. 

Stj-tfiiitft Itifiiiitrjf. — David Perry. Enlisted 1861, three years ; died 
Dec. 23, 1863, of wounds received at Chiekamauga. 

Rosaloo Watson, Co. E. Enlisted March 27, 1865, three years. 

David Burke. Enliste-I February 29, 18C4. 

Thomas Bell. Enlisted February 29, ISOI. 

John Dowling, Charles Dunham, John Knright, Charles Lc Roy, 
Hiram S. Miller, Janu'!> Young. 

(htr //uHt/rtit nii'l TtrenUf-Mtrttud litfttutrif, — George E. Fisher, Co. A, 
Enlisted July 29, 1802, three years; in battle three times at 
Fredericksburg; also at Mine Run. (icttysburg, Wilderness,— 
about forty in all; twice wounded; promoted to sergeant; dis. 
July 3, 1805. 

Charles M. Stevens, Co. G. Enlisted Aug. 8, 1802, three years. 

George Look, Ephraim Look, Henry Look, Thomas Pritchard, Wm. 
H. H. Look, Jud.son Rice. Merritt Stephens, Samuel Stephens, 
all for three years. 

Eujhtii-fuHt lii/uutvif. — Anilrew H. Yeomans, Co. F. Enlisted Sept. 
10, 1801. three years; re-enlisted; was in battles of Williams- 
burg. Seven Pines, Drury's Bluff, Cobi Harbor, ami Petersburg. 

Arthur Yeomans, Co. F. Enlisted Sept, 24, iSOl, three years; re- 
en1i:<te4l; was in buttles of Williamsburg, Seven Pines, Cold 
Harbor, I)rnry's Bluff, and Petersburg. 

John Marshall, Co. B. Enlisted Dec, 1801, three years; dis. Dec. 
8, 1804 : in battles of Bull Run and Fair Oaks. 

Frank Stewart. Enl'd for three years; in several battles, and w'n'd. 

Rnnsford T. Chase. Enlisted Sept., ISCl, three years; re-enlisled in 
9th N, v.; in battle:! of Seven Pines, White Oak Swamji. and 
Malvern Hill. 

M'ulter Bureh. Enlisted SepL 2.3, 1863, one year; in battles of Wil- 
liamsburg, Savage Station, Fair Oaks, and others; killed at Cold 
Harbor. 

Norton Corey. Enlisted Oct. 10, 1861; three years; in battles of 
Fair Oaks, Cold Harbor, Drury's Bluff, and many others; dis- 
charged and re-enlisted ; pronioted to sorgt, 

Francis M. Colo. Enl'd Sept. 23, 1801, three years; dis. Feb. 19, *fl2. 

Samuel L. Brogo, Co. F. Enliijted Sejit. 10, iSOl, throe years: dis. 
Jan. 10, 1802. 

Joshua Dooley, Co. G. Enlisted Nov., 1861, three years; dis. Jan., 
1804; in battle of Fair Oaks; re-enlisted; in battle of Wilder- 
ness, and subi^equent ones: kille<l at Cold Harbor. 

Warren Woodridge, Co. D. Enlisted Sept. 14, 1861, three years ; dis. 
April, 1S02. 

Chaniller Lybolt, Co. I. Enlisted 1801. three years; in the battles 
under MeClellan. 1802; died in Virginia in 1802. 

Htggins Coffinger, James W. Fuller. Wm. F. Stewart, Jut^oph Weeks. 

Uitr f/iiH'fntl uiiii Truth /n/utitri/. — Thos. Wo<id. Co. H. Enl. Aug. 
0, 1S02, five years: dis. Aug. 27, i80:i ; in battles of Port lludnun, 
Vermilion, etc. 



1^ V / 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



409 



Oeo. W. Alien, Co. A. Eal. Aug. 6, 1852; prom, to ho.sp. .steward; 

(lis. Auj^. 27, 1865 ; in bats, of Port Hudson, A'"erinilioii Plains, etc. 
Jas. McKenzie, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 6, 1SG2. 
Geo. A. Dunton, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 9, 1302; died Aug. 15, ISB.!, of 

wimnds received at Port Hudson. 
Samuel B. Alger, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 12, 1S62; prom, to liout., capt., 

and major in 1st La. Cav. ; in battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bis- 

land, and Pleasant Hill. 
Joseph C. Whitney, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 12, 1859; dis. Sept. 1, 1855; 

in battles of Port Huiison, Camp Bisland, an 1 V^ermilion. 
Albert Bellows, Co. A. Enl. Aug., 1852; dis. 186.1. 
Henry Atwood, Co. H. Enl. Aug. 12, 1852; dis. Aug. 28, 1802; in 

battles of Port Hudson and Camp Bisland. 
Jas. H. Stewart, Co. H. Enl. Aug. 13, 186.); in several battles, and 

wounded. 
John M. Post, Co. H. Enl. Aug. 9, 1802; dis. Sept. 1, 1865; in 

siege of Port Hudson. 
Franklin B. Chase, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 6, 1882; dis. Aug. 28, 1855; 

at siege of Port Hudson and Vicksburg. 
Wm. A. Chase, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 6, 1802; died near Bra.shear City, 

La., Apr. 13, 1863. 
Jacob Vandelinder, Co. A. Enl. Aug. U, 1862 ; dis. Aug. 31, 1865; 

in battles of Camp Bisland, Port Hudson, and others. 
Geo. Wcstcott, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 4, 1862; dis. Aug. 28, 1865; in 

battles of Camp Bisland, Port Hudson, etc. 
Elisha H. Carmou, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 4, 1862 ; dis. June 20, 18 65 ; in 

battles of Cold Harbor, Deep Bottom, Petersburg, etc. 
Jos. Benway, Co. G. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; in battle of Port Hudson ; 

died Apr. 5, 1865, at the Dry Tortugas. 
Chas. Rolfe, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 7, 1862 ; dis. Aug. 12, 1865. 
Wm. Boom, Co. G. Enl. Aug. 9, 1862 ; dis. Aug. 28, 1S65 ; in b.at- 

tles of Camp Bisland, Port Hudson, and others. 
Nicholas Boom. Co. G. Enl. Aug. 9, 1862; died iu 1863, of wounds 

received at battle of Carrion Crow Bayou. 
Samuel Braekett, Co. A. Enl. July, 1862: dis. March, 1865. 
Warren S. Stebbins, Co. A. Enl. July 6, 1862; dis. Aug. 27, 1865; 

in battles of Port Hudson and Carrion Crow Bayou. 
Wm. H. Stebbins, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 5, 1852 j prom, to capt. of 

Florida cav. ; in battles of Port Hudson, .St. Marks, etc. 
M. Allen Fairbanks, Co. I. Eul. Aug. 6, 1852 ; dis. Aug. 8, 1865 ; ac- 
cidentally wounded. 
Jas. Dougherty, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 8, 1802 ; dis. Aug. 25, 1865 ; in 

battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bisland, and others. 
Edwin Hollock, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 6, 1862; died in 18i;3, at N. 0. 
C. Perry Jones, Co. I. Enl. Aug. 6, 1852; dis. Aug. 2.8, 1865; in 

battles of Port Hudson, Camp Bisland, and others. 
Geo. Cornelius, Co. I. Enl. Aug. 4, 1802; dis. Sept. 1, 1855; in bat- 
tles of Camp Bisland and Port Hudson; wounded in both hands 

and side. 
Chas. M. Foster, Co. F. Enlisted July 30, 1852; in siege of Port 

Hudson ; dis. Aug. 2S, 1865. 
Cornelius Adams, Co. F. Enl. Aug. 2, 1862; dis. Jan., 1863. 
Thus. Jackett, Co. I. Enl. Aug. 5, 1862; dis. April 18, 1864; in 

battles of Port Hudson and Irish Bend. 
Sidney Marlctt, Co. I. Enl. July 30, 1862; dis. Aug. 5, 1865; in 

battles of Port Hudson and Camj) Bisland ; wounded and taken 

prisoner at Brashear City. 
Daniel W. Harris, Co. A : Chas. H. Lee, Co. A ; Hiram Morlett, Co. I ; 

Wm. Morlett, Co. I; Geo. W. Marshall, Co. I; Jas. H. Pollock, 
Co. E; Orville Reynolds, Co. D; Henry Satterlee, Co. A ; Addi- 
son Satterlee, Co. A; John B. Tayler, Co. 11; Patrick Waters. 
One Hnitdi-f-d and F(irfi/~srvrnth jtn/rinfri/, — Edw.ard Schenek, Co. 1). 
Enl. Aug. 23, 1862, three years; arm broken in the service by 

accident: dis. July 1, 1805. 
Martin B. Schenek, Corp., Co. D. Enl. Aug. 20, 1852, three years; 

detailed as chief clerk in military prison at Washington, D. C. 
William P. Schenek. Co. D. Enl. Aug. 30, 1852, three years ; pro. to 

1st lieut. ; died July 27, 1863, of wound.s at Gettysburg. 
James K. Nichols, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 4, 1SC2, three years; ilis. June 

29, 1865; in battle of Fredericksburg; wounded at Gettysburg. 
Samuel Delano, Co. E. Enl. Sept. 4, 1862 ; taken prisoner at Gettys- 
burg ; died in Libby prison, Dec. 22. 1863. 
Daniel Chapman, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 29, 1862 ; at Getty.sburg, Peters- 
burg, Mine Uun, Hatcher's Hun, Weldon Kailroad, Laurel Hill, 
Wilderuess, Pratt's Farm, Surrender of Lee; dis. Jan. 7, 1865. 

27 



Duane Chapman, Co. D. Enl. Fob. 24, 1854, three years; dis. July 
3, 1855 ; in battles of Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Petersburg, South- 
side Railroad. 
Chauncey G. Miller, Co. 1). Enl. Sept. 2, 1852; dis. June 13, 1865; 

was in all the battles of his regt. ; wounded at Gettysburg. 
William Flanncry, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 1, 1802; dis. May 25, 1865; in 
battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville ; wounded at 

Gettysburg. 
J<iel E. Mapcs, Co. D. Enl. Feb. 7, 1864, three years ; dis. Aug. 4, 

1865; in battles of Wilderness, etc. 
George R. French, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; dis. June 20, 1865. 
Jonathan Pierce, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 13, 1852; dis. Jan., 1863. 
Albert E. Bartley, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 1, 1802; killed at Gettysburg, 

July 1, 1803. 
George Vandelinder, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 30, 1862 ; dis. June 28, 1865 ; 

in battles of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and many others; 

wounded twice in the Wihlerness. 
Henry W. Welling, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862; dia. June 8, 1865; 

forage-master at division headquarters. 
Chas. AV. Beers, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 5, 1862 ; dis. June 20, 1865. 
John Buel, Jr., Co. D. Enl. Aug. 24, 1862; supposed to have died 

on a transport, and to have been buried at sea in Aug., 1804. 
German Hill. Enl. Aug. 3, 1863; dis. July 22, 1865; in the battles 

of Grant's campaign, 1864. 
William R. H.-incock, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862 ; dis. June 4, 1865 ; 

iu battles of Chancellorsville, Wilderness, and Mine Run; wnd. 
William Perry, Co. G. Enl. Sept 2, 1S02 ; dis. Sept. 2, 1865; in 

battle of Gettysburg; taken prisoner tit the Wilderness; wnd. 

at Mine Run. 
John Perry. Enl. Sept., 1862; dis. 1863. 
Lansing Bristol, Co. D. Eul. Aug. 31, 1862 ; pro. to 1st lieut. ; in all 

the battles of the regt. ; killed at Hatcher's Run, Feb. 6, 1865. 
Darius T. Dexter, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 27, 1862; died of smallpox in 

Phila. hospital, March 10, 1863. 
David Dexter, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 6, 1852; dis. June 19, 1865; in 

most of the battles of his regt.; taken prisoner at Gettysburg; 

wounded in Wilderness. 
Henry Rice, Co. D. Enl. Aug.. 1802; dis. April, 1803; iu battle of 

Fredericksburg. 
Martin H. Cox, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 5, 1862; in battles from Wilder- 
ness to Surrender of Lee; pro. to scrg. ; di.s. June 20, 1805. 
Daniel Whitney, Co. D. Enl. -A-Ug. 30, 1852; died at Belle Plain, 

Va., Feb. 2, 1862. 
Richard Day, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 6, 1862 ; dis. June 19, 1855 ; in bat- 
tles of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. 
Thomas Murphy, Co. D. Eul. Aug., 1852; killed in the battle of the 

Wilderness, May 6. 1864. 
Alexander Allen, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 23, 1862 ; dis. June 19, 1865; iu 

battles of Chancellorsville. Gettysburg, and many others. 
William C. Spade, Co. K. Enl. Aug. 22, 1802 : died at Belle Plain, 

Va., March 19, 1803. 
Nathaniel D. Spade, Co. K. Enl. Aug. 22, 1812; dis. 186 5; in bat- 
tles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, Suottsylvania, and Cold Harbor. 
David Anson, Co. K. Eul. Aug. 22, 1802 ; dis. Feb. 2, 1865 ; in 

battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg; wounded at 

Gettysburg. 
James A. Scribner. Enl. Aug., 1862 ; died in hospital near Fred- 
ericksburg, Jan., 1863. 
Alexander King, Co. D. Enl. Aug., 1862 ; pro. to sergt., lieut., 

and capt. ; dis. 1865; in battle of Chancellorsville; wounded at 

Gettysburg ; in battles of Grant's forty-day campaign. 
Patrick Bond. Co. D. Enl. Aug.. 1862 ; dis. 1865. 
Leonard Fargo, Co. D. Enl. 1852. 
John y. Adams, Co. D. 
Joseph B. Ebired, Co. D. Enl. 1862. 
Wm. R. Fleming, Co. D. Enl. Jan. 10, 1863. 
George Farnum. Co. A ; Jonathan Green. Co. D. 
Thomas Ilarrigan, Co. A. Died at Washington, D. C, 1863. 
Orange Judd, Co. K. 
James Nolan, Co. D. Enl. 186'2. 
Orhindo J. Parker. Co. A. Enl. 1862. 
Lyman Randall, Co. D. Enl. 1862. 
John P. Schoficld, Co. A. 
One llniidred and Eijlili/fmirth /.i/,iiit. y.— Jose ph Ninean, Co. A. 

Eul. Aug. 22, 1864, one year ; in battle of Cedar Creek. 



410 



HISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



John Soyiiioor, Co. E. Eiil. Sept. 20, 1864, ont jcnr; die. .July 12, 

18ni. 
Miclmrl Lawlcr, Co K. Knl. Sept. «. IHB4: dii'. June 29, 1K65. 
Jolin J. SlephenK, Co. F. Eulittcil Brpl. 3, 1864 ; delailed ae clerk in 

ndjutAnt-gunernrii office. 
Wiu. lla.vnc<, Co. E. Enlintcd Sept. 4, ISC4 ; dii-. June 29, 18Ca. 
John Cbipuiun, Co. E. Enlielid Aug. 27, 1804 ; die. June 24, 1863. 
Levi Snlnion, Co. E. Eniisled Aug. 26, 1864 ; dig. June, 1865. 
Henry Burr, Co. E. Enlieted Auguit 27, 1864; die. July 1, 1865. 
Frank Uobertson, corporal. 
Ezra Dingn, Co. A. Enlijtcd Aug. 27; dis. July 15, 1865; in battle 

of Cedar Creek. 
Cbcever P. Strong, Co. A. Enlisted July 211 : dis. Jan. 25, 1805 ; pro. 

to 1st licut.; in batllc of Cedar Creek. 
Epbraiin liuck, Co. E. Enliftcd Sept. 4 ; dif. July 12, 1865. 
liyron T. Ingersoll, Co. A. Enl. Aug. 26, 1864 ; din. July II, 1865 ; 

in battle of Cedar Creek. 
Peter Uoodnew, Co. A. Eniisled Aug. 22, 1864 : dis. June 29, 1805 ; 

in battles of the Sbennndnub valley, under Sberidan. 
Jereuiiab Maloy, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1S04 ; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Silas Iluel, Co. E. Eniisled August 31, 1864 : dis. June 29, 1865. 
Cassius Moon, Co. E. Enlisteil August 31, 1864 ; dis. June 29, 1865. 
Eugene Moon, Co. E. Enlisted August 31, 1804 ; dis. June 29, 1865. 
James Oat, Co. D. Enlisted Sept. 1 ; dis. Jan. 12, 1805. 
Aaron II. Stoudinger, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 2 ; dis. Jiiu. 29. 1865. 
Aaron J. Stoudinger, Co. A. Enlisted July 29, 1864: discb. July 5, 

1805 ; wounded at Cedar Creek. 
Aimer E. Lasher, Co. E. Enlisted Aug. 29, 1804 ; dis. July 12, 1865. 
James II. Lasher, Co. C. Enlisted Sept. 2, 1864: dis. July 12,1865; 

pro. to hospital steward. 
Wallace Hannibal, Co. E. Eniisled Sept. 3. 1804 ; dis. July 12, 1805. 
James Carey, Co. C. Enl. August 29, 1804; dis. July 12, 1865; in 

the buttles of the Shenandoah valley. 
Edwin C. Duttun, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 20, 1804 ; dis. Juno 29, '05. 
Ucorge W. Blunchard, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 25, 1804. 
Louis La May, Co. A. Enlisted August 25, 1804; dis. June 29, 1865 ; 

wounded at Cedar Creek. 
Charles F. Carter, Co. E. Enl. August 29, 1864; dis. June 29, '05. 
Alnion W. Cheney, Co. A. Enl. Sept., 1804 ; dis. July 12, 1805. 
John Bisnett, Co. E. Enlisted September 5, 1864. 
Samuel S. lirega, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 2, 1S04 : dis. July 111, 1805 ; 

sec 81st Inf. 
Win. II. Victory, Co. A. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1864; supposed killed at 

Cedar Creek. 
John Stewart, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 4, 1804; dis. July 12, 1805. 
Alexander Kaniage, Co. E. Enlisted Sept. 5, 1804 ; dis. July 12, '05. 
Levi Harris, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 23, 1804 ; dieil al Winchester, \'a., 

November 21, 1804. 
Tunis Cody, Co. E. Enlisted Aug., 1864, one year; dis. July 3, '05. 
Ucorge Frost, I'o. E. Eniisled Sept. 26, 1804 ; dis. July 12, 1805. 
Nelson D. Palmer, Co. A. Enlisted Aug. 22, 1864 ; dis. June 29, '65 ; 

in battle of Cedar (.'reek. 
Richard liaker. Eniisled Aug., 1804; dis. June 29, 1805. 
Chauncey K. Cook, Co. E. Eniisled Sept. 4, 1804 ; ills. June 29, '65. 
Andrew (ieriiiau, Co. E. Eniisled Aug., 1804; dis. July 4, 1865. 
Luke Tallun. Eniisled August 20, 1864. 
Edmund Taylor. Enlisted Aug. '29, 1864. 
Our //»i*i'/i-t'/ ami Siiicly-lhii-il /ti/nntrtf. — Chas. H. Nichols, Co. I. 

Enlisted March, 1805, one year, 
tico. Coles. Enlisted March, 1805, one year. 

Cassitia M. Drury, ('o. D. Enl. March, 1805, one year; pro. to corji. 
Dolos Durfey. Enlisted Feb., 1865, one year. 
M'alhice liradshaw, Co. I. Eniisled Feb., 1805, one year. 
Orson K. Parker, Co. 1, Enlisted March 16, 1805, one year. 
Wm. llerringlon, Co, I, Enlisted Feb. 29, 1865, one year. 
Freilcriek Thurston, Co. I. Eniisled Fob. 1, 1865, one year. 
Droyion Thurslon, Co. I). Enlisted Feb. 1, 1805, one year. 
Adolphus W. Powell, Co. I. Enlisted Feb. 27, 1805, one year; pro- 

miiled to corporal. 
Hudson Drury, Co. 1>. lOnlisted March, 1805, one year; rc-cnlisted, 

and died at Cold Harbor. 
Harrison Visger, Co. I). Enlisted April 10. 1805, one year. 
Jeremiah Visger, Co. li. Enlisteil April 10, 1865, one year ; pro. to 

Corp.; dis. Aug. 2, 1865: in battles of Wiiichesler and Bunker: 

wounded at Cedar Creek. 



Grove Ci. Cook, Co. D. Enlisted March 3, 186.i, one year. 

Anson House, Co. I. Enlisted March 11, 1805, one year : discharged 

Aug. 8, 1865. 
Abner Pooler, Co. 1. Enlisted March, 1865, one year. 
James Holton, Co. I. Enlisted March, 1865, one year: in service 

after war. 
Eugene Warren, Co. 1. Enlisted March, 1865, ono year; promoted 

to corporal. 
William Suinmerville, Co. I. Enlisted March, 1865, one year. 
Edward P. Summerville, Co. I. Enlisted March, 1865, ono year. 
Clark Burl, Co. I. Enlisted Feb. 20, 1805, one year. 
Chas. L. Lando, Co. I. Enlisteil March 30, 1865, one year. 
Peter Green, Jr., Co. I. Enlisted Moreh 30, 1865, one year. 
Liberty Arnold, Co. I. Enlisted March 28, 1865. one year. 
Nelson C<ioper. Enlisted ^larch 28, 1865, one year. 
Jeremiah Williams, Co. I. Enlisted March 28, 1805. one year. 
Wm. II. Hoseu, Co. I. Enlisted March 24, 1805, one year. 
Wm. lloberts, Co. I. Enlisted .March IS, 180.1, one year. 
Edwanl .Murphy, Co. U. Enlisted .March 18, 1805, one year. 
Jacob English. Co. I. Enlisted March 23, 1805, one year. 
George Turpenny, Co. I. Enlisted March 25, 1805, one year. 
John II. Scribncr, Co. I. Enlisted March, 1865, one year, 
tlcorge Cragg, Weston Clark, Richard Land>>, Edward Keats, Mich- 
ael McGralh. l>avid H. Pratt, Norman Pulen, Justin Showers, 

Win. E. Slimpson, Wm. H. Storms, .\btjah Vinton, Henry 

Williams, Theoilorc V. Warlock. Wm. Veeklcy, Burt. Catbcart, 

Levi Albright, Henry Busber. 
('(ir.i^j,.— James H. Stewart, Co. I, Ist N. V. Enl. Dec. ,30, 1863, 

three years; re-cni. .'^cott's 900. 
Herman Schenek, Co. 1. 3d N. Y. Enl. Aug. 19, 1861; killed by 

guerrillas, near Washington, N. C, May 3, 1863. 
John ll.Scribncr, Co. I,3d N.Y. Enl. Aug., 1801 ; dis. Aug., 1804. 
Ward Southard, Co. A, 12th N.Y. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862: dis. March 

29, 1803. 
Amos Fanchcr, Co. A, I2lh N. V. Enl. Aug. 20, 1862; killed at Ply- 
mouth, N. C. 
Henry C. Wilco.\, Co. A, 12th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862; dis. Aug. 

1, 1865; in Andersonvillc prison 4 mos.; in battle of Tarboro', 

N. C. ; taken prisoner nt Plymouth. 
Miles Wilcox, Co. A, 12th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862: ilis. Aug. 1, 

1805 ; in battle of Kingston, N. C. 
Molvin F. Stephens, Co. B. I2tli N. Y. Enl. Sept. 13, 1862, three 

years; at taking of Washington and Kingston, D. C. ; promoted 

to Ist sergt.: dis. May 20, 1805. 
Robert A. June, 12lh X. Y. Enl. July 12, 1803, three years: killed 

by guerrillas at Swansboro', N. C. 
Hector .Martin, Co. C, 12th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 5, 1802, three years; dis. 

May, 1804. 
Alfred Kclsey. Co. B, I2th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 21, 1802; dis. July 19, 

1804 : in balllc of Kingston, N. C. 
James N. Carvey, Co. A. 12lh N. V. Enl. Oct. 8, 1862 : prc.muted to 

Corp.; prisoner at Anilersonville, aiul died there Oct. 19, 1864. 
Chas. Ouderkirk. Co. A, 12th N. Y. Enl. Aug., 1.S02; promoted to 

Corp.; died at Newbern, N. C, Aug. 7, 1803. 
Lawrence Ouderkirk. I'o. B. 12lh N. Y. Enl. Aug., 1802; dis. .luly. 

1805; woundi'd at Kingston, N. C. 
Chas. Baker, .\. S. Brown, Wm. Cornivell, Wm. Mnrlin, David 

McLaughlin, .Sidney Polcu, Henry Whipple, J. .M. Wilcox, Jr., 

Molvin Hume, .\ndrow Perry. Bernard Sullivan, Judson Sny- 
der— 12lh N. Y. ; John Hone. 15lh N.Y. 
Fi'rtt Aeut I'r.rA- Arlilliri/. — Lyman Durfee, Co. F. Enl. Dec. 24, 

1803, three years; dis. June, 1805. 
Chas. II. Stewart, Co B. Enl. Sept. 10, 1801, three years; in battles 

of Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, Centreville, and many others ; re-enl., 

and dis. June 22, 1805. 
John E. Stewart, Co. B. Enl. Jan. 14, 1804, three years : dis Juno 

22, 1805 : was in battles of .Spottsylvania, North Anna, Belhesda 
Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Wcldon K. R., Chapel's House, 
Hatcher's Run, Petersburg. 

AntI y Prcmo, Co. F. Enl. Jan. 24, I80;|, three years; dis. Juno 

23, 1805; in battle of Willininsburg. 

Chester Cooper. Enl. Dec. 24, 1803, three years ; dis. June 23. 1805 ; 
in batllesof Williamsburg, Fair Daks, and others under McClel- 
lan : also Fredericksburg and Cbancellorsville ; re-enl., and in 
Wilderness, Cold Harbor, and others under Grant. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



411 



Thomas Abbey. Enl. March, 1864. 

John Dacy. Enl. March IS, 1864. 

Joseph Premo, Co. F. Enl. July 23, 1864, three years. 

Pctrie, Co. F. Enl. Feb. 29, 1864. 

James Nicholson. 

Fiiat Acw York Light Artiltery. — Chas. Waters. Enl. March 3, 1864, 
three years; dis. June 2.S, 1865. 

Chester Cooper, Co. B. Enl. Oct. 5, 1861; dis. Dee. 23, 1863; in 
battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Savage Station, 
Peach Orchard, White Oak Swamp, Malvern Hill, Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville. 

Louis Bush, Co. F. Enl. Dec. 17, 1863. 

Francis Champion, Co. F. Enl. Dec. 23, 1863. 

Andrew Ilickey, Co. F. 

Brazilla Pepper, Co. F. Enl. Feb. 29, 1864. 

Joseph Stratton, 1st lieut. 

Nathan P. Reynolds. 

Other ArtUlertj enlistments. — Wm. Bonn, Co. G, 2d N. Y. Enl. March 

13, 1863, three years ; dis. Feb. 5, 1865 ; in battle of Cold Harbor ; 
wounded at Petersburg. 

S. W. Houghtaling, Co. B, 3d N. Y. Enl. Jan. 10, 1863. 

Clark Gregory, 9th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 16, 1862, three years; dis. Jan. 

14, 1865. 

Joseph H. Wilber, Co. K, 9th N. Y. Enl. Aug. 19, 1862; died July 

16, 1865. 
Geo. McDongal, Co. I, 12th N. Y. Enl. March 9, 1864. 
Wm. H. Case, Co. F, 2d N. Y. Heavy. Enl. Feb. 27, 1S64 ; dis. June 5, 

1865 ; in battles of Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, North Anna, and 

Petersburg. 
Geo. Pooler, Co. C, 2d N. Y. H. Enl. 1863, three years ; supposed 

killed in Wilderness. 
Henry C. Welsh, Co. I, 9th N. Y'. Heavy. Enl. Jan. 9, 1863, three 

years; dis. May 25, 1865; in battles of Cold Harbor and Peters- 
burg: taken prisoner at AVinehester. 
John L. Whipple, Co. K, 9th N. Y. Heavy. Enl. Aug. 13, 1862, three 

years ; dis. July, 1865 ; in battles of Martinsburg, Cold Harbor, 

and others. 
Robt. T. Whipple, Co. L, 16th N. Y^ Heavy. Enl. Jan. 4, 1864, three 

years; dis. June 16, 1865. 
Timothy Becbe, Barry's Lt. 
Fiftieth Eiiyiiieers.— Daniel F. Schenck, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 21, 1861, 

three years; dis. Oct. 21, 1864; pro. to lieut. and capt. 
John Lynch, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 21, 1861, three years; dis. Sept. 22, 

1864 ; pro. to serg, ; in battles of Fredericksburg, Petersburg, and 

others. 
James L. Frost, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 6, 1861, three years; served time, 

and rc-enl. 47th N. Y. 
Julius Ferrin, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 25, 1861, three years; dis. July 12, 

1865; wounded at Fredericksburg. 
Linus Frost, Co. D. Enl. Aug. 21, 1861, three years ; pro. to serg. ; 

dis. Sept. 21, 1864; in battles of Chiokahominy and Fredericks- 
burg. 
Silas Brown, Co. D. Enl. Sept. 7, 1861, three years; dis. Sept. 24, 

1862. 
Abraham Fancher. Enl. 1861 ; dis. 1862. 



Andrew Bolts, Thomas Crccn, Eli.as Randall, Hiram Thorp, Henry 
J. Dunham. 

Scnitcrinij Enlistments.— Ucnry (ioodfL-Uow, Co. A, 40th Inf. Enl. 
Jan. 1, '65; dis. July 1, '65; in battles of Petersburg, Hatcher's 
Run, and others. 

James C. Henncssy, Co. G, 48th Inf. Enl. Feb. 21, 1865, for three 
years; dis. Oct. 9, 1865. 

Andrew Prowd, Co. E, 59th Inf. Enl. Oct., 1862, for three years; dis. 
Oct. 29, 1863 ; re-enl. in 193d Inf. ; in battles of Malvern Hill, 
2d Bull Run ; woun<led at Antietam. 

Francis M. Woodrufl, Co. E, 59th Inf. Enl. Oct. 4, '61, for three years ; 
pro. to 1st lieut., 76th Inf.; <lis. April 12,1865; in battle of 
Antietam, and many others; captured at the Wilderness. 

George Whipple, Co. H, 69th Inf. Enl. Aug. 26, 1864; wounded at 
Hatcher's Run; dis. June 13, 1865. 

Peter Morrison, Co. I, B2d Inf. Enl. Oct. 8, 1865 ; in battles of Fred- 
ericksburg, and wounded at Gettysburg; wounded before Rich- 
mond; killed before Petersburg, Oct. 7, 1864. 

David H. Rice, Co. C, 93d Inf. Enl. .Ian. 1, 1862, for three years; 
dis. Jan., 1863. 

Ezra C. Salmon, Co. II, 97tii Inf. In all the battles of the campaign 
of 1864; died at Washington, D. C, Nov. 26, 1864. 

Charles Gregory, Co. K, 138th Inf. Enl. Aug., 1862, for three years ; 
dis. Jan. 1, 1863; accidentally wounded. 

John Whipple, 138th Inf. 

Chas. C. West, Co. F, 146th Inf. Enl. Aug. 4, 1863, for two years; 
dis. Aug. 4, 1865. 

John Do Groot, Co. F, 148th Inf. Enl. Jan. 1, 1865, for one year. 

Sylvester Yeomans, 149tli Inf. 

Martin Russell, lS5th Inf. Enl. Sept. .3, 1864; in battles Hatcher's 
Run, Fort Steadman, etc. ; dis. ,Tan. 22, 1865. 

Amos G. Payne, Co. I, 189th Inf. Enl. Sept. 13, 1864, for one year; 
dis. May 26, 1865; in battles of Hatcher's Run, Five Forks, 
and others. 

Martin Montague, Co. D, 67th Penna. In battle of Hatcher's Run; 
wounded at Petersburg ; dis. July 24, 1865. 

Peter Goodness, Co. C, 9th R. I. Enl. May 22, 1862. 

Peter Murray, Scott's Nine Hundred. 

Miles Burke, Scott's Nine Hundred. Enl. Jan. 10, 1864. 

James Carlane, Scott's Nino Hundred. 

Jas. Nicholson, 1st M. Rifles. Enl. Aug., 1862 ; prisoner at Petersburg. 

In the Navy. — Lucien Downey. 

William Flannery, Ship "North Carolina." Enl. Feb. 28, 1864; dis. 
Feb. 28, 1865. 

Michael Griffin. Enl. Aug. 1864, for one year; dis. in Aug., 1865. 

Robert Cushing. Enl. Aug., 1864. 

Names of men of whom no further record is to be found, — Alanson 
Barber, David Harvey, E. F. Cleaveland, Silas Withey, Seth 
Kelsey, Mark N. Bates, A. B. Eldridgc, It. N. Rumsoy, Coughlin, 
Michael Hammill, George AVilsoa, Andrew J. Washburn, Daniel 
W. Washburn, William P. Thomas. Chester Smith, Andrew Stou- 
dinger, Robert M. Rich, William Pcntalon, Martin Jones, Chas. 
P. Lewis, George Look, Edward Galvin, Adam W. Gilbert, 
Francis H.avens, Charles E. House, Joseph E. Eddcs, Charles 
Fo.x, Fernando D. Caywood, George Armstrong. 



S C K I B A. 



ScRIIiA lies upon Lake Ontario and the cast bank of tlic 
Oswepo river. It is adniiraMy located with reference to rail- 
road and other acconunodatiuns, and is in close proximity 
to the city of Oswego. It is crossed in the north by the 
Rome, Of-'densburgh and Wafertown railroad station of 
North Scrilia, beinj; located within its limits, while along 
its Western imrt, ]innilK'l to the river, runs the Oswego 
canal, which, except in the winter months, affords the citi- 
zens abundant competition in the carrying trade, of which 
they have availed themselves, much to their profit, as shown 
by the increased prosperity of the agriculturist. 

The early settlers were mostly from Herkimer county in 
this Slate, with a sprinkling of the Puritan element of New 
England, representing that restless, indu-strious cla.ss which 
can best draw out the hidden resources of a virgin country. 
A jieople j)riisperous and intelligent, they are justly noted 
for hospitality and the social virtues, while their broad 
charity and jiublie spirit find them foremost in every enter- 
pri.>;c conducive to the general welfare. The first pioneers 
who penetrated the wiUls of Scriba at the close of the last 
century and the dawn of this, found an interminable forest 
of hemlock, beech, and maple, intcrsperecd with cedar, be- 
neath which was a dense undergrowth, the home of the 
deer, the wolf, and the deadly rattlesnake, and where even 
the treacherous panther crept and watched for his prey. 
To add to the unpleasantness of pioneer life in this section, 
the settlers were subject to the intrusions of the Indians, 
who often frequented it while on their hunting and fishing 
excursions. 

With axe and gun, with sturdy arms and iron will, the 
grand Work of carving out the eivilizatiuu of to-day was 
commenced. Trees were felled to make room for the little 
cabin in the forest, which was laid up of logs and covered 
with bark ; the floor consisting of ba.sswood hewed on one 
Bide ; the window and door o ' small openings, generally 
covered with blankets, skins, or boards, though it is said of 
the more aristocratic that instead of gla.ss " they sometimes 
used grea.scd paper." The only substitute for a stove was 
the old-fashioned stone fireplace, taking in logs of wood 
eight feet long, with an o]iening in the roof for the passage 
of the smoke. Let us iniagiiu' furniture in accordance with 
such a house, and we have a fair picture of the forest homes 
of 18(I(J. When the scattered clearings began to admit the 
sunlight, the stagnant ]ioiils made by obstructed watcr- 
coui>es, and the many swani]is, .sent forth in the heat of 
summer malaria impregnated with disease and fruitful of 
suffering. 

This town, it is needless to say, was named in honor of 

George Scriba, whose career has been described in the 

general hi.story of the county. The name was confi'rred 

by the legislatuie, although at least a portion of the peofile 

412 



were dissatisfied with it, and forwarded a petition that the 
town should be called Boston. Scriba was formed April 5, 
1811, from Fredericksburg (now Volney), which was then 
a part of Oneida county. Since then fpiitc a portion haa 
been taken off, and is included in the city of Oswego. 

The soil is a gravelly and sandy loam, moderately fertile, 
pretty well sujiplied with stone, and best adapted to the 
raising of fruit, apples being the staple product of the 
town. Grain and potatoes are raised to a considerable 
extent. There is also a growing interest in the dairying 
business, both butter and cheese being produceil. At present 
three cheese-factories are in operation. The surface is 
rolling, the ridges extemling north and .south with a general 
inclination each way frniu the centre, and nin.st of the land 
is well adapted to agriculture. It is suflSciently well watered 
for all farming jiurposes, sjirings bi'ing abundant in every 
part, and numerous streams with their small tributaries 
flowing both north and south. Some of these. Black creek 
in particular, afford valuable mill privileges. Of the twenty- 
three thousand three hundred and thirty-four and a half 
acres composing the area of the town, seven thousand four 
hundred and thirty-nine and a half acres remain un- 
improved. 

To encourage immigration and the rajiid development of 
the country, land was .sold to the settlers for two dollars 
per acre, and on indefinite time, by paying the cost of ex- 
ecuting the contract, keeping up improvements, and ])aying 
the annual interest. ]x)ts were also given for church build- 
ings to religious societies that wished to build, and in some 
instances mill-sites for private mills. 

RETTI.KMENT. 

The .standard of civilization was first planteil in this town 
by Henry Everts, who came in here with his family in 
1798, He selected and purchased a farm in the southwest 
part of the town, on the bank of the river. Here he felled 
the first tree cut by a white man, and while it was falling, 
although he was entirely alone, with no white person within 
several miles, he took off his hat, swung it around his head, 
and made the forest ring with his cheers. It is said of him 
that, having no seed with which to start a meadow, he went 
farther down the stream, cut up ,sod» from .some grassy spots 
there, and trans|)lanted them on to his own land. The first 
birth in Seriba was that of his child, Henry, Jr. Mr. E. 
remained here but a few years, when he moved acro.ss the 
river into the town of Oswego. 

In ISOI, Asahcl Bush and Samuel- Tiffany, each with 
a family, migrated from the ea.st, briniiing their " all on two 
.sleds drawn by oxen, and took up land in the vicinity of 
Everts. They were the first settlers who lived and died 
u]H(n their places. Mr. Bush preached occasionally, and 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



413 



was unquestionably the first to advocate the teachings of 
the Scriptures in the town, which practice he continued 
more or less for many years. 

The families of William Burt and Hiel Stone, each con- 
sisting of husband and wife, .six sons and four daughtere, 
and each largely' identified with the early interests of this 
town, migrated from Ovid, Seneca county, in the spring of 
1804, and took up large farms near the centre of the town ; 
the former occupying the two western and the latter the 
two eastern lots at Scriba Corners. The journey was made 
by way of Cayuga lake, Seneca and Oswego rivers, in a 
kind of a vessel known as a " Durham boat," which was 
either rowed or pushed as occasion required. Mr. Stone 
brought with him three cows, a yoke of oxen, and a few 
sheep, which were driven along the banks of the streams. 
Upon arriving at the mouth of the Oswego river, arrange- 
ments were made to stop in the old fort until the spring 
following, which they accordingly did. In the mean time the 
above-named place for location liad been selected, log hcnises 
built, and the State road cut out thus far. Burt's cabin was 
situated on the site now owned and occupied by David Stone ; 
Stone's on the village lot recently purchased by the Grange 
society. Clearings were made, and crops planted among 
the stumps and logs, neither plow nor drag being used. The 
orchard on the farm now owned by B. C. Turner was set 
out by Mr. Stone. This he continued to enlarge until it 
became quite extensive, and being the only one for miles 
around, it became very celebrated. 

The first inn was kept by Mr. Stone, who made au addi- 
tion to his house in 1806, and was the only person to take 
the responsibility of host in this vicinity for many years. 
His log hotel gave way in a few years to a larger one, sit- 
uated on the village lot now owned by Prank Stone, which 
was constructed of brick made by Mr. Stone himself. This 
building was recently burned. Mr. Stone was a major in 
the war of 1812, and Mr. Burt was Scriba's first justice of 
the peace. John, Daniel, Harvey, and Calvin, sons, and 
Grace Ann, a daughter of the latter, also Mi-s. James 
Church and Sally Parkhurst, daughters of the former, are 
still living in town. 

Joseph Worden located on lot 81 in 1806. On his 
death the property passed into the hands of his son, P. H. 
Worden, who now occupies the homestead. The farm 
across tlie road was pui'chased about the same time by 
Oliver Sweet, and that adjoining by John Coon. This 
same year Ludwick Madison took up a farm on lot 104, 
which he sold in 1807 to Whitman Church, and moved to 
Volney. The latter was originally from Otsego county. 
He first migrated to the pine woods, where lie remained but 
a short time, and then came on to Scriba. During the war 
of 1812 lie returned to Otsego. A son James, hale and 
hearty at tlie ripe age of eighty-one, resides at Scriba Cor- 
ners. He has been justice of the peace for fifteen years, 
and has occupied other positions of trust in the town. 

Lot 94 was settled by Joseph Myers, who remained but 
a short time, and returned to the east. The first settle- 
ment on lot 78 was made in 1806, by Daniel Hall, a native 
of Herkimer county. The following year he sold t« Joseph 
Turner, who occupied the place until his death, since when 
it has been in possession of his son Russel. Samuel Jacks 



purchased, in 1805, a farm on lot 8D, the possession of 
which he retained but a .short time. This place wa-s owned 
as early as 1805 by Solomon Madison, whose descendants 
still retain the title to it. Merritt and Justin Hall, brothers, 
early located on lot 103. They came from Connecticut in 
a wagon, drawn by a yoke of oxen and a horse hitched on 
before, bringing along a supply of pewter buttons to defray 
their traveling expenses. This place was sold to Simon 
Phillips, and by him to E. Robinson ; it was afterwards 
purcba.sed by I. Parkhurst. its present owner. 

George Cyrenius located on lot 90 in 1806, and the 
place has remained in possession of descendants of the 
family until recently. In the spring of this year, Paul 
Sheldon, accompanied by his son, Paul, Jr., then sixteen 
years of age, came in on foot, from Herkimer county, 
making the journey in three days, and commenced improve- 
ments on one hundred acres of land, situated on the State 
road, within the present city limits, which he had pur- 
chased fiu- three dollars and seventy-five cents per acre the 
year previous. The father and son, during the summer, 
cleared two acres and forty rods of ground, which w;ts 
planted to corn and potatoes. After harvesting a splendid 
crop in the fall, they returned to Herkimer. The winter 
following, the family, consisting of himself and wife and 
eleven children, came back, bringing with them a cow, a 
hog, and a pair of steers. Mr. S. lived on the place until 
his death. Paul, Jr., early located on lot 41, where he now 
resides, being the only surviving member of the family. 

He informs us that the settlers considered themselves 
well accommodated when a grist-mill was put up at Mexico, 
as previous to this the nearest one was at Camden, Oneida 
•county. When the meal was manufactured at home, one 
method much in vogue was as follows: 

" The pioneer felled a good solid maple-tree at a conve- 
nient point near the front door of the log mansion, cutting 
off the top of the stump as squarely and smoothly as po.s- 
sible. He then cut a hole in the top of the stump as deep 
as could be made with an axe, and iis near round as might 
be. This being done, a few good coals were placed in the 
cavity and the hole burned out smoothly and evenly until 
it was of the proper shape and size. After this the propri- 
etor, who could now almost boast that he owned a corn- 
mill, with a peculiar tool scraped out the charred and 
burned wood until the hole aforesaid presented a smooth 
and even surface, and was about twelve or fourteen inches 
deep and ten inches across. Then a spring-pole was erected, 
to which a wooden pounder, nicely rounded on the lower 
end, was attached. All being thus in readiness, the miller 
seated himself upon the stump astride the hole, which, 
bcin" filled about a third full of corn, he proceeded to pound 
until it was sufiiciently broken and crushed to make his 
johnny-cake." 

In 1807, Dr. Deodatus Clark, from Onondaga county, 
located in what was afterwards the town of Scriba, but is 
now Oswego city. He wiis the first physician who had any 
considerable practice in town. 

Hiram Warner, a wheelwright, was the pioneer on the 
flum now owned by J. Randall, as early as 1807. Eph- 
raim Paikhui-st settled on lot 70 in 1807. His brother 
Daniel was a pioneer on lot iH>. Three sons of the former. 



414 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Nelson, RufuB, and Cbarles, also two sons of the latter, 
Isajic and Sylvester, are yet living in town. Silas Bacon, a 
soldier in tlif war of 1812, sHtlud on lot 10, where he re- 
sided until lii.s liealh. The jilaee \» now owned by his 
grandson, George Bacon. As early as 1810, Geo. Potter 
had couiiueiiciKl iuiprovenionts and lived in a log house on 
lot 88. He was aeeidentally shot at a tniining prior to the 
war of 1812. 

Other early settlers were Eii]ilialet Parkhurst, on lot 
108; HoldeTi and Daniel Corp, on h.t 17 ; Henry Potter, 
on lot ttO ; Harvey and At>el Butler, on lot I'.l ; Chapman 
Morgan, on lot 43 ; James Parley, on lot 44 ; Reuben 
Seely, on lot 95 ; Samuel Frazier, on lot 105 ; Daniel Burt, 
son of William, on lot 9G ; Aamn Parkliurst, a short dis- 
tanee cast of the corners; William Woolson, on lot 94; 
also Erastus Stone, son of Hiel, took up a large tract on 
lot.s 23, 24, and 44. We also find the following, whose 
names should appear on the roll of pirmeers: Rev. Samuel 
Baldwin, T. S. Morgan, Daniel Du Bois, Alfred Sabins, 
Jo.shua Miner, Hezekiah liathroj), John Shapley, Orlo 
Steele, J(wepli F. Sweet, Pliilo Fowler, J. Meaeham, Peter 
D. Hugunin, Aniasa Newton, Mr. Pickett, and Mr. 
Whitney. 

THE FIRST SCHOOL AND POST-OFFICE. 

The first school-house was erected in this town, in 1807, 
a short distance west of Seriha Comei-s, on land then owned 
by N\'m. Burt, and now by his grand.son William. It was 
a log structure, one and a half stories high, and very small. 
The seating accommodation was limited to five short benches, 
made of .slabs, and one chair. The first .school was kept 
here by a Mr. Edgecomb, who lived in the school-house 
with his wife and two children. For two summers Mr. E. 
labored here imparting in.struction to the aspiring youth. 
In the spring of 1809 a larger and more commodious 
school-house, accommodating perhaps si.vty pupils, was 
built on the four corners north of Scriba. For a number 
of years the only school in town was kept in it. Others 
among the pioneer teachers were Janies Taggart, John and 
Francis Dean, Levi Reed, Ilezckiah I^athrop, Wm. Ras- 
musscn, and a Mr. Loomis. Among surviving ])upils of 
these schools are Mrs. P. Potter; Philo, Wni., and Anson 
Stone ; John and Daniel Burt ; Mrs. A. Parkhurst, Janies 
and i^Irs. Church, Polly Burt, Mrs. S. Adams, Mrs. T. 
Hall; Russell, Benjamin C, .Morris, and Sylve.ster Turner ; 
Alvin, Cyrenius, Nelson, Rufus, and Isaac Parkhurst. 

The first jiost-office was establi.'ihed at a very early day, 
and received the name of Scriba post-office, which it has 
ever since retained. Hiel Stone became the fii-st post- 
master, which office he held for many years. This post- 
office was on the old mail-route between Oswego and Utica, 
and iIk' only mail-carrier for a long time was Joseph Wor- 
den, who made the journe}' on horseback. 

MA11RIA(JKS AND DEATHS. 

The fii-st marriage was that of John Masters and Elsie 
Baldwin, in ISIM!. It is believed' that this ceremony was 
performed by Rev. Samuel Baldwin, the bride's father. 
The .seeond marriage was that of Walter Reed and Susan 
Morrow, who were joined in wedlock in 1807, by Wm. 
Burt, justice of the peace. The parlies came on foot from 



Dear the lake-shore to his house, a distance of about two 
miles. At the conclusion of the ceremony the wife re- 
turned home, and the husband, having urgent business in 
Utica, continued the journey. The fre(|uency of matrimo- 
nial alliances was regulat<d by the influx of the marriage- 
able, and it is to be regretted that no record has been kept 
by justice or minister. 

The first cemetery wxs that known as the Burt burying- 
grouud, at Scriba Corners, and the first interment therein 
was that of a son of Hiram Warner, in 1807, this being 
the first death in town. Phiebe Pickett, George Potter, 
Fannie Shelden, Mrs. Joseph Sweet, and several members 
of the Whitney and Lalhrop families were among the early 
burials here. This place was succeeded for mortuary pur- 
poses by the Worden burying-ground, which was used as 
early as 1820. 

Early roads were rare, usually consisting of an enlarged 
foot-jiatb at first, but kee[)ing range with the advance of 
other improvements. The first one in this town was the 
old State road, the main thoroughfare from Oswego to 
Utica, which became passable as early as 1812. At this 
time it ran north from Scriba Corners, and thence east on 
the middle road. It has since been used as a plank-road. 

Much more might be written without our U'ing able to 
make the reader realize half the jirivations and difficulties 
of the early inhabitants ; yet that very simplicity of fare 
and life laid the foundation of great vitality. Food was 
made of the squirrel that depredated ujioii the growing 
crop, and the housewife found the goo.seberry, cranberry, 
and wild-iiluiii no poor 8ub.stitute for the sauce and pre- 
serves of the east. Sickness wsls added to liardship, and 
the fever and ague kept them alternately shivering and 
burning throughout the summer. The women did their 
carding by hand, and colored with bark of the butternut. 
Summer clothing was made from the fibre of fla.x, and for 
males homespun wa.s the onl}' wear. 

Orrin Stone and Aaron Parkhurst kept the first store, 
in 1819. It was situated a .short distance from the log 
tavern, and for at leiist twenty-five years was the only s-tore 
in town. It was a small frame building, the fir^t in the 
vicinity, one story in height, and a "pocket concern," as it 
has been termed, in every respect. 

VILLAGES. 

Scriba Corners (Scriba post-office) is a small village with 
a population ol' about three hundred, and is located near 
the centre of the town, on ihr plank-mad, four miles cast of 
the city of Oswego. It contains two .stores, two physicians, 
— Drs. A. C. Taylor and (i. \V. Snyder, — <.ne church 
(Methodist Ejiiscopal), a school, a cooper- and blacksmith- 
shop, and other minor interests. 

This place commenced with Stone's tavern. W. Wool- 
son kept a shoe-shop and Amos Graflon a blacksmith-shop 
here at an early day. 

North Scriba is a hamlet and station oti the Rome, 
Watertown and Ogdensburgh railroad, and is situated north- 
ciist of the centre of the town. It contains a post-office, 
two stores, a harness-shop, a blacksmith-shop, a school, and 
two churelies ( Methodist and Bajitist ). The ]iopulation is 
about two hundred. 





CD 

C 

z 
a; 




HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



415 



South Scriba is a hamlet situated in the southeast part 
of the town, and has a post-office, grocery, saw-mill, and 
blacksmith-shop. 

Lansing, situated two and one-half miles southwest of 
Scriba Corners, contains a post-office, a grocery, a harness- 
shop, a church (Methodist), a school, and about twenty-five 
houses. 

CIVIL HISTORY. 

From the old town-book it appears that the first town- 
meeting in Scriba was held March 3, 1812, at the house of 
Hiel Stone, agreeable to an act of the legislature passed 
April 5, 1811. The following officers were chosen: Cap- 
tain Henry Potter, supervisor ; John King, town clerk ; 
Samuel Tiffimy, Joshua Miner, and Hiel Stone, a.ssessors ; 
Samuel B. Morrow, collector; Hiel Stone and Walter Read, 
poor-masters ; Joshua Miner, Walter Read, and Hiel Stone, 
commissioners of highways ; Samuel B. Morrow and Wm. 
Coe, constables ; and Orrin Stone, pound-master. 

It was further voted at this meeting, — 

" First. That a lawful fence shall be four and one-half 
feet high, and well wrought from bottom to top. 

" Second. That Canada thistles shall not be left standing 
on any man's or woman's land after three days' notice is 
given by any person. Any landholder neglecting this for- 
feits the sum of five dollars to the good people of this town, 
to be recovered with costs. 

" Third. That any wolf caught within this town by any 
inhabitant of the town, and if said person kill it, he or they 
shall be entitled to the sum of ten dollars each wolf" 

The following is a list of the principal officers of the town 
since its organization, with the time of their election : 



Date. 


Supervisors. 


Justices of the Peaco. 


1813. 


.Henry Potter. 




1814. 


. " •' 




181.=). 


.S.-imuel Tiffany. 




18ie. 


" 




1817. 


.T. S. Morgan. 




1818. 


. " " 




1819. 


H it 




1820. 


. " " 




1821. 


.. 41 




1822. 


it tt 




1823. 


. " " 




1824. 


.Peter D. Huguniii. 




1S25. 


.T. S. Morgan. 




182fi. 


(( u 




1827. 


(( tt 




1S2S. 


.Joseph Turner. 




1829. 


. " " 




183(1. 


.T. S. Morgan. 




1831. 


.Charles King. 




1832. 


.Peter S. Smith. 




1833. 


tt tt 


Ambrose Morgan, 


1834. 


.Henry Fitzhugh. 


Orlo Steele, Jesse Cook. 


1835. 


.John C. Hugunin. 


Geo. Wales, Solomon .Matti.son. 


1836. 


.Edwin C. Harte. 


James Church, Daniel Carde. 


1837. 


'• " 


P. F. Per.sons. 


1838. 


.John B. Edwards. 


W. Barnes. 


1839. 


.Lueius Van Schanck. 


John C. Hugunin. 


1840. 


.James Lyon. 


James Church. 


1841. 


.Daniel Hall. 


W. Rice. 


1842. 


.Samuel B. Morrow. 


J. W. Patten. 


1843. 


.Simeon Hates. 


Daniel Allen. 


1844. 


.tjeorge \Vale3. 


James Curtis. 


1845. 


.Jacob Kichard.son. 


Ambrose Morgan. 


1846. 


.<>rville J. Harmon. 


Robert Simpson. 


1847. 


.E. C. Harte. 


John W. Smith. 


1848. 


.Daniel Hall. 


John Dunham, Wm. Congdon, Amos 
Kingsbury, and John Remington. 


1819. 


tt tt 


Jacob Whitmarsh, I. R. Parkhurst, 
and Amos Kingsbury. 


1850. 


.Thomas Askew. 


Benjamin Benedict. 


1S51. 


" 


Wm. Congdon. 


1S52. 


" " 


Charles Lamb. 


1833. 


..Daniel Joues. 


Jftcob Whilnmrsh, 


1854. 


*' " 


Kobcrt Simpson. 



Date. 




Supervisors. 


1855. 


.Wm. 


11. Wales. 


ISofi. 


.Robert Simj)?on 


1S57. 






1858. 






1859. 

1 Si.Rl\ 






IttOU. 

18G1. 






1862. 






1863. 






1864. 






1865. 






1866. 






1867. 






1868. 


.Joel A. Baker. 


1869. 


.Robert Simpson 


1870. 


*' 


•* 


1871. 


.Joel A. Baker. 


1872. 


.John 


B. Sewcl. 


1873. 


" 


« 


1874. 


]h. L 


Hart. 


1875. 


.John 


B. Sewol. 


1876. 


.h. L 


Hart. 


1877. 


u 


" 



Justices of the Peuce. 
Wm. Congdon. 
Charles Lamb. 
Ebenezer .Terrett. 
Rolx^rt Simpson. 
Wm. Congdon. 
Joel Baker. 
V. H. Burch. 
Robert Simpson. 
Wm. Congdon. 
Joel Baker. 
Wm. E. Blossom. 
Robert Simpson. 
Wm. Congdon. 
Amos Kingsbury. 
W. E. Blossom. 
Robert Simpson, Jacob Whitmarsh, 

J. E. Vincent. 
Wm. Congdon and .Silas Baker. 
Silas Baker. 
Jacob Whitmarsh. 
1. R. Parkhurst. 
E. J. Lawton. 
Joseph Otis. 
J. Newton Peck. 



ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. 
Contemporary with settlement begins the history of re- 
ligion. It is needless for us to say that the efforts with 
which our forefathers aided every means of mental or moral 
instruction have been greatly blessed. They labored for 
the right, for their own good, and for that of posterity, and 
their works attest their zeal. Below we give a history of 
the different church organizations as obtained from the re- 
cords and from the older members of the churches. 

METHODIST CHURCH, SCRIBA CORNERS. 

Tlie firet movement towards the organization of a society 
at this point was made by William Kilburn ; he advocated 
the formation of a Methodist church here. An interest 
having been aroused in the neighborhood, Rev. Burris 
Holmes, who became its fir.it pastor, was called to organize 
a society of that denomination, which he did in 1841. It 
consisted of seven members, viz. ; William and Margaret 
Kilburn, Mrs. James Adams, Isaac Sewel and wife, and 
Mr. Knight and wife. Previous to the building of the 
church edifice, which was in 1853, the meetings were held 
in the school-house. "The Scriba society was made a sta- 
tion, agreeable to request of the quarterly conference of the 
New Haven circuit, during the session of the Black River 
conference, held at Camden, Oneida county. New York, 
commencing May 31, 1854. " 

It will be seen by the above extract from the church 
records that it had belonged to a circuit until this year. 
Among the preachers prior to this we find the names of 
Rev. Messrs. Holmes and Hiscock ; Benjamin F. Brown 
and E. A. Munson ; Reuben Reynolds and Rev. Mr. 
Chapin. 

At the time of the building of the church M. M. Rice 
was the pastor. Since then the following persons have 
officiated in that capacity : Rev. Messrs. Isaac Turner, L. 
L. Adkins, M. D. L. B. Wells, William Jones, C. Phillips, 
Addison Wheeler, J. H. Buck, H. M. Danforth, S. B. 
Crozier, O. H. Holtori, H. W. Rowland, J. G. George, and 
the present ]iastor, W. F. Purrington. 

The church edifice is a wood structure thirty-five by si.xty 
feet in size, nicely furnished, with good basement and gallery. 
The church property is valued at si.\ thousand dollars. The 
present organization of the Sunday-school w;is eftected in 
1871, and Dr. A. C. Taylor chosen superintendent. 



416 



UISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTl', NKW YOKK. 



It has an avcmj^c attendance of about one hundred and 
twenty-five scholars, and a library of one hundred and 
seventy-five volumes. 

TIIK METIIomsT (PUOTKSTANT) CIirRCIl OF NORTH 

scimiA. 

This society was orjranized in 184;-{ by a Rev. Mr. Fowler, 
and at that lime contained but very few members. For a 
while it was [iro.s|ier(ius, but was finally allowed to run down. 
The early meetings were held in the town-line school-house. 
This church was until recently a part of the Kichlaud 
circuit. By the annual conference of the Methodist Prot- 
estant church, held Sejitember !', 187.'), this class was 
made a .station, and llev. C M. Bouj;hton Wiis apiioiiited 
piLstor. The church building is located ut North Scriba 
SUitioii, and wius dedicated by Rev. J. J. Smith, of New 
York, January lit), 1875. It is a wood structure thirty by 
forty-eight feet in size. The society has a membership of 
sixtj'-scveu. There is a Sunday-school in connection with it. 

TDK LANSI.VG METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. 

This, with the society of the same denomination at the 
centre, forms one charge. Meetings were held here for 
many years, but there had been no regularly-installed pas- 
tor, or real organization of the society, until the spring of 
1873. Samuel l)u Rois, Mrs. Ann King, Zacliariah All- 
port, Daniel Bronson, Oliver Hall, Hugh Downs, David 
WhiUiker, and tialen Hall were among those who early 
represented the religious interest at this point. In 1873 
a movement was made towards the building of a church, 
whercujion all members of the different denominations 
united in a general and sueecssful effort. It was agreed 
that it should take the name of the " Lansing Jletlmdist 
Kpiscojial t'liureh," on condition that the .seats shoukl be 
free and open to all religious denominations for worship. 
The building is lhirty-si.\ by fifty-six feet in size, has a good 
ba.seinent, and is nicely located. 

It was dedicated December 10, 1873, by Bishop Jesse 
Peck. The church property is valued at four thousand 
five hundred dollars. 

At present the church has sixty members and a Sunday- 
school of fifty scholars. 

THE FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH OP NORTH SCRIHA. 

This society was organized January 7, 1828, by the Rev. 
David Marks, and received the name of the " Free-Commu- 
nion Bajitist ('luireh." The original nunibor of members 
was seven, viz. : Daniel Knapp, J>aniel and Lucy Gorsline, 
Stephen Kriiuili, William Coon, Samuel Frazier, and John 
Sweet. 

On the thirteenth day of December, 1831, this organiza- 
tion was dissolved and the present society formed. Meetint^ 
were held at the lionies of its members and in school-houses 
until 1818, when a plain wooden meeting-house wa.s built, 
forty-four by thirty-two feel in size, and located on the north 
road, six miles cast of Oswego. The present handsome 
church building, occupying the old site, is of the Gothic 
form of architecture. The stone basement contains two 
commodious rooms, well furnished, — the .second floor being 
divided into three apartments, viz. : a lecture-, an audience-, 



and a clacs-rocm, arranged with folding doors. This church 
was dedicated December 1, 1875, by Rev. G. II. Ball, D.D. 

There is a good parsonage in connection with it. The 
present value of tITe church property is about seven thou- 
sand dollars, and the membership one hundred and thirty- 
two. 

The following-named persons have filled the office of 
pastor since the institution of the church, viz.: Revs. 
William Nutting, J. Wilson, A. Griffeth, and S. Krumb ; 
and, since 1848, M. Stanley, L. Hanson, J. Noye, J. J. 
Allen, C. Prescott, J. Wilson, and A. E. Wil.son, the present 
minister, who has entered upon the seventh year of his 
pastoral labors. There are one hundred and tliirty scholars 
in the Sunday-school. 



BIOGR.VI'IIK'.VL SKKTCHES. 

THOMAS ASKEW 

was born at St. Ives, Huntingdonshire, England, Mart-h 8, 
1802. He j)ursued the business of brewing in England, 
which he learned in his youth. In 1831, he with his wife 
and two children i migrated, and on reaching New \''ork 




THO.MAS ASKEW. 

formed the ae(|uaiiitanee of the Messrs. Burckle and Haw- 
ley, and by them was induced to come to Oswt^, with the 
iiitentiiin nf imrchasing the then newly-erected brewery 
situated on the Hurt (now Murry ) farm ; but not succeeding 
in that enterprise, he purchased a farm in Scriba, where 
his plain, unostentatious, and honest life was spent tilling 
the .soil, and in the j)erusul of the leading periodicals 
of the day, and the study of various works on farming 
and agriculture. His creed that " theory and practice" go 
hand in hand was fully demonstrated by the scientific and 





Daniel Hall, 2^ 



Daniel Hall (second), son of John and Margaret 
Hall, was born in Petersburg, Rensselaer county, New 
York, May 22, 1789. In 1815 he canie with his father 
to Oswego County, and located in the town of Scriba, on 
the farm now occupied by Galen Hall. He had worked at 
the carpenter and joiner trade previously to his settle- 
ment in Oswego, and upon arriving here continued to labor 
in this honorable calling, and the first few years were passed 
in erecting buildings in the city of Oswego. 

Mr. Hall had been a resident of Scriba but a few years 
when he was called to fill various oflBees within the gift of 
his townsmen, and he discharged the duties of the various 
positions with credit to himself, and to the entire satisfac- 
tion of the people. We find upon examining the records 
that he was elected assessor in 1823, and, besides other 
minor ofiices, was chosen, in the years 1841, 1848, and 
1849, to the office of supervisor. 

Mr. Hall married Jerusha, daughter of David and Lydii. 
King, of Herkimer county. Their family consisted of 



eight children, seven of whom are living. Mrs. Hall died 
May 10, 1844. March 12, 184C, he united in marriage 
with Miriam Littlefield, who was born August 1, 1801. 
She died October 24, 1867. 

Mr. Hall was an active member of the old Whig party, 
and upon the organization of the Republican party became 
an earnest supporter of its principles. In all matters con- 
cerning the welfare of the public generally, and the com- 
munity wherein he resided, he ever manifested a lively 
interest. He was a consistent Christian, and a member of 
the Baptist church at Scriba Corners. As a father he was 
kind and indulgent, and as a citizen his course was ever 
marked with honesty of purpose. Daniel Hall will long be 
cherished in the memory of his friends and fellow-citizens 
as one who was ever ready to assist in all good works. He 
died January 4, 1 874. 

" There is no man who hath power over the spirit, to re- 
tain the spirit, neither hath he power in the day of death, 
and there is no discharge in that war." 




"^ 



Ef^astus Stone. 



HISTORY OP OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



417 



intelligent manner in which he conducted his well-cultivated 
farm. After having made his homo in the " new world," 
Mr. Askew received his naturalization papers from the 
hands of the present Judge Allen, then in law partnership 
with George Fisher, Esq. During the prime of his life, 
Mr. Askew officiated in several township offices, and was 
elected supervisor for three successive terms. In the year 
1852 he was the Democratic candidate for member of 
assembly for this district. 

Through all of his useful life he was the strenuous 
advocate of every good cause benefiting the public. In 
him the free-school system found a most earnest supporter, 
and the " Stone school-house," on the middle road, remains 
a monument of his energetic influence. 

His death occurred January 12, 1875, at his home in 
Scriba township, where his much-respected widow still lives, 
surrounded by her children, in good health, and very active. 

]Mr. Askew was married October 13, 1828, to Miss Anna 
F. Cozzens, daughter of George Cozzens, Esq. 

Anna F. Cozzens was born at the stamp-office (of stamp- 
act notoriety), Bristol, Somersetshire, England, January 12, 
1804, and is consequently now in her seventy-fourth year. 
She is a much-respected and estimable lady, beloved by her 
children, and cherished by her numerous acquaintances 
and friends. 



ERASTUS STONE, 

son of the late Major Hiel Stone, the first settler of the 
town.ship of Scriba, was born at Norton Hill, on Provost's 
patent,* in the township of Greenville, Greene county, 
New York, in the year 1791. He moved to Oswego with 
his father's family in the year 1803, and in the year follow- 
ing they removed to Scriba (then called Fredericksburg). 
It was then a dense forest, and he was very efficient in 
surveying and locating land and in constructing highways 
in the townships of Scriba and Volney, and assisted in 
surveying, and superintended the construction, of the first 
public highway from New Haven to Oswego. 

Mr. Stone was a patriotic and active supporter of the 
war of 1812, was a " volunteer," and on guard at the time 
of the embargo, and used to relate some amusing incidents 
connected therewith. 

He purchased a large tract of land, and in the year 1818 
married Miss Alma Everts, daughter of the late Solomon 
Everts, Esq., one of the pioneer settlers of the town of 
Mexico. He then began to clear the then wilderness ; built 
a saw-mill and had quite an extensive lumber business, 
furnishing quantities of lumber for buildings in Oswego, 
and employment for a great many men. He lived to see 
the growth and progress of Oswego from a small settlement, 
containing but a few buildings, to a flourishing city. He 
was very active and generous in everything for the advance- 
ment of the good of the public. He was the most exten- 
sive fi-uit-grower in his vicinity; his home was surrounded 
by a body-guard of fruit-trees. He barreled from eight 

* Au^ustin Provost was a British officer before the Revolution, 
and an iutiiiiate friend of Sir William Johnson. 



hundred to a thousand barrels of apples for many successive 
years. 

Among the prominent traits of Mr. Stone's character 
was his libenility in the cause of education. The free- 
school law never had a warmer advocate nor firmer friend. 
He was unostentatious, and, though a prominent member of 
his political party, declined all the honors which his friends 
wished to bestow upon him. His motto was to " owe no 
man," and his aim to do all the good in his power. He 
was industrious to a fault, and he accomplished a remark- 
able amount of labor, often felling trees and clearing land 
by moonlight, when the county was new. And yet he 
found ample time for intellectual improvement. He was 
well informed, of sound judgment, far-seeing, and possessed 
of an extraordinary memory. He was a man of sterling 
integrity, possessed of a patriotic spirit, generous and hos- 
pitable to all, self sacrificing, in his family afiectionate, and 
in social circles courteous and genial. A promoter of 
truth and right, and just in all relations to men. 

After a long, eventful, and busy life, Mr. Stone passed 
to that other and nobler life, where he doubtless now enjoys 
the felicity of the blest, May 22, 1870. In his death the 
community lost a good citizen, his children a kind and lov- 
ing parent, and his neighbors a true friend. 

Verily, as the greatest of American poets has said, — 

" The lives of good men all remind us 
We can make our lives sublime, 
And, departing, leave behind us 
Footprints on the sands of time." 



ROBERT SIMPSON. 

Robert, son of Robert and Mary (Spencer) Simpson, 
was born in Dutchess county, New York, July 31, 1805. 
His father was a merchant, and when Robert was four 
years old he removed to Saratoga county, where he received 
such educational advantages as were aff'orded by the school 
district at that time. About this period (1817) his father 
was accidentally drowned, and, as there was a family of ten 
children to be provided for, he was apprenticed to a manu- 
facturer of woolen goods for a term of seven years, the 
indenture specifying that he was to receive six weeks' 
schooling, but by his own industry and perseverance he was 
allowed more, by walking two miles and a half At the age 
of eighteen he was allowed his time or the privilege of 
working another three years at the trade. He preferred to 
have his indenture cancelled. For the succeeding eight 
years he taught school during the winter months, and the 
balance of each year he worked at his trade. When twenty- 
sis years old he moved to Oswego County, where he has 
since resided. He lived a few years in Volney township, 
and three years in Oswego city, and the rest of the time 
(twenty-four years) Scriba town.ship has contained his home. 
He was a justice of the peace during his whole sojourn in 
Volney, also in Oswego, and supervisor of the Fourth ward 
one year while there. He was engaged in surveying both 
in the city and country. He has held the office of justice 
of the peace in Oswego County in all tliirly-two years ; 
was supervisor for several years; justice of sessions three 



418 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



years, and is now town auditor. He cast his first vot« for 
Aiidri'W Jacksiiii, but since comiiii; to this rounty has been 
a Whig and Ki-publicun, ri-spcc lively. During (he Uebel- 
lion he held the oflSce of supervisor, and was very efficient 
in filling the town quota, and thereby preventing a ilmft. 





KOUKKT .SI.Ml'SON. 

In 1853 he uiiiteil wiih tin; Methodist Episcopal clmrcli, 
and hxs .since been a con-sLstent member. 

Mr. Sini])son has been three limes married, death having 
twice robbed him of his wife. January 5, 1826, he 
married Kosauiond Foster, of Saratoga county. New York, 
by whom he had eight children ; five are now living and 
three are dead. Mrs. Simpson died May 22, 1842. His 
second wife was Nancy L. Bailey, to whom he was married 
November 12, 18J2. The i.s.sue of this marriage was ten 
children, of whom five sur\'ive. All the children are settled 
in life except the two youngest, and they reside at home. 
Mrs. N. L. Simp.son died October 25, 18G5. On the 12th 
of September, 1800, he married Abbie Smith, his present 
wife. 

Mr. Simpson has passed ipiite a busy life. He .started 
out with no capital save his health, his energy, and indom- 
itable perseverance, which qualities subsequently earned him 
a very luMcring degree. He is generally considered an 
upright arid hone.-^t man, a kind father and husband, and 
a good neighbor and friend. He enjoys the confidence 
and esteem of the people, and is deservedly very popular 
iu the community in which he has lived so long. 



GEORGE W. SNYDER, M.D., 

was born in Elli.sburg, Ji^fTerson cduiity. New York, March 
25, 1820. Of poor but highly resjieclable parentage, it fell 
to his lot, at an early age, to earn his own living. By 
great perseverance and a decided determination to ]irocure 
an education, he succeeded in entering and "raduatini; 



from an academy. At the age of eighteen he taught a 
district sehonl. His chief desire at this time wiis to go 
through college, but " time was money" to him, and he 
could not command either the one or the other in sufficient 
quantity to gratify his ambition. Every leisure hour at 




^e^^ 



QEOHOE W. SNYDEll, M.I). 

home found him poring over his books, and he ultimately 
came to the conclusion that the medical i>riife.s,si(in would 
suit him. Accordingly, he entered the office of the late Dr. 
M. L. Lee, of Fulton, New York, and found him an able 
and kind preceptor. He attended his first course of lec- 
tures at I'ittsfield, .Mius,saeliu.selt.s, in 1847, and the ycjir 
folic pwing he ent<;red the \'ermont luedical college, and 
graduated the same year. After receiving his diploma he 
located in Seriba, this county, where he had previously 
taught scliKol, and where he has since resided. 

In 185.'i he married Jane K., daughter of Klias and 
Electa Thomas, of Volney, New York. His life has been 
one of devotion to his professional duties, of hard and jier- 
sistcnt labor, and of self-.sacrifice. He always regards the 
interests of his ])atient, parauxiunt to his personal pleasure 
or even to his own well'.ire. Knjoying as he did a robust 
constitution, great powers of endurance, and an indu.strious 
dispo.sition, he has worked at all times and in all seasons, 
never allowing the call of duly to go unanswered. By 
economy he ha^ procured a competence, and, what is far 
more, a warm place in the alTeetions of the people. His 
chief char.ieteristias arc sympathy for others, benevolence, 
and j)er,severance, an<l he, together with his estimable wife, 
are noted for their hos|)itality. He is a model husband and 
father. He has ever a cheery greeting for everybody, par- 
ticularly for the ehiidren, always having a kitid word for the 
little ones whenever lie meets them. As a ]ihysieian he has 
been eminently successful. His life has been in his work, 
and the practice of his profession has oftentimes been a 
labor of love rather than one of emolument. 





J AS. Church. 



MRS.JAS.oHUffCH. 



Among the prominent pioneer names of Oswego County 



we find that of Church. The subject of this sketch, James, 
son of Whitman and Phebe Hull Church, was born in New 
Lisbon, Otsego county, New York, February 19, 1796. 
At the age of nine he accompanied his father to what is 
now Voluey, Oswego County, and settled in the wilderness 
it then was, where existed few neighbors other than the 
Indians. Not being satisfied with the title to their land, 
Mr. Church sold out and moved into Scriba towuship in 
1809, aad the family settled near Scriba Centre. 

Young James' advantages for the acquirement of an edu- 
cation were meagre, as he could only attend school as favor- 
able opportunities presented themselves. The war of 1812 
caused the family to remove to Otsego county, where they 
remained some years. While there he attained his majority, 
and commenced life for himself He first embarked in the 
business of a boatman on the Oswego river, makiDf^ a daily 
run from Oswego FiiUs to Oswego city, at one dollar the 
round trip. In two years he accumulated enough money 
to purchase a boat, and subsequently followed the occu- 
pation for several seasons, working at odd jobs during the 
winter. 

On the 1st of January, 1823, he was united in marriage 
with Tenty, daughter of Hiel and Ruth (Norton) Stone, 
of Scriba, Oswego County. The first year after marriage 
they resided at Fulton, and then moved to Scriba Corners, 
where Mr, Church engaged in the manufacture of potash 
and in the mercantile business oq a small scale. He sub- 



sequently followed hotel-keeping for a time. Mr. Church 
was appointed postmaster, and held the office several years ; 
was also elected justice of the peace, which position he 
occupied fifteen years, to the general satisfaction of the 
people. He has held various other offices of trust, all of 
which he has filled faithfully and well. Perhaps in no way 
is he better knnwn to the people at large than as the pioneer 
violinist of this locality. His services were in constant 
demand at private dancing-parties. Mr. Church was in the 
State militia, and served in the battle of Oswego. For the 
past thirty years he has quietly resided on the farm, he and 
his faithfiJ wife enjoying the fruits of a busy and successful 
life. They are very highly respected by their neighbors 
and friends, and looked upon as a worthy couple in every 
particular. They have had three children, of whom two 
survive, James, who resides on the homestead farm, and 
Tenty, who married Edgar Sharp. 

In politics, Mr. Church was a Democrat up to the nomi- 
nation of Buchaiian, but not being able to take the immortal 
James as a successor to the great and good Jeflferson, he 
bolted the party, and has since been found with the Repub- 
licans. In religion, he is a Methodist, having been a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church of Scriba for many 
years. In character, he is a man of large benevolence and 
unfailing liberality. Honest and upright in his business 
transactions, industrious and economical in his daily life, 
can there be any wonder that success has crowned his efforts 
with an abundant reward ? 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



419 



^-- 









REV. GEORGE BLOSSOM. 



REV. GEORGE 



Rev. George Blossom, son of Enos and Mary (Ellis) 
Blossom, of Lenox, Massachusetts, was born February 4, 
1800. When in his sixth year his parents removed to 
Onondaga county. New York, and settled on a farm, which 
was niited for the abundance of game that existed thereon. 
The family consisted of father, mother, and twelve children, 
of which latter the subject of our sketch was the youngest. 
The country was comparatively new, and the family had 
consequently to endure the hardships and privations inci- 
dent to pioneer life. The only educational advantages the 
youthful George received were those gleaned at the common 
school during the summer months, in additi(]n to a few 
months he attended a grammar and writing school. 

On the 24th of January, 1821, he was united in mar- 
riage with Harmony, daughter of Parley and Susan Canada, 
(if Canandaigua. They were originally from Connecticut. 
Immediately after marriage they commenced life by rent- 
ing a farm, but only remained on it one year, when Mr. 
Blo.ssom engaged in the mercantile business in Seneca 
county, but disliking the place, he remained there but 
a short time, when he removed to Rochester, and con- 
tinued in business, dealing only in dry-goods. Here he 
stayed but a year, and then returned to Onondaga county, 
and located in the village of Liverpool, and a favorable 
opportunity presenting itself, he closed out his business to 
Jloscs Johnson for eight hundred dollars, but the purchaser 
cheated him out of the entire amount. Being now com- 
pelled to work for some one else, he engaged with Jonathan 
P. Hicks as salesman and book-keeper, in which capacity 
he continued two years, at the expiration of which time he 
moved to Clay, and entered into ))artnershi|i with Evert B. 
Dykeuian in the general store business. They subsef|uently 
dissolved partnership. After meeting with indifferent suc- 
cess in the undertaking, Mr. Blossom, by elo.se application 
to business, had impaired his health so that he found it 
necessary to recuperate, after which he taught music for 
six years. He next settled on a farm, and after three years 
disposed of it, and in 1837 removed to Palermo township, 
this county, and afterwards to Scriba. His attention at this 
time was not devoted exclusively to agriculture, though 
farming formed the greater part of his secvilar occupation. 
When in his seventeenth year he experienced religion, and 
felt a keen desire to enter his Master's vineyard as an active 
worker. In 1828, while residing in Clay, the Rev. Lutlier 
Myrick was holding protracted meetings under the auspices 
of the Independent Congregational church, and it was while 



MRS. GEORGE BLOSSOM. 

BLOSSOM. 

attending one of these that Mr. Blossom was smitten with 
an overwhelming desire to devote his life to Christ. He 
did not, however, commence to preach until 1840, when 
he preached his first sermon in Cummings' mill, in New 
Haven, with marked success. He united with the Con- 
gregational church while in Palermo, and has since been a 
consistent member of that body, and has preached eleven 
years, during which time his efforts were crowned with 
abundant success. He retired from the ministry on account 
of ill health. Mr. Blossom has held many of the offices 
of trust in the townships in which he has resided, notably 
those of justice of the peace, assessor, supervisor, and in- 
spector of common schools, in all of which he gave un- 
qualified satisfaction. In 1825 he joined an independent 
infantiy company, and was gradually promoted to lieuten- 
ant-colonel, when he resigned on account of sickness. He 
has been a strong advocate of the temperance cause, also 
an unrelenting abolitionist. He was a Clinton man in the 
troublous canal times, and subsequently an active Republi- 
can, who always takes a commendable interest in local politi- 
cal affairs. 

The result of Mr. Blossom's marriage was a fsimily of 
seven children, of whom four survive, namely, — Henrietta, 
wife of John Place, of Oswego town.ship ; William E., a 
resident of Oswego city ; Lucy M., wife of Galen Hall, of 
Scriba township ; and George D., also of Scriba. 

Mrs. Blossom died July 15, 1875, and her remains are 
interred in the Hall cemetery. She was a devoted Christian 
lady, a fond wife, and a loving and affectionate mother. 
Her death was mourned by a large circle of friends, and 
her memory is fondly cherished by her widowed husband 
and ehililren. 

After retiring from the ministry Mr. Blossom settled in 
Oswego city, in 1857, where he engaged in the grocery 
business in partnership with Morris Place and his son 
William E. He retired from business in 18t)3, and has 
since resided in Scriba. Since the death of his devoted 
wife, — the eonqianion of his early joys and sorrows, and of 
his later cares, — he has made his home with his children, 
who honor themselves in honoring tlu'ir aged parent. He 
is now calmly awaiting the summons that .shall call him to 
his reward, and when it comes (which we trust will be 
many j'cars hence ) he will depart like one who, having done 
his duty, will 

** Wrap the ilrapery of his couch about him, 
And lie ihiwii to pleasant dreams. " 



420 



UlSTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 




MRS. 1>. IICRNHAM NO. 1 



MILS. 1'. lll'KMI.VM NCI. 2. 



I'lIILO IIUUNIIAM. 



■1111,0 BURNMAM. 



This venerable octogenarian was born in Newariv, Grooiie 
county, New York, Sc]itc'niber 10, 179M. He remained in 
liis native eonnty [lur.suing the vocation of a farmer until 
nineteen years of age, when be entered the service of tbe 
f;ovcrnnient as a soldier in tbe war of 1812. After enduririi; 
many ^i{' tbe iiardsbips incident to tbe life of a Soldier, be 
finally became sick, and from Brooklyn Heigbts returned 
to bis native county, and did not afterward.'! enter tbe 
service. 

In 1818 be experienced religion, and ininicdiatcly began 
to live the life of an earnest, devoted follower of Christ. 
March 4, 1818, be married Sarah Rice, a native of Con- 
necticut. Their family consisted of si-K children, — two 
daughters and four sons, — viz. : Alma, born July it, 1820; 
Sarah M., born June 23, 1825; John R., born June 24, 
1827; I'hild If., born January 1, 1832; Lorin A., born 
September 23, 1834; and Charles II., December 9, 1840. 
The three latter survive. Philo 11. and Charles H. reside 
in tbe town uf Scriba, and Lorin A. in Iowa. 

iMrs. Burnbani died December 15, 18G2. March 18, 



18(i4, be united in marriage with J,ydia Miner, a native of 
Berk.shire cdunty, Ma.'v^acbusctl.x, where .<he wa.s burn No- 
vember 22, 1800. Mr. Hurnham remained in Greene county 
until the year 1827, when he came to this county and located 
ill tbe town of Scriba. He followed the business of fiirniing, 
and while in active life was con.-iidered one of the progressive 
agriculturists of the county. As remarked above, he early 
-sought the Saviour, and lived to see all his children brought 
within the fold of the ble.ssed Redeemer of the world. He 
ever manifested a deej) interest in religious matters, and his 
benevolence and Chri.slian bearing have won for bini a name 
more precious than gold. He has four membersbijis in the 
Anu'iiean Hible Society, and has lief|ueathcd two hundred 
and tifty dollars to that society, and two hundred and tifty 
dollars to the Home Missionary Society. During sixty years 
he has been a faithful member of the Presbyterian or Con- 
gregational church. In all human probability his earthly 
career is drawing to a close, but he can truthfully say, " I 
have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have 
fini.shed my course; the victory is mine I" 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



421 



MILITARY RECORD OF SCRIBA. 



Geo. \V. Burt, 24tli Inf. Enl'd June, 1861 ; pro. ; disch. 18Ga. 
L. B. Burt, 8Ist Infantry. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; disch. Oct., 1864. 
Richard Dunn, 24th Cavalry. Enlisted Dec., 186.3; disch. 1865. 
II. W. Minor, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861; pro. Corp.; disch. Sept., 

1864. 
Wm. Ilorton, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861; pro. 1st scrg. ; wounded; 

discharged 1865. 
Jonas Stanton, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; disch. for disability. 
H. D. Dh Bois, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; re-enl'd ; disch. 1865. 
D. C. Wright, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1S64 ; discharged 1865. 
John E. Coe, 14rih Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; promoted; disch. 1865. 
Chas. Woolson, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 
Alfred E. Coe. Enlisted 1864; discharged Oct., 1.S64. 
C. S. Coe, 84th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged Aug., 1865. 
Jas. R. Coe, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Geo. H. Darrow, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Chas. Taylor, 14Tth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; pro. serg't ; di.sch. 1865. 
Amos Taylor, 16th Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1865; discharged 1865. 
Jas. A. Darrow, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; pro. scrg.; disch. 1865. 
Simeon Cryl, 2l5t Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862; pro. serg't; disch. 1865. 
John Duel, DSth Inf. Enl'd Nov., 1862 ; pro. Corp. ; disch. 1865. 
F. II. Morvin, 184th Infantry. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; discharged 1805. 
Wm. II. Rose, 24th Cavalry. Enlisted Dec, 180.1 ; discharged 1805. 
0. M. Coon, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 
U. D. Whiting, 21st Inf. Enl'd Apr., 1861 ; disch. lSO:t, disahility. 
W. II. Lawton, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept , 1861 ; discharged 1864. 
C. H. Burnham, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; rc-cnl'd ; diseh. 1865. 
Daniel L. Du Bois, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864 ; discharged 1865. 
R. Parkhurst, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
F. Braso, 15th N. C. Enlisted Dec, 1803 : discharged 1865. 
Ale.x. Gugle, llOlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; re-cnl'd: disch. 1S65. 

C. 0. Heath, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; discharged 1805. 
John Kane, 9th II. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1803; discharged 1865. 
M. France, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Chas. Holley, 81st Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; re-oni'd; disch. 1865. 
A. A. Coe, 3d Lt. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 

F. Coon, 81st Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1861 ; corporal; discharged 1865. 
W. Van Buren, 81st Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1861; re-enl'd; disch. 1865. 
Wm. Sherman, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1805. 
0. S. Fish, 24lh Cavalry. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 
M. h. Wright, Infantry. Enlisted Oct., 1861; discharged 1865. 
Chas. Sceley, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
M. Freeman, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1801 ; re-enl'd ; disch. 1865. 
John Barton, 241h Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; discharged May, 1863. 
David Coon, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861; discharged 1805. 
A. Rhinehart, 1st Cavalry. Enlisted Feb., 1801; discharged 1865. 
Jas. Rinehart, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1S05. 
Chas. AVtbsfer. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1805. 
Henry Martin, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1801; disch. Sept., 1864. 
J. Brotherton, 1st Lt. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1861; discharged 1865. 

D. Greiudd, Ist Lt. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Chas. Merlus, Ist Lt. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1864; discharged 1865. 
W. II. Burr, 24th Cavalry. Enlisted Jan., 1864: discharged 1865. 
Thos. Tapliu, 184lh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; ili.scharged 1805. 
C. II. Barker, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1805. 
J. H. Doxtater, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1805. 
Geo. Eaton, 184th Inf. Enlisted 1865 ; discharged 1865. 

BcDJ. Botcrn, nth H. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864; disch.arged 1805. 

Geo. Cyrenus, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 

C. W. Grcnold, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1803 ; deserted 1805. 

Geo. Soper, 184th luf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; disch. 1865. 

N. Parkhurst, 33d Inf. Enlisted May, 1801 : re-cnlistcd ; diseh. 1865. 

Wm. Ormsby, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1S65. 

M. Welch, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; wonnded ; disch. 1865. 

A. Whitney, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; diseh. 1865. 

Geo. Hall, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; sergeant; disch. 1865. 

Wm. J. Cole, 12th Cav. Enlisted Aug., 1863 ; discharged 1805. 

Chas. Wilkes, 81st Inf. Enlisteil Sept., 1862; discharged 1865. 

Geo. Robarge, 15th Cavalry. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 

Benj. P. Coe, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; corp. ; disch. 1803, disab. 

IF. Knight, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; discharged 1805. 

C. L. Burnwcll, 8Ist Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; discharged 1865. 



Geo. Burnwcll, 184lh Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Geo. D. Blossom, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 

A. L. Hines, llOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862 ; diseh. 1803, disability. 

F. Walker, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 

J. Peterson, 24th Cavalry. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 

G. A. Smith, 184th Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Louis Laroy, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861; disch. Sept., 1865. 

F. Colligan, 81st Inf. Enlisted Aug., 18B1 ; disch. Sept., 1862. 
S. Ilolliday, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1805. 
II. Newstead, 81st Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1802 ; discharged 1805. 
Adam Faro, 81st Inf. Enl'd Feb., 1862 ; disch. Feb., 1803, disability. 

B. F. Whitford, 157th Inf. Enlisted Feb., 1804; discharged 1805. 
Wm. AVhitford, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged. 

Jos. Baker, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; discharged Sept., 1865. 
F. Pelo, Udth Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Wm. I. Tabor, 2d H. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864 ; discharged 1865. 
John L. Hines, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; disch.arged 1865. 
A. Sparks, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; pro. to sorg.; disch. 1865. 
Wm. Hull, 21st Bat. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; discharged Aug., 1863. 
Frank W. Sparks, 55th Ohio. Enlisted Oct., 1801 ; wounded; disch. 

Oct., 1864. 
H. D. Dubois, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 
James Oats, Olh H. Art. Enlisteil Jan., 1864 ; discharged 1865. 
Michael Oats, 9lh H. Art.' Enlisted Jan., 1864 ; discharged 1865. 
James Farrel. Enlisted Feb., 1865 ; discharged 1865. 
Wm. Farrel, 193il Art. Enlisted Mar., 1805; discharged 1805. 
Michael Ilanan, 16th Reg. Enlisted Feb., 1805; discharged 1865. 
John Murphy. Enlisted Oct., 1801 ; discharged Oct., 1803, disability. 
Wm. Ilanau, 9th II. Art. Enlisted J.an., 1864 ; discharged 1805. 
Samuel Frisby. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; discharged 1805. 
Jos. M. Hull, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sc]>t., 1801 ; discharged 1865. 
Chas. C. Hull, 81st Inf. Enlisted Alarch. 1864 ; discharged 1865. 
John Benson, 21st Bat. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Samuel Benson, UOth Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 

D. Du Bois, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1805. 
John W. Du Bois, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804 ; discharged 1865. 
Eli Pierce, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804: discharged 1805. 
James Gibbins, 2d II. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1865. 
John Grcenman, 2d II. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1865. 
S. C. Bartlett, I84th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
H. Hubbard, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 
Geo. M. Stowell, 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec, 1863; serg't; disch. 1865. 
Milo Sweeting, 161h Regulars. Discharged 1865. 

Wm. Green, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Geo. W. Williams, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863; disch. 1864. 
Wellington France, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; disch. 1865. 
Jas. Brookmire, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 : discharged 1865. 
Chas. H. Smith, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862: disch. Nov., 1862, disab. 
Benj. Borden, 10th Keg. Enlisted Jan., 1865 ; discharged 1865. ^ 

E. B. Burdick, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 
Edward Babcock, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug , 1802 ; pro. ; diseh. 1865. 
Abel Babcock, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sejit., 1864; discharged 1865. 
William Babcock, Slst Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; discharged 1805. 
Smith Merwin, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
M. A. Flowers, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sejit., 1864; pro.; disch. 1865. 
John Looker, 8Ist Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1801 ; disch. Oct., 1862, disab. 
Wm. II. Hall, 10th II. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1864; discharged 1805. 
Jas. D. Hamilton, UOth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1802; serg't; disch. 1803. 
Chas. R. Churchill, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1864; disch. 1805. 
George L. Rice, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
David Stone, UOth Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Wm. Churchill, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sejit., 1801 ; pro. corp. ; disch. 1865. 
Geo. H. Stone, 81st Inf. Discharged 1805. 

Henry U. Hall, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Nov., 1803; discharged 1865. 
Benj. G. Sparks, Slst Inf. Enlisted Scjit., 1861 ; disch. Sept., 1864. 
Amos Allport, 1 47th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; promoted ; disch. 
Truman King, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
David AVorden, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Daniel Carson, Jr. Enlisted July, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Daniel N. Bronson, 4th H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863 ; disch. 1865. 
Wesley Madison, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Milton Jones, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 
Chas. H. Hall, 2l8t Battery. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; discharged 1865. 
Loyd P.armiler, 4th H. Art. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Jos. Baker, Jr., 24th Cav. Enl'd Dec, 1863; died Juno 17/ 1864. 



422 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Joieph Palo, 14-th Inf. EnliBted Aug., 1862; ilied Feb. 27, 1863. 

John II. Simpson, llOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; pro. to sergeant; 
discharged 1865. 

M'm. H. Simpson, lllth H. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1861; disch. 1R65. 

Robert .'^impson, 184th luf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 

L. 0. S. .Madison, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; 2d sergeant : pro- 
moted to major; discharged 1865. 

Z. Paterson, 110th Inf. Enlislol Aug., 1862: discharged 1865. 

Hiram .Madison, 24th Cav. Enlisted May, 1861 ; disch. .Mav, 186.*!. 

.M. I,, .■^tiariis, lOlh Ohio. EiilM .May, 1803 ; disch. Aug., 1863, disab. 

John E. -MadiBon, tfth 11. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; disch. 1865. 

Wm. F. liarlow, linth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862: discharged 1865. 

Benj. V. Ma<lison, 8l9t Inf. Enlistcil Sept., 1861 : disch. Sept., 1864. 

Joel E. Streeler, ISlth Inf. Enlisted Aug.. 1864: discharged 1865. 

Xucius II. Tompkins, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; disch. 1864. 

Jas. W. I'arkhurst, 181th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; promoted to 
captain : dischargiMl 1865. 

Byron li. Parkhurst, 1 (Tlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; promoted three 
times; discharged 1805. 

A. Dccory. 147th Infantry. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 

Bcnj. It. Smith, llOlh Inf. Enl'il Aug., 1802 ; disch. Dec, 1862; disab. 

F. tiillierl, 184th Inf. Enlislcd S.-pt., 1864; discharged 1865. 

L. N. Borden, 'Jth Jl. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1863; discharged 1865. 

John Sigourney, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 

John .«parks, 18tlh Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 

Frank Waugh, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; pro.; disch. 1865. 

Henry Hubbard, 147th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862; pro. to capt. ; disch. 
1865. 

Colon Hall, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sejit., 1862; discharged 1865. 

A. R. I.arkin, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 

David Hyatl. 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; discharged 1805. 

L. I. Hall, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., IS02; disch. Dec, 1802, disab. 

Herbert Hailey, 1 2th Kegimcnt. Discharged 1865. 

K. .M. Davis, 18ltli Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 

Alix. tia.«ett, 1 17th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1864. 

C. M. Burt, linth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; died July 17. 1803. 

W. H. Wright, 2mh Wis. Enlisted Aug., 1802; died Aug. 11, 1863. 

Chas. Coon, 147th Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1864; died June 1, 1864. 

F. H. Hamlin, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died Aug., 1864. 

Daniel (iugle, 8Isl Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1801 ; died Jan. 25, 1864. 

Lewis I!. Porter. 81st Inf. Enid Sept., 1861 : died March 17, 1862. 

Silas Halleek. M7th Inf. Enlisted July, 1802 ; died July 1, 1863. 

John .Manifold, f.'.Uh III. Enlisted Sept.. 1801 ; died March 18, 1863. 

Jas. H. Manifol.l, '.I7th III. EnlM Aug., 1802; died July 28, 1863. 

John II. Coon, 147th Inf. Enlisted .Sept., 1802; died Apr. 2, 1863. 

(Jeo. W. Coon. 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died Apr. 12, 1863. 

Geo. P. Holly, 8l8t Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; killed at Fair Oaks. 

Edgar .M. Warren, llUth Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1862; died July 13, 1863. 

Wni. Woolworlh, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862; died Feb. 22, 1863. 

Wni. Stevens, 14th Inf. Enlisted Nov., 1862; died Aug. 14, 1S63. 

Chas. Read, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1861 ; died in rebel prison. 

Henry Read, 8lst Inf. Enlisted^Aug., 1861 : died May 20, 1864. 

Thos. H. Robinson. 'Jib H. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1804 ; died July 17, 1864. 

Frank Welch, 81st Inf. Enlisted Jan., 1802; killed at Cold Harbor. 

Giles Read, 81st Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1801 ; died June 5, 1802. 

Luther Hall, 81st Inf. Enlisteil Jan., 1864 ; died June 20, 1864. 

Wm. Ramsey, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died Dec 6, 1863. 

Silas Delung, 20th Inf. Enlisted Feb., 1804; died March 10, 1804. 



Wm. U. Barncs,81st iDf. Enlisted Oct., 1861; died Fob. 1, 1864. 
Julius Davis, UOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died May 18, 1863. 
David .Mulligan. llOlh Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died Aug. 18,1863. 
Jas. A. Brown, 24th Inf. Enlisted Apr., 1861 ; did Sept. 21, 1862. 
Joel A.Baker, 147th Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1862 : pro. to capt. ; disch. 1865. 
John II. Downs, 21st Bat. Enl'd Sept., 1862; pro. to lieut. ; disch. 

1864. 
Lewis Lafaver, 193il Inf. Enlisted .\pr., 1865: discharged 1865. 
Thos. W. Smith, 18lih Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; pro. : disch. 1865. 
Wni. Holmes, lloih Inf. Enli.'led Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
John Dawson, llntb Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Edw. B. Bilkey, 9th H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1862: discharged 1865. 
Win. E. Long, »th H. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1802; discharged 1865. 
Nelson Wilmot, IU3d Inf. Enlisted .March, 1865; discharged 1865. 
Chas. Goddar<l, 127lh III. Enlisted July, 1862: ilischargeil 1865. 

F. T. Fish, 184lh Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1805. 
Wm. D. Gleason, 10th H. Art. Enlisted Feb., 1864; disch. 1865. 
Geo. R. Gleason, 10th Reg's. Enlisted Jan., 1805 ; discharged 1865. 
Thomas Gnrity. Enlisted April, 1805 ; discharged 1865. 

Allen Shaltuek. Ulb 11. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Caleb Shaltuek, 24th Cnv. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1865. 
T. Waugh, II 0th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802: discharged 1865. 
Washington Waugh, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802 : disch. 1865. 
John Waugh, llOtb Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 
John Crosier, Uth II. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; ilischargcd 1865. 
John Akins, 103d Inf. Enlisted .March, 1865; discharged 1865. 
John Comer, 123d Inf. Discharged 1865. 

L. Merich, 147th Inf. Enl'd Aug., 1863; pro. to serg't; ditch. 1865. 
tiscar Ilines, 21st Bat. Enlisted Sept.. 1862; discharged 1865. 
Joseph Comer, Navy. Twenty months in service. 
Patrick Malona, 2d Cavalry. 

Wm. Court, 147lli Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865. 
Jas. A. Scribner, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 : died Jan. 3. 1863. 
Chas. .M. Sheldon, 18tb Cav. Enl'd March, 1864 ; died Oct. 17, 1864. 
John W. Mullen, lloth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died Fob. 1, 1863. 
John P.Collins, lOOtb Inf. Enlisted July, 1802; killed in battle, 

July 0, 1804. 
Benj. B. Hart, 21th Inf. Enli.'ited .May, 1861 ; died Nov. 24, 1862. 
E. H. Craft, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802 ; died June 15, 1863. 
Jas. Delancey, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1804 ; died June 17, 1864. 
Manville Crooker, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1861 ; dieil May 31, 1862. 
Wm. H. Tayli>r. Enlisted Feb., 1804: dic<1 March 6, 1864. 
Wm. E. Dunham, 81st Inf. Enl'd Sept., 1801 ; killed at Cold Harbor. 
Jay Jewilt, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802: died Sept. 11, 1864. 
Geo. W. Du Bois, 81st Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1801 ; died June 15, 1862. 
James Ratiean, 84tli Inf. Killed at tiettysbiirg. 
Samuel Burrus, 4th H. Art. Dieil in Salisbury prison. 
Win. Martin, 147ib Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802: killed at Gettysburg. 
Julius Grnntier, 24th Inf. Enlisted .May, 1861 ; died June 19, 1862. 

G. R. Jones, M7th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; died Feb. 8, 1863. 

L. P. Hincs, »th H. Art. Enl'd Dec, 1862; killed in Shenandoah 

Valley, Oct., 1864. 
Jas. McDermon, 2d 11. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1804; died Sept. 1864, in 

Salisbury prison, 
Nicholas Cornier, 2d H. Art. Enl'd Jan., 1804 ; killed at Petersburg. 
Francis Boguett, 110th Art. Enl'd Aug., 1862; died at N. 0.. Apr. 

24, 1863. 
John Boguett, 81st Art. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died June 14, 1864. 



EEDFIELD. 



This town was the seat of one of the earliest and most 
flourishing settlements in Oswego County. In fact, so early 
did the very first emigrants locate there that they and their 
children have all passed away, and there is not a single per- 
son who can tell with absolute certainty when the first man 
swung his axe and built his cabin on the banks of Salmon 
river. The survivor whose memory goes back the farthest 
of any one that has lived in that town (and probably of 
any one in the county) is the venerable Mrs. Mary Porter, 
widow of Ashbel Porter, now a resident of the village of 
Orwell. She was brought by her father, Eli Strong, from 
Connecticut, in March, 1798. She was then four years 
old, and well remembers how she and her still younger 
brother were carried on the ice down Salmon river, from 
the residence of Captain Nathan Sage, near the present 
village of Redficld Square, to the location selected by her 
father for his new home, the two children being transported 
on the backs of the captain's black servant and white hired 
man. 

Captain Sage was afterwards well known in the county 
as Judge Sage, and after removing to Oswego was post- 
master and collector there many years. He was a Connec- 
ticut sea-captain, and was the leading pioneer of Redfield. 
He and a few other Connecticut men had located there 
between the spring of 1795 and the autumn of 1797, and 
had sent back glowing accounts of the fine, level flats on 
the Salmon river, — the virgin soil of which then appeared 
extremely fertile, — of the vigorous growth of timber, and, 
above all, of the pure, clear water everywhere to be found. 

Among those who came during the three years previous 
to 1798, besides Sage, were Deacon Amos Kent, James 
Drake, Benj. Thrall, Josiah Lyon, Samuel Brook.s, Eliakim 
Simons, and Isham Simons. The two latter are reported 
by tradition to have built the first barn in town, and to have 
raised it themselves. If so, they must have been the first 
settlers. Samuel Brooks, an unmarried man of twenty- 
eight, came in 1797. 

A considerable immigration came in the spring of 1798, 
and in the course of that year we find the first authentic 
written record regarding Redfield. The territory which 
now bears that name was then townships Nos. 7 and 12 of 
the " Boylston tract." No. 7, conslituting the north part 
of the present town, was then called Acudia, and was 
entirely unsettled. No. 12 had, as a survey-township, 
received the appellation of Redfield in honor of Dr. Fred- 
erick Redfield, who bought a large tract of land there very 
early, and vi.sited the locality, but died on his return to 
Connecticut to make arrangements for a permanent removal. 

Both these survey-townships, together with all the rest 
of Oswego County east of Oswego river, and a large tract 
lying eastward and northward, had been included in the town 



of Mexico, when it was re-organized by the law of 1796, 
and the authentic document before referred to is the as- 
sessment-roll of that town for the year 1798, more fully 
described in the general history. The assessed owners of 
property in " No. 12," in that year, were Samuel Brooks, 
Phineas Corey, Nathan Cook, Ebenezer Chamberlain, Jos. 
Clark, Taylor Chapman, Roger Cooke, James Drake, John 
Edwards, Nathaniel Eels, Titus Meacham, Amos Kent, 
Joseph Overton, Joel Overton, Silas Phelps, John Pruyn, 
Nathan Sage, Eli Strong, Jedediah Smith, Obadiah Smith, 
Samuel Smith, Josiah Tryon, Joseph Strickland, George. 
Seymour, Benjamin Tiirall, Jonathan Worth, Jos. Wick- 
ham, Thomas Wells, Luke Winohell, Charles Webster, 
Daniel Wilcox, and Jonathan Waldo, making thirty-two in 
all, while there were only twenty-six assessed in all the rest 
of Oswego County east of the Oswego river. 

Some of these (including the two Overtons) had come 
in the spring of 1798, others, as before mentioned, during 
the three years previous, and still others had merely acquired 
title to their lands, and had not yet become permanent resi- 
dents. This was the case with Phineas Corey, whose son, 
John H. Corey, now probably the oldest resident of Red- 
field, states that his father came thither in 1796, bought 
and paid for a tract of land, and then returned east, not 
making a permanent location on his purchase until 1800, 
when he, John, was three years old. 

Other settlers continued to come during and immediately 
after 1798, among whom were Erastus Hoskins, Benjamin 
Au.stin, and Elihu Ingraham. David and Jonathan Har- 
mon were also very early settlers, and probably came before 
1798. Farms were speedily opened along the river, above 
and below the present village of Radfield Square. Cap- 
tain Sage wa.s the agent of the proprietors. The only 
route by which the locality could be reached ran from 
Rome through the present town of Florence, Oneida 
county, and even that route was almost impassable fur 
wagons. The road now called the State road was laid out 
at this period by the State from Rome, running through 
Redfield and the northeast part of Boylston to Sackctt's 
Harbor, but was not entirely opened for travel until two or 
three years later. 

Snows of four, five, and even six feet in depth blockaded 
the settlers in winter, but still the level land, the fine tim- 
ber, and the clear water attracted new-comers. It is said 
of Eli Strong and others that they could have bought good 
land in the valley of the Mohawk, within a short distance 
of Utica, as cheaply as at Redfield, but they did not fancy 
the water, and pressed on to the sparkling springs and 
purling rills of Redfield. 

By the bcgitming of 1800 it was considered that 
there were inhabitants enough to form a separate town. 

423 



424 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUiNTY, NEW YORK. 



Application was accordingly made to the legislature, and 
on the 14th day of March, 1800, a town was formed which 
corresponded in size to the survcy-towni-hip of Kedticld 
(No. 12), and retained the same name. It is said that 
there was considcrahle disposition to call the town "Strick- 
land," after another large land-holder, but about the time of 
its organization he ran away with another man's wife, and 
so the good pctpple reverted to Ucdfield, on the ground that 
the doctor was dead and couldn't jiossibly commit a similar 
offense. It wa.s a very small town for those days, and made 
a mere notch in the side of far-spreading Mexico, but the 
Salmon river settlement constituted a Connecticut world by 
itself, separated by rocky hills and dense forests from other 
communities, and its boundaries were intended to include 
only these sons and daughters of the land of steady habits. 

On the first day of April, 1800, the voters met at the 
house of Josiah Tryon (the son-inlaw of Captain Sage), 
and organized the town by electing the following officers : 
Supervisor, Luke Winchell ; Town Clerk, Kli Strong; As- 
.sessors, Erastus lloskins, James I'r.ike, and IJenjamin 
Austin; Collector, Benjamin Tlirall ; Overseersof the Poor, 
Amos Kent and Jonathan Hiirnion ; Commissioners of 
Highways, Samuel Brooks, Daniel Wilcox, and Eliakim 
Simons ; Constable, Nathan Cook ; Path-masters, Eben- 
ezer Chamberlain, David Harmon, and Elihu Ingraham ; 
Fence-viewers, Titus Moiicliani, Isham Simons, and Nathan 
Sage ; Pound-master, David Harmon. 

This last office was no sinecure. Plenty of evidence is 
to be found in the town-book of the interest taken by the 
people in that good old New England institution, the pound. 
At tlic very first town-meeting a vote was passed that a 
pound should be erected " as near the forks of the road, by 
David Harniun's, as can bo found convenient," and that it 
should be composed of round timber, laid up forty feet by 
thirty. 

That summer the proprietors gave fifteen acres of land 
to the young town for public purposes, and at a special 
town-meeting held in September following, it was voted to 
accept the gift. It was laid out as a public square, the 
name of Centre Square was given to the locality, and the 
early settlers all called their embryo village by that name. 
They soon, however, abbreviated it to "the S(|Uare," and it 
is now generally known as licdfield Square, many of the 
residents having, apparently, never heard of the original 
designation. 

At the same meeting a penalty of five dollars was voted 
for felling trees into the Salmon river, unless they were 
immediately afterwards cut out. A bounty of five dollars 
was also voted for each wolf killed in the town. 

The .same year, 1800, Kiilni lii^rahani built the first saw- 
mill in town, and connected with it a run of stone, making 
also the first grist-mill, though a very inferior concern. It 
was run a few years, and then abandoned ; the inhabitants 
being afterwards compelled to go to Kome for their grinding, 
as they had done previous to its erection, or else resort to 
the primitive stump-mortar, so often mentioned in this 
work. 

Phineas Corey came in 1800, as before stated. David 
Butler came the same year, and in that year or the next 
opened the first tavern in town. It was a log building 



(situated near the northeast coroer of the S<|uarc), but that 
edifice was soon replaced by a frame one. 

In 1800 or 1801, also, came Amos and Joshua Johnson, 
brothers, whose occupations would now be considered the 
opposite of each other, but were not thus viewed at that 
period, when deacons frequently kept tavern, and attended 
sedulously to both the spirituous and spiritual needs of their 
customers. Amos, commonly called Colonel Johnson, kept 
the second tavern in town, situated .south of the creek, at 
Centre Square, and Joshua, who lived with him, was the 
first minister. He was of the Congregational denomination, 
as were most of these early New England settlers. 

At the same period ( 18IMI or 1801) Dr. Kiioeli Alden 
came from Rome and made his home in this secluded but 
promising locality. His own family, however, furnished 
the fiiTit occupant of the newly laid out grave-yard at Centre 
S(juare, his infant son, Franklin, being buried there in 1801 . 
This, however, was not the first death in town, as a young 
daughter of Wells Kellogg had previously been buried 
on the top of a hill on Captain Sage's farm, just west of 
Centre Square. 

It is said that after the burial of Dr. Alden's child, 
Katie, the daughter of " Priest Johnson," as he was com- 
monly called, a girl just verging into womanhood, frequently 
expressed a feeling of sadness at the thoui:ht of that little 
infant lying there ahnir. in the grave-yard. The same year 
she, too, was .stricken down by death, and the child was no 
longer alone. Her tombstone still stands in the same grave- 
yard, but scores lie buried all around to keep her company. 

It is not certain whether it was quite the first, but one 
of the first marriages was that of Samuel Brooks and 
Lamenta Strong, daughter of Kli Strong, and sister of .Mrs. 
Porter, before mentiuncil, wliii-h took place in 1801. Of 
that marriage Mrs. George McKiniiey was one of the off- 
spring. 

The first child born in town was a son of Ebenezer 
Chamberlain, who received the name of Ezra L'Honime- 
dieu Chamberlain, in honor of one of the great land-holders 
of that section. 

The first school of which any account can be obtained 
was taught in the winter of 1801-2, by the Rev. Mr. 
Johnson, though it seems probable that so large and intel- 
ligent a community had had one before. It is certain, 
however, that the first church (Congregational) was organ- 
ized in 1802 by Mr. Johnson, with nineteen members, and 
this was unquestionably the first church organization within 
the present county of Oswego. It antedated by five years 
the first formation of a church in Mexico, and preceded by 
fourteen years a similar proceeding in Oswego village. In 
1802, also, Captain Sage was appointed a judgi' of the court 
of common pleas of Oneida county ; being the first official 
above the rank of supervisor within the present county of 
Oswego. 

Allyn Seymour, father of the late Rodney Seymour, 
came in 1802, and settled about a mile east of the Square. 
An exciting incident of that year, remembered only by the 
earliest settlers, was the burning of Beiij. Austin's house, 
where an infant a few months old was snatched from its 
cradle by another child, only five or six years of age, who 
barely succeeded in saving its life. The babe thus saved 




James Fetrie. 






■?X?i;a-3^tl^#k4^:f.'.^K:, ~Y^4^.„,i - ' . "" 





Res. of James Fetrih, Rldfielo.Osviego Co., N Y. 



./ 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



425 



became in later years the Rev. Mr. Aastin, a celebrated 
Universalist minister. 

Phineas Corey was appointed one of the earliest ju.stices 
of the peace, in 1802. His books as justice are still pre- 
served by his son, John H. Corey, as are also his father's 
account-books. The latter reach back to 1801, charges 
being made in tliat year againist Jacob Houscr, Dr. Aldon, 
and Aaron West. The last-named person was debited with 
a hundred pounds of venison at three cents per pound, and 
" two yards of tobacco" at three cents per yard. On in- 
quiry regarding thi.s curious entry, we were informed that 
tobacco twisted into a long, slender rope was commonly 
sold by the yard in those early days. The price charged 
for a day's work with an ox-team, harrowing and logging, 
was " nine shillings," — a dollar twelve and a half cents 

It would appear that the pound, forty feet by thirty, 
Toted at the first town-meeting, was either not erected or 
was not considered suEBciently .stylish, for at a special meet- 
ing held in August, 1802, it was decreed that a pound forty 
feet square and eight feet high should be erected in the 
public square. It was to be of hemlock timber, with sills 
and plates on all sides ; to have three posts between each 
corner ; the spaces between each pair of posts to be occu- 
pied with seven bars of sawed timber, two by five inches 
each, tenoned into the posts; the structure to be furnished 
with a good gate, with lock and hinges. 

It is a little difficult to understand the object of this fine 
institution, as at the same meeting it was voted that hogs 
should be "free commoners." It was certainly curious if 
cattle were shut up and hogs allowed to run at large. At 
the same time it was voted that the highway commissioners 
should open the '-great road," from Allen Merrill's to the 
bridge, with money to be raised by the town. 

They were not as particular about fences as in some 
towns, for at a later meeting it was decreed that they need 
be only four feet high, the part under three feet to have but 
six-inch spaces between the rails. 

The first suit at law which can be found on record in 
Esquire Corey's docket (though doubtless there were others 
tried before) was in 1804, between Amos Kent, David 
Butler, and Eli Strong, j)laintiffs, and Isham Simons, then 
of Rome, defendant. A judgment of twenty-two dollars 
was rendered in favor of the plaintiffs. 

Another record of that j'ear was this very simple but 
sufficient announcement ; " Married by me, John Thomas, 
of Sandy Creek, to Betsey Dobson, of this place. Phineas 
Corey." 

Betsey Dobson had a brother, Thomas Dobson, a man of 
great strength and daring. On one occasion, when in the 
woods without a gun, he discovered a bear (probably a 
young one) on the point of ascending a tree. Rushing up, 
he seined the animal's paws in an iron grasp, and held his 
legs around the tree until Dobson's shouts brought a man 
to his assistance, who dispatched the unfortunate Bruin. 

Besides bears and wolves, the shriek of the savage pan- 
ther was sometimes heard on the hills that overlooked the 
valley of the Salmon. In 1808 or 1804, Erastus Hoskins 
and Luke Winchell had the honor of killing the first of these 
ferocious animals evi^r slain in town. There have been but 
two or throe killed since. 
28 



In the winter of 1S04-5 a strong effiirt was made to 
organize a new county from Oneida, comjirising the terri- 
tory of the present counties of Lewis and Jefferson, and 
the greater part of Oswego, with the county-scat at Red- 
field. Instead of that, the two new counties of Lewis and 
Jefferson were formed in March, 1805, leaving Redfield in 
Oneida. 

A hotly-contested suit, tried on the 10th of December, 
1805, between Dr. Enoch Alden and Wells Kellogg, resulted 
in a verdict of twelve and a half cents for the plaintiff. 
The jury consisted of Jonathan Harmon, foreman ; Amos 
Kent, David Butler, David Harmon, Ebenezer-Chamberlain, 
and Hezekiah Ford. 

Soon afterwards Dr. Alden returned to Rome to reside, 
and the little settlement was left without a physician. There 
was no store, the miniature gri.st-mill built by Ingraham was 
abandoned, and a long journey must be made ere one could 
either live or die in accordance with the rules of civilized 
society. At first Rome wa.s the nearest resort, but at a 
later period a store and other conveniences were to be found 
at Florence, only eight miles distant. 

Yet these secluded pioneers were an intelligent and relig- 
ious community, and the school and church never cea.sed 
to flourish. After Mr. Johnson, a Mr. Charles Owen taught 
the school at the Square, and the Rev. William Stone, father 
of the celebrated editor and author, William L. Stone, offi- 
ciated as minister. 

Very patriotic, too, were these sons and daughters of Con- 
necticut. Nearly every recurring Fourth of July saw an 
enthusiastic celebration, when bowers covered with bushes 
were built in the public square, and long tables capable of 
accommodating every man, woman, and child in the little 
community were spread with the bounteous cheer produced 
by the farms around. There the roast pig, standing on all- 
fours, ruled over a wilderness of meats, game, fish, bread, 
cake, pies, and all the savory results of the skill of New 
England housewives. 

For a rostrum an immense hemlock, standing on the 
Square, wa.s cut off some twenty feet from the ground, and 
a platform built on the lofty stump, capable of accommo- 
dating all the officials of the day. From that commanding 
and romantic elevation, on many an Independence day, 
successive orators thundered forth their eulogies of Ameri- 
can liberty, and their denunciations of despotism in every 
form. There, too, afler the feast had been disposed of, the 
magnates assembled, of whom Captain Sage was the most 
prominent, toasts were drank in New England rum, which 
the morals of that day did not interdict, and the empty 
bottles flung down to the ground amid the cheers of the 
multitude below. 

Though there were no Indians residing close by, the 
Oiiciilds went through the town every fall on their hunting 
excursions. They were on good terms with the settlers, 
but were iis fond then as now of getting food or drink 
without labor. Mrs. Porter relates that one Sunday in 
autumn her father's family went to church, leaving her, 
then only six years old, alone in the house. While sitting 
in the kitchen she noticed the darkening of the open door- 
way, and, looking up, saw a squaw standing within it. The 
latter began to talk and gesticulate, but tlii' frightened child 



426 



HISTORY OF 08\VEG0 COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



conld nut understand a word. Finally, the Indian \roiDan 
pointed tu the |iuni|ikins irrowing luxuriantly auiid the com 
dose to the house-, and made motions to show that she 
wanted one. 

" Yes, yea," exclaimed .^lary, anxious to get rid of her 
visitor. The R(|uaw went into the corn-field, and then the 
little girl on looking out saw twenty or thirty Indians and 
B<|Uaws in the road, every one of whom followed the ex- 
ample of their companion. Each picked out the best 
]>uinpkiii to be found, slung it in hi.s or her blanket, and 
marched off, leaving a serious vacanc)' in the pumpkin crop. 

Among th(r immigrants who came previous to the war of 
1S12, besides those already mentioned, were Richard Dini- 
mick, Squire Ilinman, tJolin Caster, Ezra Dewey, and James, 
Nathan, and John Harris. Though there was no regular 
store, it would appear as if Wells Kellogg kept a good many 
things to sell, from the frequency with which some of the 
other residents were found "confessing judgment" in his 
favor on the books of Justice Corey. 

In 1807 the survey-township of Acadia was annexed to 
the town of lludfield. As no one lived in it, the only effect 
was t« increase the amount of Kedfield's taxable property. 
In the same year (April 1 ) the first po.st-oflice was estab- 
lished in the town, the name being liedfield, and llussell 
Stone being the first postmaster. 

Meanwhile the " great road" had been opened through to 
Sackett's Harbor (instead of Brownville, as originallj' in- 
tended), and much travel pa.«scd over it. Nearly all the 
emigrants to the southern part of Jefferson county took 
this route. During the war of ISlli the "State road" 
was the scene of still greater animation. Bodies of troops 
were constantly passing', — reckless regulars disposed to ap- 
propriate whatever eatables they could lay their hands on, 
and niild-maniicred militia, sent to the front by draft, and 
sadly regretting the comfortable homes they had left behind. 

Mrs. Porter recounts how on one occasion a company 
Cimipcd on the public square while the young ladies of the 
vicinity were gathered at a rpiilting-party near by. The 
captain ajtproached and politely invited the girls to dance 
with his men. They as.seiited, and in a lew moments sol- 
diers and maidens were footing it blithely over the green 
to the inspiring sounds of the frolicsome violin. 

In 1813, Dr. David Dickcrson located himself at Centre 
S<|uare, being the second ]iliysician in town, and the only 
one at that time. After selecting his home he .sent for his 
wife, with whom came her sister, Sophronia Sherwood, then 
a young woman, now the venerable widow of Rodney Sev- 
mour. At that time Mrs. Seymour states there were only 
three or four houses at Centre Square, besides the taverns 
of Colonel Jt)hnsoii and Mr. West, though there were 
numi'rous farms in a good slate of cultivation u|i and down 
flic river. The nearest store and tlu' nearest grist-mill were 
then at Florence. 

Ader the war immigration began agiiin, though more 
slowly than on the first o])ening of the town. People had 
discovered more fertile, though certainly not more healthy, 
localities farther on, and pas.sed somewhat disdainfully by 
the pure water and cool uplands of Reilfield. Yet the 
valley of the upper Salmon still bore a lively appearance. 
The State road became the route of an important stage- 



line, and travel constantly ]>ourcd along it. That road and 
the one down Black river were the two great thoroughfares 
between the valley of the Mohawk and that of the St. 
Lawrence. Just after the war Dr. Aldeo returned from 
Rome, and built a grist-mill at the Square, which stands 
there to this day. 

When the jiroject for a division of Oneida county was 
nioot4.'d, the people of Redfield Voted a remonstrance against 
it in town-meeting. The plan succeeded, however. Os- 
wego County was formed in 18 IG, and Kedfield became its 
uortheasternmost town. 

The people still retained their interest in religion and 
education, and in 1817 and 1818 voted to raise for .schools 
three times the amount received from the State; the largest 
proportion which we have observed anywhere or at any 
time. At the same time their general ideas regarding the 
expenditure of public money were very frug-.d. In 1818 
it was voted that the commissioners of highways should 
treat with those of Orwell for the building of a joint bridge 
over Salmon river, but should not give over thirty dollars 
for the purpose ! 

But the wolves, which .still raged against the shocpfold, 
were the cau.se of the promptest liberality. In ISIS twenty 
dollars was voted for the "pate" of each wolf killed in the 
town. The bounty on foxes was fifty cent.s. The town- 
record for the same year contains this imjKjrious decree, — 
of Spartan brevity and Roman firmness, — "voted, that all 
hogs shall have rings in their noses." A supjilemenlary 
resolution directed a fine of twenty-five cents for each por- 
cine animal running at large between the Isl of April and 
the 1st of December without the ornament required by law. 

It was not till about 1824 that the people felt able to 
build a church edifice, when the Methodists erected a neat 
structure at the Sipiare, which still remained the centre of 
all business. When there are two denominations in a town 
and one of them builds a church, the other is pretty sure 
to follow the exam]ile. Accordingly, in 1829 the Congre- 
gationalists erected an edifice similar in size and appearance 
to that of the Methodi.sts. Both these small but tasteful 
structures, kept in thorough repair, still adorn the sides of 
Redfield Square. 

Up to this time (1830) there had been almost no settle- 
ment in the northern part of the town. The " Nine-Mile 
woods" stretched in primeval gloom along the State road, 
unbroken by a single clearing, save where a man named 
Webb kept a rude tavern near the middle of them. After 
183(1. settlers began to clear U]) the long-unoccupied .section. 

This section continued to ht.- celebrated for its deeji snows. 
Mr. George McKinney relates how, in 1832, the people of 
Redfield on the .south, and of Lorraine (Jefferson county) 
on the north, turned out tn iiuis.if to break the road through 
the Nine-Mile woods. With infinite labor their work was 
acconqili.shed, and the two parties met at night at Webb's 
tavern, Tliere was hardly room for them to stand, much 
le.«s to lie down, ,so all idea of sleep was abandoned, anil the 
night was passed in a general jubilee. In three days the 
road was full again, and for some time the mail had to be 
! carried on snow-shoes. 

About 183") the first store in town was opened at the 
Square by John II. Corey, son of the early pioneer and 



HISTOllY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



427 



magistrate, Phineas Corey. lie was succeeded by Henry 
Brooks, and since then Redfield has been duly represented 
in the mercantile department of business. 

A considerable number of settlers had by this time 
located in the survey-township of Acadia, and on the 21st 
of February, 1843, it was formed into a town by the name 
of "Greenhoro'," a post-office of that name being after- 
wards established on the State road, near the Boylston line. 
The new town, however, was too sparsely settled to support 
an organization ; difficulties arose with the proprietors re- 
garding the taxing of non-resident lands, and on the 1st day 
of March, 1848, Greenboro' was re-annexcd to lledtield. 

About 1855 two large tanneries were erected at Redfield 
Square, one by Streeter Bros, and one by Chauncey Burket. 
They suspended operations in consequence of the financial 
crisis of 1857, but were shortly afterwards revived, one by 
J. A. Coles and one by Lapham, Clarington & Burket. 
They have since passed into the hands of 0. K. Lapham. 

About 1865 a railroad from Williamstown village to 
Maple Hill, built for the purpose of carrying wood, was 
extended into the town of Redfield to a point about two 
and a half miles from the Square. Up to 1871 it did a 
very heavy business, and an immense amount of wood was 
cut and carried off. After that time wood became scarce, 
though the road was kept in operation until 1876, when 
it was abandoned and the track taken up. 

Meanwhile the tanneries have given a new impulse to 
the business of the town, employing as they do about fifty 
hands in their immediate operation, and offering a market 
for immense quantities of hemlock bark, obtained not only 
in this town, but in the adjacent part of Lewis county. 
Under the management of Mr. Lapham's foremen, C. C. 
Hayden and Adam Lock, they are capable of tanning near 
thirty thousand hides each per year. A store is connected 
with them. 

Besides this, there are at the Square a large dry-goods 
and grocery store, owned by G. G Simons, the grist-mill 
of D. P. Penfield, the saw-mill of Chas. McKinney, and the 
cheese-factory of Mr. McAdam. In the north part of the 
town, still called Greenboro' in common parlance, are three 
saw-mills, owned respectively by Messrs. Saunders, Button, 
and Yerdon. 

The people of Redfield still retain their old interest in 
education, schools are well attended, and it is seldom indeed 
that one will sec, in so small a village, as fine a school- 
house as the handsome two-story one at Redfield Square, in 
which a graded school, with two departments, is liberally 
sustained. 

TlIK PRESBYTERI.A.N CHURCH. 

This is the one which, as has been mentioned, was origi- 
nally organized as a Congregational society, with nineteen 
members, in 1802, and is consequently the oldest church in 
the county. Owing to the loss of its records, very little 
can be learned regarding it more than has just been given 
in the general sketch of the town. Rev. Joshua Johnson 
was the first pastor, serving, as near as we can learn, some 
twelve or fifteen years. Subsequent to him, and we think 
immediately succeeding him, was Rev. Wm. Stone. 

For nearly thirty years the congregation worshiped in 
the school-house, but about 1821) a small, neat church 



edifice was erected at Redfield Square, at a cost of about a 
thousand dollars. The church has since adopted the Pres- 
byterian form of government, that form being substantially 
all that distinguishes the two denominations. The present 
officers are as follows : 

Acting pastor, Rev. F. N. Greeley ; Elders, P. Cooper, 
James Petrie, and E. M. Parsons. 

THE METHODIST CIlURCn (REDFIELD AND FLORENCE 
CIRCUIT). 

The records of this church go back to 1845. A class 
was organized at Redfield Square as early as 1820, and 
probably earlier. A house of worship was erected in 1824, 
being the first in town. As usual, several cla.sses were 
joined in one circuit. In 1845, Redfield, Williamstown, 
Amboy, and Florence (Oneida county) were thus united. 
In 1 848 the circuit was reduced to Redfield and Florence. 
In 1853 each of these localities became a separate charge. 
We have not been able to learn of the existence of a record 
of the Redfield church while sejiarate. Redfield and Flor- 
ence were afterwards reunited in one charge, and from the 
books in the hands of the clerk we obtain the following 
imperfect list of ministers: 

Rev. Orra Squires, 1845 ; Harris Kingsley, 1846 ; Jacob 
M. Park, 1847 ; Asahel Aldrich, 1849-50 ; Samuel Salis- 
bury, 1851-52 ; L. Whitney, 1853 ; . . . William Jloore, 
1867-68 ; James R. Moore, 1869 ; Allen Miller, 1870-72 ; 
Samuel Salisbury, 1873 ; George W. Hughes, 1874-75 ; 
James D. Dickson, 1876; R. 0. Beebe, 1877. The 
present stewards are Joel Loomis, Wm. Fink, and Wm. 
Rant. 

SUPERVISORS AND TOWN CLERKS. 

Supervisors.— Lvke Winchell, 1800 ; Eli Strong, 1801 ; 
Nathan Sage, 1802-10; Wm. Lord, 1811-26; Daniel 
Dimmick, 1827-33; Edwin Rockwell, 1834-39; Rodney 
Seymour, 1840; Reuben Drake, 1841-42; Rodney Sey- 
mour, 1843-44; Gideon Parkhurst, 1845-46; Rodney 
Seymour, 1847; Daniel Dimmick, 1848-49; Sheldon 
Brooks, 1850-52; Gideon Parkhurst, 1853; Arthur V* 
Perry, 1854-55 ; Daniel Dimmick, 1856-57; Chas. Mc- 
Kinney, 1858 ; Daniel Dimmick, 1859-61 ; Sylvester 
Goodrich, 1862 ; Daniel Dimmick, 1863-64 ; Chas. Mc- 
Kinney, 1865-66; Daniel Dimmick, 1867; James Petrie, 
1868; Daniel Dimmick, 1869; A. G. Sexton, 1870-72; 
Lewis L. Fleming, 1873-76 ; Andrew S. Coey, 1877. 

Toion ClerJcs.—m\ Strong, 1800 ; Wells Kellogg, 1801 ; 
Eli Strong, 1802-4; Isaac Conkling, 1805; Jonathan 
Doming, 1806-13; Amos Kent, 1814-17; Allyn Sey- 
mour, 1818; Amos Kent, 1819-21 ; Samuel W. Johnson, 
1822-23; Ira Seymour, 1824-27 ; Wm. Lord, Jr., 1828- 
29; Geo. McKinney, 183(1; Wm. Lord, Jr., 1831 ; Moses 
H. Webster, 1832; Reuben Drake, 1833; Wm. Lord, Jr., 
1834-35; John Corey, 1836; Hinman Griswold, 1837; 
Henry Brooks, 1838-39; John K. Perry, 1840-41; 
Franklin Washburn, 1843; Henry Brooks, 1844-51; 
Reuben Drake, 1852-55 ; John K. Perry, 1856 ; Alphonso 
II. Seymour, 1857 ; Ilcman Bacon, 1858 ; A. II. Seymour, 
1859 ; Gilbert M. Parsons, 1S60 ; Elias M. Parsons, 1861 ; 
Chas. McKinney, 1862; Jo.seph C. Thompson, 1863-64; 



428 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Geo. Elmer, 1865-C6; J. M. Burton, 1867; Henry J. 
Burkctt, 1808; J. B. Parsons, 1869; H. J. Burkett, 
1870; Robert Cooper, 1871; John Cooper, 1872; Win. 
J. Gooding, 187i-76 ; Stephen C. Thompson, 1877. 

OFFICKKS OF KEDFIELD IN 1877. 
Andrew S. Coey, supervisor ; Stephen C. Thompson, 
town elcrk ; Jolin Lyons, Abraham Yerdon, Jeremiah Gor- 
man, and Alfred H. Perry, justices of the peace; Martin 
V. B. ('lem(n.>;, Charles MiKiiiiiey, rind Wm. Fink, asses- 
sors; Thomas T. McNaniara, Lyman Gaylord, and Orson 
Randall, commissioners of highways; Virgil Seymour, 
overseer of the poor ; Hiram B. Algwire, collector ; George 
S. Thompson, James i"^IcNamara, and Sylvester H. Adams, 
auditors ; Charles Clemens, Marion V. I). Jackson, and 
John Costollo, in.'ipectors of election ; H. B. Algwire, Jno. 
Cooper, J. C. Adams, and Wm. Wright, constables ; Peter 
McOwen, sealer; John Murphy, game constable ; Tilly R. 
Sheldon, pound-master ; John C. Thomp.son, Matthew 
Couiiskey, and Virgil J. Seymour, eommissionei's of excise. 



BIOGRArHlCAL SKETCH. 



JAMES PETRIE 

was born in Orkney, Scotland, May 15, 1810, the sixth of 
ten children. His father was Robert Petrie, a farmer and 
weaver. James married Jessie Guthrie, of Kirkwell, Scot- 
land, in 1845. Seven children — two.sonsand Bvo daughters, 
all living — were born to them, one in Scotland, the rest in 
America. Ilelandcd in New York June2, 1847, andarrived 
ill Redficld on the Otli of the same month. ' One month 
after, by the aid of a brother in New York, he purchased 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, clearing enough to 
keeji five cows and a .<]uin of horses. This farm wa.s after- 
wards traded, by his brother, for a house in Brooklyn, 
James receiving the money he had paid upon it. In 1853 
he purcha.sed the Lewis farm of two hundred and sixty-two 
and a half acres, where his eldest son now lives. In 1872 
he purchased the Burkett farm of two hundred acres, where 
he now lives. Besides the eldest son above mentioned, 
three daughters are married, and are living in the vicinity. 
Mr. Petrie has served as commissioner of highways and as 
supervisor of the township. In politics he is a Republican. 
At the age of sixteen he joined the Secession Presbyterian 
ehurch of Scotland, his father being an elder in the same 
for over thirty years. Mr. Petrie has been elder in the 
ehurch ■ for several years. Coming to this country with 
very limited means, by untiring industry he has accumulated 
a hanil.siime fnrliine. and ranks among the most thrifly of 
the farmers of the ueidiborhood. 



MIMTAUV RECORD UF UKDFIELD. 



Ilirnm Alk<ii, Kiilistcd in the ISOlh Inf., September I, 1SG4; cli«- 

clinr^iMl in the summer of lHn;'». 
James Ciicy. iMustereil in tlii' I ITlli Inf., Aug. 27, 1802; wiiundeil ; 

|iromute«l to ca|itHiii iiiiil tu majur ; die. in the summer uf lStJ5. 



JtmcB L. Dslcomb. Enliiled iu the llOth Inf., Aug. 10, 1802; dii. 

in pummcr of 1865. 
William McOnn. Enlisted in the 147th RcgL, Aug. 20, 18C2 ; 

wounded ; diiicharged in summer of 1865. 
John P. Jnmes. Enlisted in the .'ilh Inf., Aug. 10, 1862 ; dia. in 1865. 
Evan Jones. Enlisted in the 5ih Inf., Aug. lU, 1862; die. in 1865. 
Alfred Tucker. Enlisted iu the :i,'ith Inf., Jan. 5, 1861; dis. in tho 

summer of 1865. 
Orson Itnndall. Enlixled in the 59th Inf., Aug. 19, 1861; reen- 

lisleil Aug. Itl, IS64 ; dis, in the suminerof IS65. 
John Livingstone. Enlisted in the lluth Krgt., Aug, 10, 1862; 

wounded : dis, in tho summer of 1865, 
Norniiin 1', Smith. Enlisted in the 5Uth Inf,, (let, 15, 18CI, us a 

musieitin, 
Robert Cooper, Enlisted in the 5lh II, Art., Feb. 7, I8C2; reenl. 

Feb. 17,1.864. 
(icorge M. Jones. Enl. in tho 10th II. Art., .Sept. II. \><(<2; dis. iu 

the summer of 1865, 
John McNamara, Enlisted in the ISth Inf., Sept, 1, 1862; dis, in 1865. 
Daniel McMubnn, Enl, in th}' 24lh Inf„ Jan., 1861 ; reenl, in Oct,, 

180,1; dis, in the summer of 1865, 
Garret Miller. Enl, in the llOth Inf, .Sept, II, 1862; promoted to 

eurp, ; re-enl. .*^ept. 2.'1, ISftl; dis. in the summer i»f 1865. 
Ebeneier Adsit. Enl. in the M7lh Inf., Auc. 21, I8i;2: prom, to 

Corp. ; dis. in the summer of 1805. 
Orson .Sheldon. Enl. in the 180th Inf., Sept. 15, 1801 : dis. in the sum- 
mer of 1865. 
Daniel A. Grant. Enlisted in the 9M Inf., Nov. 18, 1861 ; wounded; 

dis. in summer of 1865. 
John N. Grnnt. Enlisted in tho 9:td Inf., Nov. 18, I86I; prom, to 

Corp.; wounded; dis. in the summer of 1805. 
Wm. Currin. Enl. in the 50th Inf., Not. 3, 1861 ; prom, to corp. 

nnil sergt. ; re-enl. 1864. 
William Barllett. Enlisted in tho U7th Inf., October 7, 1861 : |>ro- 

moted lo 1st sergt. and 2d lieut. ; re-enlisted Jan, 1, 1864 ; dis, 

in summer of 1865, 
Joseph liartlett. Enlisted in the 81st Inf,, Oct, 7, 1801 ; )iromoted 

to Ist lieut. ; re-enlisled Jan., 1864 ; dis. in summer of 1865. 
Charles S. lialcnni. Enlisted in the «3d Regt., Oct. 10. 1861, as cor- 
poral ; dis. in stonmer of 1805. 
Daniel Balcom. Enlisted in the I84lh Inf., Sept. 7, 1.S04; dis. in 

summer of 1865. 
Daniel Gerden. Enlisted in the lioth Rigl., August 10, 1802; dis. 

in I.>I05, 
Norman Randall, Enlisted in the ISOth Inf,, Sept, 7, 1864; dis, in 

sumiiier of 1805, 
Lyman Randall, Enlisted in the ISOth Inf,, .^ept. 22, 1804: re-en- 
listed Dee., 180.1; ilis. in summer of 1805. 
John R. Carter. Enlisted in tho 186th Inf., Sept. IS, 1864; dis. in 

1805. 
Chester Carter. Enlisted in the ISOlli Inf., Aug. 23, 1804; dis. in 

summer of -1805. 
Stephen Rnbilliird. Enlisted in the lOth Heavy Art., Sept. 24, 1864 ; 

dis. in ISO,'). 
Sidney C. Gaylord. Enl. in the I47lh Inf., Aug. 21, 1862; pro. to 

2d lieut.; killed in the battle of Petersburg, Jan. 1.8, 1864. 
Orvillc A. Wright. Enlisted in the 142d Inf., Aug. 10, 1803; died 

at David's Island, Jan. 25, 1801, of sickness originating in the 

service. 
William Jackson. Enlisted in tbu lloih Inf., Aug. 10, 1802: died 

at Port Hudson, La,, Aug, 10, 1863, 
Daniel M, Collum, Enlisted in the Ist Cav., Sept, 27, 1803; died at 

Washington, D, C, Mar, 27, isol, i»f wounds receiveil in battle. 
Elisba Allen. Enlisted in the .'lOth Inf., Nov. I, ISOI ; killed in tho 

battle of Gettysburg, July 15, 1S03. 
Rernard .McOwcn. Enlisted in the 117lh Inf., Aug. 21, 1862; died 
at David's Island, Apr. 12, 1803, of sickness originating in the 

service. 
Simeon Potter. Enlisted in the I ITIli Inf.. Aug. 21, 1862; killed at 

Gettysburg, July 1, 1803. 
Albert Potter. Enlisted in tho 14Tth Regt., Aug. 21, 1862; killed at 

Gettysburg, July 1, 1.862. 
Albert Clyninn. Enlisted in the 117th Regt., Aug. 21, 1802; died at 

Relic Pluin. La.. Jan. 20, 1803. 
.\uguBtus Murdcu. Enid in the 2d 11. A., March HI, I ; dis, in '05. 



^^^^^ 






"i-^nfYi-^^ ^--^ 



LieuT.COL 24'.- CAVALUr H.Y. V. 



i^i^XjZJ^:r i^ioh:a.i^ids. 



LlEOTENANT-COLONEL MeLZAK RiCHARDS WaS born 

at Blood's Corners, Steuben county, New York, December 
25, 1822. He went with his parents to Massachusetts, and 
9oon afl«r came to this county and located in the town of 
Parish. 

In 1847 he united in marriage with Catherine Smalcn- 
berger, of Utica, New Yorlc. In 1849, during the enthu- 
siasm and excitement attending the discovery of gold in 
California, he journeyed to that State, and during three 
years braved the dangers and privations of the mining 
rqjions. He then returned to the town of Parish, where 
he remained until the breaking out of the rebellion, when 
he promptly organized Company D, of the Twenty-fourth 
New York Volunteers, and entered the service as captain. 
Colonel Richards was in every respect well adapted for the 
life of a soldier. He had an iron constitution, an indomi- 
table will, and knew no such word an fear. He served gal- 
lantly with the noble Twenty-fourth, and distinguished 
himself on many a severely contest«d field. In the battles 
of Cedar Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Second Bull 
Run, Chancellorsville, South Mountain, Antietam, First and 
Second Fredericksburg, he was ever found at the front, and 
by his brave and heroic conduct inspired his men with 
courage. In the terrible battle of Antietam he was only 
slightly wounded, though his hat and clothing were com- 
pletely riddled with bullets. In February, 1863, he was 
promoted to major of the Twenty-fourth Regiment, and 
served in that capacity until the expiration of its term of 



service. Colonel Richards, although he had served in the 
severest battles of the war, and received an honorable dis- 
charge, was not one to sit idly by while his imperiled 
country still called for brave men, and he actively assisted 
in raising and organizing the Twenty-fourth Cavalry, and 
was commissioned as major. He was in the battles of the 
Wilderness, Spott.sylvania, North Anna River, and Peters- 
burg, and in these engagements added fresh laurels to those 
already gained in the hard-fought battles of the Twenty- 
fourth Infantry. He commanded the regiment in many of 
the engagements, and proved himself a brave and efficient 
commander. On the third day of the battle of Petersburg 
he was severely wounded in the loft arm, but would not go 
to the rear, and remained at the head of his regiment ; and, 
although his arm hung useless at hLs side, he refused to go 
to the rear, and with the reins of his horse in his teeth, or 
fa.steno(l to his left shoulder, lie rode at the head of his 
regiment during the remainder of the Hay's carnage. 

Nearly four years Colonel Richards had patriotically 
served his country on the battle-field, and thus far had been 
but twice wounded ; but on the fatal 5th of April, 1865, 
when the Union army was pressing Lee's retreating forces, 
the swift-winged mes-senger came : he was pierced through 
the breast by a rebel bullet and soon after expired. With 
his death passed away a kind father, a good citizen, and a 
patriotic soldier. 

Colonel Richards was a Mason in high standing, and <vas 
buried, April 23, 1865, with masonic aud military honors. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



429 



Elisha R. Adsit. Enl. in the ISfith Inf., Aug. 27, 1864; dis. in ISflo. 
Jacob Shorey. Enlisted in the 97tli Inf., Oct. 9, 18G1 ; promoted to 

scrgt. ; discharged in ISGj. 
George G.Simons. Enlisted in the l.SSIth Inf., Sept. 2, lS(i4 ; dis. 

in the summer of l.S(i5. 
Hugh McOwen. Enlisted in the U7lh Inf., Aug. 22, 18fi2; dis. in 

summer of I8()5. 
John Potter. Enlisted in the 147th Inf., Aug. 12, lSfi2; transferred 

to the 1st Light Art.; dis. in 1865. 
Benjamin Filkins. Enlisted in the lS6th Inf., Sept., 1S04; dis. in 

the summer of 1866. 



Gardner Filkins. Enlisted in the 18flth Inf., Aug. 27, 1864; dis. in 
spring of 1S05. 

George Barlow. Enlisted in M7th Uegt., Jan., 1864; died of sick- 
ness originating in the service, March 'J, 1864, at Charleston, 
S. C. 

Daniel Cooper. Enlisted in the 5th Heavy Art., Feb. 7, 1862 ; died 
at Staunton, Va., July 26, 1864, while a prisoner of war. 

William Cooper. Enlisted in the 5th Heavy Art., Jan., 1864 ; died 
at Annapolis, Md., May 10, 1865. 

H. Seymour. Mustered in the 50th Inf., Nov., 1861, as 2d lieut. ; 
killed in the battle of Fredericksburg, Jan. 20, 1862. 



-» — ►" O O o <i '» - 



PARISH. 



This is an inland town of O-swego County. It is, on an 
average, about two hundred :ind si.xty feet above the level 
of Lake Ontario, and contains near twenty-five thousand 
acres of land, mostly fertile, consisting of gravel, sand, and 
loann. It is well watered by several small streams ; the 
largest one being the north branch of Salmon creek. The 
principal trees of the forest are the sugar-maple, beech, 
birch, and hemlock. There are also a few swamps of pine 
and cedar, and in the eastern part of the town is St. Mary's 
lake, containing about forty acres. 

This town originally belonged to the vast hunting-ground 
of the Six Nations, being near the line between the Onelihis 
and Onoiuhigas. The first white settlement Wiis made in 
1803, by Rev. Gamaliel Barnes, a Baptist clergyman from 
Otsego county, in company with his son-in-law, Stephen D. 
Morse. They came by way of Camden, Oneida county, 
through the present town of Amboy. Their guides were 
principally marked trees and Indian trails, though Elder 
Barnes had prospected here the year before. Mr. ]Morse 
was really the pioneer in the felling of timber and clearing 
of land, having probably done more of that work than any 
other man that ever resided in town. He had a powerful 
physical constitution, and, when at the age of sixty-eight, 
could chop his three cords of wood in a day. Both of these 
individuals settled in the extreme west part of the town, on 
small lot No. 60, 23d township, Scriba's patent, then called 
Mexico, Oneida county. 

Paul Allen, a native of Berkshire county, Massachusetts, 
moved into town from Otsego county in 1804, and settled 
on small lot No. 2. He soon made him a farm in the 
wilderness, and became one of the leading men of the town, 
being a lieutenant in the war of 1812, the first supervisor 
of Parish, and a prominent member of the Baptist church. 
He died in 1849. 

Thomas Nutting, of Otsego county, then twenty-three 
years old, settled in town in 1804, on .small lot No. G. He 
was a farmer, a soldier of 1812, and the incumbent of several 
town oflSees. He and his wife survived all the other old 
settlers, dying in 1873, his wife upon one d:iy and ho upon 
the next. Eloada Orton came the same year. :ind located 
on small lot No. 5. 

In 1805, Stutcly Palmer, Jr., William Wightinan, Amos 
Williams, and Wm. D. Wightman came into town from 



Herkimer county, and settled on small lot No. 01, except 
Wm. D. Wightman, who located on lot No. 3. Deiiison 
B. Palmer settled on small lot No. GO, a few years later, 
and was afterwards the first justice of the peace in town. 

Between the years 1810 and 1825 such prominent indi- 
viduals as Lumon Brockway, Abram House, Joseph May- 
bee, John Miller, Benjamin Whitney, Jacob J. Miller, 
Era.stus Fyler, and Joseph Edick (all dead but Mr. Edick) 
came into town with their fiimilies. The early settlers 
generally came from Otsego and Herkimer counties. They 
were tough, hardy men and women, and their longevity was 
something remark;ible ; almost ail of them living to be 
upwards of seventy years old. Generally they were people 
of strong and sincere piety. Their capital consisted not in 
cash, but in muscle, industry, and iron will. In fact, this 
was about all the capital that was ever brought into town. 
The pioneers of Parish were persons of marked intelligence 
for that primitive period, and would have done no discredit 
to any age. Elder Barnes built the first log house in town, 
and also the first frame one, and the first barn. 

In fact, Mr. Barnes was so intimately connected with the 
early history of Parish that a correct account of that por- 
tion of his career would give a very good idea of pioneer 
life in that town, especially on its religious side. A native 
of Connecticut, his early advantages had been very few, 
and his chief education had been to learn the trades of a 
tanner and a shoemaker. He had served in the army of 
the Revolution, had early enlisted in the army of the Lord, 
had shown marked oratorical talent, and had soon been 
ordained as a minister of the Baptist church, yet had always 
supported himself principally by manual labor. 

Mr. Barnes had reached the mature age of forty-six when 
he settled in Oswego County. As soon as possible he beg;in 
preaching to the scattered pioneers around him. He was, 
so far as known, the second actual preacher who made his 
home in the county ; and, as the first was at Redfield, in 
the extreme northeastern corner, Mr. Barnes was the earliest 
in the whole central and western portion. With untiring 
zeal he visited remote places, sometimes twenty miles dis- 
tant, week aft^!r week, receiving no compen.sation save the 
consciousness of duty well performed. His converts were 
numerous, and, what was far more important, it was univer- 
sally admitted that they '• stuck." 



430 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Possessed of a remarkable physical vigor, he endured 
fatigues that would have destroyed a less robust man. In | 
sehijol-bouscs, in private houses, in barns, and in those ■;nind | 
old temiiies the jiillars of which were the mighty trees of i 
the primeval forest, the voiee of (iinnaliei Rarnes was heard 
exhorting the people to follow the paths of righteousness 
and of peace. In almost all cases in central Oswego at the 
beginning of the century his hand lied the nuptial knot 
between the young pioneers who entered the matrimonial 
state ; his tongue spoke the words of hope and consolation 
over tliose who rested furevcr fmm the labors of this world. 
As long as he was able t<i bear the fatigue of traveling, he 
continued to preach the faith in which he so zealously be- 
lieved, and it was not till he had rea<-he<l the great age of 
ninety-six that he was finally gathered to his fathers. 

The early settlers raised very large crops of grain and 
vegetables. Frequently the wheat averaged from thirty to 
forty bushels per acre; corn, the same; oats, fifty; and 
potatoes, three hundred. The soil was sadly impoverished 
by them to pay for their farms, but is now improving under 
modern management. 

The old Uoitirdani road, from Constaiitia to Mexico Point 
(then called Vera Cruz), was opened through this town by 
Mr. Scriba, as stated in the general history, in 1794 or 
17il5. The road from Camden to Mexico Point was sur- 
veyed near the time of the first settlement. Other roads 
have been opened as necessity rccjuired. 

The first birth in town was that of Ransom Orton, son 
of Eleada Orton, in 1S05. The fii-st death was that of 
Jonathan Bedell, killed by the falling of a tree on small lot 
No. 4. This casualty occurred during the first two or three 
years of settlement, but the exact date cannot be ascertained. 
His widow wedded Nathan Parkhurst, and this was the first 
marriage. 

The first school-house in Parish was built, in 1808, of 
logs, covered with hemlock boards, at a cost of fifteen dol- 
lars, and was situated where the town-hall now sUinds. The 
first teacher was Samuel Phileo. Joseph Torry, afterwards 
surrogate of Oswego County, also taught there at an early 
day. This primitive temple of education was torn down 
and replaced by a frame house in 1816. * 

At the town ccnteimial picnic, held September 9, 1876, 
Jarvis Hatch, of Mexico, aged seventy years, rose and said 
he was a pupil in that old log school-house with the hem- 
lock roof He is jirobably the only person now living who 
attended school in that house. 

In 1814 the first frame school-house in town was erected 
on small lot No. (50. at a cost of a hundred and fifty dollars. 
The district in which it was situated was called dLstrict No. 
1, of Mexico. Though Parish has always tenaciously sup- 
ported the comnuin scIkxiIs, it has also been the fiist friend 
of advanced education. Professor J. II. House, principal 
of the State normal school, at Cortland, is a native of this 
town, and many other teachers whom Parish has sent forth 
have attained high rank in their chosen ]>rofe.ssion3. 

The first grist-mill was creeled, with three run of stone, 
in 18l'S, by Paul Allen and John Becker, on the north 
branch of Salmon creek, in the present village of Parish. 
In 1872 it was destroyed by fire, and in its place the large 
mill now owned by Robertson & Co. was erected, at a cost 



of eighteen thonsand dollars. This structure (named "Ce- 
resco Mill," by Edwin Palmer) has four run of stone, 
capable of turning out forty barrels of flour and ten tons of 
meal per day. There has never been any other grist-mill 
ill town than the two just mentioned on the s;ime site. 

The first tanner and shoemaker was Elder Barnes, who 
ciirried on those trades on a small scale and for only a short 
time. The first tannery of any iuiportanee was erected in 
1830, by John Siniplot, a Frenchman, near the gri.st-mill. 
About 1833 it became the property of John C. Warn. In 
1859 it w;is burned, but w;is rebuilt by Mr. Warn, who 
sold it in 1865 to Rol)ertson & Co. It has since been 
much enlarged. It now uses three thousand cords of bark 
yearly, and tans al>out two hundred thousand sides of sole- 
leather, using nothing but dry Spanish hides. It employs 
directly about twenty men, and there is near a hundred 
and fifty thousand dollars of capital invested in it. It runs 
by steam-power, and this steam is also used to warm the 
grist-mill. There are also in town ten saw-mills and one 
plauing-machine. 

In 1829, Ephraim E. Ford erected the first store, a small 
building which has since been enlarged, and is now owned 
by the Mosher brothers. Mr. Ford kept it until 1856, 
part of the time in company with Paul W. Allen. From 
that small beginning the mercjintile business of Parish has 
increast^d until there are now ten stores in town, including 
those devoted to drugs and hardware. 

Jacob J. Jliller furnished accommodations to travelers at 
his house in the eastern part of the town at an early day, 
but the first regular tavern was built in 1829, by Isam 
Simons, who kept it till 1857. In 1871 it was burned, 
and on its site the handsome Ludington block was erected. 
There arc now four public-hou.'ies in Parish, — the Carley 
House, the Martin House, the Parish House, and the Petrie 
House. 

Joseph Storer was the first blacksmith. He was here as 
early iis 1815, and moved away by 1822. In 1828, Joseph 
Brown erected a blacksmitli-shop. There are now three 
blacksmith-shops, besides one wagon-shop and one cabinet- 
shop. 

Austin White was the first physician. He was a native 
of Albany county, anil a graduate of the medical .school at 
Fairfield, Herkimer county. He settled in town in 1832, 
and resided "there until his death iu 1876. Tobias J. 
Green is now the oldest physician in Parish, having l>een a 
resident there since 1847. He is a native of Rensselaer 
county, and a graduate of the medical university of New 
York city. The other physicians are Judson J. Taylor, 
John B. Ladd, and Cornelius S. Hou.se. 

Archibald N. Ludington, now a prominent member of 
the Syracuse bar, wjis the first lawyer in Parish. He set- 
tled there in 1848, and left iu 1851 ; being afterwards dis- 
trict attorney of the county. S. T. Parsons, now a resident 
of Michigan and once a member of the legislature of that 
State, succeeded Mr. Ludington. Newton W. Nutting, 
grandson of the early pioneer, Thomas Nutting, commenced 
his legal pnictice in Parish in 1861. He has been district 
attorney and school commissioner, and is now a resident of 
Oswego city. The present lawyers of Parish are Edwin G. 
Lynch and Harmon D. Nutting. The latter was a resident 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



431 



of Virginia for a time, and was elected to tlie senate of tliat 
State. Ill health prevented his reniaininj; there. 

The first post-route through town was established in 
1832. The mail ran over it from Camden to Colosse onec 
a week. Dexter Howard and Cyrus 11. Harvey were the 
first luail-earriers. Ephraim E. Ford was tlic first post- 
master, and held the office till he moved out of town in 
1856. In fact. Parish is somewhat remarkable for having 
had only five postmasters since the first one was appointed 
forty-five years ago. There is but one oflicc in town, but 
that has a mail twice a day. 

The Syracuse northern division of the Rome and Og- 
densburgh railroad passes tlirough the western part of this 
town two and threofourths miles. It was built in 1870 
and 1871, and was then called the Syracuse Northern rail- 
road. Previous to the disorganization of the old company, 
Parisli was honored with a director and vice-president, Dr. 
T. J. Green. The town was bonded for thirty-five thousand 
dollars to build the road. The first train of cais ran No- 
vember, 1871. The road is doing a good business. 

This town was erected from Mexico, by act of the legis- 
lature, on the 20tli day of March, 1828. It was called 
Parish, in honor of David Parish, the great landed proprie- 
tor, who purchased the survey-township of Strasburg from 
George Scriba. 

The first town-meeting was held the first Tuesday of 
May, 1828, at the Parishville school-house, when the fol- 
lowing officers were elected: Paul Allen, supervisor; Jolm 
Becker, town clerk ; Stutely Palmer, T. Nutting, and 
Marks Kdiek, a.>-sessors ; Isam Simons, collector ; Denison 
B. Palmer, Benajah Whitney, and Jacob J. Miller, com- 
missioners of highways ; Wm. D. Wightman and Wm. 
'NVightman, poor-masters ; Richard Cleveland, Erastus Fyler, 
and Samuel Barber, commissioners of schools ; Denison B. 
Palmer, Isaac B. Mead, and Charles Gardner, inspectors of 
schools ; George Earles, Peter p]dick, Squire Palmer, and 
Chancey Whitney, constables; Benajah Whitney, Joseph 
Maybee, and Jacob Mead, pound-masters ; John Becker, 
sealer of weights and measures. 

No justices of the peace were elected then, but Marks 
Edick, Jacob Slingerland, Luny Thayei', and Paul Perry 
were chosen the succeeding fall. 

The town was then divided into five school districts and 
four parts of districts ; now it has thirteen districts and 
fourteen school-houses. Then it had twenty-three road 
districts, now fifty-eight. 

The following is a list of the supervisors, with the years 
of their service: Paul Allen, 1828-32; Alfred Phelps, 
1833^0; Ephraim E. Ford, 1841-43; Luny Thayer, 
1844, 1847-50; John Clapsaddle, 1845; Harvey Palmer, 
184(3 and '55; Joseph Osborn, 1841-53; Paul W. Allen, 
1854 ; John C. Warn, 1856 ; Austin White, 1857 ; Andrew 
A.shton, 1858 and '59; John Becker, 1860 and '61 ; Jona- 
than Irish, 1862, '65, '66, '70; James David, 1863 and 
'64 ; Frank H. Argersinger, 1867-69 ; Romayne C. Rob- 
ertson, 1871-76; Jerry Foley, 1872, 1874-75; Daniel 
Edick, 1873; and Judson J. Taylor, in 1877. 

At one of tiie first town-meetings a resolution was passed 
(which is still in force) that no cattle should be allowed on 
the highway, to roam about a grist-mill, store, tavern, or 



place of public worship, between December 1 and May 1. 
A fine of fifty cents was imposed on cattle-owners for vio- 
lating the ordinance. 

The explanation of this local law is to be found in the 
fact that the old settlers, when they drove to mill, store, 
tavern, or meeting, took fodder for their cattle with them, 
and they wanted to be abloHo leave it unguarded, without 
running any risk of its being eaten up by wandering 
depredators. 

Two residents of Parish have been members of the State 
assembly: Luny Thayer in 1845, and Harvey Palmer in 
1863 and '64. 

The deeds of the men of Parish in the war for the Union 
will be found recounted in the history of the regiments 
from Oswego County. Nine thousand dollars were also 
raised and paid by the town to aid the Union cause by pay- 
ing the bounties of .soldiers. 

On the fourteenth day of May, 1874, a weekly newspaper 
was established at Parishville by John W. Northrop, editor 
and proprietor, which is still published by him. Blention 
of this journal will also be found in our chapter on the 
press. 

Among the institutions of Parish we must not forget 
the town-hall, fifty by thirty feet in .size, purchased in 1857, 
being composed of the lower story of a building, the upper 
part of which is occupied by the Masons. There is also a 
" lock-up," for which, however, there is but little use. 

The leading business interests are agriculture (inchiding 
dairying) and lumbering. Many barrels for the Syracuse 
salt-works are also made there. Yet, though Parish is 
enriched by no commercial or manufacturing establislimonts, 
it is far from being an undesirable place of residence. The 
soil is reasonably fertile, the water and air are remarkably 
pure, and health sheds her inestimable blessings over the 
people. There has been no fitful or speculative gi-owth, but 
a steady increase of population, which has risen from nine 
hundred and sixty-eight in 1830 to two thousand and sixty- 
two in 1875. 

Very free from all aristocratic pretensions are the farmers 
and lumbermen of Parish. The pioneers who swung their 
axes in the forest seventy years ago were scarcely more so. 
For near ten years a very pleasant custom has obtained of 
holding an annual town-picnic after the close of each har- 
vest, in which the whole community is expected to take 
part. Rich and poor, high and low, male and female, old 
and young, all Parish is welcome ; and if the fabled period 
of Arcadian simplicity is not renewed, at least all meet for 
a few hours on a footing of equality, and many a pleasant 
day is the result of this charming custom. 

It now only remains to notice the various societies of the 
town. 

Republican Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons was 
organized May 14, 1874. The charter-members were 
Samuel Porter, Avery Skinner, John B. Ackley, Hiram 
Walker, and Samuel T. Parsons. Samuel Porter was the 
first Master. The lodge has been decidedly prosperous, 
owning their lodge-room and furniture, and being clear from 
debt. 

A tent of Rochabites was organized ou the 19th of July, 
1876, with fifteen members. Harmon D. Nutting was the 



432 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



first Chief Ruler. They are increasing in members, and 
arc wicldin<; a pood influence in llie cause of tenipcnince. 

The ()dd-l''eiliiws, (iood Templars, Uniun Leaguers, and 
Americans Iiave had societies in town, but all have pasKcd 
awav. 

About the year 1815, several mcmbcre of the Meihodist 
Episcop:d church formed a class in school-house No. 1, 
Mexico, now Pari.sh. ISicliard Ford was appointed leailer. 
The class migrated lo several ]places, but tliepre.scnt Metho- 
dist class in the village of Parish can still trace their origin 
to that primitive (irgani7.;ition. It is diflieult to name all 
the early iMetliodist ministers, but among those truly good 
men we can mention a Wheeler, a Northrop, a Salisbury, a 
Williams, and a Ca,stlc. Several cla.sses have been formed 
in town, which are now extinct. The present one at the 
village may re-date their organization from the year 1855, 
with Archibald C. Garrison a.s leader. 

In the winter of 1840 and 1841, after a powerful revival 
of religion, it was thought desirable to build a church edifice 
during the coming season. After several meetings, a sub- 
scription was drawn up, payable to John Becker, in con- 
sideration that h(' should erect the church and give the 
land on which to build it, which he did. The church was 
to be called Congregational, but those friendly to other 
denominations understood that they were to have the use 
of it when not wanted by the Congregationalists. The 
church was erected in 1841, and in October of that year 
it W!is dedicated. Rev. Ralph Robinson (Congregational) 
was the jireaclier, and Rev. Mr. Van Alstync (Lutheran) 
offered the dedicatory prayer. The several denominations 
who held meetings in the vicinity removed them to the 
church, but the Baptists for many years were the priticijial 
occupants of the ]iulpit almost alone. About the time of 
the dedication, the Presbyterians, Congregationalists, and 
Lutherans of the place came together as one denomination, 
and adopted Congregational discipline. Rev. S. W. Champ- 
lin (Lutheran) was selected as pastor, and John Wright 
and Nicholas Oxner were chosen deacons. 

Rev. Mr. Porter was afterwards pastor. This organiza- 
tion existed about five years. The church edifice was used 
alternately by several denominations until 1869, since when 
it has been occupied by the Methodists. 

The Methodist pastors since 1SG9 have been Aaron J. 
Cowles, Joseph B. McCullou;,'li, Elijah II. Munger, and 
William 11. Hall. This is the only church edifice ever 
built in town. The Methodists re-dedicated it December 
8, 1876, Rev. B. I. Ives preacher. Its original cost w;i8 
eighteen hundred dollars, and in 1870 it Wiis repaired, at 
a cost of eighteen hundred dollars more. It will accommo- 
date three hundred people. 

The first Sunday-school formed in town was about the 
year 1830. John Becker was one of the first sujieiinlcn- 
dents, and held the position most of the lime until his 
death in ISGl!. The present number of pupils is about one 
hundred, with a hundred volumes in the library. Sunday- 
school papers largely sujiply the place of books. 

The Free-Will Baptists have two small societies, which 
worship in the school-houses. The first was organized about 
1858, with near twenty members, in school district No. 2. 
The .society is small, and liiis no stated preaching. 



The second one was formed March 14, 1869, with twenty- 
three members, in school district No. 6. Deacon Stephen 
GrifiBth was chairman of the council, and S. W. Turner 
clerk, when the church was organized. Rev. Albert P, 
Phinney was chosen the first jiastor of the church, and 
still occupies that jiosilioii, George C. Brown and Austin 
Smith were chosen deacons. 

Besides the foregoing, the first Baptist church (^ being the 
second of any denomination j in Oswego County was origi- 
nally organized within the present town of Parish, The 
church ctlifiee, however, having been erected in Mexico, the 
history of the church, in accordance with our genend sys- 
tem, is given with that town, though a large proportion of 
its members are residents of Parish, 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. 

HARVEY PALMER 

is a native of Parish, Oswego County, New York, where he 
was born on the 8th day of September, 1816, He is a de- 
scendant of the English who settled in Connecticut prior to 
the Revolution, and inherits in a great degree the energy 
and force of character of those honored pioneers. After at- 
tending the common schools he entered the Rensselaer Os- 
wego academy, where he graduated, and subsequently studied 
law and medicine. 

In 186'i he was elected to the assembly of this State, and 
served ill that capacity two years. He has been chosen by 
his fcUow-towiisiiicii to the office of suiiervisor, and served 
four terms. He has also ofliciated as justice of the peace 
and a.sscs.sor. Mr. Palmer has also rendered hini.sclf useful 
in the military, and has discharged the duties of colonel and 
inspector-general of militia, 

September III, 1835, he united in marriage with Amanda 
North. They had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs, 
Palmer died February 3, 1840, May 27, 1847, Mr, 
Palmer married Olive Porter, Their family consisted of 
one child, who died at the age of fourteen years. 

In all matters looking to the welfare of the [lublic Mr, 
Palmer is ever found foremost, and has done much towards 
the advancement of the religious and educational interests of 
the' community in which he resides. He has manifested an 
active interest in political matters, and is a member of the 
Republican party. He has often been called from the store 
and the farm by his fellow-citizens to officiate in various 
public capacities, and ha.s ever discharged his duties with 
great credit to himself and to the entire satisfaction of his 
constituency, Mr, Palmer is a consistent member of the 
Baptist church. He resides on the farm piircha.sed by his 
father when he came to this county, and is surrounded by 
all the attributes of a happy rural home. 



MILITARY RI-:CORD OF PARISH. 

Byriin Ailaiii>, IS-lth Inf. KnlistcJ Aug., I8«'l: ilisrlinrgrd ISd.'i. 
C. 1). Uanicy, 1 17th Iiif, EnlUtcd Sept., 1(*03; dischnrgid IMi. 
Goo, M, Ilrociks, 1S4lli Inf, BnlistcU Aug,, 1801; diitulmrg(»I ISRS; 
ro enlisted 2d N. Y, Car. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



433 



Geo. Balcy, 24th N. Y. Cav. Enlisted Feb., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Jno. Biilcy, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1S64: discharged 1865. 
G. Bui-h, 1st H. Alt. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged .Sept., 1865. 
Curtis Bullois, 14rth Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1805. 
Orlansou Brown, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 
Wlu. M. Brown, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 
James M. Bonnet, 24th Cav. Enlisted Deo., 186.3; discharged 1865. 
Perry Benson, 185th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Chas. A. Babcock, 149th Inf. Eul. Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 
S. Bcaulin, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, ISCl ; discharged 1865; 1st 

lieut ; promoted to capt. 
Joseph Berry, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1865. 
Alex. Bulson, 21st Cav. Enl. Sept., 1801 ; dis. 1805 ; re-enl'd. 
Harrison Burgdorf, 110th Inf. Enl. Sept., 1862; discharged 1805. 
S. II. V. Burgdorf, lS4th Inf. Enl. Sept., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Timothy Bruchet, lS4th Inf. Enl. Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Willis Bellows, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 
Amos G. Brook, 2d Cav. Enlisted July, 186.S; died of sickness. 
S. S. Bently, 20th Cav. Enl. Aug., 1863; d. City Point, Apr., 1865. 
Amos Benson, 2d II. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1804; died at Key West, 

Jan. 9, 1804. 
Edw. J. Clock, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1805. 
Samuel P. Clock, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; discharged 1865 ; 

promoted 4th corporal. 
U. R. Colo, 149th Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Jno. H. Copp, ISOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Chns. R. Copp, Lt. Art. Enlisted Sept., 1864; di.<chargcd 1865. 
Hiram Copley, lS7th Inf. Enlisted Dec, 1864; discharged 1865. 
Warren Card, 33d Wisconsin Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1861; dis. 1865. 
Seth Cole, 24lh Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863 ; dis. 1865. 
Abel Comstock, 44th Inf. Enlisted March, '62; dis. '65; wounded. 
W. J. Carly, 4th Art. Enlisted Aug., 1861 ; dis. Aug., 1862. 
Daniel Cole, Jr., 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; killed May, 1865, 

at Dcnrider's Court-Ifouse. 
John Copey, 14th L. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1863 ; pro. to sergt. -major; 

died Aug. 3, 1864. 
Lucian Cronk, 193d Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; died July 17, 1864. 
John II. Drnnis, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; dis. 1865. 
Chas. B. Downs, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1805. 
II. G. DeGarmo. Enlisted Aug., 1864. 
Ash.ael Dickerson, 149th Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; died July, 1864, 

at Nashville. 
Peter Down. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; died. 

C. II. Ediek, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865 ; reg- 
imental postmaster. 
Wallace Edick, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Wni. Einmcrson, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dis. 1865. 
Harlow G. Frost, 194th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; discharged 1805. 
T. J. Green, lUth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; discharged Dec, 1802, 

for disability : surgeon. 
B. Green, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; discharged 1865. 
Jonah Grover, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862: discharged 1865. 
A. D. Houghton, 10th Cav. Enlisted Oct., 1861; discharged 1865; 

jn-omoted to 2d Army Corps. 
Sidney E. Henderson, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; discharged 

1803; wounded. 
Dennis House, 2d 11. Art. Enlisted Jan., 1864; discharged 1805. 



A. II. House. 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; died 1865. 

E. Ingram, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged Oct., 1863. 

Joseph Jennings, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; discharged 1865. 

Isaac Jaeobson, 3d L. Art. Enlisted Oct., '02 ; dis. '64, for disability. 

Joseph Kern, llOth Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; died July 6, 1804. 

Joseph N. Kern, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1805. 

John Kitts, llOth Inf. Enlisted April, 1802; discharged 1862. 

Charles Lintz. Discharged and re-enlisted. 

John II. Miller, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1804; discharged 1865. 

Charles Mahler, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; discharged 1804. 

John Maddison, 110th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; discharged 1864. 

Joseph McGowan, 152d Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865; 
promoted to 1st lieut. 

A. Maddison, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; discharged 1805. 

Clark II. Norton, U7th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862 ; discharged 1865 ; 
promoted to 1st lieut. 

John Nash, 189th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 

Ira D. Owens, 1st Light Art. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; discharged 1865. 

Charles M. Owens, 1st Light Art. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 
1865. 

Benjamin O'Connor, 9th II. Art. Enlisted Dec, 1803; dis. 1805. 

J. II. Pollock, 110th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1802; discharged 1864. 

L. D. Pierce, 24th Inf. Enl. April, 1801 ; dis. 1862, for disability. 

R. C. Potter, 24th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; killed at Antietam. 

Melzer Richards, captain, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; re-enlisted 
24th Cav. ; promoted to lieut.-colonel ; killed at Spottsylvania 
Court-House. 

S. C. Richardson, lS4th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; di8charge<I 1865. 

L. Rulison, 24th Inf. Enlisted April, 1861 ; discharged 1865 ; pro- 
moted to commissary-sergeant. 

.John Redington. Enlisted Dec, 1864; discharged 1864. 

E. G. Rease, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862 ; discharged 1863 ; pro- 

moted to 1st lieut. 
C. W. Richards, 24th Cav. Enl. May, 1861 ; dis. 1865 ; drummer. 
R. W. Slayton, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1863; dis. 1864; captain. 
A. Sparhawk, 149th Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; discharged 1865. 
J. J. Spencer, 147th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1862; dis. 1864; wagoner. 
J. S. Seamans, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1802; discharged 1805. 
A. W. Sperling, 110th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; discharged 1865; 

re-enlisted and promoted. 

F. H. Scranton, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1864; discharged 1865. 
Wm. Sables, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug„ 1864; dis. 1865. 
Thomas Smith, 184th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; dis. 1865. 

A. A. Smith, 175th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 

Wra. Sivcrs, 24th Cav. Enlisted Dec, 1863; died Sept. 15, 1863. 

Isaac Simmons, 100th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1862; 1st serg., and pro.; 

died July 1, 1863. 
Levi Tilton, 81st Inf. Enlisted Oct., 1861 ; dis. 1864. 
Wm. Van Alstine, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1804; dia. 1865. 
A. R. Wells, 10th Heavy Art. Enlisted March, 1864; ehaiilain; died 

Sept. 11, 1864. 
Joseph Wesley, 184th Inf. Enlisted Aug., 1801 ; dis. 1805. 
Horace Wadsworth, 149th Inf. Enlisted March, 1864; dis. 1865. 
J. L. Warner, 147th Inf. Enlisted Sept., 1864; dis. 1805. 
Charles Wightman, 24th Inf. Enlisted May, 1861 ; dis. 1863 ; 2d 

sergeant. 
Horace Hayes, 24th Cav. Enlisted Jan., 1864 ; dis. 1865. 



NAMES OF CITIZENS 

WHO ASSISTED AND CONTRIBUTED TOWARDS THE PUBLICATION OF THE HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, 

WITH PERSONAL STATISTICS. 



OSWEGO CITY. 

A.lkiiu. I.. C, Mm. II, lo! W, Ilri.li;>- «l., Ii. J.ITur».m Co., N. T., •. l«.12. 
Alriiii.l.T. J. II., Altuniey- •ml OoiiiiMlor at-l.iw, Grant lllock, I). Otweg* Co., 

N. v.. «. IMl. 
AtkinnoM. Rubl., Curp«n'«'' >'»1 nuilititr (Rrtirad), 43 Elian at., b. Yorkihlro, 

Kng., 9. IttlU. 
Allan, J. H., Daalor in Cigani, Tobacco, anil Liquors, 111 W. Firnt «t., U Oiwogo, 

N. T., i. IWJ. 
Ailklim. II. W.. rr.>p. or D.Jok Storr, lii W. Sixth »!., b. Ojwfgo.N. Y., l. 18a3. 
Allvn, J. C, PniBKii.!, 140 K. Fourth «t., I.. Oawcgo, S. Y., a. 1848. 
Amia, I. , rrrsMcnt M \;iti.Miul Dnnk, li. CMwogo, N. V., a. 1818. 
Alli n, J. W. v., Ilciil Entato Kwilcr, E. Utlca, Lot. Fourth and Fifth st«., h. 

Jl.iiititoiucry Co., N. Y., a. 1821). 
Burl, K. P., )Iorx;bant (.catablUhxl 18JS), 175 W. Fir»t at., b. Oawi-go, N. Y.. i. 

18ll>. 
Dual, U. 11., Attornpj- and Connielor al-Lu», f W. Third at,, b. Oawogo, S. Y., 

«. 1814. 
Ilarry, Ji.hn A., ►jlilcir raltadiiim, I'.illadium Olllco, b. Ullca, N. Y., a. I8.'>2. 
Baltcuck, Brun-on, Altornoy- and Counselur-al-Luw, cor. Firat and Cayuga Ata., 

b. Oawego, N. Y , a. 1838. 
Bunnett. Jaa. G., Prop. Lake Shoro Ilu'tol, Laku Shoro Hotel, b. Newark, N. J., 

«. 18.18. 
llikcr, Joel A., Chief of P.ilice, City Hall, h. Oawogo, S. Y., 8. 1842. 
Brnii«lo», Henry, B.iker and Confectionor, cor. W. Second and Seneca ate., b. 

Pnj^ai.i, a. 1855, 
Broome, J. B., Aat. Weigh-maater 0<wego Starch Factory, W. Ohio, bet. Firat 

and Second ata., b. Philadel|>hia, Pa., a. 1870, 
Browater, .^Irs. D. P., widow of Judge llrewalor, dec'd 1876, 229 W. First St., b. 

Olaego&i., X. Y., a. 1820. 
BIckfonI, Jaa., Mannraclureriind Dwler In Furniture (Retired i, 00 W. Third at., 

b. Urafton, X. U., 179.'., a. 1817. 
Balcom, H. E,, Pbyairian and Surgeon, 157 \V. Kimt Ht., b. Wiridhaui, Conn., a. 

1875. 
Bonding, J. Adaiu, of the firm of Jonklns, llovtr & Co., Merchant Mtllera, 

Onlco of Jenkina, Hover .b Co., b. (leiniiiny, a. 1851. 
Branaon, Alvin, Retired Merchant, 118 Cayuga at., b. Wateibury, Conn., 1783, 

a. 181(1. 
Bolan;;er, J. J., Clerk, cor. W. and Cayuga sta., b. Kin^t.n, Canada, a. 1847. 
Brown, B. B., Hotel ami Reataimint, and Dealer in Real Ealate, 138 E. Second 

at, b. Venn. lilt, ». U40. 
Bell, Jnniea, Foreman of Warolmusi', 71 E. Fifth at , b. England, 9. 1847. 
Baker, Cliaa. N., Iii.<uranco Clerk, rea. t^ E. Firet at. ; 139 E. Second at., b. Jef- 

faraan Co., N. Y., a. IKtO. 
Benedick, 11. C, Attorney-at-lJiw, cor. E. FIflh and Mohawk ata., b Oawego, 

N. Y., a. 1838. 
Blair, D. II., Jnatlce of the Peace, 21 E. Cayuga at., b. Maaaachiiaatta, a. 1847. 
Baxter, E. G., Teller National Marine Bank, B.ink, b. Woaliliigton Co., N. Y., 

a. I8:>8. 
Bradt, W. n , Saleanmn, rea. 106 E Kliat at. ; 165 E. Fourth at., b. Oneida Co., 

N. Y., «. 1847. 
Biirch, V. 11., &lii|ipiiig Conilniaaion Slerehalit, 130 £. Sixth at., b. Renaaeluar 

Co., N. Y , «. IWU. 
Bulger, Ji.hn, Pin|t. KeataiiianI, 41 E. Bridge at., b. Canada, a. 18(14. 
ILiblNitt, F. E., (irocer, cor. E. Fourth and Cuyng.i ata., b. Oswego, N.Y., 8.1834. 
Uri.:g.<, Uiifua,Prol>. I. Ivery and Side Stable. 57 E. .Second at., b. Vennont, a. 1838. 
Biirry, M., Paator St. Patil'a Church, cor. F.ftli and Mohawk ate , b. Ireland, e. 

I8U'J. 
Cuy, Saiiil. W., Pru|i. Fitzhngh Hotel, cor. Flral and Briilge ata , b. Ireland, e. 

IS(!8. 
Currier, H. R., Ciubier 2d National Bank, 90 W. Fifth at., b. Wayne C<, , N. Y., 

a. 18:15. 
Chainlmrlln, W. H., Caahier 2d National Bank, b. England, a. I8.54. 
bian, S. M., .\ll.irno.tM>t.Law, 41 E. Mohawk al , b. Uawegu Ct., S. Y., a. 184.'>. 
Ciioley, 11. B., Denlial, 103 W. lltidKe at., b. Oawego Co., N. Y., a. 1860. 
Clark, Sherman, Jr., Oawego County Jailer, OsWego Clly Jail, b. Otaego Co., 
N. Y. 

434 



Conde, N. S. ± Son, MnnufarltirFra of Knit Goode, cor. W. Fifth and Senera 

ata , b. Oawego C'.., N. Y., a. 1844. 
Carnfel, C. A. S. do. Pastor St. Uniia Chureh, Fourth at., b. Canaila, a. 1876. 
Crawfonl, E. H., Maiiiig.-r of .Synu:uae Salt ConiiMiiy, foot Schuyler at., b. 

Onou.laga Co., N. Y,, a. 18T5. 
Cunrera, Virgil M., Grocer and Blacksmith, 127 and 129 W. Cayupi at., b. 

France, a. 18.14. 
Chnrchill, John C, Attorney, aud C.MinaetorHit-Law, cor. W. Firat and C«yuga 

ata., b. Clinton Co., N. Y., a. 1847. 
ChalTee, W. G , Principal of Chaffee Phonographic Inatltute (reUbliahod 1871), 

Old City Hall, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., a. 18;18. 
CoDvera, Eugene, Wrought-irtni Fence Manuficturor, 94 W. Second at., b. 

Fninee, a. 18.V». 
Oillion, Aaron, Painter, and Wholeaale and R'-lali Dealer in Painta, Oila, etc., 

81 W. Second at., b. Jeiren.on Co., X. Y., a. 1850. 
Colby, A A., Hrok-r, Telegraph Contractor, and General Ticket Agent, No. 2 

Grant Blo.:k, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 18:1:1. 
Cooke, G. A., B<i..k-keeper, Idike Sh.ire Hotel, b. Ma>aachiuetta, a 1853. 
Cullinan, Patrick, Painter and Uraiucr, and Dealer in Olla, etc., 117 W. Fifth 

at., U. Ireland, a. 1848. 
Cooper, A., Pn.p. l.ivery .Sluble. "6 W. Second St., b. Cayugn Co., N. Y., a. 1848. 
Chaae, C. B., MiicliiniBt and Engineer, City, b. Oawego, N. Y., a. 18.13. 
Coznoiia, H Arthur, Accountant, City, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y , 1841, a. 1846. 
De Carnfel, C. A. S., Paator St. Lonia Chunli, Konnii at., b. Caniida. a 1876. 
Doolitlle, B., Merchant Miller, cor. E. Fifth and Caynga ata., b. Miuliaou Co. 

N. Y., a. 1847. 
DaTla, Silaa, Stone.cutting, Contractor, and Builder, 00 K. Bridge (.t.,b. Oawego, 

N. Y., a. 1805. 
Denton, B. J., Carriage Manufacturer, 52 E. Fuurlh at., b. Orange Co., N. Y., a. 

1844. 
Denton, (.'. W., (^rriago alanufacturur, 167 E. Fourth at., b. New York City, a. 

1844. 
Doyle, Jainea, Dealer in Coal, and l'nder.4lierlff, Montcalm at., b. Ireland, a. 

18:18. 
Deaaiiliiiera, A. A., Phyaieian and Surgeon, 81 W. .Seconil at., b, Qiieliec, a. 1867. 
Ilundon. Michael, .Maaon, W. Tnlnlun, be'. Tliird and Fifth au , b. Oaw ego, N. Y., 

a. 1849. 
Durr, Prof. Chaa., Organiat of St. 3Iary'a Chiinh, St. Mary 'a Church, b. Bavaria, 

a. 1S72. 
Dodge, Mra. E. G., Eclectic Phyaieian, 213 W. Firat at., b. Jetferaon Co., N. Y., 

a. 1849. 

Doiiglaaa. Virgil C., Secretary of Board of Kilueation (formerly teacher), rea. 81 
E. Kigiith at. ; 08lce, City Hall, b. llnei.la Ci., X. Y., a la'>l. 

De Wolf, Deloaa, Prmdent City Bmk (eatali. l8iV)i, Bank, b. Herkimer, N. Y. 

Earl, 1). A., Arehiteet and Builder, 24 W. Caynga at , b. Jeffemon (Ai., X. Y., a. 
1866. 

Earl, Fred., Grucer and ProTiaion Dealer, cor. \V. Eighth and Bridge ata., b. 
Jefleraon Co., N. Y., a. 1847. 

Eilwarda, J. II., President Savinga Bank, and Real Eatate Agent, SyrHCUac ave., 

b. Monmouth. N. J., «. 1824. 

Ella, D. S , Truiiaferier, Mi.lbind Dep't, b. Delaware, a. 18.'i7. 

Farwell, Jaa. It., firm of Farwell Ai llines, Maiiiifiu'tun'ra of Hydraulic Cement 

and Piiiater, Office of Farwell Ai Hides, b. Ciiiiida, a. 1857. 
Filell, J. Shepherd, Teller fjike Ontario .National Bank, Oawego, b. Oawego, 

N. Y. 
' Forwanl, M. W., Dealer in l,nniber, b. Caiiailu, a. 184-1. 
Faiing, A. II., Commiaaioii .Merchant, lii9 E. Sixth at., b. Cayngn, N. Y.,e. 1847. 
Fiaii, Peter, Expieaa Agent, l"f> K. Fonrlh »t , b. Waahington, «. 18:1:1. 
Front, B. C., (VuiimiHaion .Merchant and Slii|>p -r, cor. Foarlh end Oneida ata., b. 

Oawego, N. Y ,». 1818. 
Goble, Geo. W., Dealer in Ilaitlware, 83 K. Firat at. 
Gordon, L. L., Millinery and Fancy Oooda, 123 W. Firat at., b. Jefferaon Co., 

X. Y., a. 186(1. 
Gordon, Ib.berl, Dealer in Dry GoiMla (e.tiiblishad lUA), cvr. W. Biidge and 

Firat ata., b. Scotland, a. 1855. 
Gillett. Henry E., Superintendent Kingafinl PlaDliig-mlll an. I Box Shop, 1:16 

W. Fourth at , b. Oawego, N. Y^ a. 1k:i:1. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



435 



Grcpnc, Robert, Relind Siiil-miikor, W. Sei-dnd St., li. Pliiliuii'lpliin, ra.,S- 183G. 
Grueni), Benj. 1'"., Sail-innksr, 18 W. Muljiiwk st.. 1>. New York City, s. 18:!6. 
Goit, Anthony, Ounfectioner and Shoemaker, 215 \V. First St., b. Montrcul, 3. 

182a. 
Gardenier, John, General Manager of the firm of Van Horn & Co., Oswego, b. 

Renssehier, N. y.,s. If40. 
GihhB, JalncB, Carpenter and Bnilder, 02 W. Sevenlh St., b. Seolblnd, s. 1843. 
GrilTa, Lonis, Pastor St. Mary's Chnrch, 00 \V. Caynga St., b. Italy, s. 1807. 
Goit, \V. H., Prop. Planing-lnill, and Lnniber Dealer, 120 E. Second St., b. Oa- 

wego, N. Y., s. 1810. 
Getty, A. B., United States Couiniissiouer and Attorney, E. Second pt., b. Madi- 
son Co., N. Y., s. ISIiO. 
Gardenier, W. II., Attorney-at-Law, 65 E. Sixth St., b. Delaware, s. 1840. 
Grannis, AV. P., Siish and Door Manufactnrer, 107 E. Second St., b. Madison, 

N. T., 9. ISOO. 
Gray, Neil, Mannfactnrer of Opaqned Holland, W. Fonrth and Mohawk stB., b. 

Albion, s. 1864. 
Grant, James, Retireil, 119 E. Second St., b. New Yoik, s. 1854. 
Gardner, W. D., Grocer, 07 W. Bridge St., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8. 1853. 
Hopkins, T. E., Boiik-keeper in Second Nalioniil Hank, b. Uticii, N. Y,, a. 1805. 
Hamilton, E. J., Teacher, 114 W. Si.\th St., b. Vcrmu.ut, s. 1854. 
Hart, G. D., Book-keeper, cor. Fourth ajiil Utica sis., b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1859. 
Hoey, James P., Boot and Shoe Dealer, 47 E. Seventh St., b. Ireland, s. 1846. 
Holbrook, R. G., Treasurer of Vulcan Iron Works Co., Vulcan Iron Works, b. 

Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 18.13. 
Harmon, W. W., Attorney- an<l Counselor-at-Law, b. Oswego, N. Y'., s. 1855. 
Harris, N. J., Civil Engineer and City Surveyor, member of Co. D, 2Gth Regt., 

N. Y. Vols. 
Harmon, Milt"n, Merchant, b. Rutland, Vt., 1790. 
Harmon, II. M., City Clerk, City Hull, 1). Oswego, N. Y., s. 1823. 
Hover, Joseph, of the firm of Jenkins, Hover ,t Co., Merchant Millers, cor. W. 

Thiid and Ellen sts., h. Germany, a. 1843. 
nines, Albert, of the firm of Farwell & Iliijes, 7ll N. Third St., b. Oswego, N. Y'., 

8. 1810. 
Uimes, UainptoTi, Carpenter and Builder, member of City Trustees, ^V^ River St., 

b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1835. 
Hunt, S. T., Manufacturer of Boots and Shoes, 4U W. Bridge St., b. Essex, N. Y., 

8. 1847. 
llarshee, John, Carpenter and BniWer, 92 W. Eighth St., b. Cayuga, N. Y., s. 1842. 
Harshee, Geo. B., Architect and Builder, 02 W. Eighth street, b. Oswego, N. Y., 

8. 1857. 
Jenkins, Isaac G., of the firm of Jenkins, Hover & Co., Merchant Millers, Jen- 
kins, Hover & Co.'s office, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., 3. 1847. 
Jones, E. G., Broker, 252 Syracuse ave., b. Niagara, N. Y., s. 1820. 
Jones, C. P., Dealer in Hats, Caps, and Furs, 90 E. First St., b. New Y'ork,s. 1872. 
Kenific, John, Grocer, cor. E. Second and Utica sts., b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1845. 
Kelley, T. II., Salesnniu, W. Schuyler St., b. Oswego, N. Y. 
Keboe, Miles, Wholesale and Retail Litpior Dealer, 41 E. Bridge St., b. Ireland, 

s. 1850. 
Kingsford, Thomson, SuperintendentO--*wego Starch Factory, otfice T. Kingsford 

& Son, 8. 1848. 
Kinyon, L. L., Kinyon A Co., Hardware, and K. Wright & Co , Lumber, Water 

St., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1830. 
Kenyon, W. H., Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law, W. Bridge st. 
Kenific, Slichael F., Plumber, Gas fitter, and Doaler in Tinware and Stoves, 208 

W. Fourth St., 1). Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1852. 
Kernan, James, PracticitI Tinsmith, Dealer in Stove8,Tin\vare, etc., 36 W.Albany 

St., s. 1848. 
Kellogg, C. C, Meat Market and Miller, 5S W. Second st,, b. Onondaga, N. Y., 

s 1825. 
Lathrop, S. H., Cashier of Bank of Oswego, W. Eighth and Van Buren sts. 
Lathrop, J. M., Millinery and Fancy Goods, 100 N. First St., b. New York City, 

8. 1872. 
Lathrop, T. C, Millinery and Fancy Good.i, 109 N. First st.,b. New Y'ork City, 

8. 1870. 
Low, Frank W., Deputy Sholiff, Sheriff's Office, b. Oswego, N. Y , 8. 1850. 
Lipp.ncott, S. M., Ticket Agent B. W. t O. E. R., Ticket Office, b. New Y'ork 

City, 8. 1840. 
Lester, J. B., Whole.sale and Retail Dealer in Cigars, Tobacco, Fancy Goods, 

Toys, etc.. Lake Shore Hotel Block, b. OnoudagH, N. Y'., s. 18.56. 
Lester, G. H., Wholesale and Retail Dealer in Cigars, Tobacco, Fancy Goods, 

Toys, etc.. Lake Shore Hotel Block, b. Onondaga, N. Y., s. 1861. 
Lester, J. II., Proprietor Merch.ints' Hotel, Merchants' Hotel, b. Suffolk Co., 

N. Y. 
Litllcfield, II , Dealer in Lumber, cor. Monroe and River sts., b. Washington 

Co., .N. Y., 8. 1837. 
Lewis, L., Wliolesale Lumber Dealer, 95 E. Fifth St., tt. Oswego, N. Y'., s. 1833. 
Millut, J. B., Brewer, cor. W. Bridge and Water sts., b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

8. 18.59. 
Slurray, Thomas. Dealer in Groceries and Piovisions, 126 W. Fifth st., b. Oswego, 

N. Y, 8. 1844. 
Morse, Wni. S., Millwright, h. Cayugii, N. Y*., 8. 1847. 
Mott, Thomas S., President of First National Bank, Bank, b. Madison, 

8. 18.V2. 
Mott, John T,, Vice-President of First Nation:il Bank, Bank, b. Madison, 

8. 1852. 
Macfulane, J. D., Ship-builder, W. Cayugi St., b. Kingitun Co., N. Y., 3. 1847. 



N. Y., 



, N. Y., 



McCarthy, P., Dealer in Cigars, Liquors, etc., 155 W. Fourth at., b. Oswego, 

N. y., s. 1841. 
Mongin, J. B. II., of the firm of Jenkins, Hover 4 Co., b. Cayuga, N. Y., a. 1847. 
Mattoon, A. V., Healer in Real Estate, Florist, Member of State Senate 1868 and 

1SC9, '27 Mohawk st. 
Malcolm, Wni. S. (Retired), cor. W. Seventh and Cayuga sts., b. Utica, N. Y., 

8. 1820. 
Morton, C. C, Proprietor Elevator, and Couimission Merchant, 18 W. Fourth 

St., b. Ohio, s. 1803. 
Matthews, Thomas, Commission Merchant, 48 E. Utica St., h. Ticga, N. Y.,8. 1871. 
McCarty, A., Jr., Attoruoy-al-Law, Fitzhugh Hotel, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1838. 
Melntyre, A. D., Drug-ist. 1.52 E. Fonrth St., b. Canada, s. 1852. 
McHugli, M., Dry Goods Merchant, 2 and 3 Neal Block, h. Ireland, s. 1S70. 
Moore, J. L., Grocer, Ri) E. Bridge at., b. Oswego, N. \'., a. 1840. 
Meeker, Lorenzo, Contractor and Bnilder, E Seventh 8t.,b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 

s. 1832. 
Blara, Daniel 0., Blacksmith, O)^ Lyons St., b. Ireland, s. 1847. 
Martin, Alvin, Grocer, 227 E. First at., b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1842. 
Martin, Lewis, C.irriagn and Wagon Manufacturer, cor. E. First and Onondaga 

sts., b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1809 
Murdock, A. J.. Cooper, E. Duer St., b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1827. 
Minshall, E., Forenum of New York, Oswego and Midland Railroad Shop, 101 

E. Twelfth St., b. England, s. 1850. 
Neal, M. P., Merchant Tailor, 41 E. Fifth St., b. England, s. 1853. 
Norris, John, Meat Market, 23 W. Bridge st , b. England, 8. 180.5. 
Nutting, N. W., Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law, 06 W. Fifth St., b. Oswego, 

N. Y., 8. 1840. 
Navagh, John, Ship Carpenter and Boat Builder, cor. Lake and Monticello sts., 

b. Ireland, s. 1829. 
Ott, C. W. 
O'tJonnell, Rev. Daniel, Pastor of St. John's Evangelist Church, Erie near W. 

Fourth St., b. Columbia Co., N. Y.,s. 1875. 
Oliver, F. W., Photographer (established 1847), cor. W. First and Bridge sts., b. 

Oswego, N. Y., s. 1845. 
Oliphant, R. J., Bookbinder, Printing, and Stationery (established 1828), 176 

W. First St., b. Oswego, N. Y'., a. 1837. 
O'Sullivan, Mrs. J., Grocer, 88 E. Seneca St., b. I reland, s. 1847. 
O'Sullivan, James, Grocer (deceased), 88 E. Seneca St., b. Irelnnrl, 8. 1847. 
O.sl.orn, Alvin (Retired), 1-22 E. Second st., b. Ilerkiniei , N. Y'., 8. 1831. 
Pratt, C. W,, Commission Merchant, 126 E. Fifth St., h. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1848. 
Pool, J. N., Paper Dealer, 40 E. Fifth St., b. New York City, s. 1843. 
Phillips, John, Merchant Tailor, 76 E. Filth St., b. England, s. 1853. 
Phillips, J. G., Painter, 19 E. Eleventh St., b. England, ». 1856. 
Perry, .\lbertus. Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law, and United Slatea Court 

Commissioner, Grant Block, b. Massachusetts, s. 1847. 
Place, J. A., Editor of Times and Pwstmaster, Tiiivs Office, b. Providence, It. I , 

8. 1832. 
Poucher, W. A,, Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law. 
Poacher, J. S., Livery and Sale .Stable, b. Columbia, N. Y., s. 1857. 
Pavy, Capt. Wm L., Lake Propeller, h. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1834. 
Paine, Edward M., Proprietor Shaving Saloon and Bath House, cor. Bridge and 

First sts., b. England, a. 1837. 
Pool, A., Ilonieeopathic Physician, 232 W. First St., b. Mas.sachiisott8, s. 1830. 
Place, C. Z., Book-keeper Marine Bank, Oswego. 
Pittibone, Jlrs. Mary, widow of Augustus P. (deceased 1857), 118 W. 2J St., b. 

Hartford, Conn., s. 1849. 
Roberts, D. D. 

Ratigan, L., Ship Carpenter, 72 W. Schuyler st , b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1827. 
Ringland, Joseph, Hotel and Uestaurant, Nos. 1 and 2 Arcade St., b. Canada, s. 

1802. 
Riley, Patrick, Carpenter, No. 12 E. Seneca at., b. Ireland, s. 1847. 
Rhoadcs, Charles, Atti>rney- and Counselor-at-Law, Grant Block, b. Oneida, 

N. Y., 8. 1842. 
Root, Elia«, President M iriiie National Bank, Collector of Customa, Member of 

Assemldy from 1862 to 1865, W. Si.\th and Oneida sti., b. Washington, 

N. Y., s. 18.56. 
Read, Thomas F., Grocer (established 1837), 25 and 27 W. Bridge St., b. Oswego, 

N. v., 8. 1847. 
Rogers, Charles, Carpenter and Builder, W. Third between Bridge and Utieida 

ata., b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1836. 
Rathbun, J. H., Merchant, 127 W. Fifth St., b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1846. 
Riisamusscn, J. J., Store-keeper in Starch Factory, Factory, b. Cayuga, N. Y., 

8. 1S44. 
Rassutnssen, \V. L., Foremui Packing Department Oswego Starch Factory, b. 

Cayuga, N. Y'., s. 1847. 
Rope, Wm. W., of the firm of 0. M. Bond & Co., Lumber Dealers, Company's 

Office, b. Oswego, N. Y'., 8. 1845. 
Robinson, W. G., Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law, 101 W. First St., b. Oswego, 

N. Y., 9. 1829. 
Richards, V. W., Principal of Oswego High School, 92 W. Bridge st., s. 1867. 
Ricket, J. v.. Painter, 213 W. F.rst st , b. Herkimer, N. Y. 
Remington, J. D., Paymaster D. L. and W. R. R , b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1850. 
Summerville, J. R., Steam Dyer, 08 W. Second »t , b. Baltimore, Md., s. 187'2. 
Shepar.l, Chiis. G., Clerk, •2-28 W. Fifth St., b. Oswego Co., N. Y'., s. 18.11. 
Slain, W., Chemist (with Kingstoi d ,t Son), .S3 W. .Second St., b. France, s. 1875. 
Stephens, W. I) , Com'n Broker and Dealer in Coal, 84 W. Eighth St., 8. 1872. 
Schilling, Peter, RcstauruDt, 160 W. First St., h. Uanlmin Castle, Soinbarn, s. 18C2. 



436 



IIISTOUY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Sh'-panl, E. II., Bplirrd Miller and Farmer, b. Orange Co., N. Y.. a. 1811. 

Sajer, Kilward, iiruceraiid Starch >laker, cor, W. Fir»t and Slurrny Bt*., b. Nor- 
folk, Edk.. Itl2l, ■. 1837. 

Stillmao, II. C, OommrrrUI K<IUar Tima, Timtt Offlco, b. Otwrno, N. Y. 

tkulley, J., Mfr. B.hiU and »\im%, l»T W. KiiibOi >t , b. Onwrgo, N. Y.. a. 1862. 

SiHjiicor, J. K., Slii|i|>lni; l>i<|Jiirliii<'nt Uiiwvgo Sbirch Factor}', 17:1 W. Third IL, 
li, OnoncUk-a I'o., N. Y., IX.'T, «. 1844. 

Sumner, C. 8., Welgh-maater Starch Factory, 117 W. ThInI •!., b. Allianjr, N. V., 

». IHii. 

Suiithw ick, .1. A., Paper Box noportment Slarch Factory, 35 \V. Mohawk St., b. 

Wayn.', N. Y., a. 1*47. 
Sinclair, IJavlcl, t'|>halaterer, 113 W. SIxlh St., b. Sew York, a. 184S. 
Salmon, I^vl, Ilcalur In llidfa and Hklna, cur. Third and Ellen sla., b, Oswego 

Co., N. Y.. a. 1841, 
Scanlan, John, Butcher, cor. Vnrrick and W. Third ata,, b, Chtir Co., Ireland, a. 

1S.VJ 
Sli'wart, W. R., Starch Maker, .'p7 W, Ellen at., b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 18.17, 
Slewurt, Wm., Florl"l, cor. W. ThInI and Albany ata., b. England, a. 1h.'.7. 
SulliTan, A. A., Dentiat, b.Uawego, N. Y, 
Siuilh, Cliaa. G., Lumber Dealer, l:<9 E. Third St., a. IS.'Kl. 
Stacy, S. H., l>ru|>, Diallitlle ilouo'. Hotel, b. (j9Wego (\>., N. Y., ». 1840. 
Sherman, B, M. 

SlHiy, E. I)., Grocer, cor. E. Fifth and Oneida ata., b. Oswefto Co., N. Y., a. 18.11. 
Suylv, v., Mi'Chanir, cor. R. Tenth and Mohawk ata., a. 1841. 
Sfnrs, Ihivid, Uhlck^mith, 2'J E. Eighth 81., b. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1K.V). 
Stone, R. E., Carpenter and Builder and General Dealer, cor. E. Tenth and 

Oneida iU., b. Oawigo Co., N. Y., «. ISJ'J. 
Short, Charles, Foreman in Flouring Mill, 2'J8 E. Second st., b. Oernmny, a. 18ttl. 
Shilling, Andrew, Grocer. E. Seventh and .Vlbion sis., b. Germany, s. XS&i. 
Smith, William, liil E. Seventh st. 

Stebbins, Henry H., Pa»t>jr Grace Chvinh, :l:i W. Fifth «t., b. Sew York, a. 1874. 
Taylor, I). E , Clerk Oswego Co., Duolittlo House, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. ISlo. 
Tully, David, IVstor Fiwl Presbyterian Church, cor. E. Fifth and Budy sts., b. 

Kew York, a. 1874. 
Thornton, Henry, Itjokkeeper, 2<)i W. First St., b. Ireland, a. I8.-.1. 
Trilie, P. C. >I , Book-keeper Oiwego Starch Factory, :15 W. Oneida St., ». I87,'l. 
Van Horn, Robert, Carting Freight to and from Kailruml, Lake Shore Railroad 

onice, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 8. 1828. 
Wright, Luther, President I^ke Oittario National Bank and City Savings, cor, 

W. Sixth and Schuyler sts., s. 18.')>, 
Wenilfll, J., Watehtnaker nnil Jeweler, o Grant Block, b. Russia, 8. 1852. 
Worts, Mannialer, Steam Bjikery and Confectioner, cor. W. Firwt and Cayuga 

stt.. b. England, s. IHIio. 
Wright, N. A.. Vn>i'. Feeil- and Grist-Mill, and Denier. 

Walbridge, E. S.. Dealer in Furniture, lUO W. Firit at., b. Vermont, a. 1848. 
Wright, P. O, City (iilleclor, Oawego, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1841. 
Wright, H. S., Firm Keiiyon, Wright Jb Co , Lumber Dealers, cor. W. Vint and 

Scliuyler sts , b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1844. 
Wagner, William, Prop. Atlantic Hull, LU W. Finitst., b. Bavaria, s. 18G7. 
WillUtns, William H., Foreman Hook and Ladder Co., b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 

18.">l). 

Williams, C. C, Bo.jk-keeper. .■|8 W. Eighth «t., I>. OMego Co.. N. V., s. 18.10. 

White, John J., Attorney- and Counsel. ir-ut-Law, City, b, Ireland, s. I8.»l. 

Webb, S. A,, Attorney-at-Law, cor. E. Fouith anil Clica sts., b. JefTerson Co. 

Wee<l, E. R., LninU'r Dealer, E. First st., b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1843. 

Wheeler. Charles. 

Wellington, J. C, Tallow diandler, HIE. Bridge at., I.. Masvichuaetls. s. 1829. 

Woodnitr, C. H., Contractor and Builder, 4tl E4iat Fourth St.. b. Herkimer Co., 
N. Y., s. 1824. 

Wood, John L., Painter and Dealer in Paints, 181 E. Sixth st., b. Onondaga Co., 
X. Y., «. 18.12. 

Wibbe, J. II,, Pastor St. Peter's Church, cor. E. Eighth and Albany sU., b. Ger- 
many, a. 1874. 

Yager, Charlrn, Retailer Flouring Blill, l:i6 Seventh nt., b. Germany, s. 18.12, 



OSWEGO. 

AditiiiH, \Villiiitii, Furniur ami Fniit-tfniwtT, O»wi'go Cinitrr, h. JL-fTi-reun Cu., 

N. y., B. I8.'i7, p. o. add. Onwt'gu IVnlro. 
Ailniiiif, Polly, (>nwcg*» Centre, b. t^iniiccticiit, b. \SC*\ p. o. odd. Oswogo Conlro. 
llrndwiiy, It. IV, Mcriliuiit iin<l Mfr, Cider and Vfiiogur, Uiilun Village, b. 0«- 

wego, 8. IH'28, p. o. add. U4>x l:!-!*;, Onwego. 
Burl, Mth. L. G., ruruior, Mincttu, b. New Hain|Mliire, ■• ISSTi, p. o. add. 

Minctto. 
Pmwn, .liu. W,, Furnior, Onwego, h. BlaKwtcliiittotttt, ». 18-"tl, p. o. add. Mhiotto. 
Hurt, I**' liny, KMniHr »nd Kruit-gruwi<r, CMwego, b. 0«wcgu City, s. 1814, p. o. 

udd. Miliettu. 
niiMlgpil, Miidiwiii J., Retired Itutclieraiid Fartner, Suuthwcat Oiiwcgo, b. Onun- 

ditgn Co., N. Y., ■. 1811, p. u. add. .Sjiilhwent Oswrgo. 
BloilgctI, Lctiuni L., Teaclier, S(>utliWi>st Oowego, b. Chiwfgo Co., N. Y., «. 1842, 

p. ij. add. .S>iitliweHt Oiiwego. 
Uludgett, Kiigeiie M., Kurnier, Oiiwi>gu, b. Uiiwegu Co., N. Y., «. 18^17, p. o. add. 

Soiithwnit Oawpgo. 



Brlgliam. T. 8.. Retiml Piibilfher, Union Village, b. Monn><», N. V., t. IKJA. p. 

o. add. I'niiinTllle. 
Bronimn.C. W., Ki»mi"r, 0*weg»,b. 0*wpp> Co., N. T.,i. l**ifi. p. o. add. O«wpyo. ' 
BloM*>m, tieurge, Clorgyiuan, 04wcg», b. Ma«itclius«tt«, a. lHOd, p. o. a>ld. Imh- 

•ing. j 

Coatd, Lyman, Farmer, one of the prtjecbin of <hivr<>gu Co. Pioneer Society, ' 

0*w.-go, b. Oiwegu Co., N*. v., •. 1816. p. o. a<ld. <»«w.-go. * 

Clark, AI>n4Ui M., Farmer, iNwego, b. W)nd«or, Cunn., ■. 1810, p. o. add. Bux , 

Mas, City. 
' Clark, Scldi'n P., R«liretl Faruier, 0*wegu, b. Windsor, Conn., a. 1810, p. o. add. 

Oswego City. 
CoatA, Warren, Fanner and Fru it-grower, 0«wego, b. Oewego Co., N. Y.,b. 1818, 

p. o. add. Oswego, Box 13(15. 
Carrier, Richard, Farmer, Oswego, b. Connecticut, ■. IKtT, p. o. add. Southweat 

Oiwego. 
GomUli, II. A., Farmer and Stock-grower, and one of the dlrecloni of Oawego 

Town .Xgricnllnnil and llorliciilliinil .Sn-ieiy, Oiwego Centre, b. Oawegu 

Co., N. v., «. 1k4o, p. o. add. Onwego Centre. 
Coniish, G. J., Grower and Pealer In Stock, Oiwego Centre, b. Oneida C-o.^ N. 

Y., 8. 18;Kt, p. o. a*id. Onweg.! Centre. 
Coc, Seyniunr, Jr., Farmer and Fruit-grower, Oswogo, b. Onondaga Co., \. Y., 

a. 1818, p. (I. aild. Oswego City. 

Carpenter, J>>hn, Retirml Publisher, Oiwego, b. Greene Co., N. T.. a. IB-IO, p. o. 

a<bl. Oxwego City. Box \'Mi8. 
Clark, Mt^. M J., Minetto, b. K^f-x Co., N*. Y.,a, 1152, p. o. add. Mlnetlo. 
DiiveniMTt. Mrs. S. L., Farmer, Union VilUge, b. Oswego, N*. Y., i. 18:11, p. o. 

add. Box l;i;J2, City. 
Dutcher, BenJ. P., Farmer and Fniil-grower, O^wegu, b. Cuyuga Co., X. Y"., k. 

18:t2, p. o. add. Southwest Onwego. 
FurniMK, Jno. S., Furmer. Iii>p grower, Ltimtteiman, aud Station Agent, Oswego. 

b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., s. 1S32, p. o. add. Box 12C7, Clly. 

Fitch, Henry P.. Farmer, and JutilU'u of the* Peaee twidve years, Oswego Centre, 

h. Oneida Co., N. Y.. s. 18;t;i. p. o add. Oswego C.-ntre. 
Farnham, N., Funner, Union Village, b. Vennont, 17i)2, s. 1813, p. o. odd. Box 

12f.S, City. 
Forbes, Jtio. H., Farmer, Minctto, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. Minetto. 
GrifBn, Jas. A., firm of GriRIn & .Mott, Lnmboring, <*ider Renutng.und VinegHr 

Mfrs., Onwego, b. Jeffer'-un C<i., N. Y., ». iSolt, p. o. luld. Oswfgi> Centre. 
Green, Daniel R-, Farmer and Fruit-growi-r, Oswego, b. Oswfgu Co., S. Y., s. 

182G, p. o. aild. Oswego City. 
Gray, M'lMlam, Farmer, Oswego, b. Oswogo Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. add. Oswegu 

Cily. 
Greenwooil, Alfred 11., Farmer and Friiit-gn»wer, Oawego Centre, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y.. 8. iHl.'i, p. o. add. Oswego Cf ntre. 
Harding, H. T., Superintendent Oawego City Alm8hnu4o ton yeara, Oswego, b. 

Oswr-go Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, p. o. add. Oswi-go Clly. 
Huntington, K. W., Fanner, Oswegu, b. Connerilcut, s. 1844, p. o. add. Minetto. 
Howell, Wm., Farmer and Threslier, Oswego, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. 

add. North Hannibal. 
Jones, Im L., Physician, Minetto, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. aild. 

3Iinetto. 
Jenkins, Captaiin Jame«, Farmer and Retired Sea Captain. Master of roaael out 

of (»»weg.» twenty-tliree years, Otiwegu, h. I>eiinmrk, 8. in U. S. 1829; a. 

In Oaweg'* 18 :t», p. o. add. Oswego Centre. 
Loadloy, Tlit.>s., Furmer anil Milk Dealer, Oswogo, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 185o, 

p. o. adil. IU>x 1420. City, 
Lewis, Nitthiin, Retired Farmer, Oswego, b. Albany, N. Y., 1797, s. 18*22, p. o. 

add. Soilthwemt Oswego. 
Lamb, iln. K. M., Farmer, Union Village, b. Otaogo Co., N. Y., b. 1827, p. o. 

add. Box 1332, City. 
Lewis, Simeon, Retired Farmer, Southwest Oswogo, b. Kent Co., R, I., 170?, 8. 

1S47, p. V. add. SoulbweMi Oswego. 
Martin, Lnura, Farmer and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Vermont, b. 1822, p. o. 

aiid. .Southwrst (_>swi>go. 
Martin, Jas., Farmer, Oswego, b. Oswego, N. Y., t. 1844, p. o. add. Southwest 

Oaw-go. 
Mareb, Wm. C, Postmaster and Proprietor of Grocery, O«wcgo Centre, b. Che- 

nungo Vak, X. V., s. 1808, p. o. add. Oswego Centre. 
Oot, A., Merchant, Minetto, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., a. tS52, p. o. add. Minetto. 
Ostntnder, Jno., Retired Fanner, Minetto, b. Santtogu (3o., N. Y., s. 1828, p. o. 

add. MiiM-tto. 
Pease, Lc Roy, Farmer and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1650, 

p. o. aild. Box 12j*9, Clly. 
Pease, Lev], Farmer iind Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Oswogo Co., N. Y., s. 1810, p. 

o. adil. flux 1289, City. 
Pease, Alfrwl, Fanner ar.d Fruit-grower, Oawego. b. Oawego Co., N. Y., s. 1825, 

p. o. aild. Box VMiCt, City. 
Park, C. G., Farmer and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. New l^ondon, Conn., s. 18:18, 

p. o. add. B.»x 12Mt, City. 
Pusko, K. C, Farmer and Fire Insurance Agent, tHwego, b. Cnyuga Co., N. Y., 

8. I8.V1, p. u. aild. S<jutliwe-<t Oswego. 
Pamons, Scliuyler L., Farui-T ami Kruit-grwwer, ttswegti. It. JefTcreon Co,, N. Y., 

B. 1868, p. o. odd. Box 1474, City. 
Parkinson, Jno., Farmer, Oswego, b. Yorkidiire, England, s. 18^13. 
Perry, Walter R., Fanner and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Cayiigii Co., N. Y., s. 

1H:12, p. o. add. Milietti>. 
Potter, IL M., Fanner, t>8wego, b. Oswego Co , N. Y., s. 1837, p. 0. add. Minetto. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



437 



PnrBoii8, Mrs. Sarah, Fanner ami Frnit-grower, Oswego, b. Seneca Co., N. Y., s. 
ISr.s, p. o. iiiM. Minetto. 

Parsons, Wiitei man T.,riiinior and Fruit-grower, Oswego, h. Oswego Co.,N.Y., 
a. 1SG7, II. o. add. Minetto. 

Pierce, Muiris 1'., I'ropiictur Rnial Cemetery, Farmer, and Fruit-grower, Os- 
wego, I). Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1S50, p. o. add. Uux 1458, City. 

Place, Jnhn, Carpenter and Farmer, Oswego, h. Ehode Iwland, s. 18.JG, p. o. add. 
Soutliwpst Oswego. 

Kandall, Ciieuter M., Fanner, Oswego, b. Providence, R. I., s. lS4ri, p. o. add. 
Soutliwest 0^wego. 

Randall, Hetsy M., Fanner, Oswt-go, b. Providence, R. I., s. 1845, p. o. add. 
Suutbwest Oswego. 

SteuniK, Hamilton L., Fanuer and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Herkimer Co., N. 
Y., s. 18:i4, p. o. add. City. 

gniilli, Fiank, ProprietDf Oswego Centre House, OsMego Centre, b. Montreal, 
Canada, s. 1S47, p. o. add. Oswego Centre. 

Stevens, Lewis, Farmer, Minotto, b. Rensselaer Co., N, Y., a. 1828, p. o. add 
Minetto, 

Stone, Pbilo, Farmer, Oswego, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 1797, s. 18U3, p. o. add. 
City. 

Sabin, v.. Farmer, Oswego, b. Jeff. Co., N. Y., 6. 1832, p. o. add. S. W. Oswego. 

Sabin, Albeit A., Ftnnier, Oswego, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1846, p. o. add. 
Soutliwest Oswego. 

Tliunipsun, Thos. d.. Farmer, Blackemitb, and Stock Dealer, Oswego, b. Wash- 
ington Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. 0. add. Box 1343, City. 

Todd, Mrs. E. M., Oswego City, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 1797, s. 1853. 

Todd, Horace W., Farming, Oswego, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Os- 
we-jo Centre. 

M'ilder. Kli, Farmer and Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. 3Iiulison Co., N. Y., s. 1S38, 
ji. (>. :idd. .Southwest Oswego. 

■Wurden, Willet R., Farmer and Loan Commlesroner, Assessor twelve years, Os- 
wego, h. (_t.swego Co., N. Y., s. 1821, p. o. add. Oswego City. 

AVurden, Schuyler, Fruit-grower, Oswego, b. Cayuga Co., K. Y., e. ISl'.i, p. o. add. 
Minetto. 

Wilt^ie, .lanu-s, Farmer, Oswego, b. Chenango Co., X. Y., 1803, s. 1825, p. o. add. 
Southwest Oswrgo. 



RICHLAND. 

Anderson, William, Farmer, Port Ontario, b. Kew York, a. 1817, ii. o. add. Port 

Ontario. 
Avcrill, E. E., Baggageman, Richland, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o add. Richland. 
Betts, Dr. Jas. N., Physician and Surgeon, Pulaski, b. New York, e. 1855, j). o. 

luld. Pulaski. 
Burton, Mi*s. A. C, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1816, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Betts, A. F., Merchant Tailor, Puhtski, b. New York, s. 1855, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Brown, William, l-'arniei-, Richland, b. New Yi)rk, s. 1827, p. o add. Pubiski. 
Bai^ley, A. N., Farmer, Richland, b. New York, s, 1831, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Bnigdiin. <ieo. L., Farmer, Kichland, b. Maine, s. 1818, p. o. add. Port Ontario. 
Bettinger, Hiram, Hotel, Port Ontario, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. adii. Port 

Ontario. 
Bitrker, Julia A., Teacher, Dug Way, b. New York, s. 1853, p. o. add. Dug Way. 
Brown, Ansel, Fanning and Lumbering, Richland, b. New York, s. 181G, p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
Baldwin, K. M. D., Farmer, Richland, b. New York,8. 1822. p. o. add. Pnlaski. 
Caldwell, Dr. Henry W., Surgeon and Physician, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1841, 

p. o. add. Pulabki. 
Clark, C. A., Banker, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 18J4, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Cole, Wesley W., Farmer and Dairyman, Ricbhind, b. New York, 8. 1835, p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
-Clark, J. A., Fanner and Dairyman, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1^*35, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Cross, Charles H., Land Agt., Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1814, ji. o. add. Pulaski. 
Ci-ocker, D., Blacksmith, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. I'ulaski. 
Cornell, Wm. N., l*ai)er Manufacturer, Pulaski, b. Rhode Island, s. 1S58, p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
Coleman, Tliomas, Barlwr, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1854, p. o. aild. Pulaski. 
Cornell, Henry, Farmer, Richland, b. New York, s. 1850, p, o. add. South Kich- 

laud. 
Cole, Lucius B., Keeper of Light-hrtuse, Port Ontario, b. Vermont, 8. 1827, p. o. 

add. port Outaiio. 
Calkins, Rns-tet, Farmer, Richland, b. Vermont, s. 1817. p. o. adil. Ri- hiand. 
Crippi-n, S., Com. Traveler, Puhi'ki, b. New York, s. 1822, p. o. add. Puhiski. 
Dixon, W. B., Bunker. Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Dow, B., Machinist, Pulaski, b. Connecticut, s. laXi, p. o. add. Piila.tki. 
Davis, Chauncey, Butter-tub Factory, Pulobki, b. New York, 8. 1844, p. o. add, 

Ptilaski. 
Douglasd, 0. J., Farmer, Richland, b. New York, s. 1P24, p. o. add. South Ricli- 

lan<l. 
Doilge, Chas. (,'., Famier, Kichland,b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Pula.ski. 
Dean, Alhert, Farmer, Daysville, b. New York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Day»ville. 
Davison, John, Harne!iti<uutker, Pulaski. 

Farmer, J. S., Pi»ur-mrtster, Kirliland, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
FidlowH, Stephen H., Fanner, Kichland, b. Connocticnt, 8. 1825, p. o. add. Pu- 
laski. 



Fellows, Jaa, G., Fuimcr, Richland, b. New York, s. 1844, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
FellowB, 11. L., Farmer, Richland, b. New Yoik, s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Field, W. R., Kichland Trout Fann, Richland, b. New York, 8. 1873, p. o. add. 

Richlaiid. 
Fellows, Ira G., Farmer and Daiiy, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1824, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Finster, S. W., Farmer, Richland, b. Now York, s. 1847, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Foreman, E. D., Liveryman, I'ulaski, b. N- . ork, 8. 1840, p. o. adil. Pulaski. 
Gray, N. H., Hotel-keeper, Pulaski, b. N. York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Gaylord, F. 31., Painter, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1856, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Gates, S. T., Farmer, Pulas-ki, b. New Yoik,s. 1829, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Gilli.spie, Robert, Fanner, Richland, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. DayBvillc. 
Harnuin, James, Miller, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1810, p. o. add. Pula-ki. 
Hall, Thomas, Farmer, Pnlaski, li. EnglamI, s. 1835, p. o. add. Pulaski, 
Huntington, S. C, Jr., Teacher, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. Pu- 
laski. 
Hawley, L. J., Farmer and Horseman, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1857, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Hadley, S., Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, e. 1856, p. o. add, Pnlaski. 
Hemans, Ella J., Gn)cery, Flour, and Feed, Port Ontario, b. New York, 8. 1854, 

p. o. add. Port Ontario. 
Holmes, W. C, Cheese-factory, Pulaski, b. New Yoik, s. 1867, p. o. add. Pu- 
laski. 
Hinman, Wm. H., Farmer and Dairy, Richland, b. New York, 8. 1841, p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
Hendersun, Alice, Richland, b. New York, 8. 1852, p. o. add. Daysville. 
Ilungerfurd, Eli&i E., Daysville, b. Connecticut, s. 1816, p. o. add. Dnysvillo. 
Hungerford, N. J., Farmer and Dairy, Daysville, b. New York, 8. 1833, p. o. add. 

Daysville. 
Ingersoll, R. L., Baiiker, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1830, p. o add. Pulaski. 
June, Mrs. Wni., Merchant Tailor, b. New York, s. 1847, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Jones, Chas. H., Dairyman, b. New Yoik, e. 1840, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Jones, Pliney H., Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, 8. 1806, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Kelley, Ed. F., M.D., Physician, Pulaski, b. New Jersey, 8. 1873, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
King, D. A., Lawyer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1834, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Ling, Lorenzo, Iron Foundry, Pulaski, b. Maine, s. 1S56, p. o. add. Pnlaski. 
Lane, Frey, Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. add. I*ula.ski. 
Ligbthall, M. B., Shingle-mill, Pulaski, b. Canada, s 1852, p. o. add. Pubiski. 
Lane, Gilbert, Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1815, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Lamb, Thomas, Dairying and Fanning, Puhtski, b. Massachusetts, s. 1850, p. 

o, add. Pulaski. 
McCarty, A. Z., Attorney, Pnlaski, b. New York, s. 1829, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Muzzy, Reade, Editor and Publisher, Pulaski, b. Connecticut, s. 1851, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Miuot, E. U., Insurance Agent and Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1851, p. 

0. add. I'ulaski. 
McChesney, D., IMechanic, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1829, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
McCarty, Daniel M., Gro., Richlund, b. New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Richland. 
Meacham, D. B., Merchant, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1827, p. o. add. Richland. 
Moore, S. D., K. W. and 0. R. R. Deitot Agent, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1835, 

p. o. adii. Richland. 
Mellen, Geo. F., Farmer and Mechanic, Pulaski, b. Vermont, s. 1820, p. u. add. 

Richland. 
Meacham, John, Farmer and Dairying, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 18U8, p. o. add. 

Richland. 
May, De Witt C, Farmer and Dairyman, Pulaski, b. New York, b. 1825, p. o. 

add. Richland. 
Mowry, E. D., Mnlr., Richbmd, b. New York, s. 1827, p. o. add. Daysville. 
Maltby, C. R., Farmer and Dairying, Pulaski, b. Now York, s. 1825, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Minckler, N. A., Farmer and Dairying, Pulaski, b. New York,8. 1S35, p. o. add. 

Holmesville. 
McChesney, James A. (Retired^ Pulaski, b. Vermont, s. 1813, p. o. add. Port 

Ontario. 
McClellaii, Wm., Farmer and Dairy, Pulaski, h. New York, s. 1854, p. o. add. 

South Richbtnd. 
Nichols, C. W., Miller, Richland, b. New York, s. 1840, p. o. add. S. Richland. 
Peckham, E. W., Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, a. 185ii, p. o. add Pulaski. 
Parkhui-st. B. E., Lawyer, Pulaski, h. New York, s. 1843, p o. add. Pulaski. 
Pierce, W. N., Farmer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1842, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Potter, C. P., Farmer, Pnlaski, h. New Yoi k, a. 1K25, p. o. add. Richland, 
potter, N. B., Fanner and Dairying, Pulaski, b. Vormoiit, s. 1861, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Pratt, C. B., Farmer and Dairying, Pulaski, b. New York, s. 1823, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
IMiillirick, Wm. II., Farmer, Puhi.*iki, b. New York, 8. 1840, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Potter, Electa, Farmer, Pubiski, b. New York, s. lH:t2, p. o. add. Pnlaski. 
Pre.-ton, John, Lawyer, Pulaski, b. New York, s. lH4;t, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Porter, G. F., Moulder, Pulaski, b. Now York, s. 1852, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Richards, John W., Miller, Pubi-ki, b. England, s. 1873, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Ripsoni, S. B., Deputy Postmaster, Pulaski, b. New York, ». 1837, p. o. add. 

Richlanil. 
Reyncdds, C. F., Farmer, I'ulaski, b. New York, s. 1R56, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Robii.siui, Joel E., Farnu-r, Pulaski, b. New York. s. 1827, p. o. add Pulaj^ki. 
Read, D. D., Farmer, Kidiland, b. New York, b. 1.s58, p. o add. Pulii^ki. 
Snow, Benjamin, .Moulder, PnhisUi, b. New York, s. 1835, p. o. a.ld. Pulaski. 



438 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



Smith, N. B., Atlorni'y, riilniki, b. Virmont, •. 18<!i>. p. o. •dd. Piiluki. 

SUrk, B. A., Puluki, b. Xf w York, >. la'.T, p. o. mlU. Puluki. 

S>gr, I'hilo B., Orpilljr Slu'riff, Piilatkl, b. Maw Yurk, •. IM3, p. o. add. Saud 

Bank. 
Siroiig, Wni., Slrcrl C.iin., PnlaakI, b. New Y'ork, «. 1814, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Slater, I,. K., Hoxiiinkhig and Milliner), Piilaikl, b. New Y'urk, >. llf-.£lt, p. o. 

add. Pulaxki. 
SalUlinry, Oiandler, Farming and Dalrjrlng, Pulaaki, b. New T»rk. a. ItiJl, p. 

o. add. PnlaakI. 
Sharp, (;«>r(jc. Farming and l>alr}ing, PulaakI, b. Sew Y'ork, a. lt>-l'', p. u. odd. 

Pulaaki. 
Soulf, Tbinniui, Famior, Riihland, b. New York, i. 11*20, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Scberniethorn, I«a«c, MrrchanI, Pulaaki. b. New York, g. 1828, p. o. add. Pu- 

liukl. 
Taggart. T. 8., Miller, Pulaski, b. New Y'ork, a. 1876, p. o add. Pulaski. 
Tjbr. I.. M , I.vvoiv, Pulaski, b. New York, s. ISi'i, |i. o. iidd. Pulaski. 
Twitchell, Sleplien »., Ciiriwntor and Joiner, Richland, b. New York, s. 1839, p. 

o. aild. Port Onlario, 
Tyler, Wm., Itetired Seaman, Richland, b. Connecticut, a. 1818, p. o. add. Port 

Onlario. 
Tryon, Morrln, Fixhing and Farming, Richland, b. New Yurk, a. 1S20, p. o. odd. 

Pitlnskl. 
Taylor, B. T., Farmer and Pniryman, Richland, l>. Now York, a. 1834, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Tnimbull, M. L., Farmer, Ulchlnnd, b. Now Y'ork, a. 1825, p. o. add. Pulaaki. 
Van Vliet, (i. II , Minister uF M. E. Church, IlicUland, b. New York, a. 1876, p. 

o. add. Soutli Ititlilnnd. 
Vorce, Abner, Fisliini;, Richland, b. New Y'oik, s. 1818, p. o. add. Port Ontario. 
Voeden, Itelus II., Factory, Uicliland, b. New Y'ork, a. 1844, p. o. add. Union 

Square. 
WriKhi, llar»ey C, Farmer. Richland, b. New Y'ork, a. 18:13, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Wallace, I'lenont, Farmer, Rirlilaiid, b. N' w Y'ork, «. IBlfi, p. u. add. Pubiski. 
W.iit, Mrs. J. II., Pula-ki, b. New York, s. 18;)9, |i. o. adil. Poliiski. 
Wiuhliuriie, Geo. H., It. A. and l>. It. It. llefut Agent, Richland, b. New Y'ork, 

s. Isr.T, p. o. aild. Uit'liland station. 
Wrighl, Albert, l'n>p. Ilubl, Richland, h. Sew Y'ork, s. 1874, p. o. add. Richland. 
YVhile, J. <•., Bridge-liuilder and Fanner, Richland, b. New Y'ork, a. 1849. p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
Weed, I.. S., Butcher and Farmer, Richland, b. Sew Y'ork. a. 1827, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Wright, Hollls, Fanner, Richland, b. Sew Y'ork, a. 1849, p. o. add. Richlaml. 
Whiting, R. N., Faimer and Doiry, Ricliliind, b. Sew York, s. 18:17, p. o. add. 

Pulaski. 
Wanior, Mrs. W. W., Pulaski, b. New Y'ork, s. 1852, p. o. add. Madison, Wis. 



VOLNEY. 

Allliouw, G. F.. Fitriner, VmIiu'V, L. O-^wig.., N. Y., b. 1823, p. o. nd<i. Fulton. 
Allun, UlU J., KBriiHT, Vulin-y, h. Oiiuiitliigu, X. Y., a. I»3."j, p. o. odd. N. Volney. 
Alli'ii, A. O., Kiinmr, Vulm-y, li. Oiiomlagn, N. Y., m. 183.% p. o. add. X. Volncy. 
ltnt;lium, Kdttuii, Kiiiiii«*r, Volni-y. b. Jeffrnwn Co., N. Y., a. 18(57, p. o. add. Iii- 

gi'lTii ('roiwili)g. 
IlnUoL-k, !.. » , FitrmiT, Volney. b. Ohwcgo, N. Y., 8. 1834, p. o. add. FuUon. 
Itiiblwjn, Nnali, F-irnn-r, Vulm-y, b. Oiiwcg.i, X, Y., ». 1K'J.1, p. o. add. Fulton. 
ItitiTolt, Wni., Fiinuui, Vuliiey, b. SinttoKU Co., N. Y., h. 181C. p. o.add. Fulton. 
BrlgK!*, (Jnidiner, Farniur, Volni-y, b. Washington Co., N. Y., h. iS^i'l, p. o. add. 

MInt'ttu. 
DriggK, Gei>., llotil and Gr»K:t-r, Vulnoy, b. Wiuhington Co., X. Y., s. 1832, p. o. 

add. Miiiftlo. 
Bubcock, G. F.» Farmer, Volney, b. Oswi-go, N. Y., b. 1847, p. o, add. Bundy'g 

Ci-otuing. 
Baker, F. N., Furmor, Vi'liu'y, b. Miidison C»., N. Y., 8. 18.14, p. o. add. Fnllun. 
BakiT, Jt>Hr))li, FatintT, VoIni*y. b. Onwvgo, N. Y., h. IS-J-J, p. u. add. Minoito. 
Bakrr, Lalon, Farinur, Volm-y, 1>. Itboilo lr<land, k. 1817, p o. add. SUiietto. 
Briggt, 11. r.. Fmr, Vulufy. b. \Viu.liitigton ('•«., N. Y., h. I8:ii, p. o. ndil. Minetlo. 
Briggs, K. L.. Fiirniir, Volin-y, b. (htwfgo, X. Y., «. 184.'), p. o. add. Minettn. 
Clark, AniMMi, Farmer, Volney, b. Bcrkttltire, Maiw., a. 18:t:t, p. o. add. Fultuii. 
^ Clark, B., Farmer, Volney, b.Oitwcgo, N. Y., a. 1«4 I, p.o. mid. Fulton. 
Chunli, Wm., i'arn»er, V»dney, b. Knglund, a. 18 17, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Chenebni, i 'larbwa F., Fanner, Volney, b. Mi\»<i!utcliUK«itK, a. 18;t8, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Clieiiebn>. W. F.. Farmer (duc< n^ud), Volney, b. !?tuiii()gion, Cunn., s. 18',f*J, jt. o. 

add. Kullou. 
Carrier, W. I., Fat m<'r. and Dealer in Ayr^thlru Slock, Volney, h. Oitwego, N. Y., 

a. 1M4, p. •>. add. Fulton. 
Currier, I.ydia 1* , Furnier, Vulney, b. Iterkabire, Alain., a 1827, p. o.add. Fiillun. 
Carrier, A. B., Fanner ^deceased), Volney, b. Burkaliirr, MaM., a. 1827, p. o. aild. 

Fulton. 
Coe. D.tvid B., Farmer, Volney, b. Onoida. X. Y., a. 18C4, p. o. add. Gilborl'a 

Mill-*. 
Candre, l.iinan. Farmer, Vulney, b. Oawe^n, X. Y., a. I8;1R, p. o. aild. Fitllon. 
Cixik, W. II., Fumier, Vulney, b MadJMun Co., N. Y.. a. IS^tO, p. o. add. Fnltun. 
Clark. L. K., FitmuT, V«>ln<y. b. BiTkaliire, Maaa., a. 182.% p.o add. Fnltun. 
Colltna, Franklin, Furiiu-r, Volney, b. Uawego, N. Y., a. !82l>, p. o. atld. Fultou. 



Colllna, R. S., Farmer, Volner, b. (lawegn, X. Y., t. lavt, p. o. add. Fn1t»n. 
Coitk. Wm. E , FaniK-r, Volney, b. o-wego, X. Y., a. 18», p. o.add. X. Volopy. 
G»e, <ltarle«. Farmer, Volney. b. <)»wcgo, X. Y.. a. I«llt. p o. aild. X. V.dney. 
C«»e. It. <'., Farmer, Volney, b. Oawego, X. V., a. 1849, p. o. aild. X. Volnry. 
Coe, G. E., Fanner. Volney, b. Oswego. X. Y^ «. I83'J. p. o. add. X. V.dney. 
Durfey. A. A., Farmer, Volney, b. Oswregi), X. Y., a. 18:16, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Dodgf, J. X., Brick and Stone Sla-on and CHn'*'"**'^ Volney, b. Uawego, X. Y., 

a. 1822, p. o add. Biindy'a (.'ro-aing. 
Diatfn, J. W., Fanner, Volney, b. Onwego, X. Y., a. 1846, p. o.aild. Fult<>n. 
Pivtin, J. II., Farmer, Vulney, b. Xew Haven, C^mn., a. 183fi. p. o. add. Fulton. 
IH^tln, Slary D., Vulney, b. Oit«r«»go, X. Y., a. 1843, p. o. add. Bundy'a Cn«alng. 
IMatin, E. !»., Farmer, Volney, b Otwego, X. Y., a. ItCiO, p. o. aild. Fulton. 
Do Wulf, Ji)bn, FarmiT, Volney, b. Germany, a. 184fi, p. o. add. X. Volney. 
Druce, Mra. S. J., Fanner, Volney, b. Montgomery Co., X. Y., a. 184*, p. o. add. 

X. Volney. 
Emory, Itvnjaiuin, Farmer, Volney, b. Xcw llampabirOf a. 1814, p.o. add. Fulton. 
Foster, Fnd., Farmer, Volm-y, b. Oawego, X. Y., a, Wtl, p. o. a.ld. Fulton. 
Foater, Sjinford, Farmer, Volney, b. Oswego, X. Y., a. IKIfl, p. o. add Fidton. 
Gillinan, I'mula, Fanner, Volney, b. Franklin Ca>., X. Y., p. o. add. N. Vulnoy. 
Howard, Albert, Farmer, Volney, b. MadUon Co., X. Y., a. 1822. p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
IIJII, A. K., F-iimer, Volnny, b. Dutrheas Co., X. Y., a. 1SV\, p. o. add. Mlnelto. 
Hill, Julin C, Farmer, Vulney, b. Bladi^on Co., X. Y., a. 1H:U>, p. o. add. Fulton . 
Hubbanl, Tboa., Fanner, Volney, b. Orange Co., a. 1812, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Howard, S. P., Fnrnier, Volney, b. t»awego, X. Y., a. 18 U, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Holbrouk, Benton, Farmer, V»dney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1812, p. o. add. X. 

Volney. 
llownnl, C. J., Farmer, Volney, b. Oitwego, X. Y., a. 18.14, p.o. add. Fnlton. 
Inguraoll, T. I)., Farmer, Volney, b. Onondaga (.'o., N. Y., a. IS-'Wi, p. o. add, N. 

Volney. 
Ingcp'oM, A., Farmer, Volnoy, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1848, p. o. add. X. Volney. 
Knight, Geo., Farmer, Volney, b. Canad't,a. IS-^ii, p. o. add. Fnllon. 
LiitleHeld, W. C, Farmer, Volney, b. (Mwego, X. Y., a. I84'.>, p. o. add. 3linetto. 
Uttlefield. L. D., Fanner, Volney, b. Wtuihingt'm Co., X. Y., a. 18JB, p. o. add. 

Bundy'a Cruaaiug. 
Morae, A. G., Fnrnier, Vidn«*y, b. O«wego, X. Y., a. 18.T2, p. o.add. Votney Centre, 
McCarthy, Mre. A., Farrnor. Volney, h. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1817, p. o.add.Bundy'a 

CroBslng. 
Markham, J. S., Farmer, Volney, b. Madiaon Co., X. Y., a. 1617, p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
McCoUo! li. Wm., Oiqientcr and Joiner, Volnoy, b. Washington Co., X. Y., a. 

184'i, p.o. a Id. Fulton. 
Oaborn, W. X., Fai ni<r, Volney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Parker, Jubn, Farmer, Volney. b. Onwogu, X. Y., e. 1841, p. o. add. FuKon. 
Pierce, II. I)., Farmer, V<dney, b. Ctiyuga Co., it. Y., a. 1857, p. o. add. Bundy'a 

Croaaing. 
Pnlver, Jamen, Farmer, Volney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1829, p. o. add. Minetlo. 
rarkbnnd, Charlca, Farmer, Volney, b. Oawego, N. Y., a. 1849, p. o. aild. X. 

Volney. 
Parkbur-l, .\miinda. Farmer, Volney, b. Horkimer Co., X. Y., •. 18-18, p. o. add. 

X. Volney. 
Partrick, .1. M ., Farmer, Vidney, b. Oswego, X. Y , a. 1847, p. o. add. N. Volney. 
Part rick, S., Farmer, Volnoy, b. Fairfield Co., Conn., a. I8;i.'», p. o.add. X. Vulney. 
Pierce, Francia, Minialer M. E. Church, Volney, b. Madiaon Co., X. Y., a. lH4t, 

p. o. add. Fulton. 
Quigg, R. W., Merchant. Volney, b. Oswego, X. Y.. a. 1840, p. o. add. Minetlo. 
ltanuu<', H. J., Farmer. Volney, b. New York City, a. 1846, p. o. add. FuKun. 
Rice, S. C, Farmer, Volney, b. Addiaon Co., Vt., a. 1832, p. o. add. Fnlton. 
Sm lb. O. R., Fatmer, Volney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. Fulion. 
Storm, S. B., Fanner, Volney, b. HerkioierCo., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o.add. Bundy*i 

CroB-ing. 
Slii'lden, J. dm, Fanner, Volney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 18lfi, p. o. add. Minetto. 
Sanfurd, B. P., Farmer, Volney, b. Madhon C »., X. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. Fulion. 
Seapi. Xelrton, Fariuei', Volney, b. Berkahire, Masa., a. 1821, p. o. add. Fnlton. 
Stewart, C. W., Farmer, Volney, b. Onoitdiiga Co., X. Y., a. 18:11, p. o. aild. S. 

Scriba. 
Stewart, C. A., Farmer, Voltiey, b. Oawego, N. Y., a. 18:>8, p. o. add. S. Scrlbn. 
Sonrlcn, Marion T., Fanner, Volney, b. JefToraon ('o., X. Y., a. 18CI, p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
Searles, A., Farmer, Voln<'y, b. .lefforBon Co., X. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Sherman, G. F., M. E. Clergyman, Vulney, b. Oawego, X. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
Sibea, O. P., Farmer, Vnlney, b. Oswego, X. Y., a. ISSA, p. o. add. X. Volney. 
Streeter, S. !>., Farmer, Volney, b. t>awego. X. Y., p. o, add. Fulton. 
Thi>ma!>, Elina, Farmer, Volney, b. Herkmier Co., X. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Vol- 
ney Cetitre. 
Trembly. K., Funnor, Volney, b. Albion, X. Y., a. 1813, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Tiffiiiiy, i;eo., FarniiT, Volney, b. O'Wfpi, X. Y., n. IK^!!, p. o. add. Minetto. 
Tniak, Jamea, Fanner, Vohify, a, lh.'>.'), p. o. add. Fulton. 

Taylor, Geo. A., Farmer, Volney, b. Maili«un Co.,N. Y.,a. 183fi, p. o.add. Fulton. 
Taylor, Geo. A., Jr., Farmer, Volney, b. Oawego, X. Y..B. 18:18, p. o. add. Fnllon. 
Van Buren, l>anlut. Farmer, Volney, b. dawegu, X. Y., a. 1819, p. o.add. Fulton. 
Vim Buren, Morgan, Farmer, Volnoy, b. Onwego, X. Y., a. 18;i4, p.o. add. Fulton, 
Van Buren, |t;tvid. Fanner, Volney, b. iiawego. X. V., a. 1798, p. o. add. Fulton, 
Van Buren, John C, Fmr., Volney, b. Oawego, X Y.. a. ISIO, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Van Buren, V*dk«'rt, Farmer, Volney, b.ltewego, X. V., a. I82:i, p. o.add. Fulion. 
Van Buren, Miner\a, Fanner, Voluey, b. Oawego, X. Y.,a. 1811, p. o.add. Fulion. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



439 



Vatil, F., Farmor, Volney, b. England, s. 18:J0, p. o. add. Fiilton. 

Van ViiIkfiiLiurg, 0. B., Fiiimer, Vuluey, b. Oewego, N. Y., e. 1852, p. o. add. 

I' ultoii. 
Willipr, WtilUT, Volney, b, Greene Co., N. Y., b. 1837, p. o. add. Vohicy Centre. 
Wasliliiirn, C. A., Fanner, Volney, b. OnuiidHga Co., N. Y., b. 1840, p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
AVimgli, Hire. J. l\, Fjirmor, Volney, b. Oswego, N. Y.,b. 18-14,p. u. aild. Himdy's 

Crossing. 
Waugh, J. v.. Fanner, Volney, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. l8:i:J, p. o. add. Itundy's 

Crossing. 
Wiight, Frank, Farmer, Volney, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. add. Fvilton. 



MEXICO. 

Alfrt'd, L. F., Postmaster, Mexico, b. New Y'ork, 8. 1818, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Alfnd, J. II., Farmer, Mexico, \>. New York, b. 1842, p.o. add. Mexico. 
Austin, I>. H., Farmer, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y.,8. 18X5, p. o. add. Mexico. 
IlilliiU'd, Fi;tn(;o:e, Farmer and Carpe.nter, Mexico, b. Ilaute-Saono, France, s, 

l84o, p. 0. add. Jlexico. 
lieebe, Mi.-s K. N., Artist, Mexico, b. New York, s. 18:i7, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Brown, T. G., Hardw. Merch't, Mexico, b. New York, s. 18G4, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Bntterfield, Mrs. S. K., widow of deceased attorney, Mexico, b. New York, 8. 

1819, p.o. add. Mexico. 
Beebe, Mrs. S. T., widow late fuundryman, Mexico, b. New York, e. 1820, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
Bryan, Lewis, Tanner and Currier, Mexico, b. France, s. 18j2, p. o. add. Colosse. 
Beebe, Asa, Fonndryman (Retiretl), Mexico, s. 1807, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Becker, J. F., Mercliant, Mexico, b. New York, b. 18ii7, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Becker, D. I)., Merchant (Beeker Bros ), Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1830, 

p. o. add. Mexico. 
Beebe, Clia.s., Attornfv-at-Law, Mexico, b. New York, s. ISS.'i, p.o. add. Mexico. 
Bradner, Geo. W., Attorney-at-Law, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1848, p. o. add. 

Slexico. 
Buck. G. E , Farmer, U. S. serv. aboard ship " Neplune," Cape Hayticn, West 

Indies, Mexico, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 18:i4, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Baker, Robt. II., Teacher and Clieese Manufacturer, Mexico, b. Oneida Co., 

N. Y., 8.1849, p. o. add. Colosse. 
Bourbonnais, August, rbytiiciau and Surgeon, Mexico, b Montreal, s. 1875, p.o. 

add. Colosse. 
Colo, II. L., Justice of the Peace, Mexico, b. Connecticut, a. 1818, p.o. add. 
Colo.sse. 
~ Clark, Jones D., Farmer, Mexico, h. New York, «. 1844, p, o. add. Union Square. 
Conklin, L. H., Banker, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1825, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Crosier, ('bus. E., Farmc^r (son of Jiis. and Ruky Crosier), Mexico, b. Oswego Co., 

N. Y., H. 1852, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Tavis, George A., Cheese Mannfaclurcr, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1849, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
I)»niels, Jackson, Fanner and Cooper, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1830, 

1). o. add. Mexico. 
French, Geo. G., Att'y-at-Law, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1827, p. o. add. Mexictp. 
Gray, Peter, Trout Culture and Farmer, Jlexico, b. St. Mary, Fnince, 1824, s. 

1842, p. o. add. Colosse. 
Gilletl, ( has. 1., son of M. D. and L. A. Gillelt, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

8. 1847, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Gcney, C. F., Farmer, Mexico, b. France, s. 1820, p. o. add. Cidoase. 
Goodman, G. II., Altoriiey-at-Law, Mexico, b. France, b. 1835, p.o. add. Mexico. 
Gardner, S., Far., Mexico, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., 1809, s. 183G, p.o. add. Mexico. 
(;illett, M. 1)., Far., Mexico, b. Otsego Co., N. Y.,1S14, s. 1S3G, p.o. add. Mexico. 
Goodell, Win. S., Pastor Vniversaliet Church, Mexico, b. Madison Co., N. Y., 

1824, s. 1837, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Huntington, E., Booksellei- and Druggist, Mexico, b. Madison Co., N. Y., 8. 

I8;;9, p.o. .add. Me.xico. 
Humphries, Henry, Editor Mexico Indi pendent^ Mexico, b. Enghnid,8. 18G1, p.o. 

add. Mexico. 
Hvint, 1>. B., Keeper Insane ABjiiim, Mexico, b. New York, 8. 18.J5, ]>. n. add. 

Jlexico. 
Hall, Newton, Famier, Capt. Drij-iniil Co. G. :id N. Y. Cav., Lewis and Oneida 

('os., pro. Miijor 18();J, Mexico, b. New York, s. I.SGG, p. o. add, Mexico. 
HooKO, J,, I'roduce Dealer, Tilexlco, b. New York, a. 1839, p. o. add. Mexieo. 
Hamilton, Rich'd, Farmer, Mexico, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 1799, s. lH-.:i;, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Hurtaoti, Mi«. II. R. D., daughter L< vi Downing, Attorney, deceased, Mexico, 

b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 1833, b. 1833, p. o. add Mexico. 
JoIiuHon, tJen, p., I'liyaichin, M^-xico, h. New York, b. 1844, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Janes, John E., Farmer and Assessor, b. New York, b. 18;i6, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Myers, Alex_, Farmer and Proiluce Dealer, Mexico, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., B. 

1820, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Myirra, Mrs. Alex., daughter of B. and Ester Dennis, Mexico, b. (Jowego Co., 

N. Y., e. 1820, p. 0. add. Mexico. 
Slanwarren, J. U., Phyaician, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y , s. 182), ii. o. mid. 

Mexico. 
Menter, Sirs. E, E., wiilow late Gtml. Insurance Agt., M-rxico, b. IMwego ('o., 

N. Y., 8 1K34, p. o.add. Mexico. 
Mathews; Levi, Fai iner, Mexico, It. Uswego Co., N. Y., s. 180", p.o. add. Mexico. 



Morse, D. C, Insurance Agt., Mexico, b. OBwego Co., N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. add. 

Mexico, 
McGahen, Rev. Ja-?. H., Pastor Baptist Church, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 

1844, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Munger, A. L., Liveryman, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8, 1836, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Miller, Lewis, Manufacturer Bupgies, Wagons, Cutters, and Sleigha, established 

1852, Mexico, h. Germany, 1830, 8. 184G, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Norton, J. C, Faiuier, Mexico, b. (ieiinany, s. 18GG, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Newell, Sterling, Lumber Deah-r, Blexico, b. New Y'ork, b. 1828, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Nichols, David, Farmer, Mexico, b. Madison Co., N. Y., 1801, s. 183G, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Pratt, G. \V., Prop. Empire Hotel, Mexico, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., e. 1848, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
Parsons, John, Farmer, Mexico, b. Massachusetts, s. 1818, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Penfield, Geo. A., Cariiage Manufacturer, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1839, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
Paddock, Ch;is., Farmer, Mexico, b. Connecticut, a. 1825, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Rundell, Rev. W. W., Died March 26,1876, Mexico, b. Chenango Co., N. Y., s, 

1847. 
Rundell, Mrs. IL, Homceopiithic Phyeician, Mexico, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1812, 

p. o. add. Mexico. 
Rider, Henry C, Editor Deaf Mute Journal, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1858, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
Richardson, F., Jr., Keeper County Poor-House, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1827, 

p. o add. Mexico. 
Rood, Truman, first native male child in county, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

s. 1799, p. 0. add. Mexico. 
Roberts, Julius, Cheese Manulactnrer, Mexico, b. France, 1848, s. 185G, p.o. 

adil. Mexico. 
Skinner. T. W., Surrogate, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Snell, Mrs. C. D., Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Shorrea, J. B., Blacksmith, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 18G9, p. o, add. 

Mexico. 
Severence, Mrs. J. N. (Retired), Mexico, b. O.swego Co., N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Stone, Mrs. J. B., Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 18G5, p. o. add. Blexico. 
Smith, S. C, Farmer, deceased, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 184:^. 
Smith, Mis. S. C, widow of deceased, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1843, 

p. o. add. Mexico. 
Smith, E. G., Farmer, Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Smith, F. G., Farmer und Assessor, Mexico, b. Oswegu Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. 

add. Mexico. 
Snell, S. B., Farmer (Retired), Mexico, b. Oswego Co., N. Y.. s. 1821, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Stone, B S., Hardware Mercbt., Mexico, b. Vermont, b. 182G, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Siiyles, L. H., Farmer, Mexico, b. New York, e. 1827, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Stitinan, Chester, Farmer, Mexico, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, p.o. add. Union 

Square. 
Smith, Oreanius, Dairyman, Mexico, b. Oneida Co.,N. Y., 1805, s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Snell, C. I>., M.D., died Dec. 9, 18G7, Mexico, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1830. 
Statin, J. R., Died May 20, 18C8, Mexico, h. Vermont, s. 1827. 
Salladin, Geo., Farmer, Maible-worker, Mexico, b. Montbrun, Dep. De Moselle, 

France, 1816,8. 1831, p. o.add. Mexico. 
Thomas, A. C, Merchant Miller, Mexico, b. Now York, a. 1836, p.o. add. Mexico. * 
Taylor, David P., Retired Teacher, Mexico, b. Counecticut, s. 1835, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Tourot, Mi^. M. E., Mexico, b. Fi ance, s. 1838, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Tourot. P. F., Farmer, deceased, Mexico, li. Fi ance, s. 1858, p. add. Mexico. 
Villiard, Fran(;uis, Farmer and Car|ieiiter, Mexico, b. Montesau, Dep. Haute- 

Saone, France, s. 184(t, p. o. add. Mexico. 
AValwoith, E. H., Farmer tWiilworth's father b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., a. 1821), 

Mexico, b. New York, settled 1824, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Wheeler, Chaa., Furmer, Mexico, b. New Ytirk, 8. 1811, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Webb, C. L., Railroad Agent, Mexico, b. New York, s. 1826, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Wheeler, Geo., Farmer, Mexico, b. Maf'sachuaetts, s. 181)9, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Wheeler, Edwin, Farmer, deceased, Mexico, b. Massachusetts, s. 18:9, p.o. add. 

Mex CO. 
Weygint, Mrs. R. T., Mexico, b. New York, a. 1830, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Weygiiit. R. T., Farmer and Cheese Manufacturing, Mexico, b. New Y'ork, 8. 

I8till, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Wilcox, L , Kaiuier and Hop-grower, Mexico, b. Oneida Co., N. Y'., a. 184.**, p. o. 

add Mexico. 
Well-, Miss Mary G., Music Teacher (Retired), Mexico, b. Otsego Co..N. Y., h. 

l.'^29, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Walton, Joshua, Boating and Farming. Mexico, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y..8. 1834, 
p. o. add. Mexico. 



GRANBY. 

Algpr, n. P., l!uiliipr,Oriinl..v. h. Sili.ihiiric Co., N. Y., ». 1848, p. o. mid. Fulton. 
.\lloii, John, FurmiT, Uniuliy, b. Oswo^o Co., N. V., 8. 1815, ji. o. adil. Oswego 
KiilU. 



440 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK, 



ArnuM, Liberty. Fannor, Granby, b. Cortliind Co^ N. Y^ s. 1M8, p. o. ndJ. 

Oiwegii Falli. 
Auitln. Milo, Fnrmer, Grmnbjr, b. Cftyugn Co., N. Y., 1817, p. o. add. Oswego 

Falls. 
Bnwdwpll, Mre. J. A., GniDbjr. b. OnontUgft Co., N. Y., ft. 1626, p. o. add. Oswego 

FalU. 
Belli, J. H., Gn>fer, Granby, b. Ronasolnor Co., N. Y^ 8.1857, p.o. add. Osw«go 

FbIU. 
BogarduH. llnrrlel. Farmer, Granby, b. Englnnd, a. ISaC, p. o. add. Oswegu 

Falls. 
Becker, W. C, Lake Gipl., Granby, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,b. 1835, p. o. add. 

Oswego Fulls. 
Blakcmtui, Murgnn, Farmer, Gmnbr, b. Albany Co.. N*. Y., s. 1836. p. o. add. 

Oswt'Ko FhIIs. 
Blakeniiin, IVrry, Ftirnicr and Lnnibcring, Gntnby, b. Allmny Co., N. Y., «. 

1810, p. o. add. OHwego Falls. 
Ballard, II.. Merclianl. Granby, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. IMO.p. o. add. Oswego 

FalU. 
Carter, Ollre, Granby. 
Clia[>miin. E, l»., Lumbering and Farmer, Cmnby, b. AViisblngton Co., N. Y., 6. 

1847, p. o. add. Oswego Fulls. 
Curtisn. L. L , Bimting and Fmnier, Grnnby, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., «. 1823, p. o. 

ftitd. OnW'go Fulls. 
Cook, rimn'ft, Fiirnii^r, Granby, b.Onondngit Co., N. Y.,b. 1825, p. o. add. Oswego 

FllllM. 

Cornell, Jidin W., Farmer, Gnnil-y, »'. Scbuhnrio Co., N. Y., s. 1868, p. o. add. 

Oswego FiiIIh. 
Crosby, Joel. Fanner, Granby, b, llerkimor Co.. N. Y.. s. 1815, p. o. add. Oswego 

Fulls. 
Diirt-bor, CIV, Builder, Granby, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., b. IKH.p.o. add. Fulton. 
De Fonwt, Mn. K. O., liranly, b. 8uih|iu*banua Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. 

Fulcun. 
Dean, drville, Fnrmer, Granby, b. Columbia Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. Hin- 

niiitivilb'. 
I>u(tun, S. H., Fanner and Tetuber, Granby, b. Cuyngii Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. 

add. Oswegu FuIIm. 
Dominick, Adam, Farmer and Lumbering, Grnnby, !>. II<-rkimer Co., N. Y., s. 

1867, p. u. add. Oswego Fulls. 
Kdgarlon, J. A., Slanufacturer, Granby, b. Onondaga Co., X. Y., s. 1844, p. o. 

odd. Oftwego Falls. 
Frencb. Calvin, FitruHT and Lumbering, Granby. b. Clienango Co., K. Y.. a. 

1»*22, p. o. add. timiiby Centre. 
Fislior, Luther, Funiicr, (iranby, b. New IIamp»bire. s. 1854, p. o. add. Oswego 

Falls. 
Fuller, C. S., Farmer, Granby, b. Columbia Co., X. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. Oswego 

Fulls. 
Fuller, .lobn W., Fumier, Granby, b. New Lelmnon, N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. 

Oswegu F«II«. 
Frazior, Iticbard, Funner, Griint>y, b. Ireland, s. 18G5, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Gnibam, W. J. ^det d February 18, 1877,1, Builder, Granby, b. Otsego Co., N. Y. 
Gret-r, Murcus J., Furuier, Granby, b. Onondagu Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. 

Dfiwego Falls. 
Gulo, Jobn W., Farmer, Granby, b. Columbia Co., N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Oswego 

Fulls. 
Giblions, John, Farmer, Granby, b Ireland, s. 1851, p. o. add. Oswego Falls. 
Hall, 8., Book-kce]ter, Granby. s. 1876, p. o. add. Oitwego Fulls. 
Uowell, Orlando, Teucber and Builder, Granby, b. Tioga Co., N. Y.. s. 1853, p. 

o. atld. FultiM). 
Hewitt, I.. K., I'byftlcian and Surgeon, Granby, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y.. e. 1857, p. 

o. iidd. (htwego Fulls. 
Huteblnn, U\\\» II., Fanner. Granby. b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. 

Opwegu FuIIm. 
Hartnolt, Wm., lUilroading, Granby, b. Ireland, s. iHTili, p. o.aild. Oswego Falls. 
Hill, KpheiUH, Fanner, Granby. b. Putnnni Co., N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Oswegu 

Fulls. 
H urrhigtun, J. ('., Farmer, Granby, b. Lower Canada, s. 18411, p. o. add. Ottwegu 

Falls. 
Ilugunin. A. Q., Builder, Granby, b. Munlgomery C*»., N. Y., s. 1812, p. o. add. 

Fulton, 
I.4ing(loii, J. H., Contractor and Builder, Grinby. b. Berksblre Co., ». 1851, 

p. u. nil<l. Uitwego FuUii. 

liacock. Slater, Woolen Manufacturer, Granby, b. England, s. 1868, p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
Lamson, Wusblugton, Farmer and Lumbering, Granby, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., 

s. 18.%6, p. o. add. Fulbin. 
]^wl->, H. B., Farmer, Granby, b. Mailliun Co.. N. Y., n. 1816. p. o. add. FuUmii. 
Miller, C. J., Funner, Granby, b. Onondaga Co., N. >'.,s. 18^*2, p. u. add. Fiilt^Hi. 
Monroe, E, Furnier, tlranby, b. Westtbeirter Co., N. Y., a. 18-12, p. o. add. 

Oswego Fulls. 
Monro.-, Wni., Funuer, Granby, b. Westtbestor Co., N*. Y., a. 18'12, p. o. add. 

(.)8Wego Full*. 
Nortb, Geo., Clotb Blnnurnelurt r, Granby, b. England, i. 1tt68, p. o. add. Oswego 

Falls 
Odeikirk, .lobn. Farmer, Grtnby, b. Onwego Co., X. Y., s. 1855, p. o. add. 

Oswflgo Fullii. 
I'rotiton, II. C, Kuniier, Gnmby, )>. Ca\ ugn Co., N. Y., n. 1}<75, p. o. add. Oswego 

Falls. 



Palmer, A\hA, Farmer and Lumbering, Granby, b. Onondaga Co , N. Y., s. 1836. 

p. o. add. Oswego Falls. 
Parker, James, Farmer and Milling. Granby, b. Mauarbnselts, a. 1811. p. o. 

add. Osweg4> Fulls. 
Paine, Ollrer. Fanner, Granby, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y.. a. 1831, p. o. add. Oswegu 

FatU. 
Palmer, Wm. W., Farmer, Granby, b. Onondaga Co.. N. Y.. a. 1849. p. o. add. 

(.htwego FhIIs. 
Bight. T. B., LumlHTing and Superrlaor, Gnuiby, b. Phoce Edwanl's Islaml. 

s. 18541, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Bockwood, Henry, Boating and Farming, Granby, b. Madtam Co., N. Y.. s. 

1835, p. o. add. Fulton. 
Keynolda,C. F.. Farmer. Granby, b.Dutclio<iaCo^N.Y.,s. 1825, p.o. add. Fulton. 
Beynolds. Jackson, Farmer and Lumlwring, (iranby. b. Westchester Co.. X. Y., 

s. 18:i5. p. o. atld. Fulton. 
Reynoldt, Jes^e, Farmer and Lumbering, Granby. b. Greene Co., N. Y., a. 1816, 

p. o. add. Hinuiuiivitlo. 
Sumera, T. G., Funner and Stock Dealer, Granby, b. Oswego Co.. X. Y., •. 1827, 

p. o. aild. (Htwrgo Falls. 
Smith, Alvln, Farmer, Granby, b. Washington Co., X. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. 

Oswego Falls. 
Stranaban, .\aron, Farmer and Lumberman, Gr.uiby, b. C-i>lumbia Co., X. Y., 

B. 1828, p. o. add. Onwegn Fulls. 
Scanlnn, F., Farmer, Granby. b. Ireland, s. 1864. p. o. add. Oiiwego Falls. 
Strong, II., Furmor, Granby. b. Tompkins &>., X. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. Oswego 

Falls. 
Summor^-illc, John, C«ri»*iiter, Granby, b. Reneaelaor Co., X. Y., a. 1817, p. o. 

add. Oswego Falls. 
Thorpe, Klirn, Farmer. Granby. b. Wushlngton Co., X Y., a. 18:12. p. o. add. 

Fulton. 
Thomson, A. M., Furmer, Granby, b. Chenango Co., X. Y., 8. 1815, p. o. add. 

Oswego Falls. 
Tompkins, Wni. H., Farmer, (iranby, b. Saratojza Co., X. Y., a. 18:15, p. o. add. 

Uswego Falls. 
Yun I>u-en, Sirs. M., Farmer, Granby, b. Cuyuga Co., X. Y., s. 18«i. p. o. add. 

Fullun. 
Waugh, Wm., Pres. Fulton Village, and Paper Manufacturer, Granby, b. Srol- 

liind, s. 18.'i3. p. o. add. Fulton. 
Wheeler, Mrs. 51. L., Granby, b. Oswego Co., X. Y., s. 1830, p. o add. Fnlton. 
Wells, J. Z., Fanner and Banker. t;ranby, b. Oneida Co., X. Y., s. 1845, p. o. 

ailrl. Fulton. 
Wilcox, »Iilo, Fanner, Granby, b. Onondaga Co., X. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Fnlton. 
Whitfomb, J. 11., Farmer, Granby, b. Rtitland Co., s. 1827, p. o. add. Oswego 

Fallrt. 
Wllcux, A. F., Farmer, Granby. b. Oswego Co.. N. Y., a. 1835, p. n. n.bl (htwigo 

Fulls. 



SCRIBA. 

Anki'W, Wm. ('., Fiinnpr ami Ciil r-mik.'r, Sorlba, b. Now Yurk, i. IS:w, |>. o, 

Hilil. SiTilm. 
Aikew, Kiibl. (i., Fiirnior, Scrlba, b. New Vork,«. ISSa, |i. o. aiM. Scrilia. 
Babcuck, I'orrjr 0., Funning, Scribn, b. CunnKticul, a. l!l.'iC, p. u. iiJ'l. Nurth 

Scriba. 
Hurt, Mrs. Wm., FarmiiiB, Scrlba, b. 0<wi-go, N. Y., ». I8()«, p. o. n.bl OnwfK". 
Burt, Iliirvi-y, Furniiiig, Scriba, b. OiK-iilu Co. (now (.tewrg-i), N. Y., a. 1H()«. p.o. 

ft<Id. Scriba ('outre. 
Brown, F. N., Farming, Scriba, b. Joflerxm, N. Y., «. IWiC, p. o. add. Oawogo. 
Bisscll, Cliarlex, Farming, Scribn, a. 180C, p. o. add. Scrllia. 
Bacun, Ceil. M., Far r, t'arpenlor, and Joiner, Scrlba, b. tMwogo, N. Y., a. 18'.il , 

p. o. ndtl. Scriba CVntrc. 
Barker, I'otor D., Gonoral Morthandiw, ."Scritia, l>. Jcff.moii Co., N. Y., a. ISil, 

p. o. adil. Sonth Scrlba. 
Hloml, Mian U. II., Farming, Scriba, b. Oawpgo, N. Y., p. o. add. Lanaing. 
BriggH, Mrs. II. ti., Fiirniing, and Contiactor on Public Worka. 
Brigga, lliruin, FariiiiiiK. .^-rdm, l>. Wtutliiiigtnn, a. 18.1!l, |i. o. add. Bllnotto. 
Iluncly, llarv.}-, Fiirniing and lliuiting. Scriba, b. Oawogo, N. Y., a. 1H21, p. o. 

add Miiii'tto. 
Bon«cin, .Sanili, Farming. Scriba, b. Olacgo, N. Y., a. 1827, |i. o. add. Ijinaing. 
Buriiliani, Pbilo II., Farming, Scrlba, b. Oawi-go, N. Y., a. 18:11, p. o. aild. 

Uawogo. 
Biircll, A. II., Tr.inai«irlatloii Fwrwardcr, Scriba, b. ll<jn«ai>laor, N. Y., a. IKt), 

p. o. add. North Scrllia. 
Co<>, John K., <irocerii>a, I'rovialona, B kiI«, Sliooa, ftc, Scrlba, b. Otwgo, N. Y., 

a. 18.17, p. o. add. North Scrllia. 
Cornwcll, Wm. I.,, Farmer, Scril«^b. Ji(t>'nion, N. Y., a. 18311, p. o. aild. <lawi-go. 
aiun-liliill, C. I).. Fanni.r and Ma->on, .Scribn, b. Waahlngton, N. Y., a. 18.17, p. o . 

aild. Si'iilia Cornon.. 
Church, Jamoa, Farmi'r, Poalmaatcr twenty yeara, Juatlce of the Peace fifteen 

yean., I'enaioncr War 1812, itcriba, b. UtM>go, N. Y., a. 18<H, p. o. add. 

ScriliA Ceotro. 
Downea, C. E., Fcirnu'r aiol ('on|ier, Scribn, b. Oawego, N. Y., a. ISSa, p. o. add. 

Oawogo. 
DaviMi. John. Peuaionor War 1812,('4ipUiiti on Ijike Bfly-olio yoani,.'icril'a, b. Ilor. 

doaux. Franco, p. o. atld. .Scrilia Contro. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YOllK. 



441 



Dean, John W., Farming, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1838, p. o. add. Scriba 

Coriicra. 
Du Bois, Siunl. M., Scriba, Fiirminij, Assessor .iiul Collector, Scriba, b. Oswego, 

N. Y., 8. 1H21. p. o. luiii. Xurlh Scriba. 
Pii Bois, Harvey !>., Scriba, Fanner and OoupL-r, b. Oswego, N. Y., B. 184(1, p. o. 

add. South Scriba. 
I>u UoiK, Datiiol, Farnu'r and Cooper, SL-riba, b. IIiTkimer, N. Y., b. 1812, p. o. 

odtl. Smith Scriba. 
Ellis, G. I)., Methodist Clergyman, Scriba, 1>. Jeffer'^on, N. Y., w. 1S7G, p. o. add. 

Sonth Scriba. 
Eaton, Wni., Farmer and Meclianic, Scriba, b. Massac hii setts, s. IS'ifi, p, o. add. 

Oswego. 
Fish, m. A., Farmer, and Teacher twenty-seven years, Siriba, b. Oawego, N. Y., 

8. 1H20, p. 0. add. Scriba. 
Fish, F. L, R., Scriba, b. Odvvego, N. T., s. ISaC, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Foster, Edward, Farmer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1S41, p. o. add. South Scriba. 
Fletcher, Juhn, Farmer and Jlilk Dealer, Scnha, b. Scotland, s. is-tt), p. o. add. 

Oswego. 
Glea8on, Wni., Farmer, Scribji, b. Vermont, 8. 1850, p. o. add. Scriba Centre. 
Guile, Alexander, Farmer, Scriba, b. Columbia Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. 

Srriba I'entre. 
lluiibard, J. jMonroe, Wagon-makei-, ami Notary Public, Scriba, b, Oswego, 

s. 1S41, p. o. add. South Scriba. 
Hall, Willet C, Farmer, Scriba, b. Herkimer, N. Y., s. 1807, p. o. add. South 

Scriba. 
Hall, John, Farmer, Scriba, b. Connecticut, a. 1810, p. o. add. Lansing. 
Ilirt, Francis, Farmer, Scriba, b. Gi-rniany.f. 1x48, p. o. add. Lansing. 
Hall, Jason, Fanner, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., t*. 1844, p. o. udd. Lansing. 
Hirt, J. v., FarmiM-, Scriba, b. Germany, 8. 1848, p. o. add. IHinetto, 
Hall, Danl. (2d), died 1874, Scriba, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., s. 1815. 
Jones, Collins G., Farmer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. atld. Scriba 

Corners. 
Jones, Henry H., Farmer and Lawyer, Scriba, b. Otse;^o, N. Y., a. I8:s.'i, p. o. add. 

South Scriba. 
Jones, Erastus, Farmer, Carpentei", and Joiner, Scriba, b. Otsego, N. Y., s. 1815, 

p. o. add. Lansing. 
Jones, Stephen, Farmer, Scribn, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., s. 18 i7, p. o. add. 

Lansing. 
Knight, R., Farmer, Scriba, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 18 JG, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Lockwood, Sylvester (decM.), Farmer, Scriba, b. Columbia, N. Y., a. 18:J2, p. o. add. 

Scritia. 
Lockwood, Angeline, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Lawton, E. J., Justice of the Peace, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., a, 1832, p. o. add. 

North Sci'iba. 
Legg, L. B., Farmer and Cooper, Scriba, b. St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. 

add. North Scriba. 
Legg, Jeremiah, Retired Carpenter and Joiner, Scriba, b. Mas-achusetts, b. 1833, 

p. o. add. N. Scriba. 
Moe, Alanson, Farmer and Cooper, Scriba, b. Washington Co., N. Y., s. 1826, p. 

o. add. Lansing. 
Mullen, Jolm, Farmer, Scriba, b. Ireland, b. 1844, p. o. add Scriba Centre. 
Newcomb, Asahel, Farmer, Scriba, b. Connecticut, a. 18.'J1, p. o. add. Minetto. 
Otis, Wm. T., Farmer, Scriba, b. Cayuga, N. Y., b. 1827, p. o. add. Lansing. 
O'Harra, Mary, Farming, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1841, p o. add. Oswego. 
Peckham, Jason, Farmer and Gardener, Scriba, b. Madi:^on Co., N. Y., a. 1877, p. 

o. add. Scriba. 
Purington, W. F., Methodist Episcopal Clergyman, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 

1840, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Peterson, Z., Cooper, Scriba, b, Madison, N. Y., b. 1832, p. o. add. Scriba Centre. 
Parkhni-st, I. R., Farmer, and Side Judge of Oswego Co., Scriba, b. Herkimer, 

N. Y., a. 1810, p. o. add. Scriba Centre. 
Peck, J. N., Farmer, Lumber Dealer, and Justice of the Peace, Scriba, b. Rock- 
land, N. Y., 8. 1857, p. o. add. South Scriba. 
Perkins, Lydia M., Farming, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1829, p.o. add. Lansing. 
Putter, Wm. W., Farmer, b. Otsego, N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Oswego. 
Peck. J. J., Retired Farmer, Scrilm, b. Miis^^achusetts, 3. 1822, p. o. aild. Oswego. 
Robinson, Thos., Farmer, Scriba, b. Utica, N. Y., s. 1S:\C,, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Rhodes, Schuyler, Asst. U. S. Assessor of Internal Re\'enue, and Fanner, 

Scriba, h. RenssehierCo., N. Y., s. 1835, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Rice, H., Farmer, Scriba, h. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Simpson, Robt., Farmer, Justice of the Peace thirty->ix years, Judge of Sessions 

four years, Scriba, b. Dutchess Co., N. Y., s. 1829, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Sears, James, Wholesale Butcher, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1830. p. o. add. Os- 
wego. 
Stone, IHel, Gen. Store and Produce, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 181G, p. o. add. 

Scriba. 
Stone, Mra. Alma, Farmer, Scriba, b. Greene, N. Y., s. 18tJ5, p. o. a<ld. Oswego. 
Swectland, W. M., Retired Sea Captain, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1814, p. o. 

add. Scriba Centre. 
Stone, U. E., Farmer and Town Clerk, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 182'J, p. o, 

add. Scriba Centre. 
Stone, Chas., Farmer and Gardener, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1821, p. o. add. 

Scriba Centre. 
Sweet, ('apt. Cha^., Farmer, Retired Sea Captain, Scriba, b. Onondaga, N. Y., 8. 

1854, p. o. add. Sonth Scriba. 
Sheldon, John A., Farmer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y.,b. 184-3, p. o. add. Lansing. 
Spencer, S. W., Farmer, Scriba, b. Canada, s. 1837, p. o. add. Lansing. 

29 



Spencer, E. P., Farmer, Scriba, b. Herkimer, N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add. Oswego. 
Stroup, Jacob, Farmer ami Commission Ilusinesa, Scriba, b. Jefferson, N. Y., s. 

1857, p. o. add. Oswego. 
Stowell, O., Farmei', Sciiba, 1>. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1813, p. o. add. Oswego. 
Stever, N., Farmer and Distiller, Scriba, b. Columbia, N. Y., s. 18G3, p, o. add. 

Oswego. 
Simpson, W., Farmer, Scriba, b. Otsego, N. Y., a. 184G, p. o, add. Oswego, 
Snyder, Geo. W., Scriba, p. o. add. Scriba. 

Turner, Russell, Farmer, Scriba. b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add. Scriba. 
Turner, B. Coe, Farmer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y.,s. 1614, p. o. add. Scriba Centre. 
Turner, Joel S., Farmer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y.,s. 1817, p.o. add. Scriba Centre. 
Taylor, A. C, Physician and Surgeon, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1843, p. o. add. 

Scriba Centre. 
Wilson, A. E., Free Baptist Clergyman, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. 

add. North Scriba. 
Whitlock, W. M., Farmer, Scriba, li. Canada, a. 1851, p. o. add. Oswego. 
Waugh, Jerome, Farmer, Lumber, Miller, and StJive 5lacliine, Scriba, b. Oswego, 

N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. add. South Scriba. 
Waugh, Wm., Farmer and Sawyer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. 

South Scribii. 
Waugh, J. P., Fwrmer and Sawyer, Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. 

South Scriba. 
Warden, Theo., Clothing Merchant, 80 E. First at., Oswego, b. Oneida, N. Y., 

p. o. add. Oswego. 
Wilder, N. S., M.D., Physician and Surgeon, Scriba, b. Oneidii, N. Y., b. 187C, p. 

o. add. North Scriba. 
Wright, Wm. A., Farmer, Scriba, b. Wasliington, N. Y., a. 1828, p. o.add. North 

Scriba. 
Worden, P. H., Faniier, Scriba, b. Washington, N. Y., b. 1813, p. o. add. North 

Scriba. 
Woodworth. H. A,, Fanner and Map Dissector, Scriba, b. Oneida, N. Y., s. IHOO, 

p. o. add. Oswego. 
YiMing, I. P., Merchant, and Postmaster North Scriba. Scriba, b. Oswego, N. Y., 

8. 1831, p. o. add. North Scriba, 



PALERMO. 

Allen, A. W., Farmer, Palermo, b. Madison Co., N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. Volnoy 
Centre. 

Atkinson, James, Farmer, Palonno, b. England, s. 186G, p. o. add. Palemio. 

Brown, D. L., Farmer, Palermo, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1855, p. o. add. Palermo. 

Bartlett, W. M., Farmer, Palermo, b. Connecticut, s. 1837, p. o. add. Vermilion. 

Beckwitli, Mrs. A. K., Ilu.sband Physician, deceased, Palermo, b. Troy, N. Y., s. 
1833, p. o. add. Palermo. 

Burrows, L. G., Farmer, Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. add. Ver- 
milion. 

Burritt, D.C., Farmer, Palermo, b. Oneida Co., N. Y.,8. 1820, p.o. add. Gilbert's 
Mills. 

Ball, Ashley K., Farmer, Palermo, b. Maisacthusetta. a. 1824, p. o. add. Palermo. 

Babcock, Lester W., Farmer and Wheelwright, Palermo, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., 
3. 1815, p. o. add. Palermo. 

Coe, D. B., Farmer, Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., b. 1811, p. o. add. Vermilion. 

Cross, Nelson, Farmer, Palermo, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., 8. 1833, p. o. add. Ver- 
milion, 

Collins, W. N., Farmer, Palermo, b. Washington Co., N. Y., a. 1844, p. o. add. 
. Gilbert's Mills. 

Clark, A. G., Farmer, Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N, Y., a. 1821, p. o. add. East 
Palermo. 

Clark, Harry, Farmer, Palermo, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. East 
Palermo. 

Church, F. C, Manufacturer, Palermo, li. Onondaga Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. 
Palermo. 

Davis, Orson, Farmer, Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o add, Ver- 
milion. 

Davis, H., Farmer, Palermo, b, O.swogo Co., N. Y., a, 1833, p. o. add. Vermilion. 

Dolbear, T., Farmer, Palermo, b, Oswego Co., N. Y., 8.1831, p. o. add. Palermo. 

Dugan, A , Farmer, Palermo, b Ireland, a. 1855, p. o. add. Palermo (Centre. 

Ellswoith, Wm. B., Manufacturer, Palermo, b, Wuahington Co, N. Y., 8. 185G, 
p.o. add. Palermo, 

Flint, Alex., Farmer and Manufacturer. Palernui, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y^ s. 

1844, p. o. adil. Palermo, 

Getman, J. L., Farmer and Dairyman, Palcmio, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., p, o. 

add. Palermo. 
Gero, Chiis., Produce Merchant and Farmer, Palermo, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 

1845, p. o. add. East Palermo. 

Hannan, W. H., Manuracturer, Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1838, p. o, add. 

Palermo. 
llanchett, G, M., Fanner, Palermo, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 18*0, p. o. add. 

Peunellville. 
Hills. M. J., Farmer, Palermo, b. Onondaga Co.,N. Y., r.1865, p.o, add. Palenno. 
Jennin;CB, O. P., Far., Palermo, b. Oswego Co., N, Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Palermo. 
Jackson, J(ihn, Farmer, Palenno, b. Madison Co., N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. 

Palermo. 
Jennings, E. L., Fanner, Palermo, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., e. 1822, p. o, add. 

Palermo Centre. 



442 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



KiKtwIton, J. II , Manuraciiirrr anil Fanner, pAlfrniu, b. JeflTenun Co., N. Y., a. 

iKOTi.p. o. add. Vrruiiliun. 
Kttllrr. Andrew, Farmer, Talfimo, b. Hadbon Co., N. Y., •. 1637, p. o. add. 

I'telrnno. 
Ijumiiifc, J. FiUb, Faniirr, ralrniio, l>. <Hwrgu Co., N. Y.,a. 1844), p. o. add. 

I'alf'niiu. 
I^iiving, W. S, Far., rnleimn. l*.0«w(Kti Co.N. Y.i. lM<t, p. u.add. PhIittoo. 
lxM>iiili', J. W. K . FiirniiT and ChffM' Muiiiifuctorer, PnliTnio, b. Ilerkiiu^r Co., 

N. Y-.B. 1H.V>, p. o, wld. I»nl«-rim». 
Mwun, Aliiiuitd, Hutcl-kf-iM-r (lUilml), l>atertiio, h. llcrkiiiier Co., N. Y., a. 

ISJVi, p. o. add. Volni-y Ceiilrt'. 
Parponi, E.o, Far., Palt-riiio. b. (Hwego Co.. K. Y., •. Iffil, p. o. add. Pabrnio. 
PItcbiT, Joi., Ftir , 1^4le^nlo, b.O»wi'go Co., N. Y., a. IHW, p. o. add. pHreniio. 
Pdgr, »lhur, Fur, Pnlrrnio, !■. Oit^fgo <'«., N. Y., b. W^\, p. o. nOd. Palt-rniO. 
Itigli-y, Urafl. Faniior, Ptilrrnio, b. In-land, «. IM8, p. o. add. l*aU'niio Ceiitir. 
Rfiuinglon, Sbeldcn, FtirnHT iiitd Mrnrbunt, I*alfniio, b. WmdiinglunCo., N. Y., 

■. lt''Jti, p. u. add. IIitriiinKH- 
ScuddtT, I.miidrT, Jr, FarnuT, Puleniin, b. Oswogo C«.,N. Y.,«. 1824, p. o. add. 

Piilennu. 
Siuitli, S. H., Motcbaul, Puleniiu, b. Ji-lTurouii Co., N. Y., 1. 1^25, p. u. odd. Eaat 

I^alermo. 
Hnjder, J. II., Fainivr, I^aliTniu. b. JefTureon Co., N. Y..I. 1635, p. o. add. Gil- 
bert's Mills. 
Snyder, Dmrnd, Farmer, Palermo, b. Gommiiy. ». 18.M, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Trimble, 1>. H., Mcnhnnl nitd Su|«rTi»or, PHlomio, b. Oiwrgu Co., N. Y., B. 

IKW, p. o. add. Pblfrrim Centre. 
Tinker, Geo., FaiDier, PaUmio, b. Connecticut, «. 1834, p. o. odd. Palermo 

Co Irw. 
TiK)ley, Geo. M., Furuier and Mnnufucturer, Palormo, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 

\t^2K, p. o. Hild. Pitleruio Centre. 
TlionuiB, Wm., Farmer, I'ltlernuf, b. Souih Carolina, ». 185C, p. o. add. Mexico. 
Tuolcy, Jhh. a., Furnier and Manufucturer, Pitlernxi, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 

18i;h, p. D. add. New lla%en. 
Thiebi-aii. Augutlna, Farmer, Palenno, b. Fmnce, ». 18.V2, p. o. add. Palermo, 
Wilcux, Ntttliiin J., Maunluclurtr, Palenno, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., ». 18.'>0, p. o. 

udd. I'uk-ruio. 



SCHROEPPEL. 

AIvi.nl, Fretl. W., I>eputy Sheriff, I'bu-nix, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. 

add. Pbu-iiix. 
Avery, •!. W., Attuiney-atljiw, I'liocnix. 
llntiM, Jitniilliiin, Kiirmer, Schroeppel, b, Dutchess Co., N. Y., s. 1S10, p. o. add 

PhuMiix. 
Bn»wn, K. A., Stage Propiielur, Dnenix, b. Oitwego Co., N. Y., 8. 1852, p. o. add. 

Ptiu'nix. 
lUitU", M. T., Funner, Schruei-pel, b. Dutcbew Co., N. Y., s. 1812, p. o. add. 

Pbunix. 
Ilaker, Trnman, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Onondaga Co.^ N. Y., a. 1820, ]>. o. add. 

Phwnix. 
Ituttit, Cbna. W., Farmer, Schrucppol, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., b. 1834, p. o. udd. 

Pbu-nix. 
Coiidee, C. W,, Farmer, Scbnteppol, p. o. add. Pliicnlx. 
Clmppel, Stephen, Farmer, SchruepiK*!, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y.,b. 18(>4, p. o. add. 

I'llUMliX. 

C4inmd, tieo., Fiinner, Scliriwppel, b. Cnyiigo, N. Y., b. 1819, p. o. add. Phoenix. 
Corrler, la-vi. Farmer, SchiXHppel, b. OBwego Co., N. Y., ■. 1KJ2, p. o. add. 

Phtonix. 
Corrler. G. D., Fanner, ScliroepprI, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. 

Plitrnix. 
Corry, NelB4tn, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Jeffereon Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. add. 

Pennellville. 
Converse, V. W., Carriage Mfr., Schroeppel, b. Onondiiga Co., N. Y., 8. 1857, 

p. o. add. Pennellville. 
Cline, Juhn, Farmer, SchiiH-ppel, b. tienniiny, b. 18.')8, p. o. add. Phtcnix. 
Dingman, M., Hotel Prop., Phwnix, b. Schohario Co., N. Y.,fl. 1840, p. o. add. 

Phwidx. 
]>lorend»rf, R. .\., Painler, Phiuiilx, p. o. add. Phinnlx. 

Pygert, I. II , Farmer, Phii^tix, b. Herkimer, N. Y., s. 1H08. p. o. add. Ph<T>nix. 
Fox, Hlnim, Carriage Maker and Sniwrintundent Canal, Plia-nix, b. MitdiMuu, 

N. Y.. 8. 1K55, p. o, add Ph(i>nlx. 
Flynn, Samuel, Fanner, Schroeppel, b.Surat.'gn, N. Y .b. 1819, p. o.add. Phrrnix. 
Gilbert, AndniK, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Onondaga, N. Y., s. 1810, p. o. add. 

Iiigall'if Cru^HMig. 
(Jrifflth, Stephen I, Itetircd-.Schroepiio^b, Herkimer, N. Y., s. 1827, p. o. add. 

Gilbert's MilU. 
GatM, Mrs. Phebe, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Ononiloga, N. Y., s. 1847, p. u. add. 

Phu'nix. 
Gregg, A., Hotel Proprioti>r, Pennellville, p. o. aild. Pennellville. 
Hart, A. P., Miller, Merchant, and Farmer, Phwnix, b. Onondugn, N. Y., s. 

1841. p. o.add. Phienlx. 
llanKel, Sigrniind, Ituicher, Phtcnix, b. Austria, a. 18C3, p. o. add. Phaanix. 
Hntrhinion, C. K., Druggist, Pbienix, b. Onondaga, N. Y., s. 1840, p. o. add. 

Pluenix. 
Ilawley, TlioniiiH K., Farmer, Sclirveppvl, b. Onondagn, K. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. 

Phiunix. 



Huntley, Cbaunc«-y, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Onondaga, N. Y., a. l&TiO, p. o. add. 

Pha>nix. 
Huntley, ClarvDce E , Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Onondaga, N. Y.,b. 1847, p. o. add. 

Pbtt-nix. 
Ilutcbiniion, E. G., Merchant, Phuidx. b. C^d., s. 1830, p. o. a<ld. PhcEnix. 
Hawks, Chas., Farmer, S«bru4'piH'l, b. Otsego, N. Y., s. 1654, p. o. add. Gilbert's 

MilU. 
Huntley. Geo., Fanner, Scbmeppel, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1K42, p. o.add. Ptiwnix. 
Il**«, Wni.,Fanner.S4'hnK>p|tol.l>. Montgomery, N. Y.,s. 1827, p. o.add. Pbo'nix. 
Hulitv, riinii., Farmer, ScbroepiHd, b. Siniiogii, N. Y., s. lS2l,p.o.add. Plui-ntx. 
Jewett, CyrUK, Fanner, Schrtrf'ppel. b. t*»wego, S. Y.. b. 1836, p. o. add. Pbcenlx. 
Kimball, E. S.. Station N*. Y. O. H., Pmnellvillc, b. Odwego, N. Y.,b. 18M, p. o. 

add. Pennellville. 
Loftlio. Ge«i. W., Hn>ker, Pba-nix.b. Saratoga, N. Y., a. 1840. p. o. aild. Phnenlx. 
Uorcn, Francis, Fanner, Coughdenoj.b. Oswego, N. Y.,s. 1842, p. o. aild. Cough- 

denoy. 
Masun, S. P., PoHlmustiir and Merchant, Gilbert's Hills, b. Onoida, N. Y., a. 1637, 

p. o. add. Gilbert's Blills. 
Morelunne, Sliennun, Farmer, Scbror|^<d, b. Onondagn, N. Y.,s. 18^10, p. o.add. 

Pli(t*nix. 
Bloyer, Jusiidi, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Monlgomer}', N. Y., a. 1635, p. o.add. 

Phoenix. 
Muyer, Abnim, Farmer, Montgomery, b. Scliolnirie, N. Y., a. 1635, p. o. add. 

Phienix. 
Merritt, Abnim, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Scliohario, N. Y., a. 1637, p. o. add. 

I'hu-tilx. 
Nanu-. John R, Former, Schroeppel, b. Addison Co., Vt., •. 1640, p. o. add. 

PblLMlix. 

Potler, Francis H., IlarlM-r, Pha-nix, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1837, p. o.add. Phoenix. 
Parker, Peter A., Fanner, Schroeppel, b. Herkimer, N. Y., a. 1807, p. o. sdd. 

Pha-nix. 

Rice, Wni. II., Physician, Pha-nix, p. o. add. Phtrnix. 

Rndeau, Jo-^epb, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Lorntine, France, a. 1850, p. o. add. 
Cougbilenoy. 

Kiiiw, A. K., Merchant, Phn-nix, b. Oawogo, N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. add. Pha>nix. 

HuH.<<, H. It., Menliant, Pho-nix, b. Ononditga, N. Y., s. 185.3, p. o. add. Pha'nix. 

Uu'gg, W. S., Hotel Prop., Pha-nix, b. near Sjiekett's Harbor, Ijiku Ontario, 8. 
lK:t1, p. n. aibl. Plitrnix. 

Spencer, Mrs. A., Phirnlx, b. Ocwego, N. Y*., s. 1814, p. o. add. Plxenix. 

S|Mrr<iw, W. E., IMmto., PiMrnix, b. L'lica, N. Y., s. 18:18, p. o. add. Plnenix. 

Sutton, Reuben, farmer, Scbro<'ppel, b. Onondaga, N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. Pen- 
nellville. 

Spencer, Chas. L., Fanner, Scbroeppol, b. Herkimer, K. Y., a. 18:12, p. o. add. 
Pennellville. 

Sutton, H>man G., Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1827, p. o.add. Pen- 
nellville. 

SUls, Warren, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Onondaga, K. Y.,B.1642,p. o.add. Cough- 
don oy. 

Sweet, Emmet, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Wyondng, N. Y., a. 1851, p. o. add. 
PhuMiix. 

S|iencer, W'm. L., Farmer, Schroeppel. b. OBwego, N. Y., a. 1847, p. o. add. 

PhtLMliX. 

Skinner, Levi, Jr., Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Jeff., N. Y., s. 1855,p. o.add. Ph<enlx. 
..J^hroeppel, Miv. Anna, Fanner, Schroeppel, b. Rutland, Yt., a. 1818, p. o. add. 

Phu-nix. 
Schn>cpp«l, Albert W , Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Oswego, X. Y^., a. 1842, p. o. add. 

Plntnix. 
Sixberry. Stephen. Farmer, Scliroeppel, b. Jeff., N. Y.. a. 1855, p. o. add. Phrrnix. 
Seafring, Henry, Farmer. S«lin>eppel, b. Gernmnj, a. 1850, p. o.udd. Plucnlx. 
Tlium|>stin, Mrs. Mary, Schroepinjl, b. St. Ijiwn-ncc, N. Y., a. 1848, p. o. add. 

Pennellville. 
Trocy, PmsiK-r, Farmer, Schroeppel, b. Oewego, N. Y.,a. 1845, p.o.add. Phuenlx. 
Utley, Alonxo, Fanner, ScbruepiH*!, b. Cortland, N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Pen- 
nellville. 
Vickery.E. J., lUwX Illdr., Phwnix. b. 0»wogo,N. Y*..a. 1834, p. o. add.Phcpnix. 
WillianiH, J. M.. l-Mitor Plianix ItegtMttr, Phwnix, b Onondaga, N. Y., p. o. add. 

Phirnix. 
Withers, George C , Cabinrtmaker, Phienlx, b. Albany, S. Y., s. 18.V1, p. o. add. 

PluiMiix. 
Wood, Moses, Farmer and Dealer in SUK:k,Scbr\»cppeI, b. Oswego, N. Y'. ,8,1820, 

p. o. add, Plnrnix. 
Warring, J. W., farmer, ScbroepiH-l, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. Cough- 

denoy. 



NEW HAVEN. 

Austin, Thomas H., Fanner and Frult-giower, New Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 

s. 1822, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Abbott, Cbauiicey, Farmer ond Fniit-growor, New Haven, b. CayuRa <'o., N. Y., 

a. 1842. p. o. add. South New Haven. 
Barker, S. M., Farmer and Surveyor, New Haven, b. Tompkins Co., N. Y., p. o. 

add. New Haven. 
Barlleil, Abraham, Farmer, New Haven, b. New Haven, Conn., •. 1833, p. o. 

add. New Haven. 
Bortlett, Wm. C, Fanner, New Haven, b. Oswego Co , N. Y., s. 18^4, p. o, add. 

New Haven. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



443 



Barlow, John W., Fanner and Millwright, New Ilavoii, b. Rutlami Co., Vt., 6. 

18:i.'I, [I. o. add. South New Haven. 
Battles, Lincoln, Farinor and Cooper, New Haven, b. Worcester, Mass., s. 18;j2, 

p. o. aiM. South New Haven. 
Cook, Mre. M., Farmer, New Haven, b. Jeffei'son Co., N. Y., 8. 1825, p. o. a<Ui. 

South New Haven. 
Ciimmings, O. R., Farmer and Miller, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1827, 

p. o. add. New Haven. 
Cheever, C. S., Farmer and Gardener, New Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. ISliS, 

p. o. add. New Haven. 
Colviii, Henry E., Farmer, deceased, New Haven, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., 8. IHbS, 

p. o. add. New Haven. 
Colvin, Myra, Farmer, New Haven, b. Canada, 9. 18.')8, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Cornwell, John, Carriage-maker, New Haven, b. JefTersun l!o., N. Y., s. 180S, p. 

0. add. New Haven. 
Cross, Richard, Farmer, New Haven, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s, 1832, p. o. add. 

Vermilion. 
Daggett, H. J., Farmer and ex-Supervisor, New Haven, b. Boston, Mass., s, 132(3, 

p. o. add, Vermilion. 
Drake, B. S., farmer and Teacher, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1819, p. 

o. add. Vermilion. 
Daviel, T. S., Farmer, Now Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 9. 1820, p. o. add. Ver- 
milion. 
Drake, Chester, Cabinetmaker (decM.), New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1840, 

p. o. add. Vermilion. 
Drake, Matilda, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1841, p. o. add. Vermilion. 
Fetineron, Michael, Farmer, New Haven, b. Ireland, s. 1829, p. o. add. North 

Volni-y. 
Fones, A., Farmer, b. Washington Co., N. Y.,9. 1835, p. o.add. Now Haven. 
Forbes, Archibald, Farmer, New Haven, b. Ireland, s. 1828, p. o.add. South New 

Haven. 
Gilson, C. C, Farmer and Carpenter, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 3. 1829, 

p. 0. add. N. Volney. 
Gilson, Simeon, Farnip'*, dec'd. New Haven, b. Hampshire, Mass., s. 1821. 
Gridley, C. L., Justice uf Peace and Road Cum'r, New Haven, h. Oneida Co., N. 

Y., 8. 1819, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Greene, A. S., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 183C, p. 0. add. New 

Haven. 
Gite, W. 0., Farmer and Butcher, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y'., s. 1823, p. 

o. add. New Haven. 
Gile, Albert E., Farmer and Wholesale Butcher, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. 

Y., a. 184.'t, p. o. add. New Haven. 
House, B. L., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 1832, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Hale, B. J., Undertaker, Now Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Howard, John M., Farmer and Cooper, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y.,8. 1820, 

p. o. add. New Haven. 
Hoad,C. Ij., Farmer and W'agon-ma!ier,New Haven, b. Oneida Co.,N. Y., s. l82G, 

J). 0. add. New Haven. 
Jones, G. L., Miller, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Jorret, Richard, Fanner, dec'd. New Haven. 
King, George R., Fanner and Mechanic, New Haven, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 

1840, p. u. add. New Haven. 
Keef, Arthur, Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1839, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
liindall, Jane. Farmer, New Haven, b. Kent Co., 9. 1862, p. o. add. New Haven. 
liindall, M. S., Farmer, dec'd. New Haven, b. Kent Co., s. 1822, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Law, Omniel, Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., b. 1827, p. o.add. Now 

Haven. 
Ijce, Alonzo, Farmer and Mason, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. 0. 

add. Mexico. 
I^yons, G. L., Farmer, New Huvon, h. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Lindsley, Geo. N., Cider Rectifier and Cider Vinegar, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., 

N. Y., 8. 1838, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Markham, J. H., C'idor Rectifier, New Haven, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. 

o. add. New Hav<'n. 
May, A. M , Proprietor Hotel, New Haven, p. o, add. New Haven. 
3tark, Milo A., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Marvin, Orton 0., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1810, p. o. add. 

New Haven. 
Billiard, Carmi, Farmer, Now Haven, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 1806, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Nichols, Samnel, Farmer and Prop, of Pleasant Point, New Haven, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y., s. 1S29, p. o. add. Now Haven. 
Newsted, Wm,, Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1846, p. o. add. Now 

Haven. 
Patten, G. H, Farmer and Postmaster, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8.1838, 

p. ii. a<id. Stmtli New Haven. 
rbic<?. Rev. OIney, Hergyman Cong. Church, New Huvcn, b. Prov., R. I., s. 

18.i7, p. u. add. S. New Haven. 
I'arsons, Wm. V., Farmer and Tinsmith, New Haven, b. Fulton Co., N. Y.,s. 183f), 

p. o. add. Now Haven. 



Patten, Jos., Farmer and Cooper, New Haven, b. Boston, Mas9.,8. 1832, p. o.add. 

South New Haven. 
Rowe, Norman, Justice of Peace, Nww Haven, b. Litcblicltl, Conn., a. 1HI7, p. o. 

add. New Haven. 
Rosscter, Charles, Farmer, Now Haven, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. 

add. Vermilion. 
Robinson, E. W., Farmer and Dairyman, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 

1842, p. o. add. Now Huvon. 
Read, S. H., Farmer, New Haven, b. New London, Conn., s. 1838, p. o. add. Now 

Haven. 
Roberts, Blary M., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1823, p. o. add. 

New Haven. 
Smith, Capt. G. A., Farmer and Retired Sea Capt., Now Haven, b. Oswego Co., 

N. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Stacy, A. J., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1828, p. o. add. New 

Haven. 
Spencer, Daniel, Farmer and Cheese-maker, New Haven, b. Ontario, Canada, s. 

1857, p. o. add. Now Haven. 
Smith, C. M., Farmer and Carpenter, New Haven, born Oswego Co., N. Y.,s. 1841, 

p. o. add. New Haven, 
Stevens, M. G., Farmer, New Haven, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add. 

Tl-X;i6. 

Severance, U. A., Farmer, New Haven, b. Ontario Co., N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. 

Mexico. 
Sherman, S. W., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswegj Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. add. 

New Haven. 
Sherman, B. G., Farmer, Now Haven, h. Horkimor Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add. 

Now Haven. 
Snow, Daniel, Farmer and Fruit-grower, New Haven, b. Madison Co., N. Y., a. 

180G, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Snow, Eleazer, Farmer, dec'd, Now Haven, b. Bridgewater, Mass., 8. 1800, p. o. 

add. New Haven. 
Taylor, Albert, Farmer and Thresher,New Haven, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y.,8. 1855, 

p. o. add. New Haven. 
Turner, John, Farmer and Carpenter, Now Haven, b. Kings Co., N. Y., s. 1855, 

p. 0. add. New Haven. 
Taylor, E. A., Farmer, New Haven, b. Chenango Co., N. Y.,8. 1827, p. o.add. Now 

Haven. 
Tremaiue, D. H., Farmer, New Haven, b. Wyoming Co., N. Y., a. 1851, p. 0. add. 

New Haven. 
Van Buren,D.B., Farmer, and Cheese Factory, New Havoa.b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

8. 1821, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Wilmarth, S. O., Farmer, New Haven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s, 1831, p. o. add. 

New Haven. 
Woodworth, 0. N., Grocer and General Produce Dealer, New Haven, b. Oneida 

Co., N. Y , 8. 18C0, p. o. add. New Haven. 
Wilmarth, Orrin, Farmer and Speculator (dec'd.). New Haven, s. 1819, p. o. 

add. New Haven. 
White, Solomon, B'armer and Fruit-grower, New Haven, b. Jefforaon Co., N. Y., 

8. 1830, p. o.add. New Haven. 
^ Warden, Orris, Farmer, New Haven, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., s. 1801, p. o. add. 

New Haven. 
•^ Waugh, E. H., Methodist Clergyman, New H iven, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1814, 

p. o. add. Now Haven. 



HANNIBAL. 

AckiT, Dillon F., M.U., Exam'g Surgeon Pension DopiiitMioiit, Uiinnil.al, b. 

Oswego Co., N. Y., 3. 1H45, p. o. add. lliinniUll. 
Amos, Mary, Farmer, UauniUal, b. Wuttliington Co., N. Y., s. 1817, p. o. add. 

Ilanuibal Centre. 
Ames, David W., Karraer, llaiinilial, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., ». 18:i5, p. o. add. 

Hannibal Centre. 
Adiiins, Orvillo C, Farmer and Rliisoii, Hannibal, b. Washington Co., N. Y., 8. 

1828, p. o. add. Fairdale. 
Brewster, SiUis W., Merchant, Hannibal, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s, 18l:i, p. o. add. 

Hannibal. 
Boyd, E. H., PbysiciaTi, Hannibal, b. Oreono Co., N. Y., b. 1852, p. o. add. Han- 
nibal. 
Barrett, H. M., Lawyer, Hainiibal, b. Herkimer Co., s. ISoo.p. o.add. Ilannibal. 
Bradt, A. N., Publisher of Ilttxilli; Hannibal, b. Wayne Co., N. Y., 8. 18G3, p. o. 

atld. Hannibal. 
Barrett, Eli P., Farmer, Supervisor of Hannibal from 1871 to 1S73, Hannibal, b. 

Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 18.i4, p. o. add. Hannibal. 
Blodgett, Alanson, Farmer and Lumbering, Hannibal, b. Onondaga Co., }J. Y., 

8. 1817, p. o. add. Hannibal. 
Bracket!, Levi, Farmer, and .1. I", from IS.'iS to 1877, Uaunlhal, b. Cortland Co., 

N. \'., s. 182'J, p. o. add. Hannibal Centre. 
Brackctt, James W., Farmer and Dairyman, Hannibal, b. Oswego Co., N. T., a. 

184.1, p. o. add. Hannibal Centre. 
Brower, N.- B., Lawyer, and Editor ILtunibal Xeuis, Hannibal, b. N. Y. City, s. 

18.V.», p. o. add. Hannibal. 
Brower, C. B., Proprietor Uumiilial Newt, Hannibal, b. Chautanipie Co., N. Y., 

8. 1859, p. o. add. Hannibal. 



444 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



niirt, Jumrt Vf., V. M.,nn(l I>nit<T In Dolliing, Hnta, elc^ llaiiDllml, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y., ». l&'L't, p. ... a.ltl. lUDutUl. 
Burl, JntiiPH n.. A»'t I*. M., Hannibal, b. 0«wr|(o Co., N. T., a. 1857. ji. o. ndil. 

lUntiil'tt). 
Buthwtll, DarM, Merchant, Village TniKtPif, nntl Krt. 8c« Cmp., IlnnnlLal, b. 

Jt-fTrTBun Co., S. Y., ». i860, p. o. adi). Uuiitiibal. 
Bnrli.w. Zfnna, Ret. KamiFr. IUnnll«l, b. Onrldn Cu^ N. Y., 1800, s. 1837, p. o. 

mill. llnniiHml. 
Baker. AMtrali K.. Farmer, Hannibal, b. Oneida Co.. N. Y., i. 1837, p. o. add. 

N. Ilnniitl«l. 
Cox. Martin II.. Mercbant and P. M.. HannlUI, b. Onnndagn Cb.,N. Y.,s. 1830, 

p. o. add. N. Hannibal. 
Cowlei, Amua P., Produce Dealer iind Farmer, Hannibal, b. Cattamngni Co., 

N. Y., a. IM t, p. o. a<ld. Hiinnil«l. 
Cooler. R- N-. B>l-I*-. HaiibiUil, b. J<-m-P>un (V, N. Y., 9. 18^0, p. o. add. Hanni- 
bal Cvniro. 
Oimpl'Tll.C. IVrry, Fanner and Frult*i;ruwer, Hannibal, b. Madison Co.,N. Y., 

•. l^A, p. (>. add. I!annil>al. 
Cn»ru«it, Itwij. .S., Farmer. Hnnnll-al, b. Oijriiga To, N. V.. s. 1>CM, p. u. add. 

Sliirlrille. (!^iviiga (Vi. 
Cox, Nit biting Kormer. and Tiuntre F<hool IMnlrict 19, Oranby, for '^i yeiira, 

llunnibtti, b. UnondiiKn t'o., p. o. add. N. HaniiibnI. 
Cnuiflell. S. W., Knroter, and furnierly Comlurtor and Tniik-ninaifr Harlem 

K. K., Hannibal, b. Columbia Co.. N. Y., >. li'CJ. p. o.ii.ld. HunnilMl. 
Cnindell, Henry, Fanner, Hiinnil>al, b. L>iitclien Co., N. Y., «. 18G2, p. o. add. 

Hiinnibal. 
ClinmlHTlnin, Corydnn S.. Fanner and Currier, Hannltial, b. Cayuga Ct>., ■. 

|K.'>1, p. o. add. HainiiUd. 
Dunham, llttiatin, Fiimicr and Tanmr, Hannibal, b. Otaego Co., a. 18:Ht, p. o. 

add. Hannibal. 
Darling, Mra. E. C, Fnrmer. Hannibal, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., b. 1843, p. o. add. 

N. Hannibal. 
IHIIabunKh. W. H., Sliitlon A|;'t It. W. A n It. It. and Operntnr. Hannilml, b. 

Onlario Co., N. Y., h. INCt, p. <>. add. lli<nnil>Ml. 
Dirkiu»i»ii, Hubert, McTclmnt und I*. 51., Hunnibal, b. Hurtfon), Conn.,H. 1844, 

p. tt. nild. Iliuinil>nl Centre. 
Dykeman.W.E, I'rnp. Aur. WorhHond Faimcr, nannil'al,b.CayugnCo.,N. Y., 

B. IHtVl, p. u. add. Iliitiii>l>ul Centre. 
DumiiMH, jHn|H>r, Bet. BI<H-tmnlc, Hanniltal, b. Sene<*a Co.. N. Y*.,b. 1842, p. o. add. 

Ilannitnl. 
Enienn, Geo. V., Dentist, Hannllal, b. Beneca Co., a. 18.'>9, p. o. add. Hannilml. 
Famham. Jmi., Fanner, IlannllMl, l>. Onwcgu Co., N. Y., 0. 1819, p. o. add. Ilun- 

nibnl. 
Finhluini, (ii^^*., Farmer, Iliinnibnl, b. Ouondiiga Co.,«. 1819, p. o. aild. N. Hnn- 

niUI. 
Cnnlncr, Auirntttua S., Farmer, Trni|M.mnce Com'r, Tro^. Chcowj Factory Trom 

isTii to 187r>, Hiinnibul, b. 3Iiidiaon Co., S, Y., 0. 184(>, p. o. add. S. Han- 

nilNtl. 
Gardner, .^nda 1>., Farmer, Ilannllial, b. Madison co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. 

S. Ihinnilial. 
(Jrren, ,\vtr.v, Ktirmer, Hannitjal, b. (tawegu Co., N. Y., a. 1817, p. o. add. Mart- 

ville, Cuyugn Co. 
Green, Nommn, Ket. Farmer, Hannilml, b. OtHego Co., N. Y., a. 1«'J4, p. o. add. 

Hannibal. 
Glfford, Ib-nj. F., Surveyor, Hnnnil«l, b. Itentwlaer Co., ». 1812, p. o. add. Han- 
nibal Centre. 
Giflbnl, Fanny B., Farmfr, Hiinnilial, b. WaablnKton Co., N. Y., e. 1835, p. o. 

add. Hannibal <'«nlrc. 
GloTer. KniHluo, FuTnicr, Haiiiill>rtl, b. llrimpslilre, Moaa., 1799, b. 1K36, p. o.add. 

N. Ilniinibal. 
Ilanka, Hinini F., Farmer, Hannil>Hl, b. Uswvgu Co.^ N. Y., a. 1822, p. o. add. 

Hannilml. 
Iluwe, r. <;., Knnner, HanntlNil, b. Jit^iratoga Co., N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add. Hnii- 

nilNil. 
HoM I', UrtHH-ea, Farmer. Ilannilial, b. Rutland, Vl., a. 1815, p. u. add. Hannibal. 
Iluvsk", CyruN. Fanner, Hannibal, b. Uswcgo Cu , N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. Han- 

niUil. 
Hemlvrvon, Orin, Farmer and Mlllor. Sup'r in 1874, rrcn. Oflwogo Fa I In A gr. 

StK:. 6 yean*, llininibiil, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., a. 1H52, p. o.add. S. Ilan- 
nilial. 
HInman, Flatber P., Hannibal, b. Herkimer (>>., N. Y., a. 1840, p.o add. HunnU 

Iml. 
llinnian. Ik-njmidn N., Ilitnniltal, b. l>awego Co., N. Y., a. 180», p. o. add. Han- 
nibal. 
Hawa, Isaac, Farmer and Halrynian, Hannitol, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., 1. 18.'t3, 

p. o. add. llannllwl. 
Johnson, Wni. 11., Fainier, Hannibal, b. Oneida Co., N. Y.. s. lH.'t8, p. o. add. 

Hannlhnl. 
Jonea, Powell, Farmer and Anfeaaor, Hanuilial, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., a. 1825, 

p. o. adt). HimnilNil. 
Kent, Jaaun, Farmer, Hannilml, b. Chltlenden. Vt.,B. iHIti, p. o. add. Hannibal, 
l.eater, AuguHtnu. Fanner, Curjiontor and .loincr, b. Wayne Co., N, Y., a. 184fi, 

p. o. add. Kiirdale. N. Y. 
Morehouse, Ja»«. H., Farmer, llaiinilmt, b. .^arafogn Co., N. Y., s. 1W7, p. o. add. 

Ilannilial. 
Mltcbt-ll, Alexander H.. Superviaor and Fanner, Kng. Constnirtlon Worka, 

Attioi, Hautiil>al, b. Wayne Co., N. Y., p. lKl4,p. o.add. Hannibal Centre. 



MItchrll. John W., .^jx-rulator and Farmer. Hannibal, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., a. 

184C, p. o. atld. Hannibal Centn-. 
Mllcbell, Tlieo. 1... Speculator and Farmer, Hannltail, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., s. 

lK4r., p. o. add. Hannibal C*-nlre. 
Miller, Sumuel N., Farmer, Hannibal, b. Norwalk, Conn., a. 1852, p. o.add. 

Marlvillr. Ca>uga Co. 
Metcalf, 1>. V , Lawyer, Skbo<d Comr Irt Mat Oawego C*. from 18CC lo 1872, 

Hannilwl, b. i.>»wego Co.. N*. Y., n. l>ci:>, p.o. ad<l. N. llnnnilml. 
MnttPBon, Hurr)«>n, Carriage Mnnufaciurer, HanolUil, b. Waahinglou Co., 

N. Y., B. ls;iG, p. o. add. lUnniUI. 
Pt.wer». R.Kkwe|| A., Farmrr, Hannil al, b. Wayne Co., N. Y., a. 1858. 
Peckbam, iMiac H., Farmer, Uanuibal, b. 0»wego Co., N. Y., a. 1828, p. o. add. 

Haonibal. 
Rice, Alfrt^d, Pbyalclan, Hannibal, b. Oawrgo Co., N. T., a. 1B17, p. u. add. Han- 

nllial. 
Reetl, <lrville J. II.. Pn<p. llannllwl Centre Steam MilU, Hannibal, b. Cayuga 

Co.. N. Y., B. l«r>4, p. o. add. Hannilml (Vntre. 
Sbutia, Frwin, M'lipMi Munuraclurer, HanniLul, b. Oawago Co., N. Y., a. 1842, 

p. o. add. N. Iliinnibal. 
Storms, l^-miiel P , Farmer, and CiHloni-lbmae Officer 1875-76, Hannibal, b. 

Onondagit Co., N. Y.,!i. 1S4I, p. o. add. Hannil«l. 
Schoonmaker, Adrian M., Fanner, Hannibal, b. I:Ajng Uland, N. Y., a. 1820, 

p. o. adtl. Fulrdiile. 
Stark. Stepbf'ii, Farmer. Hanidl*al, b, Schuyler Co., N. Y., a. 18^14, p. o. add. 

a. Hannibal. 
Stark, Frederick. Farmer, Hannibal, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. 

N. Hannibal. 
Sbutta, Jonas. Fanner, b. Ctilunibia Co., N. Y., a. 1829, p. o. add. Klnney'a Four 

Corn <• re. 
TitUB, Nonnan, Produce Dealer, llannll>al, b. Cayuga Co., K. Y., a. 1634, p. o. 

add. Ilannilial. 
Tucker, Ezni B., Prop, and Tnistee Cheew Factory, Hannibal, b. Otaego Co., 

N. Y.,a. 18*X\ p. o. add. Hannibal. 
Tallman, E. S., Pairy and Farmer, Hannitnl, b. Herkimer Co., N. T., a. 1809, 

p. o. add. Hannibal. 
Van Auken, E. C, Prop. American Hotel, Hannibal, b. Onondaga Co., N. Y., a. 

IKOO, p. o. add. Hunnllml. 
Wi'IhUt, Iliile, Ket. Farmer, Hannibal, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., a. 1815, p. o. add. 

Ilaiintbiil. 
WiltBe. Fndertck, Farmer, Hanniliol, b. Oawego Co., N, Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. 

Hannibal. 
Wiliaie, Carson, Farmer, County Superintendent of the Poor 6 yearv, SuperTiaor 

6 ye«r»', nnd AsiNfOor 6 year*, Hannibal, b. Oftwegt> Co., N, Y.,b. 1824, 

p. o.add. HannilMtl. 
W*ella, David, Farmer and .Xsseasor, Haunlbol. b. Wofihington C«i., N. Y., a. 

iH.'jl, p. o. iidd. S. Hiinnd'Kl. 
Well«, S. D., Teacher, Hannibal, b. Oswego Co., K. Y., a. 1855, p. o. add. Hanni- 
bal. 
WillianiH, Wni. L., Farmer, Hannibal, b. Anglesey, Walea, a. 1849, p. o. add. 

MartviUe, Cayuga Co. 



FULTON VILLAGE. 

AUhouae, Peter, Fanner, Fulton, b. Uswepi Co., N. Y., a. 1S14. 

Bennett Bros. (A. Bennett, C. T. Bennett*. Publlahen i\Hriot ami G^uetU^ Ful- 
ton, b. Falrflebl Co., Conn., «. IKO:* and 1865. 

BiuMn, Cliaa. C, Pliyician and Surj^eoii, Fulton, b. Onrlda Co., N. Y., a. 1841. 

Brudway. H., Deiiler in It.K)rB and ShtHt*. Fulton, b. U*wi» Co., N. Y., a. 1828. 

BjiII. (J. I>., Attorney and Civil Kii;;infer. Fnli-'ti, I.. OBWegi. Co , N. Y., b. 1824. 

Benedict, J. t:., Muinifaclim'r of l-Mged TouU, Fulton, b.Fairfleld.Cuan., 0.1847. 

Biitlei, .1. W.. Farmer, b. Oueida Co., N. Y., I8Ul,«. 1839. 

Case, iltHirge M. 

CoatH, W. N., Princi|>ul Public School. 

Cole, JameB, Dealer in Furniture and Undertaker, Fulton, b. Oneida, N. Y., 
8. 18—. 

CalkiuN, perry, Car^wnter and Joiner and Boat-builder, b. Onuudoga Co., N. Y., 
B. 1830. 

CbeBbro, Jamen M., Farmer, Full»m, b. PitUfleld, Maas., 1813, a. 1815. 

Coniell, .M. F... bivery, Fulton, b. Onondaga Co.. N. Y., 1844, a. 18C7. 

Carrier, Ini. Fanner, b. Berkshire, Miwt«., KMMJ. b. 18:11. 

Dyer, B. J., Dealer In Dry tio«^d» and Carpt't-*, Fulton, b. Waablngtun Vo., N. Y., 
a. 185-1. 

Dexter, Win., Bleat Market, Fulton, b. Nortbampionahlre. England, a. 18.'*. 
_ Dr aper, D. C., GnM'er, Fullun, b. Onwego Co., N. Y., s. 1847. 

De (iraw, J. C, Contractor, b. Oawegu C*>., N. Y., a. 1825. 

Eggleatt.n, C. S., Dealer in Ikioks, Stationery, etc., FulUm, b. Ooelda Co.. N. Y., 
a. 1849. 

Elder, K. J., lte«bmmnt, Fulton, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., b. 186:». 

Fi>ri.e-, Mrx. M. E.. Millinery, Fulton, b. Madlw.n Co., N. Y., a. 1840. 

Cage, W. <;.. Merchant Miller, Fulton, b. MadiHon Co., N. Y., *. 1847. 

Glli>ert, II. N . Merehant Mdbr, Fulton, b. tbtwego Cki , N. Y., a. 1828. 

Gb*|ht, Freeman (Bclindi, b. Ashfteld, Conn., 1795, a. 1845. 

Gardner, H. S., Dealer in Fur and Wwl, Fulton, b. tinondaga Co., N. Y., I8J0, 
a. liHA. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



445 



Giispez, John, Hoti'l-keopcr forly years (Retiie*!), Ftilton, b. AslificUl, Conn., 

1792, ». 1S13. 
llowo, H. ('.. Aftornoy- ami Cdinisdnr-al-Law, Fnltoii, li. Oswpgo Co, N. Y., 

8. ISHU, 
Iltwitt, .1. T„ Jul. Printer and Dealer in Stationery, Fnllon, li. Norfcplk, Eng- 
land, 8 ISJS, 
Iliinna, A., Druggist, Fulton, b. Albany, N. Y., 8. 1818. 
Ilarronn, Mrs. 51. H., Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1810. 
Ilerriek, J. F., Pealei- in Lnniber and Coal, Fulton, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 

s. is.'j:i. 
Hill, W. W., Manufacturer of Carriages, etc., Fulton, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 

1814. 8. 18.55. 
Hyde, H. F., Lumber, Fulton, b. Connecticut, 1707, 8. 1811. 
Ingell, W. F., Farmer, Ingell's Crossing, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1818. 
K.ller, ,1. ,(., Faruu-r, b. Montgomery Co., 18:111, s. 18:i.'i. 
Lewis, Thos. I)., Proprietor Lewis House, IngelPs Crossing, b. Ca., 8. 1801. 
La Puke, Mrs. BI. E., Jlillinery, etc., Ingell's Crossing. 
Latlii-op, (I. C, Toys, Confectionery, and Varieties, Ingell's Crossing, b. .Tefler- 

son Co., N. Y., s. 1825. 
Lester, Nicholas, House- and Carriage-painter, Ingell's Crossing, b. Kingston, 

Ont., 1842, B. IS.'il. 
Lake, Itaniel E., Physician and Surgeon, Ingell's CroB.sing, b. Ontario, Canada, 

1S:17, 8.1871. 
Morfa, Daniel T., Proprietor Fulton House, Fulton, b. Sussex Co., England, 

6. 18:i0. 
Nichols, H. E., Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

8. 18.17. 
Nichols, C. R., Jeweler and Dealer in Watches, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

s. lS.-i7. 
Oltinan, N. W., Millwright, Fulton, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., 182(1, 8. 1844. 
Odell, R. B., Millwright and Hydraulic Engineer, Fulton, b. Cortland Co., 

N. Y.,1S19, s. IS.M. 
Osg.iod, C. S., Fanner, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 1810, s. 1849. 
Parilee, S., Physician and Surgeon, Fulton, b. FairJield, Conn., 8. 18:U. 
Pnitt, Tiniolhy (Retired), Fulton, b. Vernuuit, s. 1831. 
Parkhonse, "Wnt., Superintendent Cemetery, Fulton, b. Povonshire, Eng,, 1812, 

s. 18.10. 
Pratt, J. W., Capitalist, b. Oneida Co., 181S, 8. 1832. 
Rice, Orrin, Jr., Attorney- and Counsetor-at-law, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

B. 1845. 
Richardson, G. P., Grocer, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. If40. 
Ri>gers, Daniel, Fulton, Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1822. 
Kogei^, Edwaid, Machinist, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 9. 1857. 
Itaymoud, A. E., Photographer, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1845. 
Siibin, H. N., Grocer, Fulton, b. Madison Co., N. Y., s. 1828. 
,Satiin, C. M., Grocer, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 184.'i. 
Stephe[is, Melvin F., Attoruey-at-Law, Fulton, b. Snsipiehanna, Pa., s. 1838. 
Stewart, M. A., of firm of Bennett & Stewart, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

8. 1848. 
Smith, James. 

Stonebni'gh, A. W., Carriage Manufacturer, b. Canada West, s. 1865. 
Spencer, H. V., Grocer, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1833. 
Salmon, K. F. 

Strefter, J. P., Insurance Agent, Fulton, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 1825, s. 184r>. 
Sherman, John, Mason, Fulton, b. N. Shire, Eng., 1815, s. 1841. 
Smith, II. W., Cheese Manufacturer, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1820. 
Skinner, H., Photogi apher, Oneida St., Fulton, b. Jellerson Co., N. Y., s. 1838. 
Tyler, R. H., Attornoy-at-Law, Fulton, b. Fninkliii Co., Mjias., 1815, s. 1817. 
Townsend, W. J., Attorneyat-Law, Fulton, b. Cayuga Co., N. Y., 1843, 8. 180G. 

( C. O. Titus, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1837. 1 
Titus, Si.umou8 J H ^ ,, „„„^„^^ ^ y,„.j,|^ ,,„_ jj Y._ ,. .5,, I p„|,.,^ p„„„„. 

* 1 itus, j^ J, y ,j.jj|_j,^ ^^ Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1832. J 

Van Wagencn. F. I)., Contractor and Farmer (Retired). 

Van Hill en, M. D., Dealer in Fancy Goods, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. lyll. 
Williams, Geo. E., Editor I-^tU'm Tinier, KuUon. 

Wliitaker, S. B., Dealer in Boots and Slioes, Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y.,s. 18.14. 
NV'oodl.ury, W. L., Physician and Surgeon, Fulton, li. Tompkins Co., N. Y., s. 1848. 
Wilson, Jas. L., Fulton, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1838. 
Wilcox, (.'yriis C, Fanner. 
Vowmans, .\mos. Assistant Cashier First National Bank, Fulton, b. Greene Co., 

N. Y., 1840, 8. 1846. 



WILLIAMSTOWN. 

Austin, Alborl K., Fiirnicr itri<l LumlnTinaii, Willinntsluwii, b. Schohiiric Co., 

N. v., 8. 18:i.'i, p. u. ft'l't. Kastnig. 
Allen, I., FmniiT and Lunihcriimn, Williamstown, b. Onuida^ N. Y., 8. 1848, 

p. u. aild. Williauistowii. 
Itiirilkk, Austin, Farmvr and Lunibenuan, Williarastown, b. Ri-nssclaur Co., 

N. Y., B. 1821, p. o. add. Willjanistown. 
Itrunson, Geo. C, Farmer, Willianist.iwn, b. Oneida, N. Y., 8. 1K47, p. o. add. 

Williamstowri. 
Jlalh-Bttr, M., Furiner, Williamatown, b. Oneida, X. Y., .-*. 1871, p. o. add. M'il- 

lianistown. 
llcst,FianciH, KarmiT, Williamsluwti,!... Iitl.ind.s. l.sTl.p. d.juld. WilliamstoH n. 



Ciirtifis, T). J., Prop. Selden House, Willinmstown, 1>. Oneida, N. Y., a. 1874, p. o. 
add. Williiitnstown. 

Castlo, W. S., Furniture and UndortaUor, Williamstuwn, b. Oneida, N. Y., s. 
18(j8, p. o. mid. Willianistown. 

Cox, Samuel, Physician and .Surgeon, M'illiamstown, b. Windsor, Vt., 8.1831, 
p. o. arid. WilliiinKStiiwti. 

Case, H. C, Farmer, 'Williamstown, b. Oawego, N. Y., b. 1839, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

ConiBtock, Edwin, Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswogo, N. Y., 8. 1805, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Curran, Charle.s, Farmer, Williumatown, b. Oawego, N. Y., s. 18'!4, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Case, Myrun, Patentee and Mfr. of Magic Corn-planter, and Farmer, WiUiuniB- 
town, b. Keneselaer Co., N. Y., 8. 1844, p. o. add, Williamstown. 

Carr, Keppy, Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1851, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Carr, Henry, Fanner (deceased), Williamstown, b. Rensselaer Co.,X. Y., «. 1830. 
p. o, add, WilIiain.>itown. 

Comstoek, T. E., Farmer, WilliamsU^wn, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1S14, p. o. add, 
Williamstown. 

Dunn, David, Farmer, Williamstown, b. Lewis Co., N. Y., b 1857, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Filkins, Uubert, Farmer, Williamstown, b. 0:3wego, N. Y., 8. 1815, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Gardiner, Joseph, Physician and Surgeon, Williamstown, b. England, s. 184fi, 
p. o. add. Williamstown. 

Goodwin, James, Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8.182*2, p. o. add. 
WiUiamstown. 

Greenhitw, Thomas, Farmer, Williamstown, b. AVestmoreland, Eng., s. 1842, 
p. o. add. Williamstown, 

Greenhow, T. IT., Furniture and Undertaker, Williamstuwn, b. Detroit, Slich., 
8. 1S45, p. o, add. Williamstown. 

Humphrey, George, Lumbering, Williamstown, h. Albany, N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. 
add. Kasoag. 

Hutt, Peter, Farmer and Lumberman (deceased), Williamstown, b. Schoharie 
Co., N. Y., s. 18-15, p. o. add. Kasoag. 

Hutt, Austin, Farmer and Lumberman, Williamstown, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y., 
s, 1805, p. o. add. Kasoag. 

Harris, E. P., Farmer, Williamstown, b. Berkshire, Ma-ss., s. 1833, p. o. add. 
Kasoag. 

Hyatt, Wm. C, Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oneida, N. Y.. s. 1837, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Hyatt, 31., Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1804, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Healey, Dennis, Farmer, Willianidt^iwn, b, Cork, Ireland, s. 18G5, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Keller, Nicholas, Fainior, Williamstown, h. Gorniany, s. 18G8, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Keller, Simeon, Fanner, Williamstown, b. Herkimer (,'o.,N. Y., b. 1871, p. o.add. 
Williamstown. 

Lawton, Thos. AV , Farmer, William-itown, b. Onondaga Co,, N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. 
add. Williamstown. 

Murray, K., Fanner, Williamstown, b. King^, Ireland, a. 1871, p. o. add. AVil- 
liaiiistown. 

Murray, P., Farmer (came to this country 1851), Williamstown, b. Kings, Ire- 
laud, s. 18G1, p. o. add. Willijimstown. 

McLean, E., Lumberman, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. 
Ka-soag. 

Nichols, J. A., Farmer, Willianititown, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1833, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Orton, Ashltel, Lumberman, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1811, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Potter, G. C, Prop. S;igo Hotel, Williamstown, b. Otsego, N. Y,, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

Potts, V. U., Fanner, Williamstuwn, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Wil- 
linmstown. 

Parker, H., Fanner, b. New Haven, Conn., s. 1851, p. o. add. Williamstown. 

Pant, Robert S., Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., «. 1820, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Parkis, Chas., Farmer, William-itown, b. Saratoga, N. Y., a. 1802, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Page, Cuurtland, Millwright, Williamstown, b. Oiirida, N. Y., s. 1851, p. o. add. 
Williamston. 

Potts, Wra., Farmer, Williamstown, b. Hennselaer, N. Y., s. 1822, p. o. add. 
Wdliamstown. 

PottB, Freiio iek, Farmer, Williamstown. b, Konnselaer, N. V., s. 184M, p. o. 
adil. Williamstown. 

Ryan, Tlixinas, Ki-staiiraiit, Williamstown, b. Rennselaer Co., R. 1862, p. o. add. 
Williamstown, 

Roarke, Dennis, Farmer, Williamstown, b, Galway, Ireland, a, 18G3, p. o. add. 
Williamstown. 

Sage, (,'. S., P, M and Mertliant, Williamstown, b. Oneida, N. Y,, 8, 1850, p. o, 
adil, Williamstown. 

Seidell, J. S., Merchant ami Liimbermun, Williamstown, b. Oswego, X, Y., e. 
1817, }i, o. add. Williamstown, 

Selden, S. H., Farmer, Williamstown, b. Oswego, N. Y., b. 1822, p. o. add. 
Williatnstown. 



446 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, i\EW YORK. 



Sammonn, Jamca, Farmer, WltliunvtowD, b. Qiifvni, Irelsntl, ■. I87t, p. u. add. 

WilliaiiisUtwri. 
Suuttcr, John, FiirnKT, WiMlaDiBluwn, b. Canntln, «. 1874, p. o. aiM. KavMig. 
Strolo, Willinm U., AttunH7-«(-l.Jiw mid liiauraiice AKt-nt* WjUiaiiuiuwn, b. 

Gn-ene Co., N. V., b. iHtW, p. o. aild. Willianiiitown. 
Shaw, l>. Jl., Ciirrijigc-Diaker. WilliaindUiwii, b. Urieida, N. Y.,r 18G7,p. o.mld. 

AVllliHRiitlMwn. 
Smith, Jiuiu-s, Kiiriiifr, Willlamstuwn, b. Scott, N. Y., m. IsOfl, p. o. add. Wil- 

MHumiovfit. 
Tovca\ey\ Aldjoh. Farmer (deccnnvd), Wflllamitown, b. Venuoiit, p. o. add. 

WiMiHmntown. 
Tuwsloy. SiiafTunl, Fanner, WilUanistowD, b. Oswogo, N. Y., b. 183I», p. o. a<Id. 

Witlluiimtuwit. 
W;itri(\ I'litrick, Fariiior, Wllliamstown, b. Leitrlm, Irclatid, ■. 1868, p. o. add. 

Willliiiiietluwn. 
Wiitaor, {.'. r., FiiruMT, Williaoistown, b. Herkimer Cu., N. Y., i. 1833, p.o. ftdd. 

Kasoug. 



AMBOY. 

Aikloy, IVIor, Fnmior, Ainlmy, I., iiii. i l.i, S. v., h. 18.V.1, p. o. n<lil. W. <'i(ni<li<ii. 

Altiw, UllliiTl, Karinor, AmiKiy, Ij. ('iK'iiiitigu, N. Y.,>. ISil, p o. a<ld. \Villlnma- 
U>wn. 

Berry, K. II., School Comiiiiwionir, Anibojr, b. Ilenninglun, Vt., s. 1««50, p.o. 
ailil. Went .\tnlM>>. 

Drown, Am, Funiior, Amboy, b. Scholiario, N. Y., «. 1824, p. o. add. WillianM- 
lown. 

Brown, Irvin F., Farmer, Amboy, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., l. 18j6, p. o. add. Wll- 
llaniittown. 

Biuwn, Wm., Farmer, Amboy, b. Scotland, «. 1M9, p. o. add. AmUiy Centre. 

Blitt-k, l^a\id I)., Farmer, Amhoy, b. Scotland, s. IKoU, p. o add. Amboy Centre. 

Bliick, Andrew, Funuir, Anilwy, b. Scoll.ind, ». 1809, p. o. add. Amhoy Centre. 

Clellund, Junie^, Fcirmcr, Anilioy, b. Scutlaml, >. I84!l, p. o. odd. Auiboy Centre. 

Clellund, John K., Farmer, Amboy, \<. 8cotlau<l, 8. 184!), p. o. add. Amboy Centre. 

Ellin, Wm. II., Farniur, Amboy, b. Ilorkinu'r Co., N. Y., «. 1»47, p. o. add. Wil- 
liiini.ftown. 

Fifltdd, W. M., Furnier, Amboy, h. New Ilumpsbire, a. 1830, p. o. add. Williams- 
town. 

Gantner, Noel A., Oirpentor and Joiner, Amboy, b. Bennington, Vt., a. 184», 
p. o. aild. Weat Amboy. 

Grinin, Morris, Farmer, Amboy, b. Ilerkiniur Co., N. Y., a. 1867, p. u. add. 
Amboy Ci-ntre. 

Ilesa, John, Jobbing, Amboy, b. Oswego Co., N. Y.,8. 1S2«, p. o. add. W. Amb<.y. 

Jumlcaoii, John, Fni nier, AmUiy, b. Sculliinil, a. 1822, p. o. add. Amboy Cintrc. 

Jacol«, J.jbn II., Farmir, AliilK.y, b. Cernmii), ». I8C4, p. o. add. Amlniy Centre. 

Jacoba, John II., Farmer, Aiuboy, b. Ouuida, N. Y., ». 18G4, p. o. add. Amboy. 
Centre. 

Leigh, II. II., Farmer, Anib<.y, b. Oswogo, N. Y., a. 18.18, p. o. add. Wiiliamstawn. 

U-igh, N. II., Furnior, Anibuy, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1841, p. o. add. Wiilianulown. 

Look, >jiick, Farniiir, .Vniboy, b. Oswego, N. Y.,s. l8>7,p.o. add. Wiiliunutown. 

Laing, Thos., F.irni n; Amboy, li. Sodhuid, s. 18:17, p. o. add. WiUlamitown. 

Matteaon, P., Fnrmur, Amboy, b. .Madison, N. Y., a. 1858, p. o. add. Williams- 
t»)wn. 

Mrlntyre, Maicom, Farmer, Amb<.y, b. Scotland, s. 1831, p. o. add. Williams- 
town. 

Kichulaa, Levi, Farmer, Anilioy, b. Oneida, N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. Wllllnnis. 
town. 

Micliois, J.din, Farmer, Ainliuy, b. Cornwall, Eng., a. 184", p. o. add. Williams- 
town. 

Nkhola, Thos. II., Farmer, AnilK.y, b. Cornwall, Eng , s. 184il, p. o. adil. Wll- 
liamstown. 

Nlciiol-i, Malthew R., Farmer, Amboy, b. Cornwall, Kng.,8. 184(1, p. o add. Wil- 
llunisltiwn. 

Nicholas, U irnjtt. Farmer, Amboy, b. Schoharie, N. Y., s. 1826, p. o. add. Wil- 
liamstown. 

I'oro, J., 1-Iiysicij4n and Surgeon, Amboy, b. France.a. 18;tl, p. o. adil. W. Amboy. 

Quinu, Tlioa., Farmer. Amboy, b. Berkshire, Maas., s. 1837, p. o. add. Wiiliama- 
lown. 

Itollami, E. I)., Farmer, Amboy, b. Oawego, N. Y., s. 18.111, p. o. add. Willlaius- 
town. 

Stacy, Orrin P., Farmer, Amboy, b. Oneida, N. Y., a. 18.-.C, p. o. add. Willhims- 
town. 

Spoon, Kjra, Farmer, Amlxiy, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p, o. a<ld. Amboy 
Centre. 

Wells, Geo. !>., Farmer and Lumbering, Amboy, b. Delaware Co., N. Y.,s. 1845 
p. o. aild. Aml><ty Ci^ntre. 

Wliliamiis. Steplien, Farmer, Amlwy, b. Ma««.,B. 1841, p. o. add. Amboy Centre. 



CONSTANTIA. 

id 8urgi*oii, CuiiHtaiitia, b. C 

Audtw, (i., Uiidder, CuiiBtantiu, b. Uiieidu Co., N. Y., b. 1«64, p. o. ttdd 4'levo- f 
luml. I 



Allen, V. A., IMiyiiirinn and Surgi-on, Cunntantia, b. Connecticut, n. ISilfi, !►. o, 
add. C'levchind. 



Baker, WilUani ]l., Attomej, Conslantia, b. Lot>ox, N. Y., a. 18129, p. o.add.CVm- 

stanlia. 
Brown, I. P., Ilotel-keei^r, Conituilla, b. Scludinrie C»»., N. Y., a. 1844, p o. a.ld. 

CunotADtlH. 

Brown, Alex., ('krringo Manufacturer, Conatantla, b. Oneida Co , N. Y., 1. 18.*>0, 

p. o. Cunstnntia. 
Bunni, Wm.. Pot-ninker, ConHtantia, b. Oermnny. a. l»»Cfi. p. o. add. Cleveland. 
B<*»1, Mii-liael, OltM-fliittenor, Cunetantln, b. ticrniany, s. 18.V2, p. o. add. CIcTe- 

land. 
Bunt, Kiigeno, Blackimtth, Conttantia, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1840, p. o. ad<l. 

Cleveland. 

Batrlftor, , Mllbr, Cumtantla, b. Knglao'l. a. ia:.7, p. o. add. Oun«tantia. 

CftHwell, H. J., Glass Kanufuclurer, Conittntia, p. o. add. Cleveland. 

Crispin, RdwanI, Glaaa Manufacturer, ConatAntia, b. New JeriM-j, a. 18A2, p, o. 

,. t a<ld. Clerclnnd. 

Cloiigb, Geo. S., Fanner. Constantla, b. Greene Co., K. Y., a. 1867, p. o. add. 

Cun>'Uintia. 
Caqwutor, A. M., GbiBe-flatlenor, Contitantla, b. BenvielaorCo.. N. Y., s. 18M, 

p. o. add. I'levolnnd. 
Cole, John II., Boating, Con-tantta, b. Germaoj, r. 18&1, p. o. add. Coiulantia. 
Dickinson, Cbaa., Farmer, Constantia, b. Schoharie Co., N. Y.,a. 182G, p. o. add. 

Cleveland. 
I>lckinBoti, SamiM-l F., Furnter, C^mstantla, b. Greene Co., t. 1820, p. u. add. 

Cleveland. 
Dtrkinnon, Kzm, Builder, Constantia, b. Oawego Co., N*. Y., i. 1827, p. o. add. 

Bvrntianl'H Bay. 
Pollwy, A. L,. lUilnmdinff, Conslantia, b. Conn., «. 1844, p. o. ndil. roniljintin. 
Dakin, <teu.. Farmer, ('onHtuntia, b. N. I lam pal lire. i. 18^15, p.o. add. Ooiiatantia. 
Dolbey, Mrs. Kllen .\., Farmer, Cun^bintln, b. Connecticut, a. I8.'>8, p. o. uild. 

Bernlmnrs Bay. 
Foster, Wm., l'n>p. Tannery, Constantia, b. Gngland,8. 1830, p. o. add. Cleveland. 
Foster, Willirtm H., Grocer, Constitntla, b. Albany Co., X. Y., n. 1848, p. o. add. 

Clevidiind. 
Gaitlanier, L., Druggist, Constantia, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1838, p. o. aild. 

Constantia. 
Gilbert, W. 0., Snperintendt-nt Cotton MIIIn and Merchant (deceii«c<l), Con- 

HtJintid. b. Oio-i'lii Co., N. Y., a. IHoH, p. u. luM. r'n-ntitantia. 
Getman, C. Glami Manufticturer, Cumitantiii, b. Fulton Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. 

add. Cleveland. 
Garber, Henry, .\ttorney, Con«tnntiii, b. Oawego Co., X. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add. 

Cleveland. 
Griesmayor, II., GItuis-ldowor, Conutantin, b. Germnny, s. 18.'»G, p. o. aild, 

Cleveland. 
Hopkinft, P., Farni'T and Mason, Coiistiintia, b. Ireland, s. 18.'>8, p. o. add. 

Clevelunil. 
Il.tll, Jamea R., Farmer, Oiielda Co., b. West Chedter, N. Y„ a. I87C, p. o. add. 

Welt Vienna, 
nail, John, Farmer, Oneid^i Co., b. I'p, Canada, s. 1814, p. o. a»ld, We-t Vienna. 
Harrington, S. K., Farmer and Luniborman, Constantia, b. Oncidii Ct»., N. Y., 

s. 183G, p. o. add. Clewlund. 
Kathern, Charles, Merchant and (ihua Manufacturer, Constantia, b. Herkimer, 

N. Y., 8. 1832, p. o. aild, CInvuland. 
Philipp, Kim, Ghuirt-blowor, CoiiHtaiilia, b. Gennany, a. 1848, p, o. add. Clevo- 

land. 
I^ane, G. W., Manufacturer and JuHtlc4> of the Peace, Constantia, b. Schoharie 

Co., N. Y., s. 1857, p. o. addretw Cluveland. 
Leonard, Atlam, Glast-flattenor, Constantia, h. Germany, s. 185C, p. u. add. 

Cleveland. 
Long, Charles G., Gliis-vblowt-r, Constantia, b. Oswego Co., N, Y., s. 1842, p. o. 

add. Cleveland, 
liitmphen-, F., Glawi-blower, Constantia, b, Chenango Co., X. V., s. 1K(>'.>, p.o. 

n<ld. Bertilianl's Bay, 
iM Mountain, A., Boatman, (.'onstantia, b. Cuniuhi Kuat, a. 1847, p. o. add. 

C'Oiistantla. 
Marble, CyniB, Hotvl Proprietor (retired), Constantia, b. Chenango Co., N. Y., 

s. 18^14, p. o. add Cleveland, 
Marsh, Mary C. (widow <'arpontur, doccaaod), Constantia, b.Groono Co,, N. Y., s. 

1K4G, p. o. add. CoiiNtJinlia. 
Pbllllpn, Nathan, Farmer, Omstantia, b, Maasichusctts, i. 1818, p. o. add. C-on- 

stantiii. 
Riter, Li^Mils, Blacksmith, Constantia, b. Germany, s. 18CI, p. o. add. Cleveland, 
Smith, S. P., Fanner and Lumbering, ('onsbintlit, h. Onondaga Co., N. Y., s. 

|x4'i, p. o. add. Constantia. 
Stowell, William II., Carriagi> Maiiurarhirer, (^nstantla, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., 

8. 1K47, )>. o add. Constantia. 
Hhuler, John, Glusa Manufacturer, C-onstantla, b. Germany, a. 1854, p. o. add. 

Cleveland. 
Short, J. II., Menbant and G|aa« -blower, Constantia, b, TlsterCo., N. Y., s. 

1858, p, o. add, Bftrnhard's Bay. 
Turck, Enos. P., Farnu'r, Conntantia, l>. .Madison Co., N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. aild. 

Cleveland. 
Todd, Al'mni, Millwright, Constantia, b. Dutchess Co.. N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. add. 

Connlaiilia. 
Winn, Corneliiiw P., Farmer, Otn^tantia, h. Greene Co., N. Y., a, 1829, p. o.iuld. 

Bernlianrs Bay. 
Winn, Htnrj-, Farmer^ Constantia^ b. Greene Co., S. Y., a. 1827, p. o. add. Coii- 
stiintia. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



447 



SANDY CREEK. 

Ainswortli, Diinfortli K., Atttirnoy-at-Law (fitm Ilowe & Ainswurth), Sandy 

Greek, 1>. Jefterson Cu., N. Y., a. 1858, p. o. aiitl. Sundy Creek. 
Bulkley, J. Lyniiin, Physician and Surgeon, Sandy Creek, li. Herkimer Co., N. 

v., s. 1853, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Baldwin, Lenian, Contraetur and Builder, Sandy Creek, h. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 

1827, p. u. add. Sandy Creek. 
Bludgett, Miles, Farmer and Tanner, Sandy Creek, b. Salisbury, Mass., s. 1827, 

p. o. add. Lacotia, 
Bishoji, William, Farmer and Sailor, Sandy Creek, b, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 8. 

1819, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Bettinger,Wm.H., Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Bladison Co.,N. Y., b. 1827, p. o. add. 

Sandy Creek. 
KCuttrell, Win. H., Village Gardener, Sandy Creek, b. Lewis Co., s. 1831, p. o. 
• add. Sandy Creek. 

Cornweil, Fram-is, Fanner, Sandy Creek, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y,, s. 1869, p. o. 

add. Puliiski. 
Colony, Clias. W., Dealer in Stoves and Tinware, Sandy Creek, b. Cayuga Co., 

N. Y., s. 1808, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Davis, Nathan, Wholesale and Ketail Dealer in Flour, Feed, Seeds, and Produce, 

Sandy Creek, b. New Hanip>hire, s. 1840, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Hooker, Joseph M., KeCd Woolen Mnfr., Sandy Creek, li. Herkimer Co., N. T., 

8. 1811, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Howe, Henry L., Attorney-at-Law (firm Ilowt- & Ainsworth), Sandy Creek, b. 

Oswego Co., N. Y.,a. 18;Jl, p. <>. add. Sandy Creek. 
Harding, Gilbert N., Real Estate and Insurance, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co.,N. 

Y., s. 1843, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Hudley, Jeaso F., Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Windom, Vt., h. 1S12, p. o. add. Sandy 

Creek. 
Hadley, Elias, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Vt.,s. Ifil2, p. o. add. Sandy Creuk. 
Iladley, Jason D., Farmoi', Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1S20, p. o. add. 

Sandy Creek. 
Iladlcy, Albert, Farmer and Jvistice of Peace, Sandy Creek, h. Oswego Co., N. 

Y., s. 1818, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Hadley, Sylvanus, Farmer, Sandy Creek, bi Oswego Co., N. Y., 8. 1812, p. o. add. 

Sandy Creek. 
llariif<, Mrrt. Ularia L., Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. 

o- add. Sandy Creek. 
HoUis, Wesley M., Clieese-iuaker, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. 

o. add. Pulaski. 
Mareneas, Jay, I'rop'r Union Centre Hotel, Sandy Creek, b, Schoharie Co., N. Y., 

s. 1849, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Munroe, Mrs. Avis, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Madison Co., N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. 

add. Lacona. 
McConnell, Wni., Lumber Dealer, Sandy Creek, b. New York City, s. 1848, p. o. 

add. I^acona. 
Morey, Isaac, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Rensselaer Co., N. Y., 8. 1818, p. o. add. 

Sanily Creek. 
Morey, Jutd, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. add. Sandy 

Creek . 
Morey, Martin, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b, Rensselaer Co., N. Y., s. 1818, p. o. add. 

Sandy Creek. 
Noyes, Ira, Farmer and Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1815, 

p. o. add. Sandy Cre«k. 
N(-*wtori, Jothani, lietJred Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Connecticut, s. 1S23, p.o.add. 

Sandy Creek. 
Oyer, Ira, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y,, s. 1839, p. o. add. 

Lacona. 
Porter, Seth, Retired Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1S07, 

p. o. adiL Lacona. 
Porter, Hollom M., Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1843, p.o.add. 

Lacona. 
I'ruyn, Simon, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., a. 1842, p. o. add. 

Lacona. 
Robbin-i, Jutius S., Retired Merchant, Sandy Creek, b. Wayne Co., N, Y.,b. 1818, 

p. o. add, Sandy Creek. 
Robbina, Mrs. B. G. (Retired), Sandy Creek, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1849, p. o. 

add. Sandy Creek. 
Sonle, Henry, Publisher Siimhj Creek A'ctcf, Sandy Creek, b. Rhode Island, s. 

1804, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Souie, Edwin, Pnblitdi'-r Stiuily Creek News, firm Soulo & Sun, Sandy Creek, b. 

Uiiea, N. Y., 8. 1804. p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Salisbury, lU-nj. F., Propr. Salisbury House, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

8. 1824, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Stevens, Hiram M., Farmer, Founder, and Machinist, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y., 8. 1820, p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Stevens, Wm. Jay, Railroad and Express Agt., .Sandy Creek, b.Oswegu Co., N. Y., 

8. 1837, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Sage, John W., Farmer and Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Vermont, e. 1805, p. o. 

add. Pulaski. 
Salisbury, Fayette, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1852, p. o. add. 

Sanily Creek. 
TItompaon, Allen L., Physician and Surgeon, and Supervisor, Sandy Creek, b. 

Schoharie Co., N. Y , p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Tifft, Leander, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 8, 1821, p. o. add. 

Lticona. 



Thompson, Newton M., Farmer and Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Erie Co., N. Y., 

B. 1837, p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Tow6ley,Tlu)mas J., Farmer and Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Jefferson Cn.,N. Y., 

s. 1858, p. add. Sandy Creek. 
Wright, Henry, Farmer, Sandy Creek, b. N. Hampshire, b, 1843, p. o.add. Lacona. 
Wilder, John, Farmer anil Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., b. 1823, 

p. o. add. Sandy Creek. 
Warner, A. S., Farmer and Dairyman, Sandy Creek, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., s. 1837, 

p. o. add. Pulaski. 
Wilds, Deloa E., Attorney-at-Law and Notary Public, Siindy Creek, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y., 8. 1838, p. 0. add. Lacona. 



EOYLSTON. 

Barker, William, Farmer, Boylston, b. Lancashire, Eng., a. 1850, p. o. add. 

Mannsville. 
Baker, Michael R., Farmer, Boylston, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., a. 1847, p. o.add. 

Boylston Centre. 
Beebee, Amos, Farmer, Boylston, b, Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1800, p. o. add. 

Lacona. 
Bunipus, airs. I^ydia M., Farmer, Boylston, b. Fulton Co., N. Y,, s. 1841, p. o. 

add. Lacona. 
De Lung, (Charles, Farmer, Boylston, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y., s. 1853, p. o. add. 

Lacona. 
Folsom, J. W., Farmer, Boylston, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. add. 

Lorain 6. 
Folsom, Nelson, Farmer, Boylston, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1858, p. o. add. 

Loraine. 
Hathaway, Sylvester, Farmer and Sea Captain, Boylston, b. Rutland, Vt., a. 

1859, p. o. add. Mannsville. 
Jennings, Joseph, Cooper and Farmer, Boylston, b. Otsego Co., N. Y., a. 1837, 

p. o. add. Lacona. 
Jennings, J. C, Cooper and Farmer, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1856, 

p. o. add. Lacona. 
Leaimonth, James G., Farmer, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1852, p. o. add. 

Mannsville. 
Lowery, James E., Farmer, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1831, p. o.add. 

Mannsville. 
Learmunth, Mrs. Abby, Farmer, Boylston, b. Jefferson Co., N. Y., s. 1814, p. o. 

add. Mannsville. 
Oderkirk, John A. 
Palmer, Leonard, Farmer and Cheese-maker, Boyl.-ston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 

1831, p. o. add. Lacona. 

Rudd, Rosel, Farmer, Boylston, b. Rutland, Vt., a. 1841, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Rudd, Geo. W., Teacher and Supervisor, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1851, 

p. o. add. Lacona. 
Reynolds, Wm., Farmer, Boylston, b. Uitpcr Canada, e. 1871, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Smart, C. W., Blanufacturer of Lumber, Staves, etc., Boylston, b. Oswego Co., 

N. Y.. s. 1848, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Tanner, Chas., Farmer, Boylston, b. England, s. 1847, p. o. add. Lacona. 
Wart, Wm., Farmer and Stock Raiser, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1819, 

p.o. add. Mannsville. 
Wart, John, Rolired Farmer, Bojiston, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y.,b. 1812, p. o. 

add. Mannsville. 
Webb, H. S., Saw-Mill and Grist-Mill Proprietor, Boylston, b. Oneida Co., 

N. Y., B. 1845, p. 0. add. Boylston Centre. 
Weaver, Wm. W., Saw-mill and Millwright, Boylston, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 

1832, p. o. add. Lacona. 



ORWELL. 

Bnrch, N. C, Bouts and Shoes, Orwell Cor's, b. Oswogti, s. 1831, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Bonner, Albert E., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oswego, s. 184'i, p. o. a<UI. Orwell. 
Bonner, Jos. M., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oneida, s. 1829, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Bennett, Eli S.. Farmer, Orwell, b. Oswego, a. 1829, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Bonner, A. D., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oswego, a. 1835, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Bi>nner, Edward S., Farmer, Orwell, b. Om-ida, s. 1829, p. o. add. OrwoU. 
Bonner, KdmuiKl G., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oswego, s. 1858, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Blount, Aroma, Farmer and Lumber Dealer, Orwell, b. Genesee, s. 1829, p. o. 

add. Kasoag. 
Beadle, Mrs. Orrin, Orwell Corners, b. Oneida, s. 1827, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Bennelt, I. W., Farmer, Orwell Town, b. Oswego, a. 1820, p. o. add. Kasoag. 
Crossett, Newman S., Farmer, Orwell, b. Montgomery Co., N. Y., s. 1855, p. o. 

add. Molino. 
Caswell, A., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oswego, a. 1829, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
Davis, S. C, Farmer, Orwell, b. Oneida Co., N. Y., «. 1851, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Davis, James F., Dentist, Orwell, b. Now Hamiishire, 8. 1837, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Davis, Sirs. James F., Orwell, b. Oswego, s. 18:10. 
Hilton, Alonzo, Farmer, Orwell, b. Oneida, 8. 1823, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Hitton, Mrs. Alonzo, Orwell, b. Oneida, a. IS3:t, p. o mid. Orwell. 
Hitton, James, Orwell, b. O^iwego, a. 1831, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Kaine, Charli>8, Farmer, Orwell, b. Ireland, s. 1850, p. o. add. Kasoag. 
. Kaine, Jane Bctit, Orwell, b. Ireland, h. 1&>0, p.u. a<ld. Kasoag. 



448 



HISTOKY OF .OSWEGO COLMl', MiW YOliK. 



IdilllliU'r. Will., riuiiinc-niill, Urwrll. Ii. Oawego, ■. IRM, |>. o. adil. Orwell. 

MiKliiney, D , KBrriicr, Orwell, !•. Onwcpi, ». I»3(i. p. o, ailj. Orwill. 

MuiiUiipio, Jhs. J., Farmer, Orwell, li. Oiwof^, «. Itilt',, p. o. aiUl. Orwell. 

UlniT, S. B., Ksniit-r, Orwull, b. Oneiila, ii. IKin, p. u. lulil. Orwell. 

Nelioii, Dr. G. W., I'IijkIciuii, Orwell, I.. Oneidis •. imi, p u s<M. Orwell. 

N'enr, >>lwaril, Kuiliier, Orwell, li. Orielilii, i. Ktl, p. o. Biiil. Muliiio. 

Toiler, A. J., Kiirniir, Orwell. Ii. Oiwego, «. I>vl;i, p. o. nM. Orwell. 

Purker, llurmre, Ftiriiier, Orwell, li. OneltU, i. lKi^>, p.u. a<lil. Orwell. 

Puller, Alex., Furmer, Orwell, h. Oiiehla, >. Win, p. <i. iul<l. Orwell. 

Puller, Oe«»rge, Fanner, Orwell, li. Olielda, i. 1H'J4, p. o. add. Orwell. 

Puller, Juhii E., Fanner, Orwell, h. Oneiila, i. U.IH, p. u. adJ. Orwell. 

Puller, EIrin, Farmer, Orwell, li. Oawego, ». Iiua, p. a. add. Orwell. 

Pmit, Daidrl, Miiuiifacltirer of Itieeao Uuxea, Orwell, b. Ilerkiiiier, tt. 1V25, p. o. 

aild. Midlno. 
Plait, Janie< 8 , Illaeksinilh and Farmer, Orwell, l>. Oneida, s. 1834, p. o. add. 

Molliio. 
Purker, Joliii, Farmer, Orwell, b. Oneida, b. 1(*.'V4, p. o. add. Orwell. 
Sluwell, S«innel !>., FarniiT, Orwell, b. NVaaliingtun (>>., N*. Y., a. I8IS, p. o. add. 

Orwell. 
Sluwell, I. N., Farmer, Orwell, b. Oawego, l. 18IA, p. o. add. Orwell. 
8lowell, .Mien, Iiiiuranco and Liiinber, Orwell, b. Oswego, s. IH'J'J, p. o. add. 

Orwell, 
i^lowell, Henry J., Carpenlor an<l Julner, Orwell, b. Oswego, a. 18JI, p. o. add. 

Orwell. 
Snell, (ieo. A.,Chee«u Factory, Orwell, b. Jeffcraun Co., N. V., s. 18G8, p. o. add. 

.Mollno. 
Shipley, Will., FItmier, Orwell, b. England, s. 18.M, p. o. add. KoMing. 
Siilebollulii, taajic. Farmer, Orwell, b. Kngland, «. 1852, p. u. aild. Kat«oiig. 
Tlioin.'Ut, Antlrcw J., Farmer, Orwell, h. Oswego, n. 1K45, p. o. add. KHao;ig. 
Woo.ll.nry, Jidin, ll-tired, Orwell, b. Ol-.egu, «. 1SJ9. p. o. add. Orwell. 
Wuntil.uril, John, Mannfiiclurer, Orwell, b. Otaego, 8. 18GU, p. u. mid. 3[ulino. 



ALBION. 

Acker, Fjlward, Farmer, All.i.>n, b. Columbia Co., N. Y., 1813, b. 1818, p. o. aild. 

tinnd Dunk. 
Averill, II. U., Invent.ir of .^verill Chemical Paint, Albion, b. Jefferson Co., N. 

Y., 1821, «. 18r,», p. o. aild. Xew Centreville. 
Avorill, Fmnk G., Cliumi.<t, Albion, b. Oawogu Co., X. Y.,a. 1853, p. o. mid. Now 

Centreville. 
Buckler, J «, R. R. Agent and Vllliige Clerk, h Ireland, 1848, a. 185.% p. o. 

aild. ."^ati.l Hank. 
Baker, Mrs. II. A., Fanner, b. Oneida, N. Y., 1814, t. 1834, p. o. add. Sand Bunk. 
Bhikesl.y, iMary, Farmer, Albion, b. Lllchfleld, Conn., ■. 1839, p. o. add. Sand 

Bank. 
Ballon, D. W., Farmer, Albion, b. Jeirer».in Co., X. Y., b. 18C1, p. o. add. Salmon 

River. 
Burnea, Wilbert, Merchant Miller (Botircd), b. Oneida Co., N. Y., 1810, p. o. aild. 

•Sand Bank. 
Hiker, II. 11. (di,..l July Jl, 18701, b. Alb.my, N. Y., «. 1813. 
HlukiKley. Anl (.ll.il April 11, 1875), Albb.n, b. I'onnecticnl, 1799, a. 1839. 
Cuilello, T. M., Cnrrier. Villnge Trustee, b. Prince Edwnnl Island, 1843, s. 1869, 

p. o. aild. .'<iind Bunk. 
Coan, Mrs. E. I-., Millinery, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., a. 1848, p, o. add. Sand Bank. 
CHmpl. 11, C , Farmer, b. Schenecbiily, 1819, b. 1841, p, o. add. .Sand Bank. 
Campbell, A. II., Farmer (son of (". and E. Campbell), b. Oswego Co., N. Y., 

a. 1849, p. o.ad.l Sunii Bank. 

Penauit. J. B., Tanner and Currier, Albion, a, 1872, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
Eddy, Jerome, Farmer, Albion, b. Itntlund, VI., s. 1811, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
. Fennel, Wni. F., I'. M. and Lumber l)eulor (linn Funnel Bros.), b. Wu^liinglon 

fu., X. v., 1818, s. 184.3, p. o. ud.l. Dnuwiiy. 
Fry, II. I.,, Farmer and Car]>enter, b. Alonlguinory Co., N. Y., 1803, s. 1817, p. o. 

aild. Diigway. 
Fuller, Aaron, P. M. and Tuwn I'lerk, b. Franklin Co., llaaa., 1809, s. 18:12, p. o. 

add. Sand Bunk. 
Filch, K., Farmer and P. M., Albion, b. O«wogo Co., N. Y., a. 18.'i9, p. o. add. New 

Centreville. 
Fennel, 31. F., Lumber Dealer and Juatice of the Pence (flnii Feiin.d Bros.), 

b. Wiiahinglon C*i., N. Y., 1819, s. IK.'.**, p. o. a.l.l. I»u;;way. 

U.lbert, Win. II., Farmer, Albion, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. I83J, p. o. add. New 

Centreville. 
Green, C. L., Farmer, Albion, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., •. 1847, p. o. add. Salmon 

Iliver. 
IIeuder«on, W.T., Lumber Ueu|.T(flrHi P.>al & Henderson), Albion, b. Oswego 

Co., N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. Sand Bank, 
ilalhawiiy, O. F., Farmer, b. Jefferson Co., .N. Y., 1818, s. 1861, p. o. add. .Sand 

Bank. 
Jonea,0. K., Farmer, .Vlblun,b. 0...wego Co.,K. Y.,s. 1833, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
Jultea, MiirKaret, Farmer, Albion, b. Mailiaon Co., N. Y'.,a. 1822, p. o. add. Suud 

Bank. 
Jonea, Leu la A., Farmer, Albion, b. Osw ego C*.., N. Y., i. IKUl, p. o. add. Sand 

Bank. 
I<OTnjoy, Chua. M , Currier and Fanner, b. Oxfunl Co., Maine, I84li, «. 1807, p. o. 

a.lil. .Sand Hank. 
1*110, Pearcu A Co., Wfrs. ufUppvr Lealher, All.lun, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 



Ueaile, N. P., Blacksmith, Albion, b. Jeffenon Co., K. Y'., •. 1854, p. o. add. New 

Centreville. 
Millar, Augusliia It. (dic'd). Member Co. 1), 44lh S. Y. V. Inf. 
NIlea, F. 51., I'urriaije .Mir., enllsled in Co. I, 37tli N. Y. V., May 2, lafii, 

disih. .Sep. 21, 1802, b. Oswego C.i., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add. Sand Biink. 
Nil«, Cha». A., Carriage Mfr. |.Sile« Ilraa.^ b. Oswego Co., S. Y, a. 1849. p ... 

add. Sand Bank. 
Norton, II. F., Farmer, Albion, b Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 18.)0, p. o. add. Sand 

Bank. 
Olin, Mrs E. A., Farmer, Albion, b. Oswego Co., N. Y'., a. 1843, p. o. add. S.inl 

U.nk. 
Olin, Eica, Lumber Dealer, Albion, b. Oneida &>„ N. V., s. 1830, p. o. ad<l. Sand 

Bank. 
Olin, Geo. W., Lumbar I>ealur, Albion, b. Oswego Co., N. T.,B. 1M5, p. o. add. 

.Sand Bank. 
Pierce, J. II., Tanner and Currier, b. Middlesex, Maaa., 18-29, a. 1870, p. o. add. 

Band Bank. 
Pruiily, C. E., Tanner, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., a. 1841, p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
Preston, Calvin, Tanner, Albion, b. Uerkliuer CVi., N. Y., a. 18'28, p. o. add. .Sand 

aink. 
Pattee, Wm. W., Cariienter, Albion, b. Rutbind, VL, a. 1859, p. o. add. New 

Centreville. 
t^nackenbuBli, 3Ini. E., Farmer, b. Canaila, lAA, a. 1H55, p. o. add. Ilugway. 
Rich, Van It., CoMinoiHililun Physiel.in, .Albiun, b. Otaego C^i., N. Y., 18Uli,s. 1819, 

p. o. add. Sind Bunk. 
Bice, O. A., Fui mer and P. M., Alblun, b. Herkimer Co., N. \\ t. 18.35, p. o. a.ld. 

Salmon Uiver. 
Bice, John, Farmer, Albion, b. Herkimer Co., N. Y'., s. 1828, p. o. add. Salmon 

RiTrr. 
Rlchurdson, E F., .Millwright, Albion, b. Jefferajn Co., N. Y., a. 1853, p. o. add. 

Suiinon Iliver. 
Smith, W. W., Furmer and Asseasor, Alblun, b. Oawego Co., N. Y., a. 1843, p. o. 

add. Sand Bunk. 
Seaniuim, Gw. W., Cur)M.nt«>r and Joiner, enlisted €*i. C, 186th N. Y, V., discb. 

June 2, 1»».'., Albion, b. Oswep. to., N. Y., «. 1842, p. u. add. Sand llnnk. 
Smith, Samuel, Farmer, .\lbiun, b. L<>wis I'u., N. Y., s. 1872, j>. o. add. S.ind 

amk. 
Seaniaiis, II. J., Mechanic and Justce of the Peace, Albion, b. Providence, B. I., 

B. 1848, p. o. add. Sulmuli Kiver. 
Tliorp, W. W., Farmer and Superrbior, Albion, b. Oswego 0>., N. Y., ■. 18:18, 

p. o. add. Sand Bank. 
Thorp, Alotizo, Faniiur, .\lbion, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 18:17, p. o. add. Sand 

Bunk. 
We^lover, Chiis., Merchant Miller, b. Oswego &>., N. Y., s. 1854, p. o. add. Sand 

Hank. 
Whipple, I). W., Shingle Manufiulnrer, Albion, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1844, 

p. o. add. New Centreville 



WEST MONROE. 

Burgess, Morrit, FarmiT, Wrat MoiirtH*, it. Wiuhlngtoii, ». 1848, p. u. «d<l. Went 

Muiiruf*. 
Diirgi'ss, Wiirri'ii, Fiiniiur, WVst Slorirov, b, RciituK'tutr, N. V., 0. 1840, p. u. n*ld. 

Wunt Mull rue. 
Dakvr. S. P., Furmer, Went Moiinn-, b. OMonangl^ N. V., a. 1820, p. o. ndd. Wo*t 

Monroe. 
Hurgen, W. N., Famiur, Wont Monroe, b. JcfTertutii, 8. 13M, p. o. nJil. Mnllory. 
Btirr, Frceniiin, Furmer, West MoiinM>, b. Miullrton, N. Y., h. 18-17, p. o. utIJ. W'tvtt 

Monroe. 
Cn>nuii, Jorry, FiiniuT. W«tt Monroe, b. Cork, Ireliiinl, a. 18i|, p. o. add. W'otl 

Mon rue. 
Culdwell, Jumit) (j., Kuniier, We«it Monroe, b. Tyruiio, Ireland, a. 1837, p. o. add. 

W)'.-*! Monnw. 
Humphrey, \V. C, Furmer, WoMt M»nroi>, b. OUifgo, N. Y., b. 185(1, p. o. add. 

\Vf»! Monnw. 
LrtU, J<'rr>-, \\\tii Monroe, b. Oswoi^o, «. lH3U. p. o. add. Weat Monnjo. 
Mctlnire, Tliomiia. 
Mercbiinl, Aretim. 
I'attnt, ('. W.. PiMimiutttT and Bfcrclinnt, Lillle Fmnre, b. itawego, X. Y,. a. 1837, 

p. o add. Little Fruiico. 
riiilll|i?i, J. E . Fiinnor, etc., West Mtinrue, b. Oswego, N. Y., r. 1843, p. o. «dd. 

Wext Monroe. 
I1iilll|>^, Henry. FjirnuT, Went Monnto, b. Si-lienectady, N. Y., 8. 1819. 
Itnyniond, M A.. Millwriglit, WvU Monroe, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1833, p. o. add. 

Wurit Sloni'oo. 
Biiyniond, A. A, Shingle- aadGrl»t-Mill, Wcat Monroe, b. Oawego, N. Y.,i. 1848, 

p. (I. udi). Weil itlonrtw. 
RIchard»>oii, Lueenu, C«>los->e, b. Otaego, N. Y., ■. 18UG, p. u. add. Culosne. 
Rill, LowIh, Farmer, WiM Monrue, b. Switzerland, a. 18.11), p. o.add. Little France. 
fSporry, Jolin W., Furnur, Wi«t Monroe, b. Uelblehem, Connecticut, i. 1816, 

p. o. add. Wont Mtmrou. 
Smltli, U. A., .Saw-Mill-, Weat Monroe, b. (>iiweg», N. Y., s. 1840, p. o.add. \Vt«t 

Monroe. 
Vandurcotik. Wimtlow, Farniur, Wett MuniXR-, b. Wnynu, N. Y., «. 18o-l, p. o. ;uld. 

Weat Monroe. 



HISTORY OF OSWEGO COUNTY, NEW YORK. 



449 



1 



HASTINGS. 

Bfttes, N. W., Physician and Druggist, Ilnntint^s, li. Now York, s. 1844, p. o. add. 
Central S«iuaie. 

Bowo, Daniel, Farmer, etc., Hastings, b. Vt, s. 1820, p. n. add. Mallory. 

Benson, Aaron, Lumber Dealer, Hastings, b. Connecticut, s. 182S, p. o. add. 
Hastings. 

Coit, .TaniPS J., Uetired Farmer, Hastings, b. Connecticut, s. 1824, p. o. add. Cen- 
tral Square. 

Coble, John, Fanner, Hastings, b. Germany, a. 1867, p. o. add. Brewerton. 

Drake, D. L., Pliysician, Druggist, and Pension Surgeon, Hastings, b. New York, 
B. 18;J7, p. o. add. Central Square. 

Drake, U. D., Physician and Surgeon and Druggist, Hastings, b. Now York, 8. 
lS;i9, p. o. add. Coughdenoy. 

Devendorf, H. C, Merchant, b. New York, a. 18:J2, p. o. add. Central Square. 

Elliott, Robert, Retired Land Agnnt, Hastings, b. Carlisle, England, s. 1824, p. 
o. add. Central Square. 

Holmes, Rebecca (Retired), Hastings, b. Vt., s. 1819, p. o. add. Central Square. 

Low, A. T., Dealer in General Merchandise, Hastings, b. New York, s. 1844, p. 
0. add. Central Square. 

Lewis, IJ. G., Attorney- and Counselor-at-Law and Notary Public, Hastings, b. 
New York, s. 1837, p. o. add. Ccntml Square. 

TJIallory, Jared, Farming, etc., Hastinjis, b. New York, 8. 18:J2, p. 0. add. Mallory. 

Parklmrst, W, P., Farming, etc., Hastings, b. New York, b. 1820, p. o. add. Cen- 
tral Square. 

Snow, Leonard, Farmer, Hastings, b. New York, b. 1820, p. o. add. Central Sq. 

Smith, J. B., Farmer, Hastings, b. Oswego Co., N. Y., s. 1870, p. o. add. Mallory. 

Veeder, B. W., Farmer. Hastings, b. New York, s. 18G3, p. o. add. Mallory. 

Woodin, George W., Supervisor and Clerk, Hastings, b. Saratoga Co., N. Y., s. 
18,J9, p. o. add. Central Sqviare. 

■\Varn, Porter, Farmer and Boating, Hastings, b. New York, b. 1845, p. o. add. 
Couglidenoy. 

Taumans, John, Submarine Diver and Jobber, Hastings, b. New York, 8. 1836, 
p. o. add. Coughdenoy. 



REDFIELD. 

Alguire, Hiram B., Contractor and Town Collector, Redfield, b. St. Lawrence, N. 

Y., s. 1SG9, p. o. add. Redfield. 
Bourne, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, Redfield, b. Oswego, N. Y., b. 1834, p. o. 

add. Redfield. 
Bolcum, Samuel, Farmer and Dairyman, Redfield, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8,1833, p.o. 

add. Redfield. 
Coey, Andrew S., Attorney, Notary Public, and Justice of Peace, Redfield, b. New 

York City, s. 1855, p. o. add. Redfield. 
Clark, Geo. A-, Physician and Surgeon, Redfield, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1848, p. o. 

add. Redfield. 
Comiskey, Matthew L., Carpenter and Joiner, Redfield, b. Newark City, a 1865, 

p. 0. add. Redfield. 
Fink, William, Farmer and Local Preacher of M. E. Church, Redfield, b. Oneida, 

N. Y'., 8. 1803, p. 0. add. Redfield. 
Gooding, W. J., Merchant, Redfield, b. AVill, III., s. 1871, p. o. add. Redfield. 
McKinney, Chiis., Saw-mill and Lumberman, Redfield, b. Oswego, N. Y., s.1828, 

p. o. add. Redfield. 
Pctrie, Jame?, Farmer and Dairyman, Redfield, b. Scotland, s, 1M7, p. o. add. 

Redfield. 
Simons, G. G., Merchant, Redfield, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Redfield. 
Soxton, Asaph G., Po3tm;ister and Druggist, Redfield, b. Oneida, N. Y.,s. 1864, 

p. 0. add. Redfield. 



PARISH. 

Avoi*y, M., Farmer (Retired), Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1S19, p. o, acid. Parish. 

Barney, C. D., Dentist, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., b. 1861, p. o. add. Parish. 

Burnham, R., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1812, p. o. add. Parish. 

Buell, E. C, Farmer, Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., a. 1846, p. o. add. Dugway. 

Baldwin, C, Farmer, Parish, b. Massachusetts, a. 1845, p. o. add. Parish. 

Burnett, James A., Farmer. Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 1829, p. o. add. Dug- 
way. 

Baxter, W. G., Carpenter, Parish, b. Oneida, N. Y., 8. 1847, p. o. add. Parish. 

Bliss, J. W., Miller, Parish, b. St. Lawrence, N. Y., s.1853, p. o. add. Parish. 

Blis.t, H. M., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1830, p. o. add. Parish. 

Coan, A., Farmer, Parish, b. Canada, s. 1814, p. o. add. Parish. 

Coan, Milo M., Farmer, Parish, b. Connecticut, 8. 1810, p. o. add. Parish. 

Charley, James, Farmer, Parish, b. England, s. 1874, p. o. add. Pariah. 

Cummins, C, Fanner and Saw-niiUer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 18:i4, p. o. add. 
West Amboy. 

30 



Comatock, Wm. 0., Farmer, Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. West 

Amboy. 
Cord, F. S., Farmer, Parish, b. Madison, N. Y., s. 1856, p. o. add. Parish. 
Carley, Wm., Dealer in General Mprchandiso, and Farmer, Parish, b. OtHogo, 

N. Y., 8. 1823, p. o. add. Parish. 
David, Jamea, Farmer, Pariah, a. 1821, p. o. add. Parish. 

Do Gaimo, John, Farmer, Parish, b. Ilorkimt-r, N. Y., a. 1826, p. o. add. Parish. 
Edick, C. H., Sewiug-machino Agent and Postm:ister, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., 

8. 1836, p. o. add. Parish. 
Edick, C. Farmer and Saw-mill, Ju-ftice of the Peace sixteen years, Parish, b. 

Otsego, N. Y., a. 182J, p. o. add. Parish. 
Edlck, Daniel, Ccninty Superintendent of the Poor, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., a. 

1823, p. o. add. Parish. 
Ford, C. H., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1832, p. o. add. Pari^^h . 
Finster, P., Farmer, Parish, b. Herkimer, X. Y., s. 1848, p. o.add. Uniim Square. 
Foley, J., Carriage Mannfaeturcr, Parish, b. St. John's, New Brunswick, a. 

1861, ]t. o, add- Parish. 
Greene, T. J., Physician and Surgeon, Pariah, b. Rgnsselaer Co., N. Y., s. 1847 ,. 

p. o. add. Parish. 
Gillespie, A. M., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1819, p. o. add. Parish. 
Harper, John (Retired), Parish, b. England, s. 1852, p. o. add. Parish. 
House, Catharine (2), Farmer, Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., s. 1827, p. o.add. 

Parish. 
House, Mrs. C. A., Parish. 

House, A., Farmer, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., s. 1S22, p. o. add. South Albion. 
Holden, H. E., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswi-go, N. Y., s. 1842, p. o.add. West Amboy. 
Harter, J. W., UTid-Ttakcr, Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., a. 1836, p.o. add. Parish. 
House, Leonard, Farmer {deceased), killed in army, Co. A, 2d N. Y. Art., Parish, 

b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1830. 
Irish, .T., Farmer, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., a. 1837, p. o. add. Parish. 
Jones, H., Farmer and Blacksmith, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., s. 184G, p. o. add. 

Parish. 
Lacroix, Joseph, Blacksmith. Parish, b. Canada, s. 1807, p. o. add. Parish. 
Lynch, E. G., Attorney, Parish, b. Onomlaga Co., N. Y., a. 1855, p. o. add. Parish. 
Merritt, W. A., Farmer, Parish, b. Madison, N. Y., s. 1864, p. o. add. Parish. 
Miiaon, Theresa, Farmer, Parish, b. Massachusetts, p. o. add. Parish. 
More, Geo. W., Farmer and Saw-miller, Pari.^h, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1824, p. o. 

add. West Amboy. 
Miller, J. H., Carpenter and Joiner, Parish, b. Schoharie, N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. 

add. Pariah. ^ 

Mason, L. W., Farmer, Parisli, b. Madison, N. Y., s.1857, p. o.add. W'est Amboy. 
Mosier, G. B. (Retired), Parish, b. New York City, s. 1849, p o. add. Paris!). 
Mosier, H. A., General Store, I'arish, b. Herkimer, N.Y.,s. 1855, p. o.a'ld. Parisli. 
Northrop, J. W., Publisher and Editor of Parish Mirror^ Parish, b. Madison, 

N. Y., s. 1874, p. o. add. Parish. 
Nutting, II. D., Lawyei-, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1846, p. o. add. Parish. 
Orton, R. U. (Retired), Parish, b. Connecticut, a. 1827, p. o. add. West Amboy. 
Orton, Ransom H., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1836, p. o. add. West 

Amboy. 
Palmer, Harvey, Farmer and Merchant, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1816, p. o. 

add. Parish. 
Palmer, Edwin, Farmer, Parish, b. Oawego, N. Y., s. 1820, p. o. add. Parish. 
Parkburst, W. B., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., s. 1844, p. o. add. Parish. 
Rider, G., Farmer. Parish, b. Otsrgo, N. Y., s. 1823, p. o. add. Parish . 
Richards, W., Speculator (dece:ised), Lieut.-Cnl of 24th N. Y. Cav., Parish, b. 

Livingstone, N. Y., s. 1834, p. o. add. Parish. 
Seymour, W. T., General Store, Parish, b. Oswego, N.Y.,s. 1852, p.o. ada. Parish. 
Suell, L. D., Proprietor Snell House, Parish, b. Fulton, N. Y., s. lS68, p. o. add. 

Parish. 
Smith, J. R., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., a. 1808, p. o. add. Parish. 
Simmons, Lucy, Pariah. 

Smith, A., Farmer, Parish, b. Otsego, N. Y., 8. 1837, p. o. add. Pariah. 
Sobles, Wm., Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., f. 1840, p. o. add. Pariah. 
Scriber, J. W., Farmer, Parish, b. Hi-rkimer, N. Y., s. 1825, p. o. add. Parish. 
Sampson, J., Farmer and Sluck-raiser, Parisli, b. Windsor Co., Vt., 8. 1824, p. o. 

add. Parish. 
Stannard & Erekine, Propriotora of Carley House, Parish, b. Madison, N. Y., 8. 

1877, p. o.add. Parish. 
Simmons, F., Farmer, Parish, b. Otaego, N. Y., s. 1847, p. o. add. Parish. 
Thayer, L., Farmer, Parish, b. Massachusi-tts, s. 1827, p. o. add. Parish. 
Thayer, Geo. W., Assessor six years and Farmer, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 

1828, p. o.add. Parish. 
Tanner, I>., Farmer, Parish, b. Oneida, N. Y'., 8. 1852, p. o. add. Parish. 
Ti8dale,C., Farmer and Juatico of Peace eight years. Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., 

a. 18:i5. p. o.aild. West Amlmy. 
Tisdale, F., Farmer and Fishing. Parish, b. Herkimer, N. Y., a. 1834, p. o. add. 

Parish. 
Taylor, J. J., Phynician, Surgeon, and Druggist, Parish, b. Oswego, N. Y., 8. 

18;19, p. o. adtl. Parish. 
White, Daniel, Farmer, Parish, b. England, p. o. add. Parish. 



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